The Best of Tasmania Tour

Discover the iconic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a world-renowned cultural destination on the banks of the River Derwent. Start your adventure with a scenic ferry ride from Hobart —just look for a giant camouflaged catamaran with fibreglass animals for seats. The ferry offering spectacular views of the city and waterfront as you cruise towards the museum.
Arrive at MONA, Australia’s largest private museum, where ancient artifacts and contemporary art collide in a provocative and thought-provoking collection. Explore the underground galleries at your own pace, encountering works that challenge, inspire, and ignite curiosity. The museum’s architecture is a masterpiece in itself, blending seamlessly with the Tasmanian landscape to create an unforgettable setting. Enhance your visit by indulging in a meal or drink at one of MONA’s acclaimed dining spots, featuring locally sourced produce and wines. MONA is also home to the Moorilla Winery, The Source restaurant, a bunch of other bars and restaurants, luxury accommodation pavilions, and Tasmania’s biggest craft brewery (Moo Brew).
At the end of your visit, relax on the return ferry to Hobart and admire the incredible views of the Hobart landscape.  

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. Speak to the team to learn more!
Please note, a one-way fee may apply

Driving from Hobart to Strahan via Lake St Clair takes you through Tasmania’s diverse landscapes and rich history. Shortly after leaving Hobart, you’ll pass through the historic town of Hamilton. Continue west, keeping an eye out for native wildlife like wombats and echidnas along the way. As you approach Lake St Clair, be sure to visit The Wall in the Wilderness near Derwent Bridge, a stunning carved timber artwork depicting Tasmania’s highland history (bookings required). Take some time to rest at Lake St Clair and enjoy peaceful walks and wildlife spotting at Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. Continuing west, stop in Queenstown to visit Spion Kop Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the town’s unique mining landscape. The journey concludes in Strahan, a charming harbor town ideal for exploring Macquarie Harbour and nearby rainforests.

The Morning Heritage Cruise with World Heritage Cruises offers a six-hour journey through Tasmania’s UNESCO-listed Gordon River region. Travel through Hells Gates into Macquarie Harbour, visit historic Sarah Island, and explore the rainforest at Heritage Landing. Enjoy a glimpse of Huon Pine craftsmanship and a gourmet lunch with Tasmanian produce, all while taking in panoramic river and forest views. This cruise is a perfect mix of nature, history, and tranquility.

Driving from Strahan to Cradle Mountain via Rosebery offers a scenic journey through Tasmania’s wild West Coast, blending rugged landscapes with charming towns. You’ll pass through Queenstown, known for its unique mining history and dramatic, almost lunar scenery. Near Rosebery, the tranquil Lake Rosebery provides a peaceful spot surrounded by forested hills. In Rosebery, a great nature stop is the Stitt Falls Walk, a short and easy trail leading to a beautiful waterfall nestled in lush bushland, perfect for a quick refreshing break. Arriving at Cradle Mountain, you’ll find a variety of stunning walks. The popular Dove Lake Circuit offers breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness, while more adventurous walkers can take on the challenging summit trail for panoramic vistas. This route combines Tasmania’s historic towns, peaceful rainforest spots, and alpine wilderness, making the drive itself an unforgettable part of your adventure.

Located at the edge of the stunning Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Devils @ Cradle is a unique wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and care of Tasmania’s iconic carnivorous marsupials. General admission provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about and observe Tasmanian devils, spotted-tail quolls, and eastern quolls in a serene and naturalistic setting. Stroll through the sanctuary’s well-designed enclosures, where these fascinating creatures can be seen up close as they interact, play, and forage. Informative displays and interpretive signage offer insights into their behaviours, life cycles, and the critical conservation efforts in place to protect them from the devastating effects of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). Throughout your visit, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Tasmania’s unique wildlife and the vital role these predators play in the ecosystem.

Cradle Mountain offers a wide range of walks, from gentle strolls to challenging day hikes. All are well-maintained and allow you to immerse yourself in the park's stunning wilderness.
Shorter Walks: These walks are ideal for a quick taste of the park's natural beauty and are perfect for all ages and fitness levels. The Enchanted Walk is a short, 1.1 km loop that takes about 20-30 minutes, leading you through a magical rainforest. The Waterfalls Walk is a 1.5 km return trip, taking 30-40 minutes, and provides views of Pencil Pine and Knyvet Falls. For a walk among giants, the King Billy Track is a 2 km circuit that can be completed in 40-60 minutes, winding through a forest of ancient King Billy pines.
Longer Walks and Day Hikes: For those with more time and a good level of fitness, these longer walks offer more immersive experiences and spectacular views. The iconic Dove Lake Circuit is a 6 km loop that takes about 2-3 hours, offering breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain mirrored in the pristine lake. It's a must-do walk for any visitor. For a rewarding climb, the Crater Lake Circuit is a 5.7 km walk that takes around 2-3 hours and takes you past beautiful waterfalls and the serene Crater Lake. For more of a challenge, the Marion's Lookout track is a 7.5 km return trip that can take around 3 hours. The steep climb is worth the effort, as the lookout provides some of the most stunning panoramic views over the park and Dove Lake. The most demanding day walk is the Cradle Mountain Summit. This challenging 12.8 km circuit takes 5-8 hours and involves some scrambling over boulders, but it rewards hikers with incredible views from the summit.

