7 Days Top to Tail Tasmania (Launceston to Launceston)

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 –Launcestonto Bicheno

We make our way to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. Here we can stretch our legs with some quality time to enjoy this highly recommended coastal region (Lonely Planet's must see for 2009). The beaches are gleaming and the water inviting. Perhaps a swim (conditions permitting) Enjoy Tasmania's most scenic coastal drive from St Helen's to Bicheno where we spend the night. This evening you can join a guided viewing of the Little Penguins (optional in season) as they return to their rookeries on the edges of this seaside village.

Day 2 – 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 of or choose the more challenging Mt Amos or Hazzards Beach walk for your mornings Freycinet experience. This afternoon we take a break at the picturesque historical village of Ross. Sample the local Ross Bakery fare or check out the convict built bridge. Come face to face with the iconic Tassie Devil as we make a stop at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to meet these now endangered native animals as well as some others unique to Tasmania. A short drive returns us to Hobart our overnight stop for the night. (B)

Day 3 – Pt 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. We return to Hobart for the night (B)

Day 4 – Hobart & surrounds

Spend a day at leisure enjoying the sights of Hobart. Some recommended activities are: Derwent River Cruise on the historical square rigger 'Lady Nelson', a tour of the Cascade Brewery or the Cadbury Chocolate Factory (only week days), half day bike hire, a visit to 'Antarctic Adventure' or a trip up Mt Wellington. (All meals and activities are subject to availability and at own expense). Overnight accommodation included. Overnight: Hobart

Day 5 – Hobart to Strahan

Today 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. Enter the temperate time capsule that is the Franklin- Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. End the day in Strahan beside Macquarie Harbour where we spend the next two nights. Our West Coast hosts welcome us with a BBQ dinner. (D)

Day 6 – 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.

Stroll by the foreshore of the harbour or walk amongst the rainforest to a waterfall. There is also the option today of a cruise on the famous Gordon River, take a scenic sea plane flight over the Gordon and Franklin River system complete with a river landing and walk, journey up the King River on a jet boat, peacefully paddle a kayak of your own or catch a salmon in the harbour. (Strahan optional activities at own expense). Tonight we enjoy a performance of Tasmania's longest running play – "The Ship that never was". (B)

Day 7 – Cradle Mountain to Devonport or Launceston

We journey to 950m above sea level to the 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 and one of the many boardwalk tracks or perhaps challenge yourself with a hike to Marion's Lookout. A short drive to Sheffield, "the town of murals", before continuing on through Devonport to Launceston, Australia's third oldest city. (B)