11 Days • 10 Nights
Grand Tasmania: The Complete Island
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Hobart, MONA, Bruny Island and Port Arthur
- Wineglass Bay, Freycinet and the Bay of Fires
- Launceston, Cataract Gorge and Tamar Valley wine
- Cradle Mountain and the Dove Lake circuit
- Strahan and a Gordon River wilderness cruise
- Wildlife, food, wine and convict history throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 11-day journey.
You are met at Hobart Airport and transferred to your waterfront hotel, with the afternoon free to explore the docks and Salamanca. A welcome dinner of Tasmanian seafood and wine sets the island mood.
A morning ferry to MONA is followed by an afternoon exploring Salamanca's galleries, the colonial cottages of Battery Point and the summit of kunanyi for a grand view over city, river and mountains.
A ferry crossing takes you to Bruny Island for a day of oysters, cheese, whisky and wildlife, with the show-stopping view from The Neck and a chance to spot rare white wallabies along the coast.
You explore Port Arthur and the wild Tasman Peninsula in the morning, then drive up the east coast to Coles Bay, gateway to Freycinet, arriving in time for sunset over the granite peaks.
A full day on the peninsula, walking to the Wineglass Bay lookout, relaxing on white beaches, kayaking the sheltered lagoon and feasting on freshly shucked oysters and cool-climate wine.
Continuing north you reach the Bay of Fires, where orange-lichened granite boulders meet blindingly white sand and turquoise sea. After time on this magnificent coast you turn inland to Launceston.
You explore Cataract Gorge on the edge of town, then spend the afternoon among the cellar doors of the Tamar Valley, tasting sparkling wine, pinot and riesling in one of Australia's premier cool-climate regions.
A scenic drive west brings you to Cradle Mountain. Walk the Dove Lake circuit beneath the serrated peak, meet Tasmanian devils at the sanctuary, and watch wombats graze the moorland at dusk.
A full day to savour the highlands, with more walking among the tarns and button-grass, an evening spotlighting drive for nocturnal wildlife, or simply time to relax in the crisp alpine air.
You drive through Queenstown's surreal mining landscape to Strahan on the west coast, with the afternoon free for wild Ocean Beach or a walk to Hogarth Falls.
A morning cruise up the mirror-calm Gordon River through ancient rainforest, with a stop at Sarah Island, before the drive back east through the highlands to Hobart or Launceston for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 10 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a Bruny Island lunch and a Gordon River cruise lunch
- Private airport transfers
- Touring by air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide
- MONA entry and ferry
- Bruny Island tour
- Port Arthur entry and cruise
- Freycinet and Bay of Fires touring
- Tamar Valley wine tasting
- Cradle Mountain national park entry
- Gordon River wilderness cruise
- Tasmania Parks Pass and all entry fees
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Australia
- Australian ETA or visa fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa arranged online before travelling, with a passport valid for the duration of your stay. We can point you to the right one for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Australian Dollar. Tasmania is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for small stalls and markets
- Cooler climate: Tasmania is Australia's coolest state, noticeably cooler than the mainland, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, especially for Cradle Mountain and the highlands
- Seasons reversed: Tasmania is in the southern hemisphere, so summer (December to February) is the warmest and busiest season, autumn is golden, and winter is cold, crisp and atmospheric
- Driving: Tasmanians drive on the left, and the roads are scenic but winding, so a self-drive is popular and easy but allow plenty of time. Drive carefully at dawn and dusk, when wildlife is active near roads
- Wildlife: Tasmania is famous for wombats, pademelons, echidnas, little penguins and the endangered Tasmanian devil; respect wildlife, never feed animals, and enjoy sightings at sanctuaries and in the wild
- National parks: A Tasmania Parks Pass is required for the national parks such as Freycinet and Cradle Mountain, which is included in your tour
- Best time: Summer (December to March) is ideal for the outdoors and the beaches, autumn for colour, and any season for MONA, food, wine and the wilderness — Tasmania rewards year-round
- Sun protection: Despite the cool air, Tasmania's UV is strong, so bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses even on cool days
- Tipping & power: Tipping is not expected in Australia. Power is 230V with the Australian type I plug, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the eleven-day tour over a shorter one?
Eleven days lets you see the whole island, east coast and west, north and south, at a relaxed pace with time to linger rather than dash. You experience Tasmania's full variety of wildlife, food, scenery and history without feeling rushed.
Where does the tour finish?
The final Gordon River day ends on the west coast, from where we transfer you to Hobart or Launceston for your onward flight, whichever suits your plans; we will advise the best option.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Bruny Island food tour or a Gordon River cruise lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Tasmania's superb food and wine.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, scenic touring and activities are arranged for you, with the option of guided touring or a self-drive itinerary to suit your style.
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa, applied for online before you travel. We guide you to the right one for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit Tasmania?
Summer (December-March) is best for the outdoors, walks and beaches, autumn for golden colour, and any season for MONA, food, wine and the wilderness. Tasmania is cooler than the mainland year-round.
Should we self-drive or take a guided tour?
Both work wonderfully — Tasmania is compact and easy to self-drive on scenic roads, while a guided tour takes care of everything. We can tailor either to you.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, regions, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add Bruny Island, the west coast, wildlife or luxury lodges. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Will we see a Tasmanian devil?
Yes — the endangered Tasmanian devil is guaranteed at the wildlife sanctuaries our tours visit, and around Cradle Mountain you are also very likely to see wombats, pademelons and echidnas in the wild.
More Adventure Journeys
Adventure
Customizable
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
El Salvador
Adventure
Customizable
El Salvador Short Escape: Volcanoes & Surf
El Salvador Short Escape: Volcanoes & Surf
El Salvador
Adventure
Customizable
Grand El Salvador: The Complete Country
Grand El Salvador: The Complete Country
El Salvador