1
Welcome to Launceston!
One of Australia's oldest cities: charm-filled Launceston is a boutique riverside town with Colonial and Victorian heritage buildings in abundance. Located at the head of the picturesque Tamar Valley, Launceston's beautiful attractions include the spectacular Cataract Gorge Reserve and beautiful parks & gardens.
Settle in with a stroll along the waterfront, perhaps head out to the Tamar Valley region for a taste of Tasmania’s fine wines or take a short walk to the wild and beautiful Cataract Gorge, just 15 minutes from town.
Accommodation: Launceston - 2 Nights
2
Cradle Mountain Day Tour
Begin your Tasmanian adventure with a full-day coach tour to Cradle Mountain National Park, renowned for its stunning scenery and diverse walking trails. Spend about 5 hours exploring this World Heritage-listed area, guided by a knowledgeable local who will recommend trails suited to your fitness and the weather.
On the way, stop at Sheffield, the "Town of Murals," where artwork tells the region's history. At Cradle Mountain, enjoy short walks to Rainforest City and Pencil Pine Falls. Opt for the gentle Dove Lake Circuit for breathtaking views or tackle Marion’s Lookout for a more challenging hike.
Savor lunch by a peaceful stream, surrounded by Cradle Mountain’s friendly wombats. Later, visit Weindorfer’s Chalet and take the Forest Walk among ancient King Billy Pines. Finish your day at Ashgrove Cheese Factory, sampling Tasmania’s finest cheeses, before returning to Launceston.
Included Meals: Lunch
3
Launceston to Bicheno
Pick up your rental vehicle and head for Bicheno, one of the East Coast’s best-loved holiday destinations. Even the locals choose to holiday here! Blessed with the mildest climate in Tasmania, seaside Bicheno is the perfect place for relaxing foreshore walks, beachcombing and fishing. With great cafes, shops and luscious local produce, this friendly little town is the ideal base from which to explore the East Coast.
Bicheno Penguin Tour
At night begins to fall, see Little Blue Penguins return to their burrows on a twilight guided penguin tour. This is a rare and thrilling chance to get very close to the world's smallest penguins in a private rookery. Watch as they emerge from the ocean after a hard day of fishing and head home for the night.
Approximate Distance: 165 km | 102 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins
Accommodation: Bicheno - 2 Nights
4
Freycinet and Wineglass Bay Crusie
Make a return day trip to explore the breathtaking Freycinet National Park, renowned for its pink granite peaks and pristine natural beauty on Tasmania’s east coast. Cruise to Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s top beaches, nestled beneath the Hazards Mountain range. This serene destination boasts white sands, turquoise waters, and diverse wildlife, including penguins, dolphins, seals, and whales.
The award-winning Wineglass Bay Cruise offers stunning views and an intimate experience of this extraordinary location. Enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring Tasmania’s fresh produce as you sail from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay, a haven of tranquility and scenic splendor, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Included Meals: Lunch
Approximate Distance: 45 km | 27 miles Total Driving Time: 45 mins (each way)
5
Bicheno to Port Arthur
Follow the East Coast Drive's gentle curves through wine country, beach towns and forests as you journey from Bicheno to Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula. Be sure to visit Kate's Berry Farm en route for delicious freshly picked berries, jams and ice cream!
Port Arthur: The Inescapable Prison
Come and discover the real people and living history of Port Arthur Historic Site. Established in 1830, over a thousand of Tasmania's most notorious convicts were housed here.
Take a Harbour Cruise around the Isle of the Dead and discover the grim and violent history of the early Australian Penal system with Port Arthur's expert guides. As you tour the prison building you'll get a real sense of the isolation experienced by the convicts in this “inescapable prison”. Port Arthur Historic Site is a special place of vivid history. Full of powerful stories of hardship and loss, it's one of Tasmania's most rewarding travel experiences.
Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins
Accommodation: Port Arthur - 1 Night
6
Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise & Hobart
The Tasman Peninsula boasts some of Tasmania’s most remote and dramatic coastal scenery. Take to the waves on a Wilderness Cruise this morning and see the spectacular peninsula at its best. Cruise between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck with unrivalled views over the rugged shoreline. With Australia’s highest sea cliffs as looming over you, you'll discover waterfalls, rock formations, archways and sea caves along the shore. At any time of year, you're likely to see the feeding frenzy of diving gannets, albatross and sea eagles, cliff-nesting cormorants and peregrine falcons, or a pod of playful dolphins surfing the bow wave of the boat.
Travel onwards to Hobart via historic Richmond Village where you can walk across Australia’s oldest bridge which is still in use. Tasmania's capital city, Hobart is a harbour town with heritage charm and a modern lifestyle. Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, this lovely city is known for its dynamic art and gourmet food scenes.
Approximate Distance: 95 km | 59 miles Total Driving Time: 1 hour 30 mins
Accommodation: Hobart - 2 Nights
7
Hobart at Leisure
Spend the day exploring Hobart's highlights at your own pace. Wander Salamanca Place's lively waterfront and Battery Point's charming historic streets. For stunning views, take a bus trip to Mount Wellington’s summit, then hike down via Cascade Brewery for a refreshing tasting. Don’t miss the the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) museum, with its striking cliffside design, vineyard, and brewery. The museum can be reached by ferry from Brooke Street Pier.
Food lovers can indulge in Hobart's gourmet scene or take a trip to Bruny Island for artisan cheeses, oysters, berries, and smoked meats—all paired with breathtaking coastal scenery. Hobart offers something unforgettable for everyone!
8
Farewell From Hobart
Say farewell to Tasmania today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Tasmanian experience. We know you will enjoy your Tasmanian self-drive vacation and we hope to help you explore other regions of Australia on your next trip!
What Tatyana says about this tour: "Some say Tasmania is like a "Little New Zealand" - it's certainly true that both destinations are small, friendly and rich in natural wonders! But Tasmania has an atmosphere all of its own, and it's impossible not to be charmed by Australia's island state. Driving between destinations rarely takes more than two hours, making Tasmania fantastic choice for families and discerning travellers who want to make the most of their holiday time."
Enquire NowWant Your Very Own Custom Itinerary?
We can customise any of our online itineraries or create your own from start to finish
