DAY 1

Late-morning you meet your guide in Hobart, Tasmania’s capital and Australia’s second oldest city after Sydney. Originally settled in 1804 along the wide Derwent River, and at the base of the over 4,000-foot Mount Wellington, the city is known for its colonial charm, Georgian architecture, and of course, its proximity and dependence on the sea. Its seafaring history is defined by whaling, merchants, and convicts. Now, with a population of around 200,000, this cosmopolitan southern city is a thriving center for the arts, a maritime lifestyle, festivals, and outdoor enthusiasts. After introductions you begin the approximate three-hour drive, along the scenic, winding coastline, to Freycinet National Park, one of Tasmania’s jewels. You stop en-route in the small port village of Orford for lunch and an opportunity to stretch your legs.

Early afternoon you arrive at your home for the next two nights, a unique lodge that is the only accommodation nestled within the park. Spacious, environmentally friendly cabins with private decks are nestled in the Australian bush. The main lodge overlooks Richardson’s Beach with sweeping views from its restaurants and lobby. After settling in to your room, you drive the short distance to Cape Tourville for a couple of short walks; one on a boardwalk around a lighthouse and the other descending into a secluded cove where whimsical rock formations can be found. A cliff-side trail above the cove offers a slightly longer option for those with the energy. This evening your guide joins you for a welcome drink and dinner at the lodge’s restaurant overlooking the Great Oyster Bay. (Café lunch, Welcome drink and dinner)
Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay

DAY 2

In the Freycinet National Park, the pink granite mountains of the Hazards Range contrast with secluded white sand beaches and turquoise waters below; and a range of habitats can be found, from wetland to heathland, coastal dunes, and dry eucalyptus forest. The east coast of Tasmania is also rich in marine life, with dolphins and migrating whales. Today’s spectacular full-day route starts out on a combination of well-maintained trail and stairs that climb steadily for 700 ft to the saddle of the Hazards mountains, where you catch your first glimpse of the stunning Wineglass Bay. You then descend to Wineglass Bay’s perfect crescent of a white sand beach. You may be tempted to take a swim, or just refuel with a snack before crossing the peninsula to Hazards Beach. En route you pass the Hazard’s Lagoon, an oasis for birds and wildlife. Along the white sands of Hazard’s Beach you’ll want to keep an eye peeled for colorful shells and Aboriginal midden sites tucked into the sand dunes. A quiet, secluded cove provides the perfect respite for a picnic beneath shady trees (or another swimming option). The return leg is along a coastal cliff-top trail with some rocky sections, arriving at Lemana Lookout with views over the azure waters of Great Oyster Bay.

Returning to your cabins, you have time to unwind or you may wish to drop in on a slideshow at the lodge providing an in-depth look at the park’s unique geography and seasonal changes. Dinner this evening is on your own at one of the lodge’s two restaurants, where freshly caught scallops, crayfish, or ocean trout from the cool west coast waters are on the menu, as well as local grass-fed beef or game, perhaps accompanied by one of Tasmania’s excellent local white wines or beer. (Breakfast, Bag lunch)
Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay

DAY 3

This morning early risers may wish to take a last short stroll along Richardson’s Beach or to Honeymoon Bay, a secluded cove just a few minutes from the lodge. After breakfast you embark on an approximate 2 ½ hour drive to the lively, river-side city of Launceston. The scenic route travels in-land and passes through Tasmania’s Tamar Valley, famous for its award-winning cool weather wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. The drive is broken up with a mid-morning stop in the small village of Campbell Town for tea or coffee. Upon reaching Launceston, you head straight to the Cataract Gorge Reserve; just on the outskirts of bustling Launceston, this dramatic gorge is carved out by the Esk River. A network of trails lead through the reserve, one of the most popular ascending to the King’s Bridge and crossing the Tamar River, then becoming a boardwalk overlooking the Esk River that ends at the Victorian Gardens, a bird sanctuary with colorful peacocks. Here you stop for a café lunch before continuing on a less traveled trail away from the river and into the surrounding woodlands.

Mid-afternoon you check into the charming Ashton Gate Bed & Breakfast and are welcomed by your hosts with afternoon tea. This evening you are on your own to wander into town and select from the various restaurants and cafes for dinner. You may wish to explore the river-side promenade for an after dinner stroll. (Breakfast, Café lunch)
Ashton Gate Bed & Breakfast, Launceston

DAY 4

After a bountiful breakfast, cooked to order by your hosts, you depart for Cradle Mountain National Park (approximate driving time of 2 ½ hours). Cradle Mountain National Park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and is made up of over 397,800 acres of varied landscape including rugged mountains, windswept moors, pockets of rainforest, glacial lakes, forests, and moss-lined waterfalls. Rich in flora and fauna, the park is home to many mammals including wombats, wallabies, and the elusive Tasmanian Devil. It is equally appreciated for its unique flora: the pandani, a plant with an unusual palm-like appearance, and the fagus, Australia’s only deciduous tree—the deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii), which is endemic to Tasmania. Cradle Mountain, for which the park was named, at just over 5,000 feet, is characterized by its four distinctive summits.

On your first walk you are introduced to the full diversity and beauty of the park on well-maintained trails and boardwalks that snake past waterfalls through temperate rainforest, moorland, buttongrass plains, and ancient pencil pines. Other plant life include towering King Billy pines over 1,500 years old. Wombats can be spotted grazing in the grassy areas, as well as pademelons (tiny kangaroos). The route heads north following the Dove River, where views of Cradle Mountain become even more impressive. You stop at the Waldheim Chalet, nestled among the myrtles and King Billy pines at Cradle Valley. Austrian born Gustav Weindorfer and his wife, Kate, were struck by the region’s beauty and built their log home and guest chalet in 1912, naming it Waldheim, meaning “forest home.” After a picnic lunch, the longer option continues from Ronny Creek to Crater Falls and Wombat Pool through a magical forest of pandani and sassafras. (Please note, this walk may take place on the following day).

