Tasmania Winter Wonderland Self Drive Itinerary

Arrive into Launceston and collect your rental car.

One of Australia's oldest cities, Launceston is a charm-filled place with Colonial and Victorian heritage buildings in abundance.

Enjoy the afternoon in this cultural hub by taking a walk along the waterfront. Immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage and enjoy a thriving food and wine scene amongst the backdrop of vibrant Georgian streetscapes.

This riverside city is located at the head of the picturesque Tamar Valley with magnificent natural attractions including the spectacular Cataract Gorge and beautiful parks & gardens.

Quamby Estate Country Homestead

Tonight, unwind in a historic country manor just outside of Launceston. Offering panoramic mountain views and picture-book landscapes, Quamby Estate is set amongst the poppy fields and gourmet food producers of the Meander Valley.

Accommodation: Launceston - 1 night

After a leisurely morning, 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: 141 km | 90 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 55 mins

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain - 2 nights

Today you are free to roam and enjoy this World Heritage wilderness however you wish.

Visit Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and follow the Enchanted Walk through rainforest bejeweled with frost. Or wander around shimmering Dove Lake beneath the black spires of Cradle Mountain. On the southern side of the park, walk the 18-kilometre (11-mile) circuit around Lake St Clair, Tasmania's deepest natural freshwater lake.

Suggested Activity: Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary

A visit to the “devils’ playground” at Devils @ Cradle will give you an insight into the habits and challenges facing these curious little creatures. The night feeding tour gives you a chance to truly see them at their most playful.

However you spend your day here, keep your camera handy - you'll want to preserve these peaceful moments forever.

Swap the snowcapped misty mountain views for unspoiled coastline and the 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.

Cosy up by the fire in a luxury lodge

Winter in Freycinet National Park is another well-kept secret. The Saffire, overlooks the Hazards mountain range, Freycinet Peninsula, and the pristine Great Oyster Bay. By day, you can marvel at the sweeping mountain views or walk the vivid blue curves of Wineglass Bay. At night, huddle next to a roaring fire or watch the sky ablaze with stars.

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 48 mins

Accommodation: Saffire Freycinet  - 2 Nights

Freycinet National Park consists of knuckles of granite mountains all but surrounded by azure bays and white sand beaches. The dramatic peaks of the Hazards welcome you as you enter the park. The National Park offers a wide variety of activities.

Take a walk to the pass overlooking the perfectly shaped Wineglass Bay or try less strenuous activities like beach strolls, swimming, or wildlife spotting. Pink granite mountains, white sand beaches, grey-green casuarinas, seawater blue as sapphire - they're the colours of the Freycinet Peninsula, a premiere holiday destination with Abundant Tasmanian wildlife and pristine beaches including a rich colonial history with cool-climate Tasmanian wines and fine local produce; all yours to enjoy on your holiday at Freycinet.

Excursions available around Freycinet National Park:

Port Arthur: The Inescapable Prison where more than 1000 people died...

The convict ruins of Port Arthur can be a spooky place at any time of year, but on a cold winter's day you'll really get a sense of how desolate and frightening it must have been for the poor souls transported here from the other side of the world against their will.

Take a lantern-lit ghost tour to discover the site's haunted side and hear stories of unexplained events and paranormal activity.  - More than 1000 people died at Port Arthur during its 47-year history as a penal settlement, and some people say that the souls of the departed have never left. Documented ghost stories have been associated with Port Arthur since 1870, and since that time, many people have added to Port Arthur’s haunted reputation with their own accounts of paranormal activity.

Accommodation: Tasman Peninsula - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 211 km | 131 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 58 min 

Meet the Tasmanian Devil

Returning to Hobart stop in at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo to witness the startling sight of Tasmanian Devils feeding (table manners are not their strong point). Hand-feed the native wallabies and walk amongst the local fauna and flora in the charming “Unzoo” setting.

Continue on to 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.

Sip a nip of Tasmanian whisky - a real winter warmer

Tasmanian whisky has taken the world by storm, with many locally-produced blends winning top awards overseas. As part of the Tasmanian Whisky Trail, Hobart boasts distilleries such as Lark and Sullivans Cove - well worth a visit!

Approximate Distance: 109 km | 67 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 31 min 

Accommodation: Hobart - 1 Night

Say farewell to Hobart today as you return your car and board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 8 Day Tasmanian Wonderland Self Drive vacation.

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