Things to do in

Strahan

Your cruise includes lunch, a 1-hour guided tour on Sarah Island, a 30-minute rainforest boardwalk at Heritage Landing on the Gordon River and a tour of Huon Pine Sawmill on return to Strahan. When booking, you can choose from 4 seating options Climb aboard a purpose-built catamaran that departs from Strahan Wharf and heads towards Hells Gates, the narrow-channel entrance to Macquarie Harbor. Pass ocean trout and Atlantic salmon farms en-route to Sarah Island. Take a 1-hour guided tour of the island to learn about the harsh conditions of Tasmania's first penal settlement. From Sarah Island, travel into the majestic world heritage listed Gordon River. Rediscover serenity while gliding deep into the ancient rainforest. Disembark at Heritage Landing for a stroll through the hushed, lichen-covered rainforest. Marvel at one of the forest's oldest inhabitants, a 2000-year-old Huon Pine. Your cruise adventure is accompanied by engaging on-board commentary on the area's human history, ecology and geology. The commentary is enriched with anecdotes from the Grining family’s own experiences from more than a century of cruising on the famous river. The included sumptuous lunch is freshly prepared daily and consists of a sample of local smoked salmon, cold meats, salads, Tasmanian cheeses, bread roll, and a sweet. There is also a licensed bar on-board where you can purchase drinks and snacks.

Discover the Gordon River on this cruise into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. Choose from 3 seating categories on this half-day adventure on a boat with a whisper-quiet electric motor. Savor a tasty lunch buffet and purchase drinks from the onboard cash bar. Depart from Strahan on Tasmania's west coast and embark on a cruise with dedicated guides and character-based interpretations that take you through the history of locations like Macquarie Harbor, Hells Gates, Heritage Landing, and Sarah Island. Glide thorugh the notorious Hells Gates, where the harbor and the Southern Ocean meet. Make your way across Macquarie Harbor to the fish farms to learn the fascinating story of salmon and trout farming on the west coast of Tasmania (and have a taste of the delicious produce). Head onto the Gordon River to take in the breathtaking scenery of the pristine World Heritage-listed wilderness. Stop at Heritage Landing to walk through the temperate rainforest and learn about the local flora and fauna while wandering elevated boardwalks that thread between magnificent rainforest species. Admire sassafras and myrtle and stand in awe next to the pride of the forest, an ancient Huon pine. To finish, explore the ruins of Sarah Island, a once dreaded penal colony. Hear convict tales that will send shivers up your spine. Dig into a mouthwatering buffet lunch along the way and have the option to buy drinks and snacks from the Main Deck cash bar. Listen to commentaries in German, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Use the headsets to hear about a number of key points of interest. Choose from seating options on the central main deck of next to the main deck window, or upgrade your ticket to the premier upper deck and recline in premium leather recliners, look out full-length windows, and have access to a private viewing deck and lounge area. Premier upper deck also receive access to a complimentary open bar, morning and afternoon tea and canapes. Return to your meeting point in Strahan at the end of your cruise.

Departing from Hobart, escape into Tasmania's wilderness and travel coast to coast to explore and experience the best of the island on this 5-day tour. Journey to the wild and rugged West Coast for waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife. Then experience the startling change of scenery as the tour continues on through the alpine wilderness of Cradle Mountain to the white sands of the Bay of Fires. Full of famous attractions, fun and adventure, this tour will show you the best of Tasmania! Day 1: Hobart to Strahan Depart Hobart at 7:30 AM and drive through the Derwent Valley, traveling east to west across the island. You’ll see the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park Tall Trees, and visit Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and end the day in Strahan where you will stay overnight. Day 2: Wild West Coast   In the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast, explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Then, continue into the Tarkine Rainforest and walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall Montezuma Falls. Or choose to join the world famous Gordon River Cruise (optional, at your own expense). Stay overnight at Strahan. Day 3: Cradle Mountain Around 950m above sea level is the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park, where you choose a walk to suit you. With an extensive range of tracks, stroll around Dove Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. A short drive takes you through Sheffield, the "town of murals", to Launceston. Stay overnight at Launceston. Day 4: Bay of Fires Head to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. Enjoy the pristine white sands and orange lichen-clad boulders. Learn about the rich culture of the palawa (Tasmanian aboriginal people). Later, Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive takes you from St Helens to the seaside town of Bicheno, home of the little penguin. Stay overnight in Bicheno. Day 5: Freycinet National Park to Hobart An early start means you are the first to the Wineglass Bay lookout. Relax on the secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mount Amos or Hazards Beach walk. Continue further along the scenic east coast via the seaside towns of Swansea and Orford on the way to Hobart.

