Best Buys
Tasmanian Wonders
10 Day Guided Vacation | Hobart Return
Travel Period
From the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area to Port Arthur Historic Site, World Heritage-listed attractions steal the scene on this Tasmania tour encircling the state. In between are atmospheric towns and innovative producers, plus Cradle Mountain tours and Freycinet adventures. Steel yourself for 10 days of wonderment.
Prices From Code: FHLH
$3278
$3867
Child prices are available on request
Secure your trip with a deposit
Tasmanian Wonders
Best Buys
10 Day Guided Vacation
Hobart Return
From the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area to Port Arthur Historic Site, World Heritage-listed attractions steal the scene on this Tasmania tour encircling the state. In between are atmospheric towns and innovative producers, plus Cradle Mountain tours and Freycinet adventures. Steel yourself for 10 days of wonderment.
Highlights
Flexible Vacations
Discover Tasmania’s wild side spotting devils after dark, searching for wombats or following in the footsteps of little penguins. Or just chill out with a glass of wine.
Time For You
Forward-thinking galleries, cafes, restaurants and parks await in Hobart and Launceston. Explore them at your own pace.
Iconic Sites
From untamed wilderness areas like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park to the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur, Tassie is not short on attractions.
Sustainable Travel
Your entry fees into the state’s national parks assist with the conservation of these pristine natural environments.
Natural Wonders
Cruise the Gordon River amid World Heritage-listed wilderness, the banks clad with ancient forest, including a 2,000-year-old pine.
Itinerary
Tasmanian Wonders (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2023 – 31 Mar 2024)
The Tasmanian capital of Hobart may be small in size, but it’s big in attractions, as you’ll discover on a walking tour around the city. Step back in time at Battery Point, settled as a defensive outpost in the 19th century. Then explore the cobbled streets of Salamanca Place, the site of epic weekend markets. Gaze over boats at Constitution Dock – this is where yachts finish when competing in the annual Sydney to Hobart race. Put your destination into perspective from the summit of Mt. Nelson, offering endless vistas over Australia’s southernmost city.
Hotel: Best Western Hobart
Included Meals: Dinner
Western Tasmania is like nature writ large, a place where the wilderness rules and people are few and far between. Visiting Mount Field National Park is a humbling experience, not only for the fact it’s part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, but also because it’s home to some of the tallest eucalypts and tallest flowering plants on Earth. Wander amid these giants to reach Russell Falls – take a deep breath; your Tasmania tour has begun. Records continue to be broken at Lake St. Clair, the deepest freshwater Lake in Australia, before you arrive in Strahan, gateway to World Heritage-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
Hotel: Strahan Village
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The Gordon River is your playground today, the dark waters here given their colour by amber button-grass tannins. The only thing breaking the mirror-like surface is your chariot as you cruise to Sarah Island, a former penal colony where convicts would fell Huon pines for boat building. Thankfully, they didn’t get to the 2,000-year-old pine that still stands proud at Heritage Landing. Glide past Hells Gates, the treacherous entrance to the harbour, before motoring on toward your Cradle Mountain tour. This wilderness area offers one of the best chances of spotting Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat. Opt to head out after dark to spot these elusive creatures.
Hotel: Cradle Mountain Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today has multiple highs – quite literally. The first is 1,545-metre Cradle Mountain, your backdrop as you wander to Dove Lake. You don’t need to look too hard to spot Bennett’s wallabies, echidnas, and pademelons. The second high is ‘The Nut’, a dramatic 152-metre plateau created by the remains of an ancient volcanic plug. It guards over Stanley, a tiny village with swagger to spare. You could spend days exploring the town’s remarkably well-preserved heritage buildings. But more Tasmania holiday highlights await around the corner.
Hotel: Tall Timbers
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
If there’s a town with a cuter name than Penguin, we’re yet to find it. Locals embrace its appeal – there are penguin sculptures at every turn, including one measuring 10 metres tall. Your journey along the northwest coast also passes through Burnie, Ulverstone and Sheffield, the latter delivering a surprise collection of 60 murals telling the area’s history. All this exploring builds an appetite. Refuel at Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm, where happy cows contribute to award-winning cheeses – everything from cheddar and red Leicester to creamy Tasmanian blue.
