Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour

Have you ever wanted to breathe the world's cleanest air, taste its most pure water or wander through pristine, World Heritage-listed wilderness? The surprising island of Tasmania has all of these, plus friendly locals, internationally renowned local food, beautiful rivers and parklands and perfectly preserved historic buildings. And on top of that driving is a pleasure on the island's uncrowded roads, with total contrasts in scenery and attractions between the major regions.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Hobart

Tasmania’s capital is an intriguing blend of heritage and lifestyle, scenery and vibrant culture. Take the time to explore the many attractions within Hobart. Enjoy a stroll through historic Salamanca Place, Battery Point, the docks and stop for a coffee at one of the many cafes. If you arrive on a Saturday explore the local Salamanca Markets for fresh produce and local arts and crafts. Take a spectacular scenic flight by plane or helicopter for stunning views of Hobart and the south. Discover Tasmania’s best view from the pinnacle of Mt Wellington and for something more adventurous why not experience Mt Wellington on an exhilarating down hill bike ride. Spend the evening at one of Hobart’s superb restaurants offering regional produce, the freshest seafood and delicious cool climate wines. Overnight: Hobart

Day 2 - Explore Hobart and the Surrounds

Hobart is an ideal base to explore southern Tasmanian. Explore the historic Richmond Village and the Coal River Valley. Visit the many antique shops, art and craft galleries and charming tearooms situated in Richmond. Enjoy wine tasting in the Coal River Valley. Enjoy lunch at one of the many wineries. Visit the spectacular Tasman Peninsula and follow the Convict Trail deep into the past – see the natural wonders of the area such as the Blowhole, Tessellated Pavement, Devil’s Kitchen, Pirates Bay Lookout, Tasman Arch, the Dog Line and Officers Quarters. Give yourself a half day to experience the Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia’s most significant convict site. The convict ruins, model prison, Asylum, Commandant’s Residence, and Isle of the Dead. On the way back from Richmond or the Tasman Peninsula detour past the airport to Barilla Bay Oysters for its succulent shellfish (tours available) – perhaps sample them alongside a Coal River sparkling.

The Huon Trail and Bruny Island Head south to the picturesque Huon Valley, following the Southern Tasmanian Wine Route. Many of the island gourmet food producers are in this region, and vineyards abound. Experience the eco-tourism cruise aboard the Albatross from Adventure Bay on Bruny Island and see seal colonies, dolphins, whales, sea birds, amazing rock formations and soaring 300 metre sheer cliffs Cruise or drive to Peppermint Bay. From Hobart experience a half day adventure cruise on the Derwent River, alighting at Peppermint Bay, Woodbridge, for lunch. Whilst at Peppermint Bay visit the Grandvewe Farm Cheesery and vineyard offering tastings and sales. Walk high (almost 40 metres) above the riverside rainforest canopy at the Tahune Forest Airwalk. Along the way stop to try cool climate wines and fruit liqueurs. For regional food with flair try Home Hill Winery. Return to Hobart for a relaxing evening, a delicious meal and a glass of Tasmanian wine. Overnight: Hobart

Day 3 - Hobart to Strahan

Depart Hobart and drive to the West Coast via the Derwent Valley, Mount Field National Park and Lake St Clair. Strahan, a harbour town on the edge of the wilderness, is your destination. Heading out of Hobart you can stop in at one of the vineyards in the Derwent Valley. Explore Mt Field National Park, 75km from Hobart and take the short walk to the towering Russel Falls. Break your journey at Lake St Clair – explore the visitor information centre, take one of the short lakeside walks, or paddle a kayak. For great views take a short walk at Nelson Falls. Enjoy the evening watching the local play `The Ship That Never Was’ Australia’s longest running play. For dinner enjoy one of the local restaurants, Franklin Manor or Risby Cove. Overnight: Strahan

Day 4 - Strahan to Cradle Mountain

Enjoy a half-day of activities in Strahan before departing for Cradle Mountain. Take the Gordon River Cruise, experience the beauty of this World Heritage listed area. See mirrored reflections, learn the intriguing story of Macquarie Harbour and its settlement, and go ashore at Sarah Island – once a feared penal colony. Depart Strahan for Cradle Mountain, via the West Coast Wilderness Way, passing through Zeehan, Rosebery and Tullah. Overnight: Cradle Mountain.

Day 5 - Experience Cradle Mountain

Spend the day exploring the Cradle Mountain Area – starting at the Dove Lake Circuit Walk. This 6km track is one of Tasmania’s premier walks. It will take you right around Dove Lake and beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain. Another option is to enjoy one of the many wonderful short walks such as the Enchanted Walk or the King Billy Track. See the world’s finest nature photography in the Wilderness Gallery. Pamper yourself at the Waldheim Alpine Spa, offering face and body treatments and massage. The Waldheim Alpine Spa also has a dedicated therapeutic retreat known as The Sanctuary. The Sanctuary includes a steam room, sauna, hot tub and cool plunge pool. Relax by a big open fire with a glass of quality Tasmanian wine. Take a nocturnal tour to see wild Wallabies, Pademelons, Wombats, Echidnas, Tasmanian Devils, Spotted Quolls, and Possums Overnight: Cradle Mountain

Day 6 - Cradle Mountain to Launceston

Leaving Cradle Mountain pass through the mural town of Sheffield, where the history of the town is painted on its buildings. Enjoy some local produce of the area including Ashgrove Cheese Farm and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm at Elizabeth Town and the Honey Farm at Chudleigh. Explore underground in the Mole Creek Karst National Park Take a guided tour of the Marakoopa Caves. Get close to Tasmania’s amazing native wildlife in the Trowunna Wildlife Park. Overnight: Launceston

Day 7 - Launceston to Freycinet National Park

Visit the Cataract Gorge Reserve and take the Kings-Bridge Cataract Walk. The walkway clings to the spectacular cliffs of the Gorge or you can ride on the Basin chairlift. Enjoy a morning Tamar River Cruise on the luxury Tamar Odyssey. Visit The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery at Inveresk. Depart Launceston for the east coast of Tasmania and Freycinet National Park. Travel via Scottsdale and St Helens, or take the Heritage Highway to Campbell Town, and turn off to the East Coast via Lake Leake. On arrival take the Wineglass Bay Lookout walk and enjoy the stunning views from the top. Overnight: Coles Bay (Freycinet National Park)

Day 8 - Freycinet to Hobart

Start your day with an invigorating morning sea kayak, paddling below the pink granite peaks over clear blue waters and by sandy white beaches. Drive or walk to Sleepy Bay and to the Cape Tourville lighthouse for spectacular views. Wander the clean white sands of the Friendly Beaches. Depart Freycinet National Park for the drive down the stunning east coast to Hobart. Enjoy the gastronomical delights of this region including fresh seafood, cheeses, olives, berries, as well as vineyards, cellar door tastings, sales and much more. Stroll around historic Swansea stop in at Kate’s Berry Farm for delicious homemade berry ice cream, jams and wines. Enjoy the spectacular views of the coast. Late afternoon flight out of Hobart.

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