Day 1: Hobart to Strahan Departing Hobart, your tour of Tasmania/lutruwita begins in Mount Field National Park. Walk among the world’s tallest eucalyptus trees and discover the cascading Russell Falls. The incredible scenery continues at Lake St Clair (Australia’s deepest freshwater lake), and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. You’ll learn about Tasmania’s mining history in Queenstown before arriving in the village of Strahan where we’ll spend the next two nights. Day 2: Wild West Coast Discover the West Coast’s wild and rugged coastlines and rainforests. Walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls, within the ancient rainforests of the Tarkine/takayna. At the coast we’ll explore Henty Sand Dunes and Tasmania’s longest stretch of sand at Ocean Beach. Or today you can choose an outstanding nature cruise on the beautiful Gordon River (own cost). Day 3: Cradle Mountain to Launceston Discover Cradle’s alpine and glacial-carved wilderness as you look for wombats, echidna, and other Tasmanian wildlife. Choose from a variety of world-class walks, such as the track to the summit of Marion’s Lookout, or the Dove Lake circuit. Later today we'll drive to the city of Launceston via the colourful town of Sheffield, known as the Town of Murals. Day 4: Launceston to Bicheno Explore Launceston's lovely Cataract Gorge which is a great place for seeing wallaby. Travel to the Bay of Fires/larapuna and learn about the spiritual connection of the land to Tasmanian aboriginal people/palawa. Walk along pristine white sands with its turquoise waters with striking orange boulders. We will spend the night in Bicheno, home of the little penguin. Day 5: Freycinet National Park Walk to Wineglass Bay or climb to the summit of Mt Amos. We'll visit the Cape Tourville lighthouse before returning to Hobart/nipaluna. Day 6: Tasmanian Devils, Richmond and Wellington Park Today we'll meet Tasmanian devils at Bonorong wildlife sanctuary, before exploring the heritage village of Richmond. Back in Hobart we'll show you some of our favourite spots on Mount Wellington/kunanyi. Tonight, unwind in one of Hobart's historic pubs or restaurants. Day 7: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula Discover the rugged coastal scenery and epic convict history of the Tasman Peninsula/turrakana. Visit Port Arthur, Australia’s best preserved convict settlement. Later today we'll walk to the stunning Crescent Bay, before returning to Hobart.

Day 1: HOBART > STRAHAN Today we will drive through the Western Wilds. We’ll walk among some of the world’s tallest trees and see the beautiful Russell Falls at Mount Field National Park. We’ll visit the expansive Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. The drive through the Franklin-Gordon National Park offers pristine rainforest and mountain scenery. You’ll enjoy the rugged scenery around the old mining town of Queenstown before arriving in the charming harbourside village of Strahan. Overnight: Strahan Day 2: WILD WEST COAST The untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast is today’s playground. In the Tarkine rainforest we’ll walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls, then explore the gigantic Henty Sand Dunes. Alternatively, today you have the option of cruising the scenic Gordon River (own cost). Later at Ocean Beach we’ll breathe the world’s freshest air. Back in Strahan, with luck our guide can help you find the unique platypus. Overnight: Strahan Day 3: Day 4: LAUNCESTON > BICHENO Discover Launceston’s picturesque Cataract Gorge and look for local wallabies, then we’ll hit the road for some breathtaking East Coast scenery. Enjoy lunch in St Helens before walking along the white sands of the magical Bay of Fires. We’ll take our time to savour the coastal views as we travel south to the picturesque fishing village of Bicheno where little penguins can be seen emerging from the sea. Overnight: Bicheno Day 5: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK > HOBART Freycinet is Tasmania’s most famous coastal National Park, and today you’ll explore its beaches, forests, coves, and lookouts. See the pink granite Hazards mountain range from tranquil Honeymoon Bay. Then, you may be keen for a challenging climb to the summit of Mt Amos. Alternatively, you may prefer to walk to the lookout to view the curved white sands of Wineglass Bay and continue to the beach below. Finally, we’ll take in the stunning ocean and mountain views from Cape Tourville before returning to Hobart via the Great Eastern Drive. Overnight: Hobart Day 6: TASMANIAN DEVILS, RICHMOND & WELLINGTON PARK Bonorong is Tasmania’s best-known conservation and wildlife sanctuary. Here we’ll meet a variety of Tasmanian wildlife such as quolls, birds, wombats, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils. Then, we’ll enjoy walking around the colonial village of Richmond. We return to Hobart via the scenic Coal River Valley, and make our way to Wellington Park, known locally as “The Mountain” or by its palawa name, kunanyi. Here our guide will provide an experience which explores its diverse features such as fern glades, eucalyptus forests, dramatic rock columns and boulder fields. There are superb walking tracks to spectacular lookouts. This is our final experience together as our tour comes to an end.

