Under Down Under Tours: Tasmanian Discovery

Cruise along the magnificent Gordon River. This outstanding river cruise explores Macquarie Harbour as far as the imposing Hells Gates. You’ll explore the convict site of Sarah Island before venturing upriver and deeper into the World Heritage rainforests. Stroll amid the ancient huon pines on the boardwalk and enjoy lunch aboard the ship featuring Tasmanian produce. This afternoon, journey to the tiny town of Tullah. On a clear day, magnificent views across Lake Rosebery are possible of the rugged peaks of Mount Murchison. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group dinner and relax in the lakeside chalet.

Experience the iconic Cradle Mountain National Park. Your guide will explain several options to suit your preferences today. At Ronny Creek we’ll meander along the boardwalk to look for wombats. At Dove Lake, spend 2-3 hours circling the glacial carved lake beneath towering mountains and diverse alpine vegetation. Or take in the valley views from the Boat Shed or Glacial Rock. This afternoon, enjoy the “Town of Murals” at Sheffield, before arriving in Launceston in northern Tasmania.

Take a leisurely walk in Cataract Gorge, a scenic nature reserve on the South Esk River just minutes from downtown Launceston. We’ll travel via farmlands and small townships to the East Coast, where a striking change of scenery awaits at the Bay of Fires. Relax on dazzling white sands and enjoy the views of the turquoise waters and orange-coloured boulders.  Spend the night in St Helens, a picturesque fishing town in Northeast Tasmania.

Freycinet National Park is a coastal nature playground with secluded bays, pristine beaches, diverse forests, and pink granite mountains. At Honeymoon Bay, discover the stunning pink peaks of the Hazards Mountains. A walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout provides postcard views of the curved white beach, while at Cape Tourville you can take in panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and Freycinet coastlines. We will continue south and see the scenery changes as we reach the gateway to the stunning Tasman Peninsula at Eaglehawk Neck.

Wander down to the geological wonder of the Tessellated Pavement and explore other parts of the magnificent Tasman Peninsula such as Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen which form part of the Tasman National Park.  See Tasmanian devils and other wildlife at a nature sanctuary, before visiting the open-air museum of Port Arthur Historic Site. Explore the vast gardens and convict buildings in what is known as the best convict historic settlement in Australia and a World Heritage Site. We’ll return to Hobart via the colonial village of Richmond, where our journey comes to an end.