Itinerary
Tour day-by-day
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Day 1: Launceston to Cradle Mountain
Be met today at midday by our local guide and start your journey to UNESCO Word Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Travel to Latrobe for the possibility to see Platypus in their natural environment. This unique semi-aquatic monotreme is by nature a shy creature and some patience and luck is required to see it.
Travel through lush rolling farm pasture before reaching the alpine bush of the Cradle Valley. Enjoy an introduction to this captivating alpine environment before settling in at your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel
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Day 2: Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake
Today you will be mesmerised by the beautiful alpine landscapes of Cradle Mountain, where in many places, dolerite cracked into vertical columns has resulted in spectacular sculpted mountains and cliffs.
On a clear day the rugged grandeur of Cradle Mountain is reflected in the tranquil waters of Dove Lake, or you may experience the drama of its craggy peaks through swirling mist.
Your guide will introduce you to the many endemic fauna and flora species of the region whilst enjoying picturesque views on your walk beneath the spectacular craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain.
Magical forests of Pandani (the tallest heath plant in the world), Sassafras, King Billy Pines and the deciduous Beech can be seen adjacent to spectacular glacial lakes. Birds such as Forest Ravens, Black Currawongs, Green Rosellas and Wedge-tailed Eagles are seen in this area, whilst Common Wombats, Tasmanian Pademelons, Short-beaked Echidnas, Platypus, Spotted-tailed Quoll and the Eastern Quoll may also be seen. In the evening, you have the option to join your guide on a night spotlighting tour or simply relax at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel
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Day 3: Cradle Mountain to Central Highlands
Depart the Cradle Valley and travel to Tasmania’s Central Highlands also known as “The Heart of Tasmania”. Here in this alpine environment, the air is noticeably clear and the silence inspiring.
In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to explore Lake Ada, discover its history and immerse yourself in this barren but beautiful and unique landscape. On dusk you will have the chance to observe Common Wombats, Bennett's Wallabies and possums as they turn the area into a hub of activity. With a bit of luck you may also see quolls and the iconic Tasmanian Devils in their natural habitat.
Accommodation: Thousand Lakes Lodge
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Day 4: Central Highlands to Mount Field National Park
This morning your guide takes you into Mount Field National Park, the oldest in the state. Be mesmerised by the lush forest landscapes, from eucalyptus temperate rainforest to alpine moorland.
Explore the green forest canopy where you can crane your neck to see some of the tallest flowering trees in the world. This cool temperate rainforest allows you the opportunity to search for some of Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species including Scrubtit, Black Currawong and Tasmanian Thornbill. After lunch, you may have another opportunity to observe the unique duck bill and webbed feet Platypus in the wild. Return to Hobart in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor
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Day 5: Maria Island
This morning, travel to the seaside village of Triabunna and board a ferry to cross the Mercury Passage to Maria Island. This unique island national park sits just off Tasmania’s east coast. Enjoy a day of peaceful walking along historic ruins, sweeping bays, rugged fossil cliffs and imposing mountains.
This island sanctuary provides an opportunity to view its resident wildlife, including Common Wombats, Cape Barren Geese, Tasmanian Pademelons, kangaroos, wallabies and sometimes the Tasmanian Devil in their natural environment. In the afternoon, make your way down the east coast into Tasmanian’s capital city, Hobart
This tour ends at approximately 5 pm in Hobart.
Key Details
Group Size: Maximum of 12 guests
Private Touring: Available on request at additional cost. Please enquire directly with your group size & interests.
Languages: Fully guided German, French, Spanish, Portuguese private touring throughout Tasmania is available on request.Recent Testimonials
"I spent four days in Tasmania with the world's best travel guide: Deb Read. She MADE my trip to Australia. The two of us spent many hours together and she was so easy to be with, both socially and intellectually, that I felt like I had a new best friend by the end. Her love of her work was obvious. Although she had taken people on my trips many times, she spent each night reviewing the history, the stories, and the recent updates for any site we visited. Her curiosity, love of learning and wanting to share her country far exceeded my expectations. I would go back to PTT again in a heartbeat." - 14spot, Boston
"Using Hobart as a base, my husband and I spent two wonderful days with Karin Beaumont, one of the best guides we encountered in our month long trip through Australia. Not only is she intelligent and knowledgeable about the history and culture of Australia, but she is a good listener and perceptive.....we hadn't planned on returning since Tasmania is a long ways away from North Carolina, but we've talking about it ever since. And if we do, we want a five day trip around Tasmania with Karin." - mid214, North Carolina
