Tempting Tasmania

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DAY 1 - Sunday 16 November

Depending on arrival times, there should be plenty of scope to settle into our motel and explore some of the history and natural places of the beautiful city of Launceston. There is a city historical tour available in the morning, and in the afternoon, walks in Cataract Gorge and Tamar Island boardwalks are on our agenda (next two nights Sanders on the Park, Launceston - 60km)

DAY 2 - Monday 17 November

From Launceston we head to Mt Barrow (1450m) for spectacular views and alpine scenery on our way through Scottsdale and Derby to Mount William National Park. Lunch at Eddystone Lighthouse before heading south through St Helens and Scamander and returning to Launceston through the forests of Ben Lomond National Park (400km; some easy walking)

DAY 3 - Tuesday 18 November

Hoping for a sunny day today for our trip to the Western Tiers via Devil’s Gullet. Walking in this area is relatively easy but allows access to alpine conditions only gained usually by much longer more difficult walks. We are rewarded with spectacular views of glacial lakes and tarns and distant mountains (overnight Cradle Mountain Chateau - 140km; good walking opportunities)

DAY 4 - Wednesday 19 November

A relaxed start today with time at Cradle Mountain to walk Dove Lake before morning tea. Leaving Cradle Mountain we travel through Hellyer Gorge and on to the east coast, visiting Rocky Cape National Park, Stanley and Highfield Historic site before reaching Smithton (next two nights Tall Timbers Resort - 250km; medium difficulty walks)

DAY 5 - Thursday 20 November

Today is spent exploring the northwest corner, visiting aboriginal sites on the way to Arthur River for a cruise on the MV George Robinson and lunch with quolls. We then head across to enjoy rainforest walks to Lake Chisholm and back to our base at Smithton via the Milkshake Hills (220km; 2km flat easy walk)

DAY 6 - Friday 21 November

Leaving Smithton we head south to explore one of the newest and most spectacular wilderness drives in Australia. This controversial road has opened up the Tarkine Wilderness linking the north west corner with the towns of Zeehan and Strahan, crossing the Pieman River and running close to the Arthur Pieman Protected area (next two nights Strahan Motor Inn - 230km; short walks)

DAY 7 - Saturday 22 November

A very full day exploring around Strahan, including visits to Sarah Island, King River and Macquarie Heads. Optional flight to Gordon River (80km)

DAY 8 - Sunday 23 November

Leaving the west coast we travel through the moonscape of Queenstown before enjoying rainforest walks around the Franklin River area with great views of Frenchmans Cap and surrounding mountains. We have lunch along the way before reaching our overnight destination of Maydena, near Lake Pedder (overnight Giants Table & Cottages - 300km; easy walks)

DAY 9 - Monday 24 November

Time to visit the Gordon Dam and some short walks before heading off to Mt Field National Park to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery, alpine woodlands, lakes, rainforest and abundant wildlife. A walk to the 40m Russell Falls is a must. Following the Derwent River through Bushy Park (historic hop growing area) and New Norfolk, we arrive in Hobart in time for some sight seeing, including a visit to Mt Wellington (next three nights Mid City Motel - 150km; easy and difficult walking options)

DAY 10 - Tuesday 25 November

A break from driving today with a free day; options varying from discovering the delights of the docks and Battery Point on foot to flying over the South West (landing at Melaleuca for lunch). Options will be discussed earlier in the trip in order to make bookings.

DAY 11 - Wednesday 26 November

Today is dedicated to exploring Bruny Island – an undeveloped destination with beautiful coastal scenery, rainforest walks and an interesting history. We travel south from Hobart through Margate and Snug returning along the coast through Tinderbox and Blackman Bay.

DAY 12 - Thursday 27 November

Leaving Hobart we head east following the coast through Dodges Ferry and across Dunalley onto the Forestier Peninsular. We continue south across Eaglehawk Neck and onto the historic site of Port Arthur. Apart from spending time at this historic site we will also visit the tallest cliffs (300m) in Australia, and beautiful Fortesque Bay – part of Tasman National Park (overnight Fox & Hounds Motel - 150km; easy walking)

DAY 13 - Friday 28 November

There is time this morning for more exploration of the Tasman Peninsula before following the coast north to Bicheno. Stops along the way for walks (Sandspit Forest Reserve and Swansea) and viewing of the penguin colonies while staying at Bicheno (next two nights Beachfront Motel - 190km; short easy walks)

DAY 14 - Saturday 29 November

A day of walking and exploration within Freycinet National Park, with features such as Wineglass Bay and the granite mountains of The Hazards (85km; medium walks)

DAY 15 - Sunday 30 November

Our last day takes us through the historic towns of Campbelltown and Ross before following country back roads to Cressy and Longford and on to Launceston or the Airport (195km)
Arrangements can be made to stay on in Tasmania, including visits to King Island.

Includes travel, twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities, all meals and comprehensive notes.