Hotel: Best Western Plus Launceston, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
There are few places in the world where you can leave the city behind and within minutes be amid an immense wilderness are. Launceston is one. There are few places in the world where you can leave the city behind and within minutes be amid an immense wilderness are. Launceston is one. Blink and you’re at Cataract Gorge, a yawning chasm carved by ancient rivers. This rare natural phenomenon unites bushland with neat Victorian gardens, replete with ferns and exotic plants. Get a different perspective of the green cavern on the scenic chairlift, zipping you over the water to a lofty lookout. We wouldn’t blame you for lingering here, perhaps cruising the river to venture deeper into the gorge. Or sample more of Tassie’s finest fare on a Tamar Valley winery tour. This afternoon, the choice is yours.
Included Meals: Breakfast
You’ll smell Bridestowe before you see it, this enormous lavender farm perfuming the Tasmanian countryside. The flowers grown here aren’t just used in fragrances – they’re also infused into ice-cream, teas and jams. It’s a tasty entrée to the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees, sculpted into World War One soldiers. Little penguins come out to play in Bicheno; sign up to spot them after dark as they waddle to shore from the water.
Hotel: Beachfront at Bicheno
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The colours at Freycinet National Park are so vivid you’ll think someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time: The patchwork of ocean blues that lap Coles and Wineglass bays. The powdery white of sand. The intense green of the forest. There’s a reason why Freycinet adventures star on postcards. The other place on postcards is Richmond, its grand 1820s Georgian buildings today home to bijou boutiques, galleries and cafes that appear to be lost in time
Hotel: Best Western Hobart, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
The Isle of the Dead, Devil’s Kitchen, Blowhole… the attractions at and around Port Arthur nod to the region’s notoriously harsh history. This is the best-preserved convict site in Australia, and among the most significant convict-era destinations worldwide. The stories these walls could tell.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
It took early explorers months to circumnavigate Tasmania. You’ve completed your Tasmania tour in just 10 days. What a wild ride.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
- WiFi / Internet Access
- Gym facilities
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
Features
Strahan Village is an ideal base for exploring Tasmania's stunning wilderness. Journey into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park with Gordon River Cruises, encounter west coast wildlife and history on the Bonnet Island Experience and discover Strahan’s culture and heritage as you explore the museums, galleries and attractions of this historic fishing port.
- Ensuite
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Refrigerator
- TV
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Hairdryer
- Radio
- Iron / Ironing Board
- 220/240 V AC
Features
Cradle Mountain Hotel is a stylish, wilderness hotel, located at the northern boundary of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain Hotel offers warm, welcoming accommodation within easy reach of Tasmania’s most iconic wilderness experiences.
- Heater
- TV
- Ensuite
- Bathtub and shower
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Shared self-service laundry facilities
Features
Tall Timbers offers its guests holiday accommodation on the North West Coast of Tasmania, ranging from luxury self contained apartments to cabin style units. Our accommodation is situated at the rear of the main hotel complex. Tall Timbers Tasmania boasts unique and stylish accommodation, set out to take advantage of the stunning rural views. Relax and unwind, take a walk around the lake or picnic in the grounds near the waterfall. A modern guest laundry is provided to cater for visitors’ requirements.
- Ensuite
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Room service
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- ISD/STD phone
- Wireless Internet access
- In-house movies
Features
With its distinct style and personalised guest services – all features of the BEST WESTERN PLUS brand, whether your travel needs are for leisure or work, the Best Western Plus Launceston hotel caters for all guest needs with comfort and ease.
Staying at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Launceston locates you close to several Launceston attractions, and a short walk from the main shopping area.
- LCD TV
- Wi-Fi
- Pay TV
- Foxtel
- Ensuite
- Hairdryer
- Bathroom Amenities
- Free wireless internet access
- Work Desk
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Heater
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Direct Dial Telephone
- Radio
- Iron / Ironing Board
Features
Stay at this centrally located Bicheno resort, situated directly opposite the beach and minutes from scuba diving, fishing spots and penguin tours. The Beachfront at Bicheno is the most ideally located accommodation in Bicheno. Located opposite the beach, Beachfront at Bicheno affords breathtaking views of Waubs Bay and is the perfect base to explore Tasmania’s stunningly beautiful east coast.
- Air-conditioning
- High-speed internet access
- Austar
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- LCD TV
Features
- WiFi / Internet Access
- Gym facilities
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
Features
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- • Local Specialists (Guides)
- • Centrally located premium hotels
What to Bring
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Camera
- • Comfortable walking shoes
Fitness Requirements
- • Freycinet National Park and the Port Arthur Historic site - Medium level of fitness required
- • Russell Falls and Cataract Gorge - Low to medium level of fitness required
Dining
- • 9 Full Breakfasts
- • 1 Lunch
- • 5 Dinners
- • 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
- • Day 1: Flight to arrive by 12:30pm into Hobart Airport
- • Day 10: Flights to depart any time from Hobart Airport
Tasmanian Wonders
Best Buys
10 Day Guided Vacation
Hobart Return
There’s little of the Apple Isle you won’t experience on this full tour of Tasmania. This is an experience spanning Tasmania’s charming cities, World Heritage-listed sites and humbling wilderness – much of it (the Tarkine, Cradle Mountain, Gordon River) along the wild West Coast. When you’re not gazing over Australia’s best beaches in the east (Wineglass Bay regularly takes the honour), opportunities abound to indulge in regional produce – whiskey, wine or oysters.
Highlights
Flexible Vacations
Add animal encounters to your adventure, whether spotting Tassie devils after dark or adorable little penguins in Bicheno.
Iconic Sites
From soaring Cradle Mountain to the Gordon River in Strahan and Stanley’s The Nut, natural drama awaits. And then there’s historic Port Arthur…
Time For You
Downtime awaits in Launceston: cruise the Tamar, explore regional wineries or discover Beaconsfield Mine. You choose.
Sustainable Travel
Your entry fees into the state’s national parks assist with the conservation of these pristine natural environments.
Itinerary
Tasmanian Wonders (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023)
Your Tasmanian holiday begins today with an afternoon tour of Hobart. You’ll see historic Battery Point, Salamanca Place, take a wander through the Botanic Gardens, Constitution Dock, the destination of yachts participating in the Sydney to Hobart race each year, and Mt. Nelson, which affords panoramic views over Australia’s southernmost city. Enjoy the company of your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening at a Welcome Reception and dinner.
Hotel: Wrest Point
Included Meals: Dinner
This morning, you’ll head west to New Norfolk and magnificent Mt. Field National Park. Here, you'll take a stroll through lush rainforest to the many-tiered cascade of picturesque Russell Falls. Then enjoy the scenic drive to iconic Lake St. Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia, and continue through the rainforest to the coastal town of Strahan. Nestled on the shores of Macquarie Harbour, a waterway six times the size of Sydney Harbour, Strahan is the gateway to the World Heritage listed Franklin- Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
Hotel: Strahan Village
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's highlight experience is a lunch cruise on the Gordon River. You’ll be awestruck by the beauty of the dark waters. Stained amber by Button-grass tannins, they reflect the untouched wilderness that surrounds them. Stop at Sarah Island for an insight into a relic of Tasmania’s lesser-known convict history, the Macquarie Harbour Penal Settlement. See Hells Gates, the treacherous entrance to the harbour, and Heritage Landing, site of a 2,000-year-old Huon Pine. Travel through the mining towns of Rosebery and Tullah on your way to your hotel. After dinner tonight, you may choose to do an optional animal night spotting tour or perhaps take advantage of a rare opportunity to see Tasmanian Devils feeding after dark.
Hotel: Cradle Mountain Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, marvel at the inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park. Join your Travel Director for a guided walk by Dove Lake, where you may spot Bennett’s wallabies, echidnas, and pademelons along the way. Travel on through rolling green hills to Table Cape for spectacular views of Bass Strait. Picturesque Stanley is in your sights as you head west. Enjoy views of the sheer-sided Stanley bluff known as ‘The Nut’ and take some time to explore. Your destination this evening is Smithton.
