Best of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain

Welcome to Tasmania! Your adventure kicks off with an 8am welcome meeting in Launceston, one of Australia’s oldest cities. The first stop is the Tiagarra Museum at Mersey Bluff in Devonport, where you'll participate in a Welcome to Country ceremony and guided tour of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre. You'll see Aboriginal petroglyphs and learn about the significance of this landscape to the palawa people, traditional owners of lutruwita (Tasmania).

Next, travel along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, stopping at Narawntapu National Park to view wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies. If time allows, you can sample local ciders, chocolates, and truffles. After a lunch break in the charming town of Penguin, continue to Stanley to climb The Nut, an ancient volcanic plug with stunning views (optional chairlift, closed over winter). Conclude your day by wandering down to the working wharf, known for some of the freshest seafood in Tasmania.

Note: As your tour begins at 8am we recommend arriving the day prior, we can assist in booking pre-tour accommodation

Included Meals: Dinner

Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Smithton - 2 Nights

Today, you’ll explore the Tarkine Wilderness area (takayna in the language of the local palawa people) – home to the largest temperate rainforest in Australia and the second largest in the world.

Rich with geological wonders, Aboriginal history and unique creatures with habitats not found anywhere else on earth, explore sites like the hidden Trowutta Arch and the Lake Chisholm sinkhole – both examples of fascinating geological change.

Along the Tarkine Coast, discover Marrawah – famous for its big wave surfing – and the desolate Edge of the World which marks the longest stretch of ocean on the planet. From here, there’s no land until Argentina! You’ll head out on a few short walks to explore the sites. Later, return to your rural accommodation near Smithton for the night and look up after sunset (this is a gorgeous spot for stargazing). 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Travel Time: 4 hours

Today, you’ll travel to Corinna via Rocky Cape National Park – home to windswept heathlands, sea caves, rock pools and twisted rocks formed over millions of years. Continue to the historic lighthouse at Table Cape and the stunning Boat Harbour Beach.

Stop by Hellyer Gorge, then complete the walk to see Philosopher Falls (1-2 hours, 3.9 km) near Waratah. Tonight, settle into your accommodation for the night in Corinna’s remote, rural town in a restored miners’ cottage – enjoy some phone-free time tonight, as there’s no service out here! Enjoy a group dinner with your fellow travellers and watch the sunset, enjoying a digital-free evening. 

Included Meals : Breakfast, Dinner 

Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours  

Accommodation: Corinna - 1 Night

Get active today as your free time this morning allows for optional kayaking or hiking around the Corinna area, exploring the Pieman River and Tarkine Rainforest. After lunch, head to the stunning Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where your accommodation for the night is nestled among the trees.

Enjoy an afternoon of leisure, then as the sun begins to set, maybe head out to meet Tasmania’s most emblematic animal – the Tasmanian devil. This optional activity visits a wildlife conservation facility aimed at protecting these endangered creatures. Watch how they feed, learn their story, visit the nursery and meet some of the facility’s youngest residents. Finish your day with a sunset over Cradle Mountain, and listen out for the unmistakable sound of the devils.        

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain - 1 Night     

After breakfast, hike the scenic Dove Lake Circuit track this morning (3.6km, 2-3 hours) in Tasmania’s iconic Cradle Mountain area. This trail will take you around the lake and beneath the impressive spires of the mountain, passing gorgeous scenery along the way. As the circuit is board-walked most of the way, it’s a fairly easy walk and gives you plenty of time and energy to focus on the lush surroundings. After, head to a local restaurant in the park for a group lunch – maybe grab a drink and relax by the fire as you wait. 

Then, drive to Launceston, where you'll spend the night, stopping for optional tastings and shopping opportunities along the way (pick up some delicious, locally grown raspberries or cheese and ice cream). Tonight, you’re free to relax at your accommodation or head out for dinner with your group.        

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Travel Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Launceston - 1 Night

After breakfast this morning, your trip will come to an end (if you’re staying in Launceston). For those leaving the trip in Hobart, you’ll have breakfast and then hit the road. Arrive at around 10:30 am. There are no further activities planned, so if you’d like to stay in Hobart longer, just ask your First Light Travel Designer.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours (if returning to Hobart)

Start & End Times
The trip starts in Launceston with a Welcome Meeting at 8 am on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes in Hobart on Day 9 at our finish point hotel around 5:30 pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.

Single Supplement
A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

Long Travel Days
Tasmania is bigger than it appears. To make the most of your time this trip involves some long travel days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information.

Physical Rating
This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with good fitness and mobility. This is the best way to experience Tasmania, so please make sure you bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.

Itinerary Variations
For operational reasons some departures throughout the year may operate in the opposite direction, however all experiences and destinations continue to be included.