13 Day Premium Tasmania Tour (F13)

Day 1: Hobart

Meet and greet for an evening meal and drinks in Hobarts' city centre and get to know the host for your 13 day guided tour of Tasmania. Tonight, you will be staying at the lovely 4-star Mövenpick Hotel. Comprehensive tour itineraries will be provided along with a personalised map graphically depicting your 13-day Tasmanian journey which covers approximately 2,000 km.

Day 2: Hobart to Port Arthur

Pick up from the Mövenpick Hotel and set off for the summit of Tasmania's Mt Wellington (1270m), which boasts spectacular views in all directions. A short exploration around Australia’s 2nd oldest capital city of Hobart, including stops at Constitution Dock & the Cascade Brewery. A short stop off at Tasmania’s boutique Federation Chocolate factory in town is a must to taste what delicious and unusual flavours are available. Lunch with wine tastings is at a positively charming vineyard in the Coal Valley region before proceeding to the beautiful township of Richmond. This impeccable historic settlement boasts the country’s oldest bridge still in use, the lovely convict-built sandstone arch construction of the Richmond Bridge.

Then on to the Tasman Peninsula for more spectacular coastline of the Tasman National Park. From its towering sea cliffs, we look over Pirates Bay, Tasman’s Arch, the Devils Kitchen and the amazing Tessellated Pavements. See the infamous dog line at Eaglehawk Neck before overnighting right on the cusp of the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Spend several hours being personally guided through the most interesting buildings and attractions of the Port Arthur World Heritage Site. Learn about Point Puer, Isle of the Dead, and the history of convicts in Tasmania before taking a harbour cruise to view the site in panorama, as incoming convicts must have.

From here, we head north to take in the sights of Tasmania’s east coast. Stop for a wander on Raspins Beach with views across the passage to the beautiful Maria Island. See the quirky Spikey Bridge and enjoy coffee & snacks at Spikey Beach with panoramic views over Coles Bay to Tasmania's Freycinet Peninsula. Arriving at our accommodation in Bicheno, an optional & free penguin small group tour is available in the evening.

Bask in the morning sunshine while witnessing the amazing blowhole on the rocky coast of Bicheno. Spend time at the award-winning East Coast Natureworld wildlife park where we watch the iconic Tasmanian Devils feeding. Learn about this incredible little animal’s struggle for survival while petting wombats and hand feeding wallabies, kangaroos & Cape Barron geese.

Next up, we tour Tasmania’s most scenic coastal road with breathtaking views of the east coast Bay of Fires. Dip your feet while walking along one of Tasmania’s best beaches – Binalong Bay. Visit a working Tassie oyster farm, sample cheeses at the award winning Pyengana dairy, and enjoy afternoon tea & coffee at the highly emotive Legerwood memorial trees. Proceed through an ancient Myrtle rainforest and the renowned Tamar Valley region before arriving in Launceston for our first of 2 evenings in town.

Day 5: Launceston

Let’s slow the pace down just a little as we explore the landscape north of Launceston around the beautiful Tamar River, beginning with a morning tour of the famous Beaconsfield Gold Mine & Heritage Centre. Embark on an historical journey as you learn about the significance of this site in Tasmanian history and the dramatic collapse of the mine in 2006 which led to one of the most publicised rescue missions in Australian history.

Lunch will be on the banks of the Tamar River at the ever-delightful Beauty Point, after which we will take a short stroll to explore the wonders of the acclaimed Seahorse World. Our afternoon activities include a scenic drive up to George Town & Low Head, home of some amazing tree carvings by renowned artist Eddie Freeman, with tea & coffee at the Low Head Historic Lighthouse site. A second restful evening in the comfort of our Launceston CBD Best Western Hotel will end our day's guided touring.

