Tasmania Wildlife Self Drive Tour Itinerary

Launceston - Caves - Cradle Mountain 

Land in Launceston, collect your rental vehicle and start your journey to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Visit the fascinating Marakoopa Caves before continuing to Cradle Mountain. 

Explore Marakoopa Cave

Mole Creek is 75 km west of Launceston and Marakoopa Cave is located 11 km from Mole Creek in the foothills of Western Bluff. The cave, named after an Aboriginal word meaning "handsome", features a terrific glow-worm display and a stunning Great Cathedral,

Approximate Distance: 209 km | 149 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 09 mins

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain National Park - 2 Nights         

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. Take a walk and experience the many endemic fauna and flora species of the region whilst enjoying picturesque views 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. 

This evening join the After Dark Feeding Tour, an unforgettable up-close experience with Tasmanian Devils when they are at their most active.

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.  

At 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.

Approximate Distance: 80 km | 49 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 10 mins

Accommodation: Central Highlands - 1 Night                                                                

Continue to Tasmania’s East Coast, with its exceptional beauty, pristine white sandy beaches, and granite coastline. This evening destination is the seaside village of Bicheno.

Bicheno

Blessed with the mildest climate in Tasmania, seaside Bicheno is the perfect place for relaxing foreshore walks, beachcombing and fishing. With great cafes, shops and luscious local produce, this friendly little town is the ideal base from which to explore the East Coast.

Bicheno Penguin Tour

At night begins to fall, see Little Blue Penguins return to their burrows on a twilight guided penguin tour.

This is a rare and thrilling chance to get very close to the world's smallest penguins in a private rookery. Watch as they emerge from the ocean after a hard day of fishing and head home for the night.

Approximate Distance: 236 km | 146 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 50 mins

Accommodation: Bicheno - 2 Nights (or similar)

Today, take a journey into the exquisite beauty of the Freycinet Peninsula on a Wineglass Bay Cruise. See this stunning and remote coastline with sheer granite cliffs, sea caves & hidden coves. With its abundance of wildlife have the opportunity to see sea birds, penguins, dolphins, seals, and whales.

You will have the rare opportunity to experience Wineglass bay from the water with its shimmering crescent of white sand fringing the edge of a perfect turquoise sea. In the afternoon, there will be time to do a short cli­ff top walk around the lighthouse at Cape Tourville.

In the evening, a night tour offers you the rare chance to observe fairy penguins, also known as little penguins, tumble form the ocean and waddle up the sand to their nesting burrows.             

On to Hobart

This morning travel onwards to Hobart via the coastal route with time to pop into the historic Richmond Village where you can walk across Australia’s oldest bridge still in use — a convict built, sand-stone bridge, reported to be haunted!

Tasmania's capital city, Hobart is a harbour town with heritage charm and a modern lifestyle. Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, this lovely city is known for its dynamic art and gourmet food scenes.

Approximate Distance: 118 km | 116 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 40 mins

Accommodation: Hobart -  2 Nights       

You will be met by your guide this morning before venturing into Mount Field National Park, the oldest National Park in the state. Be mesmerized by the lush forest landscapes from the eucalyptus temperate rainforest to alpine moorland. Your guide will provide interpretation along the rainforest walks with the opportunity to see some of the tallest trees in the world. This cool temperate rainforest allows you the opportunity to search for some of Tasmanians 12 endemic bird species including Scrbutit, Black currawong, and Tasmanian thornbill.

After lunch, you will have an opportunity to observe the unique duck bill and webbed feet Platypus in the wild. This semiaquatic, egg-laying, mammal is endemic to eastern Australia including Tasmania and is a recognizable and iconic symbol of Australia. Complete the day with a visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to experience Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Wallabies, Quolls, and other furry Australian animals first hand.

Say farewell to Hobart today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Tasmanian experience. We know you will enjoy your 8 Days exploring Tasmania's National Parks and wildlife!

We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible Island.