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Tasmania East Coast Explorer Itinerary
(8 days) Hobart to Launceston
Map of Tasmania East Coast Explorer Itinerary
Tasmania is the smallest of the Australian states. It is an island 240 kilometres from the mainland, surrounded by the turbulent Bass Strait, Southern Ocean and Tasman Sea. Tasmania is a diverse land of fertile plains and open bushland, mountains and valleys, rare flora and fauna, rustic ports and historic villages. Its compactness makes it an ideal touring destination, as only relatively short distances separate its many and varied attractions.
Day 1 Hobart

Arrive Hobart

Private Car Transfer Hobart International Airport to Hobart City Hotel

With the River Derwent winding through its heart and Mount Wellington rising dramatically above, Hobart/nipaluna reflects the tranquillity of a bygone era while exuding the vibrancy of a pocket-sized modern metropolis. The city’s European beginnings are evident everywhere, from quaint settlers’ cottages to the lofty porches of colonial mansions. Once bustling with whalers and entrepreneurs, 19th-century sandstone warehouses now serve as dockside cafes, artist’s studios and restaurants where excellent cuisine and fine wines attract visitors and locals alike. The nearby Port Arthur Historic Site, the rugged island beauty of Bruny Island, and the stunning vistas from the summit of Mount Wellington form some of the city’s key attractions.

Accommodation at MACq 01 Hotel
Superior Hunter King Room for 4 Nights

Situated overlooking the River Derwent and Franklin Wharf, each of the rooms reflects one of five Tasmanian character traits through its design and furnishing. Each room also tells the story of a character who exemplifies that trait, taking you even deeper into the psyche of this intriguing destination. All this in a setting of informal luxury, where everything you touch, in these exquisite over-sized rooms, is of the highest quality but without the pretence.

Day 2 Hobart

This morning Wander Hobart Walking Tour with Localing Private Tours

Explore the city through the eyes of a well-informed and connected local host on this 3 hour walking tour. Wander the eclectic waterfront at Sullivans Cove and historic backstreets of Salamanca and Battery Point. Learn about the city’s humble beginnings and fascinating convict heritage, and its rapid rise and recent acclaim as a major culinary and cultural destination. Indulge in a pastry and coffee at one of our favourite local bakeries. Chat with local makers driving Hobart’s emergent dining scene and its transition from conservatism to creativity. Discover the compact downtown, the buzz of local weekend markets and stunning urban gardens. Enjoy the vibrant street art, independent retail and classic colonial architecture. Chose a stroll through one of the many local galleries, Maritime or Antarctic museums or the Tasmanian Museum which showcases the island’s unique native fauna and the impact of its earliest industries. The exhibition featuring the ‘Black War’ between early colonists and the native Palawa/Pakana Aboriginal communities tells a harrowing and important story.

This evening Private Premium Night Tour with Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Commence your 3 hour tour with a glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine or fruit juice. Interact with the curious native wildlife during their natural waking hours. Enjoy an extensive session with some amazing Tasmanian devils, learn their names; hear their individual stories and little-known facts about this sadly endangered species. Hand-feed wonderful creatures such as Eastern quolls, tawny frogmouths and sugar gliders and as a special highlight meet our mob of friendly Forester kangaroos. You’ll meet some incredible animal survivors, some who are orphans or recovering from injury. See how your visit is helping them to thrive and to return to the wild.

Day 3 Hobart

Full Day Bruny Island & Huon Valley Gourmet Adventure with Localing Private Tours

On this 9 hour tour spend a day visiting stunning farm-gate produce regions. After a short drive south from Hobart to the Bruny Island ferry, get to know your host and share a few specific tastes and interests to inform your uniquely tailored adventure. Once on island, tackle a quick and rewarding climb to the top of the ‘Neck’ for sweeping views across both sides of the island and visit Adventure Bay to learn of the importance of this site in Australian maritime history. There are loads of ways to spend a few hours on Bruny depending on your interests and the weather. Visit a local dairy and uber-cool island brewery, taste delicious local honey and sample freshly shucked oysters. Enjoy lunch at the Hotel Bruny, where you can try wallaby among other local delicacies! Once back on the mainland, spend the afternoon in the Huon Valley, renowned for excellent local produce direct from the makers including fruit farms, world-class local sheep’s whey gin and vodka, wineries and cider houses. Relax on the scenic drive back to the city with options for detours through farming country and to spot native wildlife before arriving back at your Hobart accommodation.

Day 4 Hobart

Spend a leisurely day exploring Hobart, or you may wish to take one of the following tours:

Morning Hobart City Kayak Tour (Shared Tour)

Nestled between river and mountain, Hobart has one of the most picturesque harbours in the world and is the second deepest natural port in the world after Sydney harbour. Enjoy a 2.5-hour city paddle and investigate behind the scenes of the vibrant, working waterfront to discover the true heart of Hobart. Glide past prestigious homes and marvel at tall wooden sailing ships while keeping an eye out for Sammy the resident seal. Your taste of Hobart would not be complete without some locally caught fish and chips served from the city’s famed floating fish punts. Enjoy them with the best view in town – straight from your kayak!

Mona – The Museum of Old and New Art
Hobart to Mona MR-1 Return Fast Ferry (Posh Pit Tkt) + Entry (Shared Activity)

Travel by fast ferry from Hobart to Mona located on the banks of the Derwent River north of Hobart city. Chose a sheep or tiger seat for the ride, enjoy complimentary drinks, canapés, bar and private deck while cruising past ravishing river and mountain views. Mona – The Museum of Old and New Art was built by David Walsh to house his collection of ancient, modern and contemporary art. It is Australia’s largest private museum with three levels of underground galleries. On arrival there are 99 steps up to the entry to Mona. Your admission is included. When you have completed your self-guided tour of the museum make your way to the wharf for your return ferry to Hobart.

