Things to do in

Cradle Mountain

Meet your coach at one of the Launceston pickup points, and travel in comfort to Cradle Mountain National Park. Take a 15-minute scenic tour through Sheffield to see some of the highlights of the Town of Murals along the way. Journey along the Great Western Tiers of the Central Highlands to arrive at Cradle Mountain Visitor Center. Get a short break before entering the national park to drive to Dove Lake. Embark on a guided nature walk through the rainforest and pass quartzite beaches. Discover the remnants of the last Ice Age at Glacier Rock. Then depart for Waldheim Chalet to enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh rolls, wraps, salad fillings, cheeses, and local meats. Get shown around the first accommodation to open in the national park before a short forest walk, time permitting. Make your way back to Launceston, stopping at the Ashgrove Cheese Farm to taste an amazing array of cheeses and other local produce along the way.

Departing from Hobart, escape into Tasmania's wilderness and travel coast to coast to explore and experience the best of the island on this 5-day tour. Journey to the wild and rugged West Coast for waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife. Then experience the startling change of scenery as the tour continues on through the alpine wilderness of Cradle Mountain to the white sands of the Bay of Fires. Full of famous attractions, fun and adventure, this tour will show you the best of Tasmania! Day 1: Hobart to Strahan Depart Hobart at 7:30 AM and drive through the Derwent Valley, traveling east to west across the island. You’ll see the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park Tall Trees, and visit Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and end the day in Strahan where you will stay overnight. Day 2: Wild West Coast   In the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast, explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Then, continue into the Tarkine Rainforest and walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall Montezuma Falls. Or choose to join the world famous Gordon River Cruise (optional, at your own expense). Stay overnight at Strahan. Day 3: Cradle Mountain Around 950m above sea level is the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park, where you choose a walk to suit you. With an extensive range of tracks, stroll around Dove Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. A short drive takes you through Sheffield, the "town of murals", to Launceston. Stay overnight at Launceston. Day 4: Bay of Fires Head to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. Enjoy the pristine white sands and orange lichen-clad boulders. Learn about the rich culture of the palawa (Tasmanian aboriginal people). Later, Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive takes you from St Helens to the seaside town of Bicheno, home of the little penguin. Stay overnight in Bicheno. Day 5: Freycinet National Park to Hobart An early start means you are the first to the Wineglass Bay lookout. Relax on the secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mount Amos or Hazards Beach walk. Continue further along the scenic east coast via the seaside towns of Swansea and Orford on the way to Hobart.

Depart from Hobart to spend the whole day in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Hike in the wilderness and explore Marion's Lookout, Ronny Creak, and the Dove Lake Circuit. Gaze at Cradle mountain and enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board your eleven-seater bus at the hotel early in the morning and relax aboard, with reclining seats, plenty of luggage space and phone chargers. Then, stop in the town of Deloraine and purchase breakfast at Mamma Buzz Café. Arrive at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and go hiking. Walk up to Marion's Lookout and out again via Ronny Creek, or go on the Dove Lake Circuit. Marvel at the beautiful Tasmanian wilderness, and dare yourself to drink water straight from the river in the Enchanted Forest. Bring your own food and stop for a picnic lunch. Finally, head back to Hobart at sunset, and stop to have dinner at the Empire Hotel to cap off a wonderful day.

Cradle Mountain’s jagged silhouette is unmistakable. Standing 1545 metres above sea level amongst glacial lakes, alpine moorland and World Heritage Listed wilderness, this iconic mountain is pure untamed Tassie. On this full day tour, you’ll score front row seats. After leaving Launceston we stop in the quirky town of Sheffield, the town of murals, a unique open air art gallery. Stop enroute at a local bakery where you can purchase something for the lunch stop at the picnic area at Cradle Mountain National Park. Pick from a tasty selection of sandwiches, rolls, and wraps. From there we head into the mountains along winding roads fringed by rainforest to arrive at Cradle Mountain National Park. We begin our adventures with an easy guided walk to Pencil Pine Falls, a stunning cascade of pristine water. After that it’s onto our main walk of the day, Dove Lake Circuit, a comfortable 6km circumnavigation of the glassy lake that sits at the bottom of Cradle Mountain. The views are epic. If you’re looking for a challenge, tackle the hike to Marion’s Lookout. An uphill climb rewards you with breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain, Little Horn, Smithies Peak and so many mirrored lakes. Our last stop is Van Diemen’s Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for well-earned treats crafted from the finest Tasmanian dairy and produce. A sweet end to a heavenly day.