This evening you check into your home for the next three nights, the modern Cradle Mountain Chateau. Situated just outside the park’s northern boundary, the hotel offers immediate access to the trails, spacious rooms with complete amenities, and comfortable sitting areas. This evening your guide joins you for dinner in the hotel’s more casual restaurant featuring an impressive buffet of fresh seafood, salads, carved meats, and side dishes. (Breakfast, Bag lunch, Dinner)
Cradle Mountain Chateau, Cradle Mountain

DAY 5

Today you may choose between a half-day, easy walk with time to relax back at the lodge, perhaps by indulging with a treatment at the Calm Day Spa (services not included in the tour cost), or a full-day of easy to moderate hikes.

The easy morning option around Dove Lake, although not lengthy, is one of the most beautiful walks of the trip. Much of the route is on boardwalk, in many places built into the cliff-side, and it weaves its way through rainforest and past the quartzite beaches of Dove Lake with the towering crags of Cradle Mountain above. Along the way side trails lead to small coves where the occasional echidna (spiny anteater) or platypus can be spotted. From the western shore of Dove Lake, a short excursion to the Ballroom Forest rises to stands of old myrtle, sassafras, and King Billy pine trees.

The moderate-to-challenging option begins with a climb through alpine heathland brimming with wildflowers to pristine Crater Lake, its steep ice-carved walls lined with waterfalls and tiny alpine flora. An optional steep climb to Marion’s Lookout offers beautiful views down to Dove Lake and beyond to the crags of Cradle Mountain. The traverse of this elevated alpine area captures the essence of Tasmanian wilderness—the jagged contours of Cradle Mountain frame a scene sweeping down from alpine heathland to ancient rainforest to button grass plain.

Late afternoon you may wish to visit the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery, a unique purpose-built showcase of environmental photography. Adjacent to your hotel, this gallery boasts Australia’s largest privately owned photographic exhibit. This evening you are on your own for dinner and may choose to dine at the neighboring Cradle Mountain Lodge Restaurant which offers a cozy ambiance with candlelit tables nestled around a fieldstone fireplace. (Breakfast, Bag lunch)
Cradle Mountain Chateau, Cradle Mountain

DAY 6

Today your guide offers a full-day exhilarating, circuit hike to the base of Cradle Mountain. (Please note that this particular hike is weather dependent as it is quite exposed and the weather in Cradle Mountain can be variable year round with occasional snow showers mid-summer. In the case of inclement weather, your guide will offer alternate hike options.) The Cradle Mountain Circuit begins at Dove Lake before rapidly climbing to Hanson’s Peak (some steep sections and hand holds). You then follow a ridge-top trail which offers sweeping views of stunning glacial carved landscape. The trail continues along the face of Cradle Mountain cutting just under the Cradle Peaks before offering views down to Crater Lake. A network of well established board walks allow you to enjoy the lush alpine tundra without damaging the fragile plants and eco system. Eventually the trail intersects with the famous Overland Track, an 80 km long back-country trail covering some of the most remote and stunning sections of Tasmania. The final section of the loop offers a few options, some short and steep, and some longer but offering beautiful views of additional, hidden lakes and glacial valleys, all with non-stop views of Dove Lake below.

This evening you enjoy a final, celebratory dinner in the hotel’s more formal restaurant featuring local wines and specialties. (Breakfast, Bag lunch, Dinner)
Cradle Mountain Chateau, Cradle Mountain

DAY 7

You depart Cradle Mountain National Park this morning for Launceston with a stop en-route in the town of Sheffield. Nestled below Mt. Roland, this small town is known for a series of detailed murals. Painted by professional artists on many of the town’s commercial and heritage buildings, the murals depict the stories of the regions' pioneers and wilderness explorers. We arrive at the Launceston Airport in time for mid-afternoon flights. (Breakfast)

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 2

Freycinet Lodge
Freycinet National Park, Tasmania, Australia

Situated directly on the Great Oyster Bay at the base of the Hazards mountain range, the Freycinet Lodge features contemporary private cabins, constructed with high environmental standards and private decks. The lodge’s restaurant, decks, and bar all offer spectacular ocean views.

Night 3

Ashton Gate Bed & Breakfast
Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

This historic, Victorian style bed and breakfast, located within walking distance to downtown Launceston, offers charming rooms, gracious hosts, and lovely gardens.

Nights 4, 5 & 6

Cradle Mountain Chateau
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia

This newly constructed four-star hotel minutes from Cradle Mountain National Park features spacious rooms with full amenities overlooking the Alpine woodland. The hotel’s Calm Day Spa offers an outdoor hot tub, as well as steam rooms and saunas.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Phil Coleman

Phil has been guiding and operating walking, skiing, and cycling tours in his native Australia for years. Formerly the owner of a Melbourne travel agency specializing in outdoor adventure, now, when not guiding, he enjoys gardening and taking care of his 60-acre bush-land property in the Grampian Mountains, about 150 miles west of Melbourne. An avid hiker, Phil is always game to introduce guests to the more "adventurous" option when possible.

Monica Coleman

Monica, a native of Australia, makes her home in the Grampian Mountains, west of Melbourne. With a background in both outdoor education and environmental studies, Monica has been leading groups in the outdoors for over 30 years. When not guiding, she enjoys hiking, in addition to her other passions of cooking, traveling, and pottering in her permaculture garden.