This tour begins in Hobart with several days to explore the area's popular attractions, such as Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and the quirky Museum of Old and New Art. Spend a day navigating the food-lovers haven of Bruny Island before driving east along the coast to Port Arthur. Here, immerse yourself in Tasmania's convict history with a guided cemetery tour, before spending a relaxing evening in the pristine wilderness surrounding Stewart's Bay Lodge. Discover the wonders of the world-renowned Freycinet National Park from the water with an early morning kayak tour and an optional long lunch at the local wineries. From here you will return to Launceston, visit the popular Cataract Gorge which feels a world away, and finally spend a day exploring the breathtaking scenes of Cradle Mountain.
BeachesNational parksWildlife & natureSelf Drive Tour
This suggested tour costs from AUD$3,377 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Hobart, finishes in Launceston
9 days/8 nights
Apartments
Rental car included
Viewed 67 times in the last 7 days
Welcome to Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania and the perfect base for exploring many of Tasmania's highlights. The second-oldest capital city in Australia, Hobart is rich in history yet surrounded by beaches, bushland and mountains. Explore the galleries, theatres and restaurants along Salamanca Place and the unmissable Salamanca Market on Saturdays, or take a ferry up the river to visit the MONA for an out-of-this-world modern art experience.
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside baggage carousel and delivered to your Hobart accommodation.
Your accommodation: Salamanca Inn
Salamanca Inn is located on the doorstep of the iconic Salamanca Place on the colourful waterfront of Hobart. Indulge in the historical ambience of this area, lined with plane trees and 1830s sandstone Georgian warehouses converted to Hobart’s best restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries & specialty shops. All of Hobart’s famous landmarks are within a short stroll of the hotel including, historical Sullivans Cove & Battery Point, Salamanca Market (Saturday only), St David’s Park, Parliament House, and the city centre.Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. From economy hatchbacks to SUVs, we can help you decide on a car suitable for this leg of your trip. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.
Hobart is Australia's second-oldest state capital, founded in 1804. This city is teeming with inspired art and thriving markets has an exciting and dynamic food scene, and is surrounded by natural beauty. Head to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) to get your art fix or if you're there on a weekend, head to Salamanca to immerse yourself in the markets, home to more than 300 stalls selling arts, crafts, homewares and produce. The beautiful sandstone warehouses that were once frequented by sailors, whalers, and workmen have morphed into one of the city's most vibrant cultural scenes.
If you fancy a taste of some local beverages, consider heading to one of the local distilleries or breweries. For some of the best views of the city, take a 30 minute drive out to Mount Wellington, which is even more amazing at sunset. With a coffee caravan and Australia's oldest brewery along the way up, it is the perfect activity no matter what the time of day! For those looking for a bit more activity, there are some fantastic walking tracks located below the summit at The Springs.
Mona, the Museum of Old and New Art, is Australia’s largest privately-owned gallery and museum. Showcasing the diverse collection of its owner, Tasmanian gambler and maths nerd David Walsh, Mona exhibits everything from ancient Egyptian funerary objects and modernist masterpieces to a word waterfall and a machine that mimics the human digestive system. The Mona site—perched on the banks of the River Derwent, not far from Hobart—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). The best way to visit is to jump on a Mona Roma fast ferry from Hobart’s city centre—just look for a giant camouflaged catamaran with fibreglass animals for seats.
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.
The Bonorong Night Tour is a group feeding tour with a guide just for your group. Group sizes are kept small to ensure you have plenty of opportunities to interact with the critters. You will enter the animals’ world and experience hand-feeding weird and wonderful creatures like eastern quolls, tawny frogmouths and ringtail possum and of course, feed our Tassie devils some tasty snacks.
Your accommodation: Salamanca Inn
Salamanca Inn is located on the doorstep of the iconic Salamanca Place on the colourful waterfront of Hobart. Indulge in the historical ambience of this area, lined with plane trees and 1830s sandstone Georgian warehouses converted to Hobart’s best restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries & specialty shops. All of Hobart’s famous landmarks are within a short stroll of the hotel including, historical Sullivans Cove & Battery Point, Salamanca Market (Saturday only), St David’s Park, Parliament House, and the city centre.Experience the best of Bruny Island on the Bruny Island Traveller Full Day Tour with Pennicott Journeys, a day filled with exquisite tastes, breathtaking views, and unique wildlife encounters. Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Hobart, setting the stage for a day of exploration as you cross the tranquil waters on the SeaLink Bruny Island Ferry. Upon arrival, your taste buds will be treated to an exclusive tasting at the renowned Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co., where locally crafted delights are paired perfectly with the island’s rustic charm. From there, take in the sweeping panoramic views from The Neck lookout, a place where the island’s beauty truly unfolds before your eyes. Wander through the serene Mavista rainforest, where the possibility of spotting a rare white wallaby adds a touch of magic to your walk. As midday approaches, indulge in a gourmet lunch at Pennicott’s, featuring the freshest local oysters, a delicious main course, and perfectly paired beverages, all served in a relaxed setting that captures the essence of Bruny Island’s laid-back lifestyle.
