Essence of Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome to Hobart, one of Australia's oldest cities. Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart is a harbour town with heritage charm and a modern lifestyle. From the bustling waterfront of Salamanca Place to the historic houses of quaint Battery Point, Hobart is a gorgeous place to wander and get lost in.

You won't be short of delicious dining options this evening: Hobart has fast become one of Australia's top gourmet hotspots, thanks to its amazing local produce.

Accommodation: Hobart - 3 Nights

Depart from Hobart for an unforgettable journey through nature, history, and gourmet delights. Start by crossing the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, with chances to spot Australian Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins. Traverse Mount Mangana rainforests, where you might glimpse the rare White Wallaby and sample Tasmanian Pepper Bush. Visit iconic spots like The Neck Lookout, Truganini Lookout, and Cape Bruny Lighthouse—Australia’s southernmost lighthouse tour, included at no extra cost.

Indulge in a picnic-style morning tea featuring Bruny Island Cheese, oysters, and baguettes on pristine beaches. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Hotel Bruny with options like fresh seafood and local lamb. Explore food stops like the Bruny Island Cheese Company and Get Shucked Oysters, with iceboxes provided for purchases. Cap your day with optional whisky and fudge tasting at Bruny Island Chocolate.

Tasmania's capital city packs a lot of punch despite its small size. From exciting restaurants and exceptional wine to unusual cultural experiences and incredible scenery, Hobart is full to the brim with exciting things to do, see and taste.

Here are a couple of suggestions: Check out the MONA the Museum of Old and New Art - its highly recommended, take the Posh Pit ferry trip across. If you are here on a Saturday a must-see is the Salamanca Farm Gate Markets or Visit Bruny Island.

Your drive to Cradle Mountain today takes you through historic villages and past stunning natural wonders. 

Cradle Mountain National Park is arguably one of the prettiest National Parks in Australia. With alpine wilderness, abundant native wildlife and a huge variety of walking trails to choose from you'll love exploring this peaceful haven.

The gentle Dove Lake Circuit takes around 2 hours with amazing mountain views. Or you try the climb to Marion’s Lookout if you feel energetic. It's ridiculously steep but the lake & mountain views from the top are a worthy reward.

If hiking isn't your thing, there are endless ways to explore the area: try a scenic flight, horse treks, canyoning adventure or a wildlife-spotting walk to name but a few!

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 186 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain - 2 Nights

Cradle Mountain at Leisure

This morning, marvel at the inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park. We suggest taking one of the many guided walks, where you may spot Bennetts wallabies, echidnas, and pademelons along the way. You might want to walk the Dove Lake Circuit. This is one of Tasmania's premier nature walks. The Trail circles Dove Lake while taking you beneath the craggy spires of the indomitable Cradle Mountain. This two-hour circuit is boardwalk for much of the way and is suitable for most.  

After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour

This tour provides an unforgettable experience, seeing these extraordinary animals in 'action' each evening. the experienced keepers will discuss biology, behavior, threats and the important conservation work being undertaken for these species within the sanctuary.

Tasmania's second city is your next port of call. 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.

Approximate Distance: 150 km | 93 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Launceston - 2 Nights

The Tamar Valley is a truly cool climate wine region producing wines of exceptional quality that are elegant and pristine, reflecting the region's pure soil and air. Tasmania is the oldest wine-producing region in Australia, and the Tamar valley currently produces 40 percent of Tasmania’s premium quality wine, the wine varietals comprise of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir along with exotics that create a real sense of discovery.

The Tamar Valley wine route is the oldest wine region in Tasmania and offers around 30 cellar doors. The naturally elegant wines are made from grapes grown in climates similar to those of the famous European wines.

On your small group tour today, your guide will explain the various grape varieties and the history of the beautiful Tamar Valley. Enjoy fun and informative tastings at 4 vineyard cellar doors, and enjoy Tasmanian cheeses to enjoy with the last cellar door tasting.

These classic premium cool climate wines are absolutely world-class.

Make your way to the unspoiled coastline and pristine white beaches of Tasmania's East Coast.

Freycinet National Park

If you thought Tasmania couldn't get any more beautiful, Freycinet will prove you wrong. Against a backdrop of pink granite mountains, you'll find secluded bays, pristine waters, soft beaches, local wildlife, and coastal walking trails.

Facing the pink granite Hazards mountain range and surrounded by coastal bushland, Saffire Freycinet feels wonderfully cut off from the outside world. Previously voted the World’s Best Boutique Hotel and famed for its attentive service, prepare to feel pampered while you unwind and unplug from everyday cares.

Approximate Distance: 180 km | 112 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Saffire National Park  - 2 Nights

Spend today among the pink granite peaks of Freycinet National Park and cruise to idyllic Wineglass Bay, rated as one of the ten best beaches in the world by Outside magazine.

Wineglass Bay Cruise

Nestled underneath the Hazards Mountain range, Wineglass Bay is a location of primeval peace and beauty. Experience the tranquility from a truly unique perspective with award-winning Wineglass Bay Cruise. The scenery is stunning, the wildlife abundant, and you will experience a rare, intimate outlook on one of Tasmania’s most extraordinary places.

Expect to see abundant local wildlife including sea birds, penguins, dolphins, seals, and whales as you sail from the gentle shores of Coles Bay to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Stop for lunch at Wineglass Bay and enjoy some of Tasmania’s finest fresh produce.

Make your way to the airport in Hobart and say farewell to Tasmania today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 10 Day Essence of Tasmania Road Trip.

We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins