Wild Tasmania

Tasmania’s lavish swaths of protected wilderness preserve most of the earth’s last temperate rainforests. The western side of this Australian island is wooded and mountainous, while the eastern side holds beautiful traditional farms and tranquil villages bathed in vivid “down under” light. With veteran Trip Leader James Fuss, an Aussie native, we explore this hiker’s paradise on coastal and rainforest hikes that immerse us in a variety of otherworldly landscapes, from the World Heritage Site of Cradle MountainñLake St. Clair National Park to the azure bays of the Freycinet Peninsula. Along the way, we soak up Tassie hospitality and enjoy fantastic food and wine. Overnights include wilderness lodges warmed by roaring fires and cozy cabins overlooking the sea.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Launceston / Narawntapu

From Launceston, we head through the celebrated wine country of the Tamar Valley for wine tasting and lunch in a colorful vineyard. In Narawntapu National Park, we walk along Bakers Beach with the chance to see some of the local wildlife, including Forester kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and a variety of birdlife.

Days 3-4
Cradle Mountain

The wilderness of Cradle MountainñLake St. Clair National Park is ideal for bushwalking. With a choice of moderate or more challenging hikes, we explore this landscape of lakes, moorlands, gorges, streams, valleys, and rugged mountains, and at night search for Tassie’s nocturnal scavenger, the famed Tasmanian devil.

Day 5
Strahan / Macquarie Harbour

Boarding a ketch in the picturesque fishing port of Strahan, we take a delightful cruise across Macquarie Harbour. Later, a walk through the stunning ancient forests of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park brings us to the long-abandoned mining town of Pillinger.

Days 6-7
Mt. Field National Park / Hobart

In Mt. Field National Park, we hike through a forest of ancient towering tree ferns to beautiful, two-tiered Russell Falls. Farther on in the “Land of the Giants,” eucalyptus regnans trees, the tallest flowering plant in the world, tower up to 250 feet above the forest floor. Heading to Hobart, Tasmania’s charming capital, we visit the vibrant Saturday Salamanca Market, with its artisans and musicians, then hike up Mt. Wellington for unsurpassed views.

Days 8-10
Freycinet Peninsula / Launceston

Our final hikes in gorgeous Freycinet National Park bring us past secluded bays and Mt. Amos for stunning views over Wineglass Bay. Depart via Launceston on Day 10.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate, with hikes planned for most days. Anyone in a reasonable state of fitness, accustomed to outdoor adventures, should be able to fully enjoy the planned activities. Participants should be prepared for at least 1-5 hours of hiking each day over uneven terrain (carrying a daypack only).

Vehicle touring is mostly over good roads in a comfortable van or minibus. The trip features a variety of accommodations chosen for their character, size, and location. Overnights range from “bed and breakfast” inns to cabins, historic inns, and delightful wilderness lodges.

As the weather in Tasmania is often variable, we must occasionally wait for it to change to participate in our planned activities. In such a case, we may rearrange the daily itinerary to accommodate the weather.

Explanation of Trip Levels