OPTIONAL TOUR:

Full Day Southwest Wilderness Experience (Shared Tour)

This 8 hour tour is a wonderful opportunity to discover Tasmania’s Southwest. Departing from Cambridge Airport, you fly close to the Derwent River and Bruny Island following the stunning coastline through the Southwest National Park to the South East Cape, the most southerly point of Australia. Landing at Melaleuca Airport, you take to the water to explore the pristine waterways of The Port Davey Marine Reserve taking in Waterfall Bay and the Breaksea Islands. After a gourmet lunch featuring delicious Tasmanian produce, you disembark to explore the Melaleuca Museum and the Neewonnee Walk, a fantastic monument to the rich indigenous history of the area. Returning to the skies, you will head inland over The Arthur Range, arguably Tasmania’s most spectacular mountain range. Taking in Mount Picton and The Huon Valley, you return to Hobart via Mount Wellington for a birds-eye view of the beautiful capital of Tasmania before landing back at Cambridge. At the completion of the tour make your own way back to your accommodation.

Day 5 Freycinet

Full Day One Way East Coaster – Hobart to Freycinet with Localing Private Tours

Take your time and savour the fabulous scenery along Tasmania’s East Coast through historic Richmond, the Coal River wine region and charming seaside villages. Treat yourself to fresh oysters, excellent local pinot and chardonnay and enjoy a fabulous lunch overlooking the vines or Tasman Sea. Finish mid-afternoon at your hotel in Freycinet.

If you’re partial to an early tipple, start the day with a tour and tasting at Sullivan’s Cove – producer of the World’s Best Single Malt Whisky. Private, distiller-hosted experiences can be arranged for an additional cost. Alternatively, save this for an afternoon tasting at a wonderful waterfront distillery on the coast. Take morning tea in the charming historic town of Richmond. Hear a few curious tales about early Tasmania at the site of Australia’s oldest (and quite possibly its loveliest) bridge.

The East Coast is one of Tasmania’s best wine regions, celebrated for its exceptional local pinot and chardonnay among other varieties. Visit a cellar door or two to chat with winemakers, sample their produce while looking out over the vines and enjoy an exceptional local lunch at one of the stunning vineyard restaurants which range from casual to elegant degustation dining. The route along the east coast towards Freycinet offers farm-fresh oysters, spirits and other regional produce with plenty of options to suit your taste. The views of the coast and countryside are always lovely and often spectacular so be sure to keep your camera handy.

Freycinet National Park is home to dramatic mountains, secluded bays, white sandy beaches and abundant birdlife. The Park occupies most of the Freycinet Peninsula and looks out to the Tasman Sea from the eastern side and back towards the Tasmanian coastline from the west. Freycinet National Park encompasses many natural wonders, including the pink granite peaks of the Hazards Range that dominate the Peninsula and the iconic Wineglass Bay. The short trek to Wineglass Bay lookout is a bit of a scramble but it’s well worth it for one of Tasmania’s most breathtaking views.

Accommodation at Saffire Freycinet
Luxury Suite for 2 Nights

Your stay at Saffire Freycinet includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, complimentary mini bar, selected beverages, Saffire activities, A$100.00 resort credit per suite.

The property is embedded in its environment of Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, generating an enriching, rejuvenating and uplifting experience. Distinct in its design, exclusive in its features and set apart by its approach to tailored, one-on-one experiences and service, Saffire Freycinet is not constrained by traditional five-star ratings and standards.
Dedicated to providing unforgettable, authentic experiences, including indulgent and self-selected dining options, it inspires an overall sense of wellbeing and relaxation. Saffire is a beautiful, boutique property that will not disappoint.

Saffire Freycinet’s complimentary range of activities offers options for every mood and every moment. Lasting from one to three hours, these activities are your opportunity to engage and connect with Freycinet’s stunning natural wonders and attractions in your own way.

Day 6 Freycinet

Included Touring Arrangements at Saffire Freycinet.

Day 7 Launceston

Private Car Transfer Saffire to Launceston

Launceston in the Tamar river valley blends history, scenery, creativity, adventure and entertainment with the superb flavours of fine food and wine. Launceston is a city of elegant architecture and award-winning restaurants, while the surrounding lush Tamar Valley is Tasmania’s premier wine-growing region. The northern section of the Tasmanian Wine Route follows the banks of the Tamar and heads into the nearby hills of the Pipers Brook area. Sample the region’s superb Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays in stunning riverside locations, beautiful gardens or alongside award-winning architecture.

Accommodation at Peppers Seaport Launceston
Double River View Studio for 1 Night

A luxury waterfront hotel situated at the heart of Launceston’s Old Seaport Dock area where the North and South Esk Rivers meet, surrounded by restaurants and cafes. It is a 5 minute walk to the city centre. Built on the site of the old dry dock, this stylish and contemporary accommodation is design in the shape of a ship, giving it a distinct nautical ambiance. The hotel offers boutique contemporary accommodation with superb views out over the Tamar River towards Cataract Gorge

Day 8 Launceston

Depart.

Private Car/Driver Launceston Hotel to Launceston Airport

Accommodation
Hobart
MACq 01 Hotel
Freycinet
Saffire Freycinet
Launceston
Peppers Seaport Launceston