The afternoon is a blend of history, nature, and indulgence. Visit the Bligh Museum to uncover stories of exploration, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Two Tree Point beach, and delight in the sweet offerings of the Bruny Island Chocolate Company and HIBA Gardens. As the day winds down, a stop at Bruny Island Honey provides the perfect end note, with honey ice cream and a variety of local honey to sample and take home. Before you depart, there’s time for a quick visit to Get Shucked Oysters to pick up some of the island’s freshest oysters to enjoy later. Your journey back to Hobart on the ferry allows for reflection on a day filled with unforgettable experiences, returning you to the city between 5:30pm and 6:00pm with a heart full of Bruny Island’s wonders.
Your accommodation: Salamanca Inn
Salamanca Inn is located on the doorstep of the iconic Salamanca Place on the colourful waterfront of Hobart. Indulge in the historical ambience of this area, lined with plane trees and 1830s sandstone Georgian warehouses converted to Hobart’s best restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries & specialty shops. All of Hobart’s famous landmarks are within a short stroll of the hotel including, historical Sullivans Cove & Battery Point, Salamanca Market (Saturday only), St David’s Park, Parliament House, and the city centre.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.
The Isle of the Dead holds the stories of many of the people of Port Arthur – in life and death. Port Arthur’s tiny cemetery island is the final resting place for more than 1000 convicts, military and civil officers, women and children, who were buried here between 1833 and 1877. On the Isle of the Dead tour, you’ll journey to the island aboard the MV Marana, and take a guided walking tour of the island. You’ll hear the personal stories of convicts who were transported here from across the world, the soldiers who gave their lives to guard the prison, the officers, and their families who followed them to the ends of the earth.
Your accommodation: Stewarts Bay Lodge
Stewarts Bay Lodge is nestled in Australia’s infamous Port Arthur Historic Site, 90 minutes from Hobart in the Tasman Peninsula, and offers a variety of self-contained cabin and chalet accommodation with a restaurant, function rooms and recreation facilities all surrounded by white-sand beaches and beautiful woodlands.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 95 kms / 59 miles : 1.3 hours
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.
The world famous Freycinet National Park is a place of wild beauty, occupying most of the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania's east coast. The park showcases pink granite peaks, secluded bays, white sand beaches and an abundance of native flora and fauna. Tasmania's most famous beach, Wineglass Bay, forms a perfect white curve bordering azure waters beneath the Hazards mountains - a natural feature of vivid contrasts. At the north-eastern end of the park you will find Cape Tourville lighthouse, an easy track and boardwalk to which will deliver amazing views over the bays and rock formations with opportunities to spot wildlife including sea eagles, whales and dolphins. The cheerily named Friendly Beaches to the north is a stretch of pristine white sand perfect for long walks and dipping into the crystal waters. 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.
Your accommodation: Edge of the Bay Resort
The aptly named Edge of the Bay is nestled into 27 acres of untouched bushland, in the heart of the Freycinet Peninsula. With direct access to 3 private, pristine beaches, and views across Great Oyster Bay to the Hazards Mountain range from every cottage and suite. Situated near Coles Bay and the Freycinet National Park walking tracks, it is a great base for exploring the east coast of Tasmania.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 200 kms / 124 miles : 2.8 hours
The Freycinet Paddle is the perfect way to experience Freycinet National Park in 3 hours. On this relaxed guided tour of the Freycinet coastline, you’ll glide beneath pink granite mountains, past pristine sandy beaches and across waters so clear you feel you can touch the marine life below. You’ll experience Freycinet’s abundant wildlife as you weave along the coastline. Guides will share little known stories of the area and give you the chance to find out some fantastic facts.
After enjoying your morning exploring the beautiful national park - join us for an afternoon filled with wine and cheese. Venturing through the east coast, visiting three 5-star vineyards. Starting at Freycinet Vineyard, here you can immerse yourself in the vineyard and understand the wine making process with a winery tour, next heading to Milton where you will taste a range of beautiful wines. The final stop of the long afternoon will be Craigie Knowe Vineyard for a tasting and cheese plate ( all included) , sit back and relax with a glass of wine in the relaxing while soaking up the picturesque views.
Your accommodation: Edge of the Bay Resort
The aptly named Edge of the Bay is nestled into 27 acres of untouched bushland, in the heart of the Freycinet Peninsula. With direct access to 3 private, pristine beaches, and views across Great Oyster Bay to the Hazards Mountain range from every cottage and suite. Situated near Coles Bay and the Freycinet National Park walking tracks, it is a great base for exploring the east coast of Tasmania.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.
Cruise past historical Kings Wharf, Seaport and Launceston’s delightful riverfront precinct. The highlight of the experience is cruising into Launceston’s spectacular Cataract Gorge, as the skipper engages the Lady Launceston’s unique silent electric drive. View the sheer cliffs from your comfortable seat, appreciate the unobstructed views on the multi award winning 1890s style vessel and enjoy the skippers captivating commentary on the history of this fascinating area.
Your accommodation: Elphin Serviced Apartments
Elphin Motel offers spacious and comfortable guest rooms and apartments. It is conveniently located in the heart of Launceston, only few minutes drive from the CBD and main places of interest and attractions.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 177 kms / 110 miles : 2.2 hours
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.
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.
Your accommodation: Elphin Serviced Apartments
Elphin Motel offers spacious and comfortable guest rooms and apartments. It is conveniently located in the heart of Launceston, only few minutes drive from the CBD and main places of interest and attractions.Drop your vehicle at the Launceston Airport depot as stipulated in your itinerary.