Hotel: Tall Timbers
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel along the picturesque northwest coast visiting townships such as Burnie and Penguin where you’ll stop for morning tea and get a chance to wander around the shops and beachfront. Continue on to Ulverstone before heading inland to Sheffield, home to over 60 murals depicting the area’s rich history. You’ll learn about dairy production methods at the award-winning Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm on your way to Launceston, Tasmania’s ‘northern capital’.
Hotel: Best Western Plus Launceston, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
This morning visit the unique natural formation of the Cataract Gorge, home to the longest single-span chairlift in the world. You may choose to take the easy walk around the First Basin and across the historic suspension bridge, or why not relax in one of the gorge’s cafes and just soak up the tranquillity? The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, exploring all that Launceston has to offer. Consider an optional experience on a Cataract Gorge River Cruise. Alternatively, why not stay local with a visit to the Art Gallery or the historic Tramway Museum?
Included Meals: Breakfast
Bridestowe Lavender Estate, producer of high-quality lavender since 1922, is your first stop today. Later, visit the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees, sculpted into World War One soldiers, then after a stop for lunch at coastal St Helens, follow the picturesque east coast south to Bicheno. This evening you might like to take an optional tour to see Bicheno’s wild penguins as they emerge from the ocean (seasonal.)
Hotel: Beachfront at Bicheno
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, experience the grandeur of Freycinet National Park, visiting Coles Bay and taking a guided walk to the lookout at Cape Tourville that affords astonishing views across brilliant blue water, verdant forest and golden beaches. On your way to Hobart, you’ll travel through Swansea and Orford before making a lunch stop in historic Richmond. This village is famous for its elegant Georgian architecture, with beautiful heritage buildings dating to the 1820s now housing galleries, tea shops, craft boutiques and museums. Our final stop for the day is to the shores of the Derwent River in Hobart where you’ll immerse yourself in local Aboriginal traditions including a Welcome to Country ceremony performed by the local Palawa people.
Hotel: Wrest Point, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site today, taking a cruise around the Isle of the Dead and a fascinating guided walk of the remains of Port Arthur’s infamous convict prison. There will be time for you to wander the site at your leisure. On the drive back to Hobart, see the amazing natural rock formations of the craggy Tasman Arch, the Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole. This evening, mingle with your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner in one of Hobart’s most iconic restaurants.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Experience an absolute Hobart waterfront destination at Wrest Point; with spectacular river and mountain views and great service.
- Air-conditioning
- Business Facilities
- Foxtel
- Wi-Fi
- Guest Laundry
- Mini Bar
- Austar
- Shower Over Bath
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- TV
Features
Strahan Village is an ideal base for exploring Tasmania's stunning wilderness. Journey into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park with Gordon River Cruises, encounter west coast wildlife and history on the Bonnet Island Experience and discover Strahan’s culture and heritage as you explore the museums, galleries and attractions of this historic fishing port.
- Ensuite
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Refrigerator
- TV
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Hairdryer
- Radio
- Iron / Ironing Board
- 220/240 V AC
Features
Cradle Mountain Hotel is a stylish, wilderness hotel, located at the northern boundary of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain Hotel offers warm, welcoming accommodation within easy reach of Tasmania’s most iconic wilderness experiences.
- Heater
- TV
- Ensuite
- Bathtub and shower
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Shared self-service laundry facilities
Features
Tall Timbers offers its guests holiday accommodation on the North West Coast of Tasmania, ranging from luxury self contained apartments to cabin style units. Our accommodation is situated at the rear of the main hotel complex. Tall Timbers Tasmania boasts unique and stylish accommodation, set out to take advantage of the stunning rural views. Relax and unwind, take a walk around the lake or picnic in the grounds near the waterfall. A modern guest laundry is provided to cater for visitors’ requirements.
