The Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer reveals the island’s natural treasures, cultural heritage and regional flavours across a twelve day journey. Beginning in Hobart, explore the convict history of Port Arthur before tracing the east coast to the Freycinet Peninsula and its world famous Wineglass Bay. A scenic flight showcases the dramatic granite cliffs and turquoise waters from above.
Continue north to Stanley and Cape Grim, then journey inland to the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. Guided walks around Dove Lake and through ancient rainforests provide close encounters with this pristine alpine environment. Westward, cruise the Gordon River and visit the historic penal settlement of Sarah Island before returning south. Three nights in Hobart allow time to explore Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, the Botanic Gardens and a thrilling Bruny Island adventure cruise. The journey concludes atop Mount Wellington with sweeping views over the city and Derwent River.
Begin your journey with a visit to the Port Arthur Historical Reserve, where stories of convict history come alive through a guided tour and harbour cruise. Explore the site’s preserved ruins and learn about its role in shaping Tasmania’s past. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your accommodation, marking the start of your wilderness adventure.
Overnight in Port Arthur
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Depart Port Arthur this morning and journey north along the Tasman Highway. Enjoy a brief detour to explore the charming village of Richmond, home to Australia’s oldest bridge (1823). We then continue north and pass through Orford and Swansea before heading down the Freycinet Peninsula.
This afternoon we enjoy a walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout (good level of fitness required). Take in the stunning views of the pristine bay and beach below, rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world. We then make our way to Freycinet Lodge, one of Tasmania’s premier environmentally friendly resorts located on Great Oyster Bay. Tonight we dine in the Dove Restaurant.
Overnight at Freycinet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start with views from Cape Tourville Lighthouse before an exclusive scenic flight over Wineglass Bay and the granite cliffs of Freycinet. Afterwards, travel to Launceston with a stop at Woolmers Estate to discover Tasmania’s colonial past. End the day at Peppers Silo Hotel with dinner together. Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights
Overnight at Launceston
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast this morning we depart Launceston along the Bass Highway, heading for the majestic north west. Travel through Ulverstone, Penguin and Burnie before arriving at Stanley, home to ‘The Nut’. If weather permits, we’ll take the chairlift to the top of the Nut for stunning views over Bass Strait.
Stanley was once the administrative centre for the Van Diemen’s Land Company, a royal charter company formed in 1824 during the reign of King George IV. This afternoon we’ll visit Highfield House, the company’s original headquarters. We then continue on to Smithton where we spend the night at Tall Timbers Hotel
Overnight at Smithton
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Smithton is home to Tasmania’s most fertile dairy and vegetable growing area. It’s also home to the historic Woolnorth Station, which is still owned by the Van Diemen’s Land Company. This morning we enjoy a fully guided tour of Woolnorth, including the Roaring 40’s Wind Farm and rugged Cape Grim. We then journey south to the World Heritage Listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where we spend the next two nights at the Peppers Cradle Mountain
Overnight at Cradle Mountain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we make our way up to the stunning glacial-formed Dove Lake. Enjoy dramatic views of Cradle Mountain in the distance, the rugged jewel in the crown of this World Heritage Listed area. For the energetic, a 5.7 kilometre walk will take you around the lake and beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain. The track is a boardwalk for much of the way and is regarded as one of Tasmania’s premier walks. Your guides will accompany you for the trek, which also passes through a magnificent cool temperate rainforest known as the Ballroom Forest.
If you don’t feel up to taking part in the walk, you’ll be transferred back down to the hotel where you can relax or enjoy the various short walks around the area. This afternoon, experience the ‘Enchanted Walk’, a 45-minute easy stroll amongst the area’s unique alpine flora and fauna. We then visit Waldheim Chalet, a replica of the original built by Gustav and Kate Weindorfer in 1912. The original chalet was still used as a guest lodge up until 1974, at which point it was deemed structurally unsound. The replica was built in 1976 using the same local materials.
Finally, we’ll have the chance to sample some of Tasmania’s finest wines and cheeses at the hotel followed by dinner.
Overnight at Cradle Mountain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we depart Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park and head south. Visit Queenstown and learn about the area’s mining history with a local guide before continuing to Strahan. We spend the next two nights at the Strahan Village Motel.
Overnight at Strahan Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we board the ‘Spirit of the Wild’ for a cruise up the Gordon River and into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. We are seated on the upper deck and enjoy two guided shore excursions, including Heritage Landing (home to ancient Huon pines over 2,000 years old) and Sarah Island, once a dreaded penal colony. We also head out to Hells Gates where the harbour meets the ocean.
After returning to Strahan mid-afternoon, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Wander through the village and perhaps call in to the Huon Pine Sawmill for a demonstration.
Overnight at Strahan Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing Strahan early this morning we head through the scenic Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to Lake St Clair, carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Then, discover the ‘Wall in the Wilderness’ at Derwent Bridge, an exquisite work in progress by artist Greg Duncan. The carved panels stretch down two rows and tell the history of the Central Highlands region, beginning with the Indigenous people, then to the pioneering timber harvesters, pastoralists, miners and Hydro workers. It is truly one of Tasmania’s best attractions!
After lunch we continue heading south east towards Hobart, stopping off at the beautiful Russell Falls along the way. We arrive in Hobart late this afternoon and spend the next three nights at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, located on the waterfront overlooking Constitution Dock. Enjoy premium harbour view rooms.
Overnight at Hobart
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For today’s touring, we delve into the natural world with a combined visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Brighton is Tasmania’s largest wildlife rescue service. Come face to face with the native animals that the passionate Bonorong team are devoted to returning to the wild, including wombats, devils, quolls, birds, reptiles and more.The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are the second oldest Botanic Gardens in Australia. Spend some time exploring the collection of cool climate species, historic plants, and significant trees, many of which date back to when the gardens were first planted.
Later this afternoon we return to Hobart and embark on an historical walking tour. Your guide will take you to various places including the Hobart Docks, Salamanca Place and the CBD with fascinating commentary and local insights. This evening we enjoy dinner together at the hotel
Overnight at Hobart
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer MONA as it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Today we head to Bruny Island for a sensational three hour adventure cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, rated as one of the Top 100 trips in the world! Board your custom-built adventure craft and travel along Bruny Island’s rugged southern coastline to spot the island’s abundant marine and coastal wildlife. Spot Albatross and other seabirds that sit at the bottom of Bruny Island’s towering sea cliffs, surrounded by hundreds of seals. Keep an eye out for dolphins surfing on the bow wave of the boat!
This afternoon we make our way back to Hobart. Enjoy dinner at the Old Wharf Restaurant located on the waterfront and celebrate an unforgettable journey around Tasmania.
Overnight at Hobart
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we enjoy a visit to Mount Wellington, which rises to 4,170 feet above the city below. Admire the mesmerising views of Hobart and the Derwent River from several vantage points along the boardwalk, a perfect ending to your adventure around Tasmania.
You will then be transferred to the airport or accommodation if staying on
Meals: Breakfast
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 45 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 45 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.