Essential Tasmania Tour

Welcome to Hobart! The charming capital of Tasmania and the ideal gateway to many of the island’s most iconic attractions. As the second-oldest capital city in Australia, Hobart seamlessly blends its rich colonial history with natural beauty, surrounded by pristine beaches, lush bushland, and the majestic of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Stroll through the vibrant Salamanca Place, home to galleries and multiple restaurants, and don’t miss the lively Salamanca Market on every Saturday. For a unique cultural experience, take a ferry along the Derwent River to visit the world-renowned MONA, where modern art meets the extraordinary. Don’t miss the historic Battery Point, filled with quaint streets and heritage architecture, or indulge in Hobart’s food and drink scene, featuring award-winning seafood, wines, and craft beers.

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside baggage carousel and transferred to your Hobart accommodation.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.

Set between the River Derwent and the towering kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Hobart is Tasmania’s vibrant capital. This charming city blends rich colonial history with modern culture and natural beauty, offering something for every traveller.
Explore the bustling waterfront with its fresh seafood, Scenic Cruises, and lively atmosphere. Wander through Salamanca Place, home to heritage buildings, galleries, and the famous Salamanca Market every Saturday. Art enthusiasts can’t miss MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, known for its provocative and diverse exhibits. For a taste of history, head to Battery Point, a charming district of historic cottages and quiet streets, perfect for a relaxing wander.
Nature lovers can hike or drive to the summit of Mount Wellington for breathtaking views or visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Discover Hobart’s history in the quaint streets of Battery Point, and encounter native wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
With its thriving food and drink scene, including fresh seafood, cool-climate wines, and craft breweries, Hobart is a perfect destination for adventure, culture, and relaxation. 

Experience Tasmania’s incredible wildlife like never before on the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Night Tour. This exclusive after-dark experience offers a unique opportunity to encounter native animals in their natural habitat as they come to life at night.
Led by an expert guide, the tour takes you behind the scenes at the sanctuary, where you’ll get up-close with iconic Tasmanian wildlife. Hand-feed friendly kangaroos, observe playful wombats, and learn about the sanctuary’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Enjoy meeting the elusive Tasmanian devil and discovering the fascinating behaviours of other nocturnal creatures.
The intimate group setting ensures a personalised and immersive experience, allowing you to connect with these remarkable animals while learning about their importance to Tasmania’s ecosystem.

In this exclusive tour, you will sample the finest local whisky, meet the distillers, get behind the scenes, and taste spirit direct from the stills and the cask. Join the team at Drink Tasmania for an incredible day visiting the estates, touring the distilleries, and tasting the finest whisky Tasmania has to offer.

Discover the iconic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a world-renowned cultural destination on the banks of the River Derwent. Start your adventure with a scenic ferry ride from Hobart —just look for a giant camouflaged catamaran with fibreglass animals for seats. The ferry offering spectacular views of the city and waterfront as you cruise towards the museum.
Arrive at MONA, Australia’s largest private museum, where ancient artifacts and contemporary art collide in a provocative and thought-provoking collection. Explore the underground galleries at your own pace, encountering works that challenge, inspire, and ignite curiosity. The museum’s architecture is a masterpiece in itself, blending seamlessly with the Tasmanian landscape to create an unforgettable setting. Enhance your visit by indulging in a meal or drink at one of MONA’s acclaimed dining spots, featuring locally sourced produce and wines. MONA is also home to the Moorilla Winery, The Source restaurant, a bunch of other bars and restaurants, luxury accommodation pavilions, and Tasmania’s biggest craft brewery (Moo Brew).
At the end of your visit, relax on the return ferry to Hobart and admire the incredible views of the Hobart landscape.  

Take your Tasmanian adventure to the next level with the Tasman Island Cruise and Tasmanian Devil Unzoo Tour with Pennicott Journeys. This exciting day out combines stunning coastal scenery, fascinating wildlife, and a delicious gourmet lunch, making it the perfect way to explore the best of Tasmania’s natural beauty.
Begin with the Tasman Island Cruise, a spectacular boat tour that takes you along the dramatic coastline of the Tasman Peninsula. Marvel at towering sea cliffs, hidden sea caves, and spot a variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds, all while learning about the region’s fascinating geology and wildlife from your expert guide. Afterwards, head to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, where you’ll get up close to the iconic Tasmanian devils and learn about conservation efforts to protect these unique creatures. Interact with other native wildlife, including kangaroos and birds of prey, in a natural, open-air setting. To round off your day, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced Tasmanian produce, offering a true taste of the island.

As you leave the city heading east, make your way over the River Derwent and onto Tasman Highway. Not long after starting your drive, you will reach the Pitt Water Nature Reserve. For those with a keen interest in birdwatching, this internationally recognised wetland is home to a number of Tasmanian shorebirds and seabirds including sooty oystercatchers, red-capped plover and Caspian terns. Hop back onto the Tasman Highway and follow signs to Forcett. Just before Forcett,  turn off towards Lewisham Beach and follow this road as you wind along the coastline, taking in the fantastic beaches along the way. Hop across the Carlton River and follow signs until you see the Arthur Highway.  As you head south towards Port Arthur, consider stopping off at the Tasman Blow Hole and Tasman Arch, unusual geological formations found in the Tasman National Park. Continuing south, you reach the historic village of Port Arthur. Sitting on the Tasman Peninsula, it was a 19th-century penal settlement and is now an open-air museum. Ruins include the huge penitentiary and the remaining shell of the Convict Church, which was built by inmates.