Day 6: Launceston to Cradle Mountain

A short drive through downtown Launceston before enjoying a morning stroll at the lovely Cataract Gorge, a fantastic urban wilderness only minutes from the CBD. Heading west out of Tasmania’s biggest northern city, we lunch at a small, family-operated salmon farm hidden off the main Tasmania touring route. After, lunch visit the Melita Honey Farm which includes FREE tastings of Tasmania's famous Leatherwood Honey among many other flavours.

Next enjoy a private tour of the spectacular Marakoopa Caves with their 250-million-year-old crystal formations, the only show caves in Tasmania boasting resident glow worms! Travelling up onto Tasmania's Central Highlands we will reach the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Come for a short animal spotting jaunt in the evening before overnighting at the 4-star Cradle Mt Hotel.

Visit Tasmania’s divine Dove Lake at the foot of Cradle Mountain – a photographer’s paradise. Take in the stunning views of this iconic space from several angles as we complete a short walk to Glacier Rock. Wonders abound strolling through the mossy forests of the Enchanted Walk and the mesmerising cascades of Pencil Pine waterfall. Visit the old ‘Waldheim Chalet’ of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer – the father of this wonderous park.

After a delicious lunch, we make our way on to Strahan via the meandering forest highways of Tasmania's west coast. View the Southern Ocean from the best lookout point on the west coast and see as far as you can imagine – perhaps Madagascar? Your lungs will thank you as you inhale possibly the cleanest air on Earth. Arrive at Tasmania’s most westerly town, Strahan, for some afternoon relaxation and accommodation.

Day 8: Gordon River Cruise

Spend the morning enjoying one of the most scenic and unique tourist attractions in Australia – the Gordon River Cruise. Aboard the famous ‘Harbour Master’ in upper deck Gold Class luxury, your 6-hour cruise will include stunning views of Tasmania's Hells Gates and Macquarie Harbour, Sarah Island, the salmon farms, and of course, the jewel in the crown – the Gordon River World Heritage area itself. The cruise will also include a freshly prepared buffet lunch meal onboard the vessel.

Our afternoon plan will see us visit the Morrison Sawmill for a close-up look at Tasmania’s most famous timber – Huon Pine. Followed by some further exploring in Strahan village before heading to Queenstown for the evenings accommodation. Tonights evening meal will be included in your guided tour package. Some optional evening entertainment is to see the The Ship That Never Was - Australia’s longest running production play on the Strahan waterfront.

Day 9: Queenstown to Tarraleah

Take in the scenery from the Iron Blow lookout above Queenstown, the cantilever platform offers panoramic views. Lake Burbury boat ramp is another scenic opportunity to photograph the Queenstown mountains before heading into the UNESCO World Heritage area for a morning stroll to the beautiful Nelson Falls.

Further along, we wander the bank of Tasmania’s infamous Franklin River. The waterway was at the centre of huge controversy and a major conservation effort in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. 

Lunch at the famous Lake St Clair Lodge and stroll to the jetty to see Australia's deepest natural lake. Next, we visit a true gem in Australian art – The Wall in the Wilderness. Enjoy the 100 m-long Huon Pine carvings by artist Greg Duncan.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the old Hydro township of Tarraleah. Learn about Tasmania’s monstrous hydro-electricity project and how it came to life back in the 1950’s. 

Tarraleah Estate is one of the most unique locations we overnight at on our tours of Tasmania. Wander the grounds to see the abundant wildlife and Highland cattle that roam the property. In the evening, dine in the fantastic Highlander restaurant and enjoy 5-star comfort in the Tarraleah Lodge. 

See the beautiful Tarraleah lookout over the hydro power station before continuing via a drive into Tasmania’s Derwent Valley. We stop at Lawrenny Distillery, a stunning 1800’s built house & estate on the banks of the Derwent River. Enjoy tea, coffee, snacks, or optional whiskey & gin tastings.