Discover the Gordon River on this cruise into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. Choose from three seating categories on this half-day adventure on a boat with a whisper-quiet electric motor. Savor a tasty lunch buffet and purchase drinks from the onboard cash bar. Depart from Strahan on Tasmania's west coast and embark on a cruise with dedicated guides and character-based interpretations that take you through the history of locations like Macquarie Harbor, Hells Gates, Heritage Landing, and Sarah Island. Glide through the notorious Hells Gates, where the harbor and the Southern Ocean meet. Make your way across Macquarie Harbor to the fish farms to learn the fascinating story of salmon and trout farming on Tasmania's west coast and taste the delicious produce. Head onto the Gordon River to take in the breathtaking scenery of the pristine World Heritage-listed wilderness. Stop at Heritage Landing to walk through the temperate rainforest and learn about the local flora and fauna while wandering elevated boardwalks that thread between magnificent rainforest species. Admire sassafras and myrtle and stand in awe next to the pride of the forest, an ancient Huon pine. To finish, explore the ruins of Sarah Island, a once dreaded penal colony. Hear convict tales that will send shivers up your spine. Dig into a mouth-watering buffet along the way and have the option to buy drinks and snacks from the Main Deck cash bar. Choose from seating options on the central main deck next to the main deck window, or upgrade your ticket to the premier upper deck and recline in premium leather recliners; look out full-length windows and have access to a private viewing deck and lounge area. Premier upper deck also receives access to a complimentary open bar, morning and afternoon tea, and canapes. Return to your meeting point in Strahan at the end of your cruise.

Start your day by departing Strahan aboard the MV Sophia. Once aboard your comfortable cruise ship, you will cross Macquarie Harbour and head to the old township of Pillinger. Step ashore to explore the town’s ruins and admire the temperate rain forest that has engulfed what once was a booming mining town. After exploring this remote and fascinating area, step back aboard for morning tea, before departing for Hells Gates at the mouth of the harbour. On the way to the infamous harbour’s entrance, cruise past Reindeer Lodge and the working fish farms. At Hells Gates, learn about the engineering marvel - the 3km Training Wall – that has been helping ships navigate into the harbour since 1902. Just inside the entrance to the harbour lies Bonnet Island, home to a historic lighthouse and a small colony of penguins. Step ashore to explore and learn about the lighthouse keeper families that once called this isolated and challenging island home. Before returning to Strahan, step back aboard MV Sophia to enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by Strahan Village chefs.

Day 1: Arrive today and travel into Hobart city at your leisure. Accommodation tonight is included at the 4-star Movenpick. Day 2: Choose you own activity... - Full Day Tour of stunning Bruny Island or - 2.5hr cruise around Hobart harbour area and The Channel or - Day Trip to the famous MONA Museum Day 3: Explore the Hobart waterfront area and the summit of Mt Wellington (1270m). See the historic Female Factory, Cascade Brewery and many of Australia’s oldest convict built structures. Lunch at a great local winery. Stop at Richmond and the Federation Chocolate factory. On to the Tasman Peninsula and a beautiful lookout point at Pirates Bay. Enjoy scenic walks at Tasman’s Arch & Devils Kitchen. Squeeze in a stop at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm. Overnight in Port Arthur. Day 4: Enjoy a 2.5 hour fully guided tour around the Port Arthur Historic Site. Explore many of the original buildings as we learn about the early convicts. Journey up the very east coast of Tasmania. Stop at Raspins Beach, Spikey Bridge and Spikey Beach. In the evening squeeze in one last optional activity by spotting the cute little Fairy Penguins. Day 5: See the amazing Blow Hole on the rocky coastline of Bicheno. Visit East Coast Nature World to see many of our native animals and in particular - the feeding of the Tasmanian Devil. In The Bay of Fires we will stroll along the pure white sandy beaches and snap photos of the most colourful spot on the island. Enjoy fresh oysters at Lease 65 Oyster Farm. Stop at Pyengana dairy for cheese sampling and the carved memorial trees at Legerwood. Overnight in Launceston. Day 6: In Launceston city see the King Bridge, City Park, the Heritage listed Post Office and Cataract Gorge. Try local made ice-cream and honey tastings of more than 50 flavours at the renowned Melita Honey Farm. Lunch at 41º Degrees South Salmon Farm. Take a guided tour of the Marakoopa Caves which has resident glow worms! Snake up onto the central highlands to Cradle Mountain National Park. Partake in some Wombat & animal spotting at dusk. Overnight at the Cradle Mountain Hotel. Day 7: Drive to Dove Lake for views of Cradle Mountain. Short walks at glacier rock, the Enchanted Walk and Pencil Pine waterfall. Visit the “Waldheim Chalet” of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer. See Zeehan & Morrisons Saw Mill in Strahan before overnighting in Queenstown. Day 8: Take in panoramic views over Queenstown from the Iron Blow lookout. Experience a lovely rainforest drive right through the World Heritage Franklin-Gordon National Park. Stroll into Tasmania’s very photogenic waterfall - Nelson Falls. Turn at Derwent Bridge to see Lake St Clair – the inception of the mighty Derwent River. Visit an absolute gem hidden deep in Tasmania’s wilderness, a fantastic art gallery called The Wall. Stop at the Tarraleah lookout & Mt Field National Park to visit the 3 tier Russell Falls. Overnight in Hobart Day 9: This morning your package officially concludes with hotel check-out by 11am.