This is an island of contrasts. From the beautiful beaches, scenic coastline and wilderness resorts of the east to the rugged national parks, picturesque lakes and fishing villages of the West. Tasmania is a great self drive destination. Most of our clients hire a car and explore independently. It is always a good idea to prebook your accommodation as popular places such as Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park become booked out months in advance. You can reach Tasmania by scheduled flight with Qantas to Hobart or Launceston and pick up your car from the airport. For something different you can take the overnight ferry, The Spirit Of Tasmania, from Melbourne to Devonport.

Day 1:
Arrive in Hobart and collect your hire car from Hertz at the airport. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Hobart.
Overnight
3.5 Star: Mantra One Sandy Bay
4 Star: Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
4.5 Star: Somerset on the Pier
5 Star: The Henry Jones Art Hotel

Day 2:
Hobart/Port Arthur/Hobart (2hrs leisurely drive each way) Depart Hobart for Port Arthur. Cross the Derwent River visit the Tessellated Pavement, Blowhole, Devil's Kitchen and Tasman's Arch before arriving at Port Arthur Penal Settlement. Take a guided tour and learn about Australia's infamous convicts. On the way back to Hobart visit the Convict and Colonial Museum at Copping, a magnificent collection.
Overnight: Same hotel as last night.

Day 3:
Hobart/Queenstown/Strahan (4 1/2 hrs drive) Depart Hobart and drive to Plenty to visit the Salmon Ponds. Continue on to the Central Highlands to placid Lake St. Clair. Stop for lunch and enjoy the views. Travel on to Queenstown and visit the Open Cut Copper Mine before continuing to Strahan.
Overnight: Franklin Manor (4.5 Star) or The Strahan Village (4 Star)

Day 4:
Strahan/Cradle Mountain (2 1/2 hrs drive) A 1/2 day cruise on the Gordon River - a world heritage area, is recommended. Pass Hells Gates where many early ships were destroyed by treacherous ocean swells. Travel to Zeehan to inspect a fascinating mineral collection in the West Coast Pioneer Museum. Continue north to Cradle Mountain National Park. See Devils and other wild animals feeding under lights this evening as you relax beside a large log fire.
Overnight: Cradle Mountain Lodge (3.5 Star)

Day 5:
At leisure in Cradle Mountain.
Overnight: Cradle Mountain Lodge (3.5 Star)

Day 6:
Cradle Mountain/Launceston (3hrs drive) Drive to Dove Lake and visit the Information Centre for an insight into the untamed wilderness of this area. Journey to Hadspend to visit 'Entally House', a beautifully maintained National Trust property. Continue to Launceston for overnight.
Launceston Accommodation:
3 Star: Leisure Inn Penny Royal
4 Star: Hotel Grand Chancellor
5 Star: Peppers Seaport Hotel

Day 7:
Launceston/Freycinet National Park (3 1/2 drive) A visit to the Penny Royal Complex is recommended before leaving Launceston. Afterwards