Arrive at Mt Field National Park, the location of Tasmania’s iconic waterfall - Russell Falls. The large 3-tier falls are quite a sight to see, especially in flood and are easily accessible for guests of all physical abilities. There are several walking options, ranging from 15-70 minutes. Guests can select the appropriate walk on the day to best suit their mood or ability. Giant Tree Ferns & Eucalyptus trees 300+ years old line the pathway giving these walks a prehistoric and enchanted feel. Keep your eyes open for Pademelons and other creatures. 

Next, we drive past cherry farms, rolling pastures, hop fields, and many scenic vistas on our way to lunch at Derwent Estate Winery. Enjoy a long lunch with an accompanying glass of wine or beer included. Additional wine tastings onsite are also an option for those inclined. This evening, we arrive in Hobart city for 3 more nights stay at the very stylish, 4-star Mövenpick Hotel.

Today, we journey down the beautiful Huon Valley for a wilderness experience at the acclaimed Tahune Airwalk. Ravaged by fire in 2019, this attraction is recovering to its beautiful best. The airwalk showcases pristine rivers & tranquil native forests, including some specimens of Tasmania’s most famous tree - Huon Pine. 

The Tahune Airwalk itself is an elevated walkway 30 meters above the forest floor, with the final cantilever section sitting at a height of 50 meters above the Huon River. It boasts spectacular views of the confluence of the Huon & Picton Rivers and beyond to the peaks of the World Heritage Area in Tasmania’s south-west. Optional further walks will cross 2 x swinging bridges nearly 100m meters long or meander alongside Huon Pine trees. 

Stop at the Geeveston Timber Museum to learn the story of the early settlers harvesting timber from this area. Finally, visit the famous Willie Smith’s Apple Shed with the opportunity for an afternoon snack or refreshment - we recommend trying the apple cider made from apples grown in the surrounding orchards! Relaxing back at the Mövenpick Hotel. There are plenty of opportunities for nighttime entertainment and many great Hobart city restaurants & venues close by.

Day 12: Choose Your Own Adventure

Today, guests will have a choice between 4 activity options to fill your day. These are some of the best guided tours of Tasmania based out of Hobart.

Option #1 - Bruny Island Gourmet & Sightseeing Day Tour

A full day trip from Hobart, this is a spectacular tour with nature, wilderness, coast & heritage included. Taste your way across Tasmania’s Bruny Island with fantastic food and stunning scenery.

Option #2 - Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise 

For the more adventurous, this full-day guided tour of Bruny Island includes the amazing 3-hour fast boat cruise around Tasmania’s rugged coastline. Experience the awesome power of the mighty Southern Ocean, towering cliffs, and deep sea caves. Encounter the region’s remarkable wildlife including dolphins, seals, and a variety of sea birds. 

Option #3 - MONA Museum

For those seeking a later start and slightly more leisurely option, MONA is a good choice. The Museum of Old & New Art has become one of Tasmania’s premier attractions over the last 10 years and is a real cultural adventure. A 25min ferry ride will bring you to MONA, featuring beautiful vineyards, multiple restaurants, a hotel, and lovely garden areas adorned with sculptures above ground.  

*Note lunch not included in this option.

Option #4 - Historic Harbour Lunch Cruise

The most leisurely option,a 60min afternoon harbour cruiseis a fantastic way to see Hobart’s stunning harbour area including Sandy Bay, Bellrieve & the Wrest Point Casino. Departing at 1.45pm, this allows for a later morning start and ample time at the Salamanca Markets.

Day 13: Salamanca Markets

The world-famous Salamanca markets are held every Saturday and we wouldn’t want to miss them. Explore the market at your own leisure and sample the abundance of street foods.

This officially concludes one of our most extensive and premium guided tours of Tasmania. We hope you have enjoyed an amazing travel experience and take home many great memories, stories, and photographs.

All dates listed for this guided Tasmania tour are guaranteed departure with a minimum of 4 guests. Please contact us to check the status of your planned travel date or if you wish to have a guided tour of Tasmania outside the dates listed.