Day 1: Hobart to Strahan Departing Hobart, your tour of Tasmania/lutruwita begins in Mount Field National Park. Walk among the world’s tallest eucalyptus trees and discover the cascading Russell Falls. The incredible scenery continues at Lake St Clair (Australia’s deepest freshwater lake), and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. You’ll learn about Tasmania’s mining history in Queenstown before arriving in the village of Strahan where we’ll spend the next two nights. Day 2: Wild West Coast Discover the West Coast’s wild and rugged coastlines and rainforests. Walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls, within the ancient rainforests of the Tarkine/takayna. At the coast we’ll explore Henty Sand Dunes and Tasmania’s longest stretch of sand at Ocean Beach. Or today you can choose an outstanding nature cruise on the beautiful Gordon River (own cost). Day 3: Cradle Mountain to Launceston Discover Cradle’s alpine and glacial-carved wilderness as you look for wombats, echidna, and other Tasmanian wildlife. Choose from a variety of world-class walks, such as the track to the summit of Marion’s Lookout, or the Dove Lake circuit. Later today we'll drive to the city of Launceston via the colourful town of Sheffield, known as the Town of Murals. Day 4: Launceston to Bicheno Explore Launceston's lovely Cataract Gorge which is a great place for seeing wallaby. Travel to the Bay of Fires/larapuna and learn about the spiritual connection of the land to Tasmanian aboriginal people/palawa. Walk along pristine white sands with its turquoise waters with striking orange boulders. We will spend the night in Bicheno, home of the little penguin. Day 5: Freycinet National Park Walk to Wineglass Bay or climb to the summit of Mt Amos. We'll visit the Cape Tourville lighthouse before returning to Hobart/nipaluna. Day 6: Tasmanian Devils, Richmond and Wellington Park Today we'll meet Tasmanian devils at Bonorong wildlife sanctuary, before exploring the heritage village of Richmond. Back in Hobart we'll show you some of our favourite spots on Mount Wellington/kunanyi. Tonight, unwind in one of Hobart's historic pubs or restaurants. Day 7: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula Discover the rugged coastal scenery and epic convict history of the Tasman Peninsula/turrakana. Visit Port Arthur, Australia’s best preserved convict settlement. Later today we'll walk to the stunning Crescent Bay, before returning to Hobart.

Embark on a unique evening experience to get up close to Tasmanian Devils and learn all about this fascinating little creature. Tour Devils@Cradle Wildlife Sanctuary at your own pace, then join an exclusive nighttime feeding tour with one of the sanctuary’s zookeepers. Arrive at Devils@Cradle Wildlife Sanctuary to enjoy a self-guided tour within the sanctuary until the start of the tour. Devils @ Cradle is a unique Tasmanian conservation sanctuary located at the entrance to the spectacular World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Whilst concentrating primarily on the Tasmanian devil, the sanctuary is also home to the closely related Spotted-tail and Eastern quolls. Tasmania’s three largest carnivorous marsupials are all now threatened in one way or another in the wild. Your after-dark feeding tour begins with a brief introduction to the three species managed within the sanctuary on the main wildlife viewing deck. Followed by the larger part of the tour, where you will enjoy a guided walk outside, within the sanctuary itself. Your zookeeper guide will enter the enclosures and feed a number of these animals while explaining their behavior and discussing biology, threats, and conservation. If you have any questions about these extraordinary animals, they are happy to answer them for you. Devils are a nocturnal species that is more active at night, the sanctuary uses environmentally sensitive lighting and focuses on the social interactions and feeding habits of these unique carnivores, allowing visitors a rare up-close opportunity to see Tasmanian devils in a group feeding situation.

Visit a unique Tasmanian conservation sanctuary located at the entrance to the spectacular World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Inside the wildlife park there are Tasmanian devils, as well as the closely related Spotted-tail and Eastern quolls for you to marvel at. Get the opportunity to witness Tasmania’s three largest carnivorous marsupials, all of whom are now threatened in one way or another in the wild. Wander through the sanctuary at your leisure and see the animals' daytime habits; sleeping in their dens, sun baking, play fighting, or fossicking for food. Explore the Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary with your experienced guide while you experience the screams of the amazing animals. Walking through the wilderness you will be led through the sanctuary providing you a greater understanding of this unique animal and the Devils@Cradle conservation programs, and allowing you the chance to view these extraordinary animals up close.

Day 1: HOBART > STRAHAN Today we will drive through the Western Wilds. We’ll walk among some of the world’s tallest trees and see the beautiful Russell Falls at Mount Field National Park. We’ll visit the expansive Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. The drive through the Franklin-Gordon National Park offers pristine rainforest and mountain scenery. You’ll enjoy the rugged scenery around the old mining town of Queenstown before arriving in the charming harbourside village of Strahan. Overnight: Strahan Day 2: WILD WEST COAST The untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast is today’s playground. In the Tarkine rainforest we’ll walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls, then explore the gigantic Henty Sand Dunes. Alternatively, today you have the option of cruising the scenic Gordon River (own cost). Later at Ocean Beach we’ll breathe the world’s freshest air. Back in Strahan, with luck our guide can help you find the unique platypus. Overnight: Strahan Day 3: Day 4: LAUNCESTON > BICHENO Discover Launceston’s picturesque Cataract Gorge and look for local wallabies, then we’ll hit the road for some breathtaking East Coast scenery. Enjoy lunch in St Helens before walking along the white sands of the magical Bay of Fires. We’ll take our time to savour the coastal views as we travel south to the picturesque fishing village of Bicheno where little penguins can be seen emerging from the sea. Overnight: Bicheno Day 5: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK > HOBART Freycinet is Tasmania’s most famous coastal National Park, and today you’ll explore its beaches, forests, coves, and lookouts. See the pink granite Hazards mountain range from tranquil Honeymoon Bay. Then, you may be keen for a challenging climb to the summit of Mt Amos. Alternatively, you may prefer to walk to the lookout to view the curved white sands of Wineglass Bay and continue to the beach below. Finally, we’ll take in the stunning ocean and mountain views from Cape Tourville before returning to Hobart via the Great Eastern Drive. Overnight: Hobart Day 6: TASMANIAN DEVILS, RICHMOND & WELLINGTON PARK Bonorong is Tasmania’s best-known conservation and wildlife sanctuary. Here we’ll meet a variety of Tasmanian wildlife such as quolls, birds, wombats, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils. Then, we’ll enjoy walking around the colonial village of Richmond. We return to Hobart via the scenic Coal River Valley, and make our way to Wellington Park, known locally as “The Mountain” or by its palawa name, kunanyi. Here our guide will provide an experience which explores its diverse features such as fern glades, eucalyptus forests, dramatic rock columns and boulder fields. There are superb walking tracks to spectacular lookouts. This is our final experience together as our tour comes to an end.

Discover Cradle Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, marvel at the iconic Russell Falls, and continue your journey to the mesmerising Bay of Fires where fiery orange lichen-covered rocks meet the turquoise Tasman Sea. You’ll also get to take in the breathtaking views at Wineglass Bay and explore Freycinet National Park, where pristine white sands and granite peaks showcase nature’s beauty. This tour is suited to those with an adventurous spirit who are keen to explore Tasmania’s icons and national parks. There are walking options to suit all fitness levels – from a leisurely stroll to more challenging walks. Whether you’re on a budget or would like a more comfortable option, there is accommodation to suit your style.

Go deep into the Tasmanian forest and experience the solitary wilderness of waterfalls, glacial lakes, rainforest, wildlife and unsurpassed beauty of Cradle Mountain, a World Heritage-listed National Park. Travel through green pastures on your way southwest from Launceston and take in mountain views of the Great Western Tiers as you approach Cradle Mountain National Park. Along the way, pass through the scenic town of Deloraine, the hub between Launceston and Devonport. Travel further inland to take a tour of Sheffield, the town of murals, before traversing through dense forest and mountainous terrain. From there, cross the beautiful Cethana Dam as you arrive in Cradle Mountain National Park, staying on the lookout for wombats, potaroos and wallabies. Then take a short stroll along the Enchanted Forest and enjoy majestic views of pencil pine, lush forests, and a spectacular waterfall. Gaze at the sight of Cradle Mountain hanging over the picturesque Dove Lake, before taking a short walk around the lake for even more views of Cradle Mountain (weather permitting). Afterwards, visit a local chalet and stop at Ashgrove Cheese Farm for a tasting of some famous Tasmanian cheeses, and to learn how they are made, before heading back to Launceston. Limited hotel pick-ups available for this tour.