Tassie's Most Iconic in 11 days | Tassie Tours

Join this fully inclusive tour of Tasmania’s most iconic locations with our friendly, local, and knowledgeable guides for 11 days and 10 nights. This unforgettable experience leaves no stone unturned, embracing everything Tasmania has to offer.

Witness dramatic coastlines, rare and remarkable wildlife in their natural habitat, rich convict history, an eccentric art scene, and an eclectic food range. We can assure you there is something for everyone on this unique island down under.

Travel through the most spectacular regions of this extraordinary island state, taking in all the highlights - from inspiring wildlife sanctuaries and beautiful winery regions to picturesque beaches, wondrous cruises, wilderness train journeys, World Heritage-listed convict sites, and charming historic villages.

Delve deep and uncover Tasmania's vast wilderness and untouched national parks, home to a diversity of unspoiled habitats and ecosystems, and experience firsthand the natural, ancient beauty these places have to offer.

Highlights

• Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
• MONA Museum and Ferry
• Port Arthur Historic Site and harbour cruise
• East Coast Nature World
• Seahorse World
• Platypus House
• National Park Pass for Freycinet & Cradle Mountain
• Gordon River Cruise OR West Coast Wilderness railway
• The Wall in the Wilderness

Day 1: Arrival in Hobart

Our arrival day is for passengers to settle into Hobart and unwind in their centrally located accommodation.

In the evening, feel free to say hello to our team and fellow guests, with whom you will be travelling for the next 10 days. There will be welcoming drinks from 5 pm, which will be followed by a delicious two-course dinner.

• Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor or an alternative hotel with a similar standard
• Included Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Hobart to Bruny Island to Hobart

This morning, we begin your Tasmanian tour with a visit to one of the island’s most celebrated day tours — the magnificent Bruny Island.

Our day starts with a 7:30 AM hotel pick-up, leaving the early morning hustle and bustle of Hobart City as we travel south to the sleepy coastal village of Kettering. Here, we board the ferry for a short ride across the tranquil waters of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel to reach the shores of Bruny Island.

After disembarkation, we proceed to Adventure Bay to check in at 9:30 AM for the award-winning Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise. Explore the island’s rugged southern coastline, cruising alongside some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags, and up close to the awe-inspiring ‘Breathing Rock’. Enter deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and ‘The Monument’, and feel the power of nature where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. Along the way, join in the search for abundant coastal wildlife, including seals, dolphins, migrating whales, and seabirds. The highly trained interpretive guides are passionate about what they do, ensuring the experience is fun, entertaining, informative, and unforgettable.

After your cruise, enjoy lunch at the Bruny Island Cruises Restaurant, followed by a search for the elusive albino wallaby. We then proceed to The Neck lookout, where the North and South of the island converge at an isthmus. The climb involves many steps, but the reward is a magical, 360-degree view of southern Tasmania.

Following the climb, we unwind and relax while sampling award-winning local produce, including honey, cheese, beverages, and oysters, as we make our way toward the ferry for the return drive to Hobart.

• Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor or an alternative hotel with a similar standard
• Included Meals: Breakfast
• Included Activities: Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

Day 3: Hobart to Richmond to Mt Wellington to Hobart

Today, we explore Hobart and its surrounds, uncovering the beauty of Australia’s second-oldest and southernmost capital city.

Our day begins with an 8:00 AM hotel pick-up, starting with a gentle guided commentary loop of Hobart CBD and its iconic landmarks. From there, we ascend to the summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington, where you will be greeted by pristine air and breathtaking views of Hobart and the surrounding landscape.

We then descend from the summit to Hobart’s waterfront and visit the world-renowned Salamanca Market for morning tea and exploration. Here, over 300 stalls of fresh produce, bespoke arts, and artisan crafts come together, offering Tasmania’s largest selection of locally made products.

After approximately 90 minutes at the markets, we travel to Richmond — an iconic township rich in convict history, sandstone and colonial buildings, and home to Australia’s oldest bridge and Catholic church. There will be an opportunity to enjoy lunch at one of the many quaint cafés and shops lining the streets.

Next, we stop at the Wicked Cheese Company to sample their award-winning cheeses before proceeding to one of the most quirky and thought-provoking destinations in the world — the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) and Moorilla Winery. This awe-inspiring museum is designed to shock, surprise, and provoke thought. After your visit, board the MONA ROMA ferry back to the Hobart waterfront, where you can continue exploring at your leisure and make your own way back to the hotel.

Dinner tonight is at your own choice, with a range of restaurants within the CBD and waterfront. Suggested options include Roaring Grill, Cargo, Ball and Chain, Bar Wa Izakaya, Customs House, Blue Eye, Mures, the Drunken Admiral, or the food punts along the waterfront.

• Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor or an alternative hotel with a similar standard
• Included Meals: Breakfast
• Included Activities: MONA Museum and Ferry back to Hobart

Day 4: Hobart to Port Arthur

Our morning begins with a 9:00 AM hotel pick-up, followed by a relaxing 90-minute drive east past farmlands, vineyards, and small country towns toward our destination — Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula. En route, we stop at Pirate’s Bay Lookout for a photo and to take in the views of our destination.

A short drive later, we visit the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry for tastings of their unique hand-forged chocolates, traditional-style chocolates, or a refreshing ice cream.

Next, we stop at Port Arthur Lavender, a family-owned and operated farm overlooking Long Bay. Stroll through fragrant lavender fields, explore the gift shop and gardens, sample or purchase lavender products, or simply enjoy a coffee and morning tea.

We then spend approximately three hours at the Port Arthur Historic Site, including a harbour cruise. During this time, you can grab lunch at the onsite café or eateries, either dine-in or takeaway, while taking in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed former penal colony and its historic buildings.

After exploring the site, you have the option to join the bus for a visit to the Remarkable Caves. Take in the vista from Maingon Bay Lookout, overlooking the Southern Ocean, watch wild waves crash against the sea cliffs, and admire views of Penguin Rocks and the bay. Descend 115 steps to the Remarkable Caves, surrounded by ancient sandstone cliffs. At certain times of the year, weather conditions and tides may cause water to rush through the cave — be prepared to get a little wet! For those who prefer to spend more time at the historic site, the bus will return to collect you after the Remarkable Caves visit, allowing up to four hours at Port Arthur.

Finally, we take a short drive to our peaceful waterfront accommodation. Dinner tonight will be at the lodge’s restaurant, On the Bay.

• Accommodation: Stewarts Bay Lodge or an alternative hotel with a similar standard
• Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner
• Included Activities: Entry to the Port Arthur Historic Site with a harbour cruise

Day 5: Port Arthur to Freycinet to Bicheno

An early start at 7:30 AM sees us leaving Port Arthur for Freycinet National Park, home to the world-famous Wineglass Bay.

En route, we stop at Kate’s Berry Farm for morning tea, marking the start of our East Coast adventure. As we travel through the historic village of Swansea and skirt around the Apslawn Forest Reserve, our main destination begins to appear on the horizon.

Unwind and relax with lunch at Devil’s Corner Vineyard, accompanied by a tasting of the vineyard’s award-winning wines. Sit back on a sun-drenched deck overlooking the vineyard, The Hazards, and Great Oyster Bay as you soak in the scenery.

After enjoying delicious food and wine, we head into Freycinet National Park, where you will have one of two options:

• Iconic Wineglass Bay Lookout: Join a group walk to the lookout, classified as a Grade 3, 1.5 hour / 2.6 km return walk. The trail includes short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. There are plenty of seating spots along the track to rest and take in the spectacular views.

• Cape Tourville Lighthouse Short Walk: For those preferring a shorter walk, stay with the guide for the Grade 1 Cape Tourville Lighthouse trail. From here, enjoy views of the Tasman Sea and, at times of the year, spot migrating whales. After the lighthouse, descend to sea level, where you can enjoy relaxing beach walks or explore Honeymoon Bay.

After an afternoon in the national park, we head to our accommodation for the night — Beachfront Bicheno.

Dinner tonight will be served at the hotel pub.

• Accommodation: Beachfront Bicheno or an alternative hotel with a similar standard
• Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Included Activities: Tasting and lunch at Devil's Corner Vineyard

Day 6: Freycinet to St Helens

Our morning begins at 9:30 AM with a visit to East Coast Nature World wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to many native species, including Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, Forester kangaroos, spotted quolls, reptiles, and more. You will have the opportunity to watch a Tasmanian devil feeding and feed some other animals too. A light morning tea will be available at the Nature World café before we continue our journey.

Next, we head back to the little fishing village of Bicheno, stopping at the local Blowhole and enjoying a drive through its main sights on our way to lunch at the Lobster Shack. Boasting arguably the best dining location in Bicheno, the Lobster Shack is a boutique, farm-gate-style eatery overlooking the majestic ‘Gulch’, where lobster truly is the hero.

After lunch, we travel north along the East Coast, where old farm homesteads meet the wild Tasman Sea, until we reach Ironhouse Brewery on the wind- and sea-battered shoreline. Here, we enjoy a guided tour of Ironhouse and a tasting of some of their extraordinary craft beers, whiskeys, spirits, and wines.

Following a relaxing afternoon at Ironhouse, we continue to the fishing town of St Helens, where we stay at the newly constructed Tasman Holiday Park. Tonight is free for you to explore St Helens at your leisure.

