Best of Tasmania’s Tarkine & Cradle Mountain

On this six-day exploration of ruggedly beautiful Tasmania, you’ll head to takayna / Tarkine – the greatest expanse of cool temperate rainforest in the country (and the second largest expanse in the world) – and Cradle Mountain National Park – home to the impressive Cradle Mountain and numerous hiking, walking and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Travel along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, sampling fresh raspberries, cheese, ice cream and brews along the way, and explore Rocky Cape National Park, Narawntapu National Park, Mersey Bluff, The Nut, Corinna, Philosopher Falls and the Pieman River. Drive, walk and eat your way through gorgeous scenery, Indigenous culture and local delights – what a way to spend a week!

Itinerary

Day 1: Launceston / Cradle Coast / Stanley / Smithton

Welcome to Tasmania! Your adventure starts early with an 8 am welcome meeting in Launceston – one of Australia’s oldest cities. Your first stop this morning will be the Tiagarra Museum on Mersey Bluff in Devonport. Enjoy a Welcome to Country ceremony and guided tour at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place. See Aboriginal petroglyphs and learn about the importance of this landscape and the palawa people, the traditional owners of lutruwita - Tasmania. You’ll then travel along part of the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Along the way, there will be plenty of scenic stops, like Narawntapu National Park, with coastal plains home to abundant wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies and birds. Here, learn more about the rich Aboriginal heritage of this area and then if there’s time, sample some local ciders, chocolates and truffles along the trail. After stopping for lunch in the picturesque town of Penguin, you’ll continue along the rocky coastline to Stanley. Climb the famous landmark The Nut – an ancient volcanic plug that juts out into the Bass Strait and offers outstanding views from the top – then wander down to the working wharf where some of the freshest seafood in Tasmania comes in each day. Continue to your comfortable accommodation, set in the rural area near Smithton, where you will spend the next two nights.

Day 2: Tarkine Wilderness / Smithton

Today, you’ll explore the Tarkine Wilderness area (takayna in the language of the local palawa people) – home to the largest temperate rainforest in Australia and the second largest in the world. Rich with geological wonders, Aboriginal history and unique creatures with habitats not found anywhere else on earth, explore sites like the hidden Trowutta Arch and the Lake Chisholm sinkhole – both examples of fascinating geological change. Along the Tarkine Coast, discover Marrawah – famous for its big wave surfing – and the desolate Edge of the World which marks the longest stretch of ocean on the planet. From here, there’s no land until Argentina! You’ll head out on a few short walks to explore the sites. Later, return to your rural accommodation near Smithton for the night and look up after sunset (this is a gorgeous spot for stargazing). 

Day 3: Rocky Cape National Park / Waratah / Corinna

Today, you’ll travel to Corinna via Rocky Cape National Park – home to windswept heathlands, sea caves, rock pools and twisted rocks formed over millions of years. Continue to the historic lighthouse at Table Cape and the stunning Boat Harbour Beach. Stop by Hellyer Gorge, then walk to see Philosopher Falls near Waratah. Tonight, settle into your accommodation for the night in Corinna’s remote, rural town in a restored miners’ cottage – enjoy some phone-free time tonight, as there’s no service out here! Enjoy a group dinner with your fellow travellers and watch the sunset, enjoying a digital-free evening. 

Day 4: Corinna / Cradle Mountain

Get active today as your free time this morning allows for optional kayaking or hiking around the Corinna area, exploring the Pieman River and Tarkine Rainforest. After lunch, head to the stunning Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where your accommodation for the night is nestled among the trees. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure, then as the sun begins to set, maybe head out to meet Tasmania’s most emblematic animal – the Tasmanian devil. This optional activity visits a wildlife conservation facility aimed at protecting these endangered creatures. Watch how they feed, learn their story, visit the nursery and meet some of the facility’s youngest residents. Finish your day with a sunset over Cradle Mountain, and listen out for the unmistakable sound of the devils. 

Day 5: Cradle Mountain / Launceston

After breakfast, hike the scenic Dove Lake Circuit this morning in Tasmania’s iconic Cradle Mountain area. This trail will take you around the lake and beneath the impressive spires of the mountain, passing gorgeous scenery along the way. As the circuit is board-walked most of the way, it’s a fairly easy walk and gives you plenty of time and energy to focus on the lush surroundings. After, head to a local restaurant in the park for a group lunch – maybe grab a drink and relax by the fire as you wait. Then, drive to Launceston, where you'll spend the night, stopping for optional tastings and shopping opportunities along the way (pick up some delicious, locally grown raspberries or cheese and ice cream). Tonight, you’re free to relax at your accommodation or head out for dinner with your group.

Day 6: Launceston (or Hobart)

After breakfast this morning, your trip will come to an end (if you’re staying in Launceston). For those leaving the trip in Hobart, you’ll enjoy breakfast and then hit the road. Arrive at around 10:30 am. There are no further activities planned so if you’d like to stay in Hobart longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Departure Dates