11 Day Tasmania Unearthed Itinerary

Welcome to Hobart, the capital of the Apple Isle!

Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart is a harbour town with heritage charm and a modern lifestyle. From the bustling waterfront of Salamanca Place to the historic houses of quaint Battery Point, Hobart is a gorgeous place to wander and get lost in.

Take a bus to the summit of Mount Wellington for panoramic views over the city, or board a ferry at Brooke Street Pier and sail upstream to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

You won't be short of delicious dining options this evening: Hobart has fast become one of Australia's top gourmet hotspots, thanks to its amazing local produce.

Accommodation: Hobart - 1 night 

Today collect your rental car and drive to Freycinet National Park.

Freycinet National Park

If you thought Tasmania couldn't get any more beautiful, Freycinet will prove you wrong. Against a backdrop of pink granite mountains, you'll discover secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife, and incredible walking trails.

Wineglass Bay is the jewel in Freycinet's crown. Nestled at the foot of the forest-covered mountains, you'll see a crescent of white sand bordering the emerald waters of the bay. Admire it from the Wineglass Bay lookout point or grab a picnic and hike down to one of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen. 

Driving Distance: 200kms, Tavel Time 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Freycinet - 2 nights

Set sail across the turquoise waters of Wineglass Bay; take in the sheer beauty of Wineglass Bay from the rarely seen perspective of the water, a shimmering crescent of white sand fringes spilling into glass turquoise waters. 

Uncover the rich history of the region, including aboriginal heritage and tales of early explorers and entrepreneurs. Sit back, relax, and watch out for humpback whales, dolphins, and sea eagles as you are taken from the gentle shores of Coles Bay, to one of the world's most beautiful beaches.

The riverside city of Launceston is a vibrant hub for food and wine, culture, and nature. It's famed for the Cataract Gorge, visit this unique natural formation with panoramic views, walking trails, sculpted gardens, and a chairlift, perhaps consider experiencing the Cataract Gorge River Cruise.

Visit the Queen Victoria Museum, in a 19th-century railway workshop, has exhibitions on Tasmanian history. Its sister Art Gallery lies across the river, by sprawling Royal Park.

Visit the vineyards of the Tamar Valley stretch northwest along the Tamar River. The Tamar Valley is Tasmania's oldest wine-growing area and a place where premium cool-climate wines have become a major tourist attraction on a world scale.

Approximate Distance: 178 km | 110 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Launceston - 1 Night

After a very scenic drive, you enter Cradle Mountain National Park, arguably one of the prettiest National Parks in Australia. With alpine wilderness, abundant native wildlife, and a huge variety of walking trails to choose from you'll love exploring this peaceful haven.

The gentle Dove Lake Circuit takes around 2 hours with amazing mountain views. Or you try the climb to Marion’s Lookout if you feel energetic. It's ridiculously steep but the lake & mountain views from the top are a worthy reward.

Approximate Distance: 141 km | 87 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain - 2 Nights

Cradle Mountain National Park is arguably one of the prettiest National Parks in Australia. With alpine wilderness, abundant native wildlife and a huge variety of walking trails to choose from you'll love exploring this peaceful haven.  If hiking isn't your thing, there are endless ways to explore the area: try a scenic flight, horse treks, canyoning adventure, or a wildlife-spotting walk to name but a few!

This evening visit  the unique Tasmanian conservation sanctuary 'Devils @ Cradle' , located at the entrance to the spectacular World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Your visit will provide an insight into the daily operation of a working conservation facility for one of the world’s iconic animals, knowing your ticket fee is contributing to our conservation of these species.

Strahan is a harbour-side village with a dark and fascinating convict past set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Nestled on the shores of massive Macquarie Harbour, Strahan is the gateway to the World Heritage listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Strahan is full of stories from the days of convicts and pioneers toughing it out in Tassie's wild west. These days, Strahan is an iconic travel destination with shops selling artisan wares and eateries serving up delicious local produce.

Approximate Distance: 145kms | 90 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 10 mins

Accommodation: Strahan - 2 nights

Cruising aboard Spirit of the Wild on the national award-winning Gordon River Cruise is a must, you will experience quiet cruising with electric motors while taking in the tranquil surrounds of the Gordon River. Dedicated guides and character-based interpretation will take you through the history of this remarkable place as you cruise across Macquarie Harbour to Hells Gates and then on to the Gordon River.

Today return to the Seaside city of Hobart, taking in the stunning scenery along the way.

If you have time, pop up to Lake St Clair to see the Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park from another perspective. Lake St Clair is at the southern end of the National Park and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Aboriginal people of the area called the lake Leeawuleena, meaning sleeping water. Carved out by ice during several glaciations over the last two million years, this is the deepest freshwater lake in Australia (167 metres/ 547 feet) and the headwaters of the Derwent River.

Approximate Distance: 299 km | 187 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 59 mins

Accommodation: Hobart - 2 nights

The award-winning Salamanca Market is Tasmania's most visited tourist attraction and one of the largest outdoor markets in all of Australia. This iconic Saturday tradition brings Hobart's waterfront alive with a celebration of the senses.

In a vibrant atmosphere of cultural commerce, over 300 stallholders line the street from sunrise where locally crafted products include Tasmanian timber treasures and homewares, unique clothing and jewelry, fresh and seasonal produce, artwork, leather goods soaps and skincare, artisan cheeses, breads, as well as tasty 'on the go' eats. The historic sandstone warehouses form the background to this bustling event, with the waterfront beckoning just alongside.

Say farewell to Tasmania today as you drop off your rental car and board your onward flight. We know you will enjoy your Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.