Traveling from Cradle Mountain to Stanley offers plenty of memorable stops. Descend from the wilderness of Cradle Mountain and pause in Sheffield, famous for its vibrant murals and quirky shops. Continue on to Burnie, where you can visit the Makers’ Workshop, spot little penguins at dusk, or stroll the scenic foreshore. Further along the coast, stop at Table Cape for sweeping ocean views and, in spring, fields of blooming tulips. Finally, arrive in the charming seaside village of Stanley, where you can ride the chairlift or hike up The Nut, explore heritage streets, and enjoy the freshest seafood.

Stanley, on Tasmania’s northwest coast, is a charming seaside village with plenty to explore. Ride the Nut Chairlift or walk to the Nut Summit for stunning views, then visit the Godfreys Beach Penguin Viewing Platform at dusk to see little penguins return to shore. Take in sweeping coastal scenery from the HA Lane Memorial Lookout, or venture further on the The Tarkine Scenic Drive for rainforest, rugged coastline, and rich wildlife. Stanley is a perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and coastal charm.

Traveling from Stanley to Launceston takes you through Tasmania’s scenic north coast and rich countryside, with plenty of rewarding stops along the way. Leaving the shadow of The Nut, you can pause at Rocky Cape National Park for coastal walks and Aboriginal heritage sites before heading east. In Wynyard, visit the famous Table Cape with its lighthouse and, in spring, fields of colourful tulips. A little further on, Devonport makes a good stop for a waterfront stroll or to explore the Bass Strait Maritime Centre. As you approach Launceston, consider stopping at the Tamar Valley, renowned for cool-climate wineries, fresh produce, and stunning river views. Finally, arrive in Launceston, where you can explore the Cataract Gorge, heritage architecture, and a thriving food and wine scene.

Embark on an unforgettable journey on the Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise with Tamar River Cruises. Departing from Launceston’s picturesque waterfront, this unique experience takes you through the iconic Cataract Gorge, where dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and stunning scenery create a breathtaking backdrop.
As you cruise along the tranquil waters of the South Esk River, knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the region’s history, geology, and wildlife. Marvel at the towering cliffs of the gorge and enjoy unparalleled views from the comfort of the vessel.

Today you have time to explore the riverside city of Launceston. Enjoy some suggestions to spend your time around the area:
City Park: a place of historical significance, perhaps most known for its Japanese Macaque Monkey Enclosure which sits in the middle of the gardens.
The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery: Australia's largest regional museum and holds exhibitions covering Tasmania art, history, and natural science. Some collections include Aboriginal art, Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) contributions, and artifacts from the Sydney Cove Shipwreck in 1797.
Cataract Gorge: Start with a walk through Cataract Gorge Reserve, just minutes from the city centre, where you can enjoy riverside trails, a chairlift ride, and panoramic views.
Tamar Valley: Just a short drive away, The Tamar Valley Wine region boasts world-class vineyards. Sample cool-climate wines, particularly pinot noir and sparkling varieties, while enjoying breathtaking views of rolling hills. 
Grindelwald Swiss Village: A charming alpine-style village with chalet-inspired buildings, lakeside views, cafés, shops, and family-friendly activities like mini-golf and paddle boating. A little taste of Switzerland in Tasmania.
Harvest Market  (Saturday only): The Harvest Market in Launceston, held Saturdays, showcases local produce, artisan foods, crafts, and live music.

The drive from Launceston to St Helens via Derby is a scenic journey through forests, farmland, and historic towns. Stop in Scottsdale for a coffee before arriving in Derby, a former mining town now famous for its world-class mountain biking trails, river views, and floating sauna. For a short detour, head 20 minutes north to the striking Little Blue Lake, known for its vivid turquoise colour, great for photos! From Derby, continue through lush countryside to reach St Helens, a relaxed coastal town known for fresh seafood and access to the stunning Bay of Fires.

The Bay of Fires is renowned for its striking orange-lichen-covered granite rocks, pristine white sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Visitors can swim, kayak, explore coastal walking trails, and spot native wildlife such as sea birds and wallabies. It’s ideal for photography, beachcombing, or simply relaxing and soaking up the unspoiled natural beauty. Nearby towns like St Helens offer local seafood, cafés, and galleries. A must-visit spot is The Gardens in Binalong Bay, where a scenic coastal walk along white sandy beaches and granite boulders provides stunning views of the vibrant orange-lichen rocks.

