10 NIGHT / 11DAY Self-Drive

“Free your soul”

Tasmania

 

                    

 

                                Day 1 HOBART Wrest Point or similar (3 nights)

                                Day 2 BRUNY ISLAND

                                Day 3 TASMAN PENINSULA & PORT ARTHUR

                                Day 4 CENTRAL PLATEAU CONSERVATION Thousand Lake Hotel (1 night)

                                Day 5 QUEENSTOWN Gold Rush Inn or similar (1 night)

                                Day 6 STRAHAN Strahan Village or similar (2 nights)

                                Day 7 STRAHAN

                                Day 8 CRADLE MOUNTAIN Cradle Mountain Hotel or similar (1 night)

                                Day 9 LAUNCESTON Hotel Grand Chancellor or similar (2nights)

                                Day 10 LAUNCESTON

                                Day 11 Launceston departure

 

 

Embark on a true wilderness adventure. After a brief stop in Hobart, Tasmania's state capital, journey south, east and into central and western areas, completing your experience in the north of Tasmania. Experience one of Australia's two highlands, showcasing the extreme variability of the climate and the rare high-latitude highland landscapes. In Western Tasmania, witness the tranquillity of small-town life with remnants of the past, piners, miners and the hydro developments. This unique blend of humanity and nature will evoke a myriad of emotions and leave you with unforgettable memories.

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS | INCLUSIONS:

• 10 nights of quality accommodation, where available

• 11 Day Car hire, including pick-up at Hobart Airport and drop-off at Launceston Airport (standard liability & Terms and Conditions apply)

• The Ship That Never Was An open-air comedy show (subject to availability)

• World Heritage Cruise -Upper window seat with lunch

• Tour documents including insider tips from our local team of Travel Coordinators

• Local Tasmanian contact in our Hobart based office while on tour.

 

OPTIONAL:

• Activities not listed

• Additional Tour bookings

• Meals

• National Parks Passes

 

 

Day 1 – Hobart Arrival

 

Welcome to Tasmania! Collect your hire car for the next 11 days from Hobart Airport. If you arrive early, the historic town of Richmond is just 15 minutes from the airport - it was one of Australia's first colonial settlements, and you can explore a wealth of well-preserved Georgian architecture. As well as Australia's first stone bridge and first Catholic church This afternoon you might like to travel to the summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington for extensive views over southern Tasmania (weather dependent).

 

Inclusions: -

Accommodation: Wrest Point (or similar)

 

Day 2 – Bruny Island

 

This fascinating island not only boasts beautiful scenery and a rich history but also produces exceptional cheese, honey, and chocolate. Many consider the island's oysters to be the best in the world. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Cloudy Bay or take an easy two-hour hike to Bruny Island Arch to admire the wind-whipped and chiseled megalithic arches on the beach. Don’t miss the views from Truganini Lookout or the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, the only Southern Tasmanian lighthouse open for tours showcasing Tasmania's maritime heritage.

 

Inclusions: -

Accommodation: Wrest Point (or similar)

 

Day 3 – Port Arthur and Tasman Peninsula

 

Today is all about spectacular coastlines, fascinating geological features and the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site, a special place of vivid history, cultural heritage and compelling convict stories. Enjoy a scenic drive to the rugged Tasman Peninsula via Eaglehawk Neck, a thin isthmus once guarded by dogs to prevent convicts escaping. The coastal environment is home to the highest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere and unique rock formations, such as Tessellated Pavement, the Blow Hole, Tasman Arch or Devil’s Kitchen.

 

Inclusions: -

Accommodation: Wrest Point (or similar)

 

Day 4 – Central Plateau Conservation

 

Today, you will travel to one of only two highlands in Australia. Here, you'll encounter countless lakes, exceptional flora and fauna, and perhaps even have a close encounter with a wild Tasmanian devil. Stay at Thousand Lake Lodge, renowned as one of the world's best wilderness lodges and voted the third best hotel in the world by Lonely Planet in 2018. Enjoy unparalleled comfort and breathtaking natural beauty in this remarkable destination.

 

Inclusions: -

Accommodation: Thousand Lake Lodge

 

Day 5 – Queenstown

 

Queenstown thrived during the mid-19th-century gold rush, bustling with activity and prosperity. Today, remnants of the mining era still stand tall, including old buildings, iron mines, and mining pits. Embark on a historical exploration to journey back in time and, in the quiet of the night, reflect on the lingering echoes of history.

 

Inclusions: -

Accommodation: Gold Rush Inn (or similar)

 

Day 6 – Strahan

 

Take your time to explore the surroundings of Queenstown today. After navigating a thrilling stretch of curvy highway, arrive at Strahan, Tasmania's westernmost point. In the afternoon, you might have the opportunity to enjoy a local comedy show about the great escape from Sarah Island, "The Ship That Never Was." As dusk falls, Ocean Beach, Tasmanian’s longest beach, stretches for more than 30 kilometers and offer you a stunningly colourful backdrop,

 

Inclusions: The Ship That Never Was - open-air comedy show (subject to availability)

Accommodation: Strahan Village (or similar)

 

Day 7 – Strahan

 

After breakfast, walk to piers for a miracle tour: A World Heritage Cruise. Cruising down the iconic Gordon River in The Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is an experience like no other, a ‘must do’ when visiting Tasmania. One of the most scenic and sought-after cruises in the world, and cruising with the locals is as authentic as it gets.

 

Inclusions: World Heritage Cruise -Upper window seat with lunch

Accommodation: Strahan Village (or similar)

 

Day 8 – Cradle Mountain

 

On your way to Cradle Mountain, consider a short stop in Sheffield, a vibrant tourist town renowned for its captivating artists' murals. Upon arrival at Cradle Mountain, you'll transfer to a shuttle bus to explore Tasmania's most iconic national park. A two-hour hike around Dove Lake will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. In the evening, stay at the Cradle Mountain Hotel, where you can enjoy visits from local wildlife right on your balcony.

 

Inclusions: -

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel (or similar)

 

Day 9 – Launceston

 

Today, take the opportunity to slow down and enjoy leisurely touring along the northern coastline. Along the way, visit Marakoopa Cave, where fireflies twinkle like stars, creating a magical atmosphere. Alternatively, experience truffle hunting at a local truffle farm and savour a feast of these culinary delights. Call in on the many little towns along the way before arriving in Launceston, Tasmania's second largest city. It is rich in history, with many historic homes and churches. Just ten minutes from the city, you can explore Cataract Gorge, a natural wonder. The Museum at Inveresk showcases Tasmania's ancient ecology with fascinating fossilized dinosaurs and coyote specimens.

 

Inclusions: -

Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor (or similar)

 

Day 10 – Day at Leisure (Launceston & surrounds)

 

Continue your discovery of Launceston. It is a vibrant hub for food and wine, culture, and nature. Perhaps head to the Tamar Valley and enjoy a tasting of the region's famous Pinot Noir wines. Or travel afield and visit Bridestowe Lavender Estate or Pyengana Diary to try the aware-wining cheese, returning to enjoy a highlight of the Tamar Island Wetlands, where hundreds of black swans’ dance in the sunset, creating an unforgettable experience.

 

Inclusions: -

Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor (or similar)

 

Day 11 – Launceston

 

Departure Sadly, the time has come to return your hire car today to Launceston Airport. Thank you for visiting Tasmania, and we would be delighted to welcome you back soon!