9 Days Western Wilderness and Wildlife Encounter (Small Group Tour max 8 guests)

DAY 1/ Sunday                   

HOBART ARRIVAL – BONORONG NGHT TOUR

Upon arrival at Hobart airport no later than 3.00 pm, be transferred to your accommodation in the CBD, where you have time for a quick refreshment stop. At 04.30 pm, we will take you to the first highlight of this tour. Arrive at Bonorong sanctuary, where we invite you to a 2.5-hour behind-the-scenes night tour where you have the opportunity to get close to many of Tasmania’s endemic animals and get a lot of information first-hand.

Accommodation: IBIS Styles or Best Western Hotel Hobart
Meals:                  —

DAY 2/ Monday                   

HOBART – MARIA ISLAND – BICHENO

This morning, we head to the seaside village of Triabunna and where we the ferry ‘Spirit of Maria’ across the Mercury Passage to Maria Island. This special island national park is just off Tasmania’s east coast. Spend the day peacefully walking among historic ruins, sweeping bays, rugged fossil cliffs, and towering mountains. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like wombats, Cape Barren geese, Tasmanian pademelons, Forester kangaroos, and even Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat. Later in the afternoon, continue your journey along Tasmania’s sunny east coast to Bicheno in the Freycinet area.

Accommodation:  Bicheno by the Bay or Beachfront Bicheno (or similar)
Meals:                  Breakfast hamper and picnic lunch 

DAY 3/ Tuesday                   

FREYCINET PENINSULA – PENGUINS

After breakfast, travel to Coles Bay and embark on the award-winning 4-hour Wineglass Bay cruise. Cruise the spectacular coastline of Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay. Be enthralled by the stunning granite coastline, including the dramatic pink peaks of the Hazards range. Discover a coast dotted with sparkling white sand beaches, including Cooks and Bryans Beaches, only accessible by water or a full day bushwalk. Explore the inner passage of remote Schouten Island, home to little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters, before heading into the Tasman Sea towards Wineglass Bay. Look out for hidden sea caves, blowholes and waterfalls amongst the sheer granite cliffs. Disembark the vessel in the early afternoon and visit the Friendly Beaches before your guide takes you to your accommodation. The rest of this afternoon is at leisure. At dusk, we invite you to an informative tour on private property to get close to the local colony of fairy penguins nesting and breeding in the dunes.

Accommodation: Bicheno by the Bay or Beachfront Bicheno (or similar)
Meals:                  Breakfast hamper and lunch (ploughman-style)

DAY 4/ Wednesday                  

BICHENO – BAY OF FIRES – LAUNCESTON

Today, embark on an East Coast adventure to the breathtaking Bay of Fires conservation area, where vibrant orange-lichen-covered granite rocks meet the whitest sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters. Take your time to explore this natural wonder. Next, head to St. Columba Falls, one of Tasmania’s tallest waterfalls, surrounded by lush, green valleys. Then, we continue towards Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city, and soak in its unique charm and vibrant atmosphere.

Accommodation:  The Verge Hotel, Launceston, King or Twin room (or similar)
Meals:                  Breakfast 

DAY 5/ Thursday                  

LAUNCESTON – CRADLE MOUNTAIN

This morning, enjoy a city introduction to Launceston and visit the stunning Cataract Gorge, where the South Esk river forces its way through sheer granite rocks. Then visit the Tasmanian Arboretum near Devonport. You may have a chance to spot the elusive platypus and up to 80 bird species. The journey continues to UNESCO Word Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park continues. En route, stop in Sheffield to see the famous murals. Travel through lush rolling farm pasture before reaching the alpine bush of the Cradle Valley. If time permits, we will get into the National Park this afternoon for a good chance to spot some Wombats at Ronny Creek.

Accommodation:  Cradle Mountain Hotel (or similar)
Meals:                  Breakfast 

DAY 6/ Friday            

CRADLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Today you will be mesmerised by the beautiful alpine landscapes of Cradle Mountain, where in many places, dolerite cracked into vertical columns has, resulted in spectacular sculpted mountains and cliffs. On a clear day, the rugged grandeur of Cradle Mountain is reflected in the tranquil waters of Dove Lake, or you may experience the drama of its craggy peaks through swirling mist. Your guide will guide you on some of the many walks available and showcase the beauty of this little island paradise. On midday be taken to a local Tasmanian Devil sanctuary where you have the opportunity to get close to some of our local animals on a joy encounter tour and even hold a joey (baby wombat or baby devil).

Accommodation:  Strahan Village Strahan (or similar)
Meals:                  Breakfast 

DAY 7/ Saturday                

CRADLE MOUNTAIN – WEST COAST WILDERNESS RAILWAY – STRAHAN

Today, be transferred to Queenstown. Board the nostalgic West-Coast Wilderness railway and head out into the rainforest, once a centre for pioneers, adventurers and those with gold fever.  In the afternoon, explore the area further by visiting the Henty Dunes, Ocean Beach or Hogarth Falls on your journey to the quaint fishermen’s town of Strahan. Nestled on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Strahan offers charming streets, cozy cafes, and stunning waterfront views. Take some time to explore the town, perhaps enjoying a walk along the picturesque harbor. Strahan’s unique blend of natural beauty and historic charm makes it a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the west coast’s serene atmosphere.

You may also want to join the historical play ‘The Ship That Never Was’ (at your own expense) in the early evening hours.(West Coast Wilderness Railway may be substituted with the Gordon River Cruise if availability is not given)

Accommodation:  Strahan Village Strahan (or similar)
Meals:                  Breakfast 

DAY 8/ Sunday                

STRAHAN – MT FIELD

This morning, continue the scenic journey on the road and visit a mining pit outlook and stunning waterfalls. Arrive at your accommodation in the Mount Field NP in the early hours of this evening. After settling into your accommodation, be invited to a farewell dinner at a nearby local pub.*

Accommodation:  Mt Field Retreat (or similar)
Meals:                  Breakfast 

*Occasionally we may choose an alternative accommodation either in Derwent Bridge or Curringa Farm in Hamilton. We will inform you at time of booking.

DAY 9/ Monday                

MOUNT FIELD NP – HOBART

After breakfast, your guide takes you into Mount Field National Park, the oldest in the state. Be mesmerised by the lush forest landscapes, from eucalyptus temperate rainforest to alpine moorland. Explore the green forest canopy, where you can crane your neck to see some of the tallest flowering trees in the world. This cool temperate rainforest allows you to search for some of Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species, including Scrubtit Black Currawong and Tasmanian Thornbill. After lunch (own expense), return to Hobart in the late afternoon, where the tour concludes at around 3 pm.

Meals:                  Breakfast 

2025 Departures 

2026 Departures