Tasmania

With over a third of Tasmania devoted to National Parks, this island offers many opportunities for self-drive itineraries, walking holidays and a number of other outdoor activities.  Whatever you decide to do, make sure you plan enough time – there is plenty to see and do. Many people save Tasmania for a second or subsequent visit to Australia, but when you do do decide to visit, make sure you spent enough time here!

Day 1: Hobart
Day 4: Strahan
Day 7: Cradle Mountain
Day 10: Launceston
Day 12: Freycinet Peninsula
Day 15: Port Arthur
Day 17: Hobart

Description

With over a third of Tasmania devoted to National Parks, this island offers many opportunities for self-drive itineraries, walking holidays and a number of other outdoor activities.  Whatever you decide to do, make sure you plan enough time – there is plenty to see and do.

Day 1: Hobart
Hobart, the capital city, is an intriguing blend of heritage, lifestyle, culture and scenery. The city is defined by the river, the sea and the surrounding peaks – Mt Wellington, occasionally seen with a sprinkle of snow, dominates. Explore both the city and surroundings; the nearby historic town of Richmond gives an eerie insight into the hardships of early Van Diemen’s Land convict life.
Hobart 3 Nights

Day 4: Strahan
Wind your way along the mighty Derwent River Valley. Beyond the towering Russell Falls at Mount Field National Park and the historic village of Hamilton is Lake St Clair, where pretty coves and beaches welcome weary bush walkers at the end of the Overland Track from Cradle Mountain. Drive the astonishing road to Mount Lyell and on to Queenstown, before dropping down into the town of Strahan. During your stay enjoy a performance of ‘The Ship That Never Was’ – the story of the last great escape from Sarah Island Penal Colony. Cruise Macquarie Harbour to the lower reaches of the mighty Gordon River. Visit Sarah Island. Take a trip on the West Coast Wilderness Railway which cuts through the rain-forested gorge of the King River.
Strahan 3 nights

Day 7: Cradle Mountain
The West Coast Wilderness Way now takes you north through Zeehan (take time to visit the Pioneer Folk Museum), Roseberry, Tullah and on to Cradle Mountain. Put on your hiking boots and try some of the many well marked trails.
Cradle Mountain 3 nights

If time allows you may consider taking time to explore the North Western coast along, the Great Nature Trail; explore Narawntapu National Park with its abundant wildlife including penguins, seals and platypus. Sample delicious local food and wine, straight from the farm. Continue west along the picturesque coast to Arthur’s River, known by the locals as the ‘Edge of the world’. Visit Dismal Swamp Maze and the sunken blackwood forest; other highlights include the historic village of Stanley and the dramatic landform of The Nut.

Day 10: Launceston
Continue on to historic Launceston, the perfect base for your exploration of the Tamar Valley Wine Route. Visit one of the many picturesque vineyards that produce Tasmania’s famous cool climate wines. Sample the region’s specialities at roadside wine centres and restaurants along the way.
Launceston 2 nights

Day 12: Freycinet Peninsula
Follow a route taking you through the vivid lavender and poppy fields around Scottsdale then on to the turquoise sea at St Helens. Hikers may want to add some time in The Bay of Fires Conservation Area, considered a gem of the Tasmanian coast line. Continue to the Freycinet Peninsula. Explore fishing villages, vineyards, National Parks and mountain gorges, to say nothing of Wineglass Bay. Take a ferry across to Maria Island, or if time allows, spend several days on an organised walking break on these little known Islands.
Freycinet Peninsula 3 nights

Day 15: Port Arthur
The final stop on your journey of discovery takes you to the historic town of Port Arthur, passing Eaglehawk Neck, where savage dogs once guarded the narrow isthmus from escaping convicts. The Port Arthur Historic Site is a fascinating journey through the lives of the convicts; lose yourself in the history that some here may prefer to forget. Join the ‘Historic Ghost Tour after Dark’ – if you dare!
Port Arthur 2 nights

Day 17: Hobart
Finally, return to Hobart from where you will leave this gem of an island.

All photographs Tourism Australia Copyright

Australia Itineraries

Little Gems

For truly stunning views of the Franklin River Valley and Frenchman’s Cap, take a short walk to Donaghys lookout in Tasmania’s west.  This easy 3 km, 40 minute return walk offers one of the best views into Tasmania’s western wilderness. The walk is located between the Franklin and Collingwood Rivers, 47 km from Queenstown or 35 km from Derwent Bridge

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