|
Day 01 Hobart to Huon Valley
DISTANCE: 238KM, APPROX. TRAVEL TIME: 2.5HR (return from Tahune Forest Reserve)
Welcome to Hobart, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, nestled between Mount Wellington and the sea. White beaches on its outskirts, historic buildings at its heart, Australia's second-oldest city has a lifestyle of its own. Browse through antique stores, explore the fishing harbour but don't whatever you do, miss Salamanca Markets on Saturday morning where two blocks of stalls are bustling with people offering you some of the finest arts and crafts found in Tasmania. Take a tour at the Barilla Bay Oyster Farm before heading up to Mount Wellington for its splendid view of the city.
If you arrive on a weekday visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory for shopping bargains or travel South to the Huon Valley to walk above the treetops at the Tahune Forest AirWalk. Visit the Forest and Heritage Centre to see a wood turner at work and purchase some Huon Pine products. Taste fresh seafood at Fish Frenzy, Mures Upper Deck or Barilla Bay Restaurant.
Overnight: Hobart
 Day 02 Hobart to Mount Field to Hamilton
DISTANCE: 112KM, APPROX. TRAVEL TIME: 1HR
From Hobart, stop at the Wall in the Wilderness at Derwent Bridge to explore a major work of art in progress - artist Greg Duncan's 3m-high by 100m-long wooden carving depicting Tasmania Central Highlands' history. Walk to Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park and visit Something Wild Wildlife Sanctuary, a rehabilitation and conservation wildlife sanctuary for orphaned and injured animals, eventually released when back to good health.
If you would like a farmstay experience, stop at Hamilton and stay at Curringa Farm for the night or continue onto Strahan.
Overnight: Hamilton or Strahan
Day 03 Hamilton to Queenstown to Strahan
DISTANCE: 188KM, APPROX. TRAVEL TIME: 3HR
After morning farm activities, head west, stopping at Lake Saint Claire, Australia's deepest lake and then Queenstown where you can tour the Mount Lyell Copper Mine. If you would like to cruise the Gordon River you need to have arrived into Strahan by 8.30am for the 6-hour cruise along the Gordon River.
Strahan is a beautiful fishing village overlooking the second biggest harbour in Australia and the launching point for cruises on the magnificent Gordon River. Visit the wharf and watch fishermen unload the catch of the day and in the evening enjoy the play ‘The Ship That Never Was' - a play telling the dramatic and hilarious tale of the great escape from Sarah Island.
Day 04 Strahan to Cradle Mountain
DISTANCE: 151KM, APPROX. TRAVEL TIME: 2HR
Take the West Coast Wilderness Railway between Queenstown and Strahan through the rainforest and over deep gorges. If you would like some adventure take a 4W motorbike tour on the Henty Sand Dunes.
Head north via Rosebery to explore spectacular Montezuma Falls and stop at Zeehan Mining Museum, to learn of a miners' life in one of the most remote towns in Australia, then onto Cradle Mountain, the jewel of Tasmanian nature and wilderness. Stay overnight in a wilderness lodge, some with private cabins.
Overnight: Cradle Mountain
Day 05 Cradle Mountain
Spend the day exploring the region. The land’s awesome beauty is truly inspiring. Walk around Dove Lake, have a fly fishing lesson, take a wilderness flight or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment. In the evening, take an animal spot light tour or visit Devils @ Cradle for the Tasmania night feeding tour.
Overnight: Cradle Mountain
 Day 06 Cradle Mountain to Launceston
DISTANCE: 181KM, APPROX. TRAVEL TIME: 2HR
Depart Cradle Mountain, stopping at Sheffield the town of murals and turn off to Mole Creek. Take a tour of Marakoopa Caves to see glow worms in the dark and visit Trowunna Wildlife Park to get close to Tasmania's wildlife. Stop at The Honey Farm at Chudleigh to taste up to 50 different varieties of honey including Tasmania's famous Leatherwood honey. Continue onto Elizabeth Town to visit Ashgrove Cheese to view the cheese making and maturing area and taste and buy a range of cheese including some exotic favours of wild wasabi, lavender and red chilli cheese. Visit 41 Degrees South Salmon and Ginseng Farm to browse at the shop or taste the hot-smoked salmon and the famous Sauvignon Blanc 2004 with 2-year-old ginseng root.
In the months of September & October, visit Table Cape Van Dieman's Quality Bulb Farm to see 15 hectares of fields of tulips.
Overnight Launceston
Day 07 Launceston
Take the chairlift ride across Cataract Gorge, a natural amphitheatre in the heart of Launceston. If you are seeking some adventure join Hollybank Treetops Adventure to zip through the forest canopy. For the lovers of beer visit the J Boag and Son Brewery to learn how beer is made and taste some ales, or South of Launceston, visit the Tasmanian Honey Company and Woolmers Estate close to the Airport for your departure.
For more information:
www.discovertasmania.com
or expore our
interactive Tasmanian self-drive map.
|
DAY 01 
DAY 02 
Day 03