6 Day Taste of Tasmania (Hobart to Hobart)

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Hobart to Strahan

DEFAULT PICK UP: Montgomery’s YHA, 07:00am

Our journey begins as we traverse the island from east to west. Escaping Hobart through the Derwent Valley, we walk in the land of the giants and admire the beauty of Russell Falls and Mt Field National Park. Visit Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake before we enter the temperate time capsule that is the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. End the day in Strahan beside Macquarie Harbour where we stay for 2 nights. Our West Coast hosts welcome us with a BBQ dinner. (D)

Day 2 – Strahan and surrounding area

Discover the wild west coast today with a visit to Ocean Beach and the Henty Sand Dunes. Search for elusive whale bones amongst the shifting sands or simply breathe in the freshest air in the world. Today is a day of options. You can stroll by the foreshore of the harbour, walk amongst the rainforest to a waterfall, take a cruise on the famous Gordon River, or enjoy a scenic sea plane flight over the Gordon and Franklin River system — complete with a river landing and walk. You can also journey up the King River on a jet boat or peacefully paddle a kayak in the harbour. (Strahan optional activities at own expense, some activities are seasonal and not available year round). (B)

Day 3 – Cradle Mountain to Launceston

Today we journey 950m above sea level to Cradle Valley, our gateway to the World Heritage Area of Cradle Mountain National Park. We share some local knowledge and interpretation of the landscape to help you choose a walk that will enhance your experience here. With an extensive range of tracks, you will be able to take it easy with a stroll around Dove Lake or one of the many boardwalk tracks, or perhaps challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. Next we take a short drive to Sheffield, ‘the town of murals’, before continuing on to Launceston; Australia’s third oldest city and our overnight stop. (B)

Day 4 – Launceston to Bicheno

PICK UP DAY 4: Launceston Backpackers, 07:30am

Enjoy a morning walk at Cataract Gorge in the heart of Launceston before we make our way to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. Here we stretch our legs and take some quality time to enjoy this highly recommended coastal region. The beaches are gleaming and the water inviting, so jump in and enjoy a swim if the weather permits. Enjoy Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive from St Helen’s to Bicheno, where we stay tonight. This evening you can join a guided viewing of the Little Penguins as they return to their rookeries on the edges of this seaside village (optional, seasonal and at own expense). (B)

Day 5 – Freycinet National Park to Hobart

An early start means we are the first to the lookout, beating the crowds and the heat for that postcard photo of Wineglass Bay. Relax on the secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mt Amos or Hazzards Beach walk for your mornings Freycinet experience. This afternoon we take a break at the historical village of Ross where you can sample the local. Ross Bakery (own expense), or check out the convict built bridge. Come face to face with the iconic Tasmanian Devil during our stop at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where we meet these now endangered native animals as well as some others unique to Tasmania. A short drive returns us to Hobart where we spend the night. (B,D)

Day 6 – Port Arthur Historic Site

Start the day with a quick look at Australia’s best preserved colonial village of Richmond, before heading south for magnificent views of the Tasman Peninsula and some features of the Tasman National Park. Explore Tasmania’s ruthless convict past today at the World Heritage Listed – Port Arthur Historic Site (guided walk and harbour cruise included). Rich in visual history, here we learn of the chilling realities of life as a convict amid the restored sandstone prison buildings and preserved ruins. (B)