12 Day Tasmania Encompassed Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome to Hobart, the capital of the Apple Isle!

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.

On arrival you will be met with a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation.

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 - 1 Night

This morning collect your rental vehicle and enjoy the scenic drive to Cradle Mountain National Park.

Home to the world-famous Overland Track and iconic Cradle Mountain this pristine area is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the park is one of the state's most special places, where ancient pines fringe glacial lakes and icy streams cascade down rugged mountains.

The vegetation is rich and diverse including grassland, rainforest,, and many ancient plants such as the long-lived and endemic King Billy pine and the unusual native deciduous beech. The park also provides a rich habitat for wildlife, including tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna, and several bird species.

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain - 2 Nights

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.

Today The Joey Encounter tour will take a small group of visitors behind the scenes to our animal nursery, where you will interact (face to face) with some of our youngest residents. This is a unique opportunity and will be a very special and memorable experience, ideal for families with young children, or animal lovers of any age. The tour will incorporate, handling and general health checks by our keepers, and afford visitors the opportunity to pat and get photographs with these beautiful young animals.

Travel to Strahan, a harbour town on the shores of the massive Macquarie Harbour. Welcome to Tasmania's wild west: escaped convicts from nearby Sarah Island prison sometimes asked to return to jail after struggling to survive in this rugged and remote landscape.

Today Strahan is on the edge of a UNESCO World Heritage Area, home to one of the few temperate rainforests that remain on the planet.

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Strahan - 2 Nights 

Witness the breathtaking scenery and tranquillity of this World Heritage-listed wilderness on a premium Gordon River Cruise.

Gordon River Cruise

Your cruise begins by passing through notorious Hell's Gate and across Macquarie Harbour to the Gordon River. Stop for a taste of delicious fresh fish at a local salmon farm on the way.

Disembarking at Heritage Landing, you'll take a guided walk through the temperate rainforest on elevated boardwalks that thread their way between the magnificent rainforest species. Explore the ruins of Sarah Island's dreaded penal colony and return to Strahan.

Make your way back to Hobart to return your rental car and enjoy the city at your own pace.

Explore the city centre, visit the historic Cascade Brewery for lunch and a tasting paddle at the foot of Mount Wellington, stroll the charming old streets of Battery Point or catch up on any highlights you didn't fit in on Day One.

Sampling a drop of native Tasmanian whiskey is recommended: in 2014 it won the Best Single Malt In The World, which had never been awarded outside of Scotland or Japan!

Approximate Distance: 305 km | 190 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Hobart - 2 Nights 

Today you are free to roam and enjoy vibrant Hobart

You may choose to...

• Visit the Museum of New and Old - take the ferry to the Moorilla Winery in the Posh Pit 
• Explore the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. ...
• Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) ...
• Wander through Salamanca Market. ...
• Walk along Franklin Wharf. ...
• Walk over the Tasman Bridge. ...
• Relax at Bellerive Beach. ...
• Go up to Mt Nelson Signal Station. ...
• Head up to the summit of Mt Wellington.

Enjoy your drive up Tasmania’s East Coast, with its exceptional beauty, pristine white sandy beaches, and granite coastline. This evening destination is the seaside village of Bicheno

Bicheno

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: 180 km | 112 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Bicheno - 2 Nights 

If you thought Tasmania couldn't get any more beautiful, Freycinet National Park will prove you wrong. Against a backdrop of pink granite mountains, you'll discover secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife, and incredible walking trails.

Wineglass Bay is the jewel in Freycinet's crown. Nestled at the foot of the forest-covered mountains, you'll see a crescent of white sand bordering the emerald waters of the bay. Admire it from the Wineglass Bay lookout point or grab a picnic and hike down to one of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen (2.5hrs return).

Today you can return down the East Coast and turn off to the Tasman Peninsula, home to Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Enjoy panoramic views from Pirates Bay Lookout and the short but spectacular Waterfall Bay Clifftop Track.

Port Arthur: The Inescapable Prison

Just a short drive down the road, we enter the Port Arthur Historic Site. Enjoy a Harbour Cruise around the Isle of the Dead, and discover the grim history of the early Australian Penal system, accompanied by Port Arthur's expert guides. As you tour the prison buildings you'll understand the isolation experienced by the convicts in this “inescapable prison”.

Approximate Distance: 185 km | 115 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Port Arthur - 2 Nights

The hike to Cape Hauy is an 8 kilometer (about 5 miles) return walk. Cape Hauy is the last leg of the newly opened Three Capes Track, jutting out into the Tasman Sea, the track concludes on the cliff's edge, 150M above the water. Enjoy panoramic views to Cape Pillar, Hippolyte Rock, and Maria Island. View spectacular dolerite columns popular with dare-devil climbers. Gaze over the sea stacks known as the 'Candlestick' and 'Totem Pole'. Drive time from Port Arthur approximately 1 hour 10 minutes each way.

Drive to Hobart and say farewell to Tasmania today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Tassie experience. 

We hope to hear from you again soon to help with your next adventure!

Approximate Distance: 90 km | 56 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 30 mins