Wildlife Encounter & Iconic Tasmania Itinerary

Be met today by our local guide at midday at the Launceston Transit Centre and start your journey to UNESCO Word Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Visit the fascinating Marakoopa Caves before continuing to Cradle Mountain.  Enjoy an introduction to this captivating alpine environment before settling in at your accommodation for the night.

Meals Included: -

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel (standard room or similar)          

Today you will be mesmerised by the beautiful alpine landscapes of Cradle Mountain, where in many places, dolerite cracked into vertical columns has resulted in spectacular sculpted mountains and cliffs. Your guide will introduce you to the many endemic fauna and flora species of the region whilst enjoying picturesque views on your walk beneath the spectacular craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain.

Magical forests of Pandani (the tallest heath plant in the world), Sassafras, King Billy Pines and the deciduous Beech can be seen adjacent to spectacular glacial lakes. Birds such as Forest Ravens, Black Currawongs and Wedge-tailed Eagles are seen in this area, whilst Echidnas, Platypus, Spotted-tailed Quoll, and the Eastern Quoll may also be seen. In the evening, you have the option to join your guide on a night spotlighting tour or simply relax at your accommodation.    

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch 

Depart the Cradle Valley and travel to Tasmania’s Central Highlands also known as “The Heart of Tasmania”. Here in this alpine environment, the air is noticeably clear and the silence inspiring. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to explore Lake Ada, discover its history and immerse yourself in this barren but beautiful and unique landscape.  On dusk, you will have the chance to observe Wombats, Wallabies, and Possums as they turn the area into a hub of activity. With a bit of luck, you may also see Quolls and Tasmanian Devils in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Thousand Lakes lodge                                                         

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner           

This morning your guide takes you into Mount Field National Park, the oldest in the state. Be mesmerised by the lush forest landscapes, from eucalyptus temperate rainforest to alpine moorland. Explore the green forest canopy where you can crane your neck to see some of the tallest flowering trees in the world. This cool temperate rainforest allows you the opportunity to search for some of Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species including Scrubtit, Black Currawong and Tasmanian Thornbill. After lunch, you may have another opportunity to observe the unique duck bill and webbed feet Platypus in the wild. Return to Hobart in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Hobart 3 Nights                 

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch

This morning, travel to the seaside village of Triabunna and board a ferry to cross the Mercury Passage to Maria Island. This unique island national park sits just off Tasmania’s east coast. Enjoy a day of peaceful walking along historic ruins, sweeping bays, rugged fossil cliffs and imposing mountains. This island sanctuary provides an opportunity to view its resident wildlife, including bare nosed wombats, Cape Barren geese, Tasmanian pademelons, kangaroo, wallabies and even the Tasmanian Devil in their natural environment. In the afternoon, make your way down the east coast into Tasmanian’s capital city, Hobart.

Meals Included: Breakfast - Picnic Lunch

The Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur Historic Site are some of Tasmania’s most visited destinations. Set in tranquil gardens Tasmania’s famous convict settlement site harbors a dark history which our experienced guide will bring to life. Visit the famous geological features of the peninsula as you explore the rugged coastline. In the afternoon, meet Tasmanian’s enigmatic character, the Tasmanian Devil and take the opportunity to hand feed the delightful kangaroos.

Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch

This morning we take a brief stop in the historic village of Richmond where you can soak up the nostalgia of colonial times. Then relax and enjoy a scenic drive along Tasmania’s East Coast to the Freycinet Peninsula, with its exceptional beauty, pristine white sandy beaches and granite coastline. Walk the track up to the world-famous Wineglass Bay lookout for some stunning photo opportunities, with views across Freycinet National Park. A shorter clifftop walk around the lighthouse at Cape Tourville is also on offer.   

Accommodation: Freycinet - 1 night

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

This morning depart the beautiful East Coast and continue your journey to Launceston, for an introductory tour of Tasmania’s largest northern city. Explore the scenic Cataract Gorge where the South Esk River forces its way through sheer rocky cliffs. Evoke memories of the genteel Victorian era as you stroll in the landscaped gardens.  After lunch, your guide will bid you farewell.

NOTE: This tour ends in Launceston today after lunch at approximately 1:30pm. Guests have the option to fly out of Launceston from 3:30pm onwards.

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch