West Coast Highlights

Tour includes seven nights’ accommodation with stays in Hobart, Cradle Mountain, Strahan and Launceston. Cruise the tranquil Gordon River, experience the beauty of Cradle Mountain and enjoy a guided walk through the wilderness of The Tarkine.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hobart

Prepare for a journey of discovery, delving into cultural history and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Arrive in the romantic harbour town of Hobart, and be transferred to your hotel. Afterwards, enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice activity. Tonight, delight in a welcome dinner and drink.

Freedom of Choice - River Derwent Harbour Cruise

Step aboard the Spirit of Hobart and enjoy a historical harbour cruise on the River Derwent. Originating 700 meters above Tasmania’s largest city, this river courses its pristine waters to the heart of Hobart CBD before flowing into Storm Bay and merging with the formidable Tasman Sea.

Freedom of Choice – Historical Guided Walking Tour

You may wish to set off on a guided walking tour of Hobart and uncover the city’s hidden treasures and stories, lead by a knowledgeable local guide. 

Freedom of Choice – Afternoon Tea

Take in the views of Hobarts waterfront while enjoying house-made sweets, sandwiches and freshly made scones, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and loose-leaf tea.

Day 2: Russell Falls, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Strahan

Discover the magic of Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park today, then continue to the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Visit The Wall in the Wilderness, before travelling via the mining town of Queenstown to Strahan. Tonight, savour dinner at View 42° Restaurant & Bar.

Day 3: Strahan, Gordon River, Cradle Mountain

After a memorable Signature Experience, set off by coach for the secluded Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, set right on the edge of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. 

Signature Experience - Spirit of the Wild Cruise
Board the luxurious Spirit of the Wild for a cruise along the secluded wilderness highway, the Gordon River. From the comfort of the Captain’s Premier Upper Deck, glide across Macquarie Harbour and enter the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Stop at Heritage Landing, for a guided rainforest walk. Back on board, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch of fresh Tasmanian produce before arriving at Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Sarah Island. Here you’ll get a chilling insight into the cruelties of convict life as you explore the ruins of what was once a convict settlement. Cruise past Hells Gates then return to Strahan. 

Day 4: Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake

After admiring the beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, visit Waldheim Chalet, then enjoy your Freedom of Choice Sightseeing inclusion. 

Signature Experience - Guided Dove Lake Tour
Explore beautiful Dove Lake and its surrounds with a friendly local guide, admiring the unique wilderness of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. 

Freedom of Choice - Wine and Cheese Tasting  
Choose to indulge in a wine and cheese tasting at your lodge, featuring six excellently crafted wines paired with three artisanal cheeses, showcasing the region’s gourmet talents.  

Freedom of Choice - Guided Tour of the Enchanted Walk  
Set out on a guided tour along the Enchanted Walk, one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks, which follows Pencil Pine Creek over buttongrass moorlands into cool temperate rainforest.  

Freedom of Choice Sightseeing – Wildlife Night Spotting Tour
Enjoy a free afternoon, then go searching for native animals on a night spotlight tour. Follow along the Cradle Valley boardwalks in search of nocturnal animals, including wombats, wallabies, possums and sometimes even a spotted quoll during their night time feeding. 

Day 5: Stanley, Tarkine, Smithton

Today, travel to Stanley, set in the shadow of The Nut. Continue to the Julius River Forest Reserve for a rainforest walk and afternoon tea, including Tasmanian wine and cake made with locally produced honey. Later, head to Smithton for your special Signature Experience tonight. 

Signature Experience - Discover the Tarkine
In the state’s wild northwest region, journey through the Tarkine, Australia's largest expanse of cool-temperate rainforest. Make a pitstop at Sumac Lookout for views of the Arthur River cutting a path through a sea of dense green foliage.  

Signature Experience - Tasmanian Fare Dinner
Tonight, enjoy a special Tasmanian Fare dinner featuring local produce with dishes prepared to showcase the high-quality meat, vegetables and seafood that the region is famous for.  

Day 6: Smithton, Launceston

This morning you will travel to Franklin House, an enchanting historic homestead surrounded by splendid gardens. Built in 1838 for former convict Britton Jones, by then a successful Launceston brewer and publican, the house became one of the Colony's leading private schools between 1842 and 1866. Wander through the elegant 19th-century rooms inside the beautifully restored Georgian style house before exploring the superb gardens. Afterwards, travel to Cataract Gorge, a unique natural rock formation on the outskirts of the city. Follow the path along the river to explore the geological wonders and soak up the fresh Tasmanian air.

Day 7: Launceston

Enjoy your selected sightseeing activity this morning before indulging in a delightful Signature Experience in a beautiful setting at Josef Chromy Wines. The remainder of the afternoon will be enjoyed at your leisure.  

Signature Experience - Josef Chromy Wines
Visit Josef Chromy Wines, a winery that prides itself on celebrating Tasmanian grapes. Here you’ll be treated to a specially prepared lunch and have the chance to sample some of the winery’s finest drops.  

Freedom of Choice - Seahorse World
Perhaps discover the wonders of Seahorse World. Just 45 minutes from Launceston or Devonport in the picturesque Tamar Valley, this working seahorse farm affords you the rare opportunity to interact with these fascinating creatures. Join a guided tour to learn about the behaviours and habits of these animals. 

Freedom of Choice – Platypus House
Situated by the serene waters of the picturesque Tamar Valley, Platypus House provides a rare chance to observe Tasmanian Platypuses and Echidnas in their natural habitat during daylight hours. Witness these fascinating creatures feeding and playing as you stroll through the platypus ponds and echidna garden. 

Freedom of Choice – Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre
At the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre, immerse yourself in history, explore precious artifacts, and embark on a captivating journey through the past. Delight in interactive displays that offer a new story at every turn, as well as interesting animals to discover. 

Day 8: Depart Launceston

Today, bid a fond farewell to the Apple Isle. We say goodbye before we transfer you to the airport for your flight.