8 Days • 7 Nights
Classic Tasmania Circuit
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- MONA and Hobart's waterfront and Salamanca Market
- Port Arthur historic convict site on the Tasman Peninsula
- Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula
- Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake in the western wilderness
- Wombats, pademelons and Tasmanian devils
- Cool-climate wine and fresh Tasmanian produce
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Welcome to Hobart, Tasmania's relaxed harbour capital, cradled between the Derwent River and kunanyi (Mount Wellington). You are met and transferred to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to wander the waterfront, browse the docks where fishing boats still unload the day's catch, and settle in over a glass of Tasmanian pinot at a welcome dinner.
This morning a ferry glides up the Derwent to MONA, the audacious, subterranean Museum of Old and New Art that single-handedly put Hobart on the global cultural map. The afternoon is yours for Salamanca Place, the Georgian warehouses now full of galleries and cafes, and a drive to the summit of kunanyi for a sweeping view over the city, the river and the wild country beyond.
You cross to the Tasman Peninsula and the hauntingly beautiful Port Arthur, Australia's best-preserved convict settlement, where manicured gardens and ruined sandstone tell a sobering colonial story. A short harbour cruise takes in the Isle of the Dead before you continue north up the east coast to Coles Bay, gateway to Freycinet.
Freycinet is Tasmania at its most postcard-perfect, a peninsula of pink granite peaks, white sand and impossibly clear water. You walk to the lookout above Wineglass Bay, one of the world's most photographed beaches, and spend the afternoon on the sand or kayaking the sheltered coves, before a seafood lunch of just-shucked oysters and local wine.
Heading inland through rolling farm country you reach Launceston, Tasmania's gracious northern city. The afternoon takes in the dramatic Cataract Gorge, a wild river gorge right at the edge of town, and a tasting in the Tamar Valley, one of Australia's premier cool-climate wine regions.
You travel west into the highlands and the crown jewel of Tasmania's wilderness, Cradle Mountain. The jagged peak reflected in Dove Lake is one of Australia's iconic sights, and the circuit walk around the lake brings you close to wombats, currawongs and, if you are lucky, an echidna. An evening wildlife spotlighting drive looks for nocturnal creatures.
A final morning in the alpine air, perhaps a visit to the Tasmanian devil sanctuary to meet the island's feisty icon up close, before the scenic drive back south to Hobart through the central highlands and hop-growing valleys.
After breakfast your Tasmanian circuit comes to a close with a transfer to Hobart Airport, leaving with memories of empty beaches, wild mountains and the warmest of island welcomes.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Freycinet seafood lunch
- Private airport transfers
- Touring by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide
- Port Arthur entry and harbour cruise
- Wineglass Bay and Freycinet touring
- Cradle Mountain national park entry and Dove Lake
- Tamar Valley wine tasting
- 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
Is this tour a lot of driving?
There is scenic driving each day as you loop the island, but distances in Tasmania are modest and the landscapes are gorgeous, so the drives are part of the pleasure. Days are paced with plenty of stops.
How fit do I need to be?
A moderate level of fitness is ideal. The Wineglass Bay lookout and Dove Lake circuit involve some walking on well-made tracks, but these can be shortened or skipped, and the tour suits most active travellers.
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.
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