• Accommodation: Tasman Holiday Park or an alternative hotel with a similar standard
• Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Included Activities: Entry to East Coast Nature World Wildlife Sanctuary, tour and tasting at Ironhouse Brewery

Day 7: St Helens to Launceston

Our morning begins at 9 AM with a short drive up the coast to explore why Lonely Planet declared this area one of the world’s “Most Beautiful Beaches” and how it came to be named the “Bay of Fires.” For the daring, a quick, refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Binalong Bay is a must.

With fresh sea air (and a bit of sand) in our hair, we head inland to the idyllic dairy country town of Pyengana, stopping at the Pyengana Dairy Farmgate Café for a cheese tasting.

Next, the green pastures and grazing dairy cows give way to the densely wooded hills of St Columba Falls State Reserve. We venture into the heart of the reserve to discover one of Tasmania’s highest and least-visited waterfalls. A beautiful short stroll (Grade 1, 20 min / 1 km return) along a hard, compacted trail takes us through a forest of tree ferns, sassafras, beech, and myrtle - once prime Tasmanian Tiger habitat - to the base of the falls. The fine mist refreshes and invigorates as you stand at the base of the 90 m+ waterfall. While spotting a Tasmanian Tiger is unlikely, a sharp eye may catch another elusive resident, the platypus, rummaging in the creeks for yabbies.

Refreshed by the walk and ready for lunch, we head to the Pub in the Paddock — a quintessentially Tasmanian experience at a heritage-listed pub literally in the middle of a paddock. Here, you can enjoy a hearty meal and a beer or two. The pub has a unique resident drinking partner, Priscilla, the beer-guzzling pig (“special ales” only). While awaiting your meal, grab a couple of brews for yourself and Priscilla and take in the lush, forest-encapsulated pastoral valley.

After lunch, we continue to Bridestowe Lavender Estate, a large lavender farm where hillsides are lined with thousands of lavender rows. When in flower, the vibrant purple contrasts beautifully with the rich red soil and open sky - the ultimate photo opportunity. Be sure to try their delicious lavender ice cream.

As the day winds down, we travel to Launceston, the heart of the Tamar Valley wine region, and our overnight hotel. Dinner tonight will be served in the hotel restaurant.

• Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston or an alternative hotel with a similar standard
• Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner
• Included Activities: Tasting at Pyengana Dairy Farmgate cafe

Day 8: Launceston

Today is a recovery day, allowing us to take things a little slower and indulge in beautiful local produce, fine wine, and relaxation in Tasmania’s newly crowned UNESCO gastronomy region.

We begin at Launceston's Cataract Gorge - a local favourite on a sunny day. Here, you can choose to ride the single-span chairlift across the gorge, stroll around the grounds among peacocks and native wildlife, or enjoy morning tea at the café to ease into the day.

From Cataract Gorge, we cross the strikingly white Batman Bridge to the western shore and continue through to Beauty Point. Here, you can visit either Seahorse World or Platypus House for an up-close encounter with these extraordinary creatures. While marvelling at the platypus, we travel through the gold-mining town of Beaconsfield, passing its historic gold mine - the site of the tragic 2006 mine collapse and the subsequent rescue of trapped miners.

Next, we continue to Tamar Ridge Wine Centre, where we relax over lunch and a tasting of some of the world’s finest cool-climate wines.

With the flavours of wine and local produce lingering, we return to our Launceston hotel. Here, you can freshen up, take a short stroll to explore the city centre or visit the local park. Tonight, enjoy the freedom to explore Launceston at your own pace and dine at any of the city’s excellent restaurants.

• Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston or an alternative hotel with a similar standard
• Included Meals: Breakfast and lunch
• Included Activities: Entry to Seahorse World and Platypus House

Day 9: Launceston to Cradle Mountain to Tullah

This morning, we embark on our journey to the majesty of Cradle Mountain. Our day begins at 8:00 am with a visit to Tasmania’s outdoor art gallery - Sheffield - where over 150 murals line the town’s walls. Take the opportunity to grab a coffee, enjoy some morning tea, and stretch your legs while admiring the artwork.

With the foothills of Mt Roland as our compass, we continue toward Cradle Mountain National Park. Upon arrival, we check in at the visitor centre before heading to the jewel of the park - Dove Lake. Here, we spend an hour exploring the lake, with the option to enjoy a light pre-packed lunch on its shores.

Next, we visit Waldheim Chalet and Weindorfer’s Forest Walk (Grade 2, 750 m / 20 min loop) to uncover the colourful history of the Weindorfers. Exiting the chalet, enjoy a winding stroll through rainforest, where ancient King Billy pines, pandani, and Tasmania's renowned deciduous beech (Fagus) thrive among a variety of vibrant fungi and mosses — it feels as though you’ve stepped into a fairy-tale forest.