Port Arthur was the perfect place for a prison – it was remote and isolated by both the foreboding natural landscape and deep tempestuous seas. Despite the perilous odds, escape attempts were frequent and took many forms. Convicts went to extreme measures, men whose desire for freedom far outweighed any fear of consequences. They were not intimidated by authority and were more than willing to risk severe punishment and ultimately survival. Join a 60 minute tour to meet the convicts who risked everything to Escape Port Arthur.

The drive from Port Arthur to Coles Bay is a scenic trip along the east coastline of Tasmania, creating a picturesque journey. Just up the road is the Tasmanian devil UnZoo located right before the small town of Taranna, which is the first 'UnZoo' in the world where the wildlife are free to come and go in their natural habitat. Carrying on up the road is an award-winning winery, providing the perfect stop for lunch to break up the trip. The final stint of the drive is surrounded by coastal beaches and eucalyptus forests before reaching your destination of Coles Bay situated in Freycinet National Park a haven for wildlife.

Freycinet National Park, located on Tasmania’s stunning east coast, is a haven of natural beauty, offering a mix of rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. Known for its iconic pink granite peaks, The Hazards, and the crystal-clear waters of Wineglass Bay, this park is one of Australia’s most celebrated destinations. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking and kayaking to birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The park’s walking trails cater to all fitness levels, from short, scenic walks to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, to more challenging treks like the Hazards Circuit and Mount Amos, which reward hikers with panoramic views. The surrounding waters are equally inviting, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the coastline by kayak. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including wallabies, echidnas, and sea birds, as well as playful dolphins and seals in the bay.  Easily accessible from the town of Coles Bay, Freycinet is a must-do for all visiting the east coast of Tasmania whether you come to relax or explore.

Discover the beauty of Freycinet National Park on this relaxing twilight kayaking tour through Coles Bay. Led by expert guides, glide past pristine beaches and the Hazards mountain range as the sunset casts a golden glow. Spot wildlife, learn about the region, and enjoy a refreshment as you soak in the tranquil ambiance.

Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of Coles Bay and Freycinet. Your extra-long lunch begins with being collected from your accommodation to embark on a full-day journey. Visit up to 4 Vineyard Cellar Doors with picturesque views and decadent wines. Throughout the day, you will be immersed in Tasmania's rich history and culture. Most of the Vineyards are still owned by the original settlers that forged their way in the 1800’s. Visit Convict built cellar doors, see how the pioneers lived and learn how their descendants are making their own piece of history. Savor the region's renowned produce with a decadent lunch featuring fresh seafood and wood-fired pizza paired with two glasses of wine at the picturesque Devils Corner. Complete your experience with a tantalizing Tasmanian cheese platter. 

From Coles Bay you will head northwest towards Launceston roughly a 2 hour drive. You will head through Lake Leake which is the name of the small town aswell as the scenic body of water. We also recommend stopping to look at the historical "Red Bridge" situated in Campbell town built in 1838, a famous landmark being one the oldest standing brick arch's in Australia. Once you have Reached your final destination Launceston the riverside city that mixes city and country into one, if you are around for the weekend make sure you stop in at their well renowned Saturday farmers market or visit the Cataract Gorge to see the breath-taking views for yourself. 

One of Australia's oldest cities, Launceston is one of the best-preserved examples of elegant Colonial and Victorian architecture in Australia, coupled with its century-old parks strung along the banks of the River Tamar. As Tasmania's second-largest city, it is also a vibrant hub for food and wine, and one of only two cities in Australia to be named as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery offer a remarkably diverse and constantly evolving collection of art and museum exhibits. One of Launceston’s standout attractions is Cataract Gorge, a breathtaking natural reserve just minutes from the city centre. Explore walking trails, take a ride on the world’s longest single-span chairlift, enjoy a Scenic Gorge Cruise or simply relax by the river amid native wildlife and manicured gardens. It offers beautiful gardens, 5 kilometres of forested river reserve and walking trails, a swimming pool and a delightfully slow retro chairlift ride that offers far-reaching views over the dramatic gorge. Nearby, the Tamar Valley offers a scenic escape with its rolling vineyards, cellar doors, and charming riverfront towns.

Embark on an unforgettable journey on the Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise with Tamar River Cruises. Departing from Launceston’s picturesque waterfront, this unique experience takes you through the iconic Cataract Gorge, where dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and stunning scenery create a breathtaking backdrop.
As you cruise along the tranquil waters of the South Esk River, knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the region’s history, geology, and wildlife. Marvel at the towering cliffs of the gorge and enjoy unparalleled views from the comfort of the vessel.

Departing from Launceston, head out on a full day of exploring the stunning red granite rocks and picturesque crystal-clear water! Begin the day of adventure at the Bridestow lavender farm - a signature tourist spot! After a quick stop at Scottsdale to purchase a treat from the award-winning cottage bakery, next up is Legerwood. If time permits, here you will see the tree carvings as you embark on a short walk through the moss-covered trees in the Welborough Pass. Arriving at one of the most beautiful places - The Bay Of Fires, soak up the views and take some photos to capture the beauty of the area! Up next is a beach stop at remote beach, Binalong. Here you will have the chance to taste some of the most amazing oysters from the farm and Lease 65, before ending the day with a real fruit ice cream.

Depart Launce­s­ton and trav­el via Sheffield, the Town of Murals before trav­el­ling up into the moun­tains through gorges, rain for­est, and but­ton grass plains to reach the des­ti­na­tion of Cra­dle Moun­tain, one of Tasmania’s most recog­nis­able land­marks and one of Tasmania’s most vis­it­ed attractions. On this ful­ly guid­ed day tour you expe­ri­ence the unique flo­ra, fau­na and geo­graph­i­cal fea­tures of the World Her­itage list­ed Nation­al Park.

Drop your vehicle at the Launceston Airport depot as stipulated in your itinerary.