Australian Natural Adventures

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Suggested  Tasmania   Itineraries

Scenic Tasmania

This itinerary is designed for active, outdoor-oriented travelers who like to enjoy mild to medium hiking and walking, enjoy scenery and wildlife and even adds some of Tasmania's unique arts and crafts.

Day 1: Sydney or Melbourne/ Launceston / Devonport
This morning fly to Launceston, Tasmania. Pick up your rental car and begin your exploration of the Island State. Before you leave you may wish to visit the Tasmania Wood Design Collection, displaying some of the best wood-based crafts and furniture Tasmania has to offer. Drive north along the east side of the Tammar River, Tasmania's wine-producing area. Tasmania produces some excellent cold-area wines, which match perfectly with its award-winning cheeses and world-class seafood. In George Town a look around this historical area. Trace your route back a few miles, cross the river and head towards Narawntapu National Park, about 40 miles away. This is probably the best place in Tasmania to see some its larger wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats. Late afternoon to dusk is when most are active, and can usually be easily seen. There’s a Ranger Station that can help direct you to the best viewing areas. After your wildlife experience continue on to Devonport for your overnight stay.

Day 2: Devonport / Cradle Mountain
Drive south today to Cradle Mountain National Park, about an hour and a half away. Cradle Mountain National Park is high country, from sheltered rainforest through snow gums to alpine meadow, studded with beautiful blue lakes. A variety of wildlife can usually be seen here, including wombats, wallabies, pademelons, devils and quolls. Check into the Cradle Mountain Lodge, and look over the available walks, then enjoy an afternoon out in this stunning area. Suggested is the Dove Lake Loop, an easy 2 hour walk along a track takes you under the shadow of Cradle Mountain, through the tranquil Ballroom Forest and back along the western shore of the lake to your starting point. More active hikers may wish to arrange with the Ranger Station for a full day walk to . This evening after dinner discover more wildlife on the Lodge’s evening nocturnal wildlife tour. Overnight Cradle Mountain Lodge two nights.

Day 3: Cradle Mountain National Park
Today explore the Park, perhaps on a full day hike on the Summit Trail, 2 to 3 hours on the Wombat Pool walk, or enjoy a gentler paced day on the shorter Park trails and private activities offered by the Lodge, including perhaps taking advantage of some of the spa facilities (additional cost.) There are many shorter walks, including one named The Enchanted Forest that winds its way through both eucalyptus and rainforest. Near the Lodge is Devils@cradle, part of the conservation effort for Tasmanian Devils, where you can get to know Devils personally.

Day 4: Cradle Mountain / Freycinet
Option 1: Depart Cradle Mountain this morning for the east coast and the small town of Bicheno, about a five hour drive through the very pleasant Tasmanian countryside, a mixture of farmland, sheep country, and even (legal) opium poppy fields. Once again the long days during the summer months – twilight runs through until after 9pm – will give you plenty of time for a relaxing drive. At Bicheno and Freycinet you have several options including Bicheno Hideaway, self-contained cabins set in bushland, motels such as the Best Western Beachfront Bicheno Resort (3 star), or the 5 star Freycinet Lodge, set in the Park itself. Whichever you choose for the next two nights, if you arrive early afternoon you may wish to immediately drive into Freycinet National Park, to begin yourr stay here. The rest of the day is free to begin your discovery of the Freycinet Peninsula, with its spectacular views and many walking trails.

Day 5: Freycinet Peninsula
Spend the day exploring the trails and walks of this pristine and beautiful area, including one of Australia’s most scenic hikes to the lookout over Wineglass Bay.

Day 6: Bicheno / Hobart
Head south this morning to Port Arthur, one of Convict Australia most notorious sites. Prisoners, both incarcerated and working for settlers, who committed crimes were sent here. While in appearances a very pleasant place now, its history belies this near pastoral setting. There is much here to learn of one of the darker periods of England’s past. Return a little way up the road to Potter’s Croft for your overnight. As well as accommodation, Potter’s Croft has a gallery with a selection of Tasmanian artists and craftspeople – your host is an accomplished potter with a workshop on site. Or, if you prefer a beach stay, we recommend a cabin at Stewart's Bay Lodge. Large cabins with views of bay or bush, and a ten minute private beach walk to Port Arthur.

Day 7: Dunalley/ Hobart
Head into Hobart about lunchtime for a short wander around this historical city, with its convict era buildings. On Saturday the Salamanca Market occupies the streets, presenting Tasmanian food, goods and much else besides. Drop your car off at the airport this evening and take your flight to your next destination in Australia.