From Waldheim Chalet, we proceed to the Interpretation Centre and Peppers Lodge, where multiple short walks are available. Options include the Enchanted Forest Walk (Grade 2, 20 min / 1.1 km circuit) and the Pencil Pine Falls Rainforest Walk around the Interpretation Centre. For those with more energy, the King Billy Track (Grade 2, 40 min / 2 km circuit) is a boardwalk trail through old temperate rainforest, revealing myrtle, sassafras, and ancient King Billy pines up to 4,000 years old.

Finally, we continue to our overnight destination, Tullah Lakeside Lodge, set on the banks of Lake Rosebery in the heart of Tasmania’s wild west. Dinner will be served at the lodge’s Lakeside Bar & Grill.

• Accommodation: Tullah Lakeside Lodge or an alternative hotel with a similar standard
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Included Activities: Parks pass to Cradle Mountain National Park

Day 10: Tullah to Strahan

Today, you have the opportunity to choose between two award-winning experiences - the Gordon River Cruise or the West Coast Wilderness Railway.

Option 1: Gordon River Cruise

Step aboard Spirit of the Wild and glide through the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Take in the tranquil surroundings of the Gordon River in ‘Whisper Mode’ as dedicated guides provide character-based interpretations of this remarkable region, including Macquarie Harbour, Hells Gates, Heritage Landing, and Sarah Island. Experience Tasmania’s untouched rainforest, rugged history, and fascinating characters in a truly unforgettable way.

Gordon River Cruise Inclusions:

• Quiet cruising on the Gordon River with Spirit of the Wild's unique hybrid system
• First access to the Gordon River for optimal viewing of the famous reflections
• Dedicated on-board guides
• Character-based interpretation featuring historical figures such as Captain James Kelly and Lady Jane Franklin
• Chef-prepared buffet lunch
• Two walking tours (Heritage Landing and Sarah Island)
• Cash bar on the main deck

Premier Upper Deck Upgrade:
Enhance your cruise experience with the premium deck for an additional $151 per person, which includes:

• Complimentary Tasmanian red, white, and sparkling wines, as well as beers, juices, tea, and espresso coffee
• Premium leather recliners with full-length windows
• Private viewing deck and lounge area
• Morning and afternoon tea, plus canapés

After the cruise, we return to our accommodation.

Option 2 – West Coast Wilderness Railway

Travel south to the historic mining town of Queenstown, where we board the West Coast Wilderness Railway at the Queenstown Train Station. Step aboard a beautifully restored steam engine-powered train for a spectacular journey through mountainous rainforest terrain in luxury carriages. Sections of the railway are believed to be the steepest steam hauls in the Southern Hemisphere. The experience includes a glass of wine on arrival and light meals served throughout the journey.

West Coast Wilderness Railway Highlights:

• Journey deep into Western Tasmania’s cool temperate rainforest
• Pan for gold at Lynchford Station, named after prospector Cornelius Lynch, who discovered a cricket-ball-sized gold nugget in the 1880s
• Climb the steep mountainside at Rinadeena Saddle using the Abt rack and pinion system, the only operating system of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere
• Enjoy breathtaking views as you traverse the King River Gorge
• Take a short rainforest walk at Dubbil Barril and watch the train being turned on the turntable
• After the rail journey, enjoy a scenic loop of Queenstown before returning to Strahan

Tonight marks the final night of our tour. We will gather for a group dinner to celebrate the epic adventure we have shared over the past 10 days.

• Accommodation: Strahan Village or an alternative hotel with a similar standard
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Included Activities: West Coast Wilderness Railway OR Gordon River Cruise

Day 11:  Strahan to Hobart

This morning, we check out of our accommodation and begin our journey along the Lyell Highway into the Central Highlands, making our way back down to Hobart. Along the way, we stop at the Wall in the Wilderness at Derwent Bridge. Created over a 15-year period by wood sculptor Greg Duncan, the Wall tells the history of the highlands through 100 metres of timber, much of it rare Huon Pine. The intricately carved relief sculptures depict the hardship, perseverance, and achievements of the people who settled and protected the area.

After visiting the Wall, we continue to Derwent Bridge, where you can enjoy lunch before resuming our journey.

With our legs stretched and appetites satisfied, we begin our descent from the highlands through the scenic Derwent Valley, returning to Hobart. Upon arrival, your tour concludes, and your guide can drop you at the airport or your preferred hotel.

• Included Meals: Breakfast
• Included Activities: Entry to The Wall in the Wilderness