Travel from St Helens to Freycinet National Park on a scenic drive that showcases Tasmania’s stunning east coast. Begin your journey along the Great Eastern Drive, passing rolling farmlands and beautiful coastal vistas. Explore Bicheno on your way, a charming seaside town famous for its blowhole, local wildlife, and fresh seafood. Stop by the Bicheno blow hole to view this unique hole in the granite rocks that produces a powerful jet of water through the hole. 
Continuing south, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the coastline, including glimpses of the pristine beaches and turquoise waters that define the region. As you near Freycinet National Park, the iconic Hazards mountain range comes into view, signalling your arrival at one of Tasmania’s most beloved natural attractions. With highlights like Wineglass Bay, Honeymoon Bay, and a wealth of walking trails, Freycinet National Park promises unforgettable experiences, making this drive as rewarding as the destination itself.

Discover the beauty of Freycinet National Park on this relaxing twilight kayaking tour through Coles Bay. Led by expert guides, glide past pristine beaches and the Hazards mountain range as the sunset casts a golden glow. Spot wildlife, learn about the region, and enjoy a refreshment as you soak in the tranquil ambiance.

Wineglass Bay Cruises is a journey along the spectacular Freycinet coastline from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay. Marvel at the pink granite peaks of the Hazards, secluded beaches like Cooks and Bryans, and the wildlife of Schouten Island, including little penguins and shearwaters. Cruise past hidden sea caves, blowholes, and waterfalls, and enjoy a rare water’s-eye view of Wineglass Bay’s pristine white sands and turquoise waters. Along the way, learn about the region’s Aboriginal heritage and stories of early explorers. Experience the adults-only Sky Lounge on the upper deck of Schouten Passage II, with banquette seating for 30, direct access to the Captain’s bridge, and a private viewing deck. Your ticket includes morning tea, lunch, and beverages, featuring plump local oysters, smoked meats, breads, cheeses, salads, and East Coast wines and artisan brews.

Traveling from Coles Bay to Port Arthur along Tasmania’s east coast takes you through charming coastal towns and scenic landscapes. Stop at Swansea to enjoy local seafood, visit the Swansea History Room, or admire views across Great Oyster Bay. Continue to Triabunna, the gateway to Maria Island, and Orford for a riverside walk or coffee by the sea. As you approach the Tasman Peninsula, make some short detours to explore spectacular coastal formations, including towering cliffs, sea arches, and blowholes. The journey concludes at Port Arthur, where you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic convict settlement, take a harbor cruise, and wander the gardens and ruins.

The Isle of the Dead holds the stories of many of the people of Port Arthur – in life and death. Port Arthur’s tiny cemetery island is the final resting place for more than 1000 convicts, military and civil officers, women and children, who were buried here between 1833 and 1877. On the Isle of the Dead tour, you’ll journey to the island aboard the MV Marana, and take a guided walking tour of the island. You’ll hear the personal stories of convicts who were transported here from across the world, the soldiers who gave their lives to guard the prison, the officers, and their families who followed them to the ends of the earth.

Travel from Port Arthur to Hobart first passing through Eaglehawk Neck, where you can marvel at the dramatic coastal formations, and enjoy short coastal walks with panoramic views. Continue through Dunalley, a quaint village perched on the canal, perfect for a scenic pause to admire the forests and waterways. For a more scenic route, detour via Primrose Sands, where tranquil beaches and coastal landscapes provide a relaxing stop, or take the direct route via Copping to save time while still enjoying the countryside views. Sorell is an ideal stopping point for refreshments, a stretch, or a walk through the town’s streets before reaching your destination. Finally, arrive in Hobart, Tasmania’s vibrant capital, where you can explore the historic waterfront, browse Salamanca Place markets on Saturdays, or visit the city’s galleries, cafés, and cultural attractions.

Framed by the River Derwent and the towering kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Hobart is Tasmania’s vibrant capital, where rich colonial history blends seamlessly with modern culture and stunning natural beauty. Explore the bustling waterfront, alive with fresh seafood , scenic cruises, and lively atmosphere.  Wander through Salamanca Place, home to heritage buildings, art galleries, and the famous Salamanca Market every Saturday.  Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, renowned for its provocative and diverse exhibits. For a taste of history, stroll the charming streets of Battery Point, lined with historic cottages and quiet lanes perfect for a relaxing wander. For breathtaking city views, take a roughly 40-minute drive to the summit of Mount Wellington. Nature lovers can visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, exploring themed gardens of native and exotic plants, tranquil ponds and lawns, and beautifully curated conservatories and plant collections. The areas around Hobart are perfect for stargazing, and with a little luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Southern Aurora, lighting up the Tasmanian sky. With its thriving food and drink scene, including fresh seafood, cool-climate wines, and craft breweries, Hobart is a perfect destination for adventure, culture, and relaxation. 

Explore more of Hobart before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights throughout Australia, we can customize your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!