Tassie Highlights (Launceston to Hobart)

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Launceston

On arrival into Launceston, check into your accommodation and then enjoy some free time to explore the sights of the third oldest city in Australia. Overnight: Launceston

Day 2 – Cradle Mountain National Park

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 to Launceston, Australia's third oldest city. Overnight: Launceston

Day 3 – Launceston to Bicheno

A morning walk at Cataract Gorge in the heart of Launceston before making 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. 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. (B) Overnight: Bicheno

Day 4 – 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. (B) Overnight: Hobart

Day 5 – 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)