- Ensuite
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Room service
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- ISD/STD phone
- Wireless Internet access
- In-house movies
Features
With its distinct style and personalised guest services – all features of the BEST WESTERN PLUS brand, whether your travel needs are for leisure or work, the Best Western Plus Launceston hotel caters for all guest needs with comfort and ease.
Staying at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Launceston locates you close to several Launceston attractions, and a short walk from the main shopping area.
- LCD TV
- Wi-Fi
- Pay TV
- Foxtel
- Ensuite
- Hairdryer
- Bathroom Amenities
- Free wireless internet access
- Work Desk
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Heater
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Direct Dial Telephone
- Radio
- Iron / Ironing Board
Features
Stay at this centrally located Bicheno resort, situated directly opposite the beach and minutes from scuba diving, fishing spots and penguin tours. The Beachfront at Bicheno is the most ideally located accommodation in Bicheno. Located opposite the beach, Beachfront at Bicheno affords breathtaking views of Waubs Bay and is the perfect base to explore Tasmania’s stunningly beautiful east coast.
- Air-conditioning
- High-speed internet access
- Austar
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- LCD TV
Features
Experience an absolute Hobart waterfront destination at Wrest Point; with spectacular river and mountain views and great service.
- Air-conditioning
- Business Facilities
- Foxtel
- Wi-Fi
- Guest Laundry
- Mini Bar
- Austar
- Shower Over Bath
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- TV
Features
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.
Optional Experiences
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The excursions can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.
Adult Price: AUD 66.50 Child Price: AUD 26.50
A penguin tour is the best way to see penguins up close and in their own natural habitat. The penguins are accustomed to our tour however our friendly, knowledgeable guides take extreme care not to disturb them from our multiple viewing areas.
Adult: $38.00
Child: $20.00
Adult Price: AUD 240.00 Child Price: AUD 175.00
Cruise alongside some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags and drift up close to listen to the awesome ‘Breathing Rock’. Enter deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and ‘The Monument’ and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. Join in the search for the abundant coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. The highly trained interpretive guides love what they do. *Please Note: This tour returns to Hobart at approximately 5:30pm. In order to partake on the last day of your tour, you will need to have post tour accommodation booked or an outbound flight that departs after 8pm approx.
Adult Price: AUD 210.00 Child Price: AUD 175.00
Savour a delicious al fresco morning tea and a cellar door lunch of specialty local produce including Bruny Island Cheese, oysters, salmon, wine, bread and berries - all grown, made or harvested on Bruny. At The Neck, see the narrow isthmus stretch away south in graceful curves. Enjoy short walks in the South Bruny National Park and see white wallabies, native wildlife and birds in their natural habitat. Hear the stories of the people who have shaped Bruny Island, from the whalers who used to camp at Adventure Bay, to the lighthouse keepers and their families who braved difficult conditions to keep the light burning at Cape Bruny. *Please Note: This tour returns to Hobart at approximately 5:30pm. In order to partake on the last day of your tour, you will need to have post tour accommodation booked or an outbound flight that departs after 8pm approx.
Adult Price: AUD 170.00 Child Price: AUD 85.00
Experience cool temperate rainforests with unique Tasmanian timbers and wild rivers. Walk the tree tops of pristine forest at TahuneAirwalk after travelling the Huon River Valley, a region of tended fields, superb forest clad rivers and fishing villages set by picturesque inlets.
* Post Tour booking only. If your tour ends in Hobart, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details
Optional Experiences indicated are Australian or New Zealand dollars. Please note that occasionally weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. Some also depend on a minimum number of participants and suitable time being available. Please see your Travel Director for a full list of experiences.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- • Local Specialists (Guides)
- • Centrally located premium hotels
What to Bring
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Camera
- • Comfortable walking shoes
Fitness Requirements
- • Freycinet National Park and the Port Arthur Historic site - Medium level of fitness required
- • Russell Falls and Cataract Gorge - Low to medium level of fitness required
Dining
- • 9 Full Breakfasts
- • 1 Lunch
- • 5 Dinners
- • 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
- • Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12.30pm into Hobart Airport
- • Day 10 – flights to depart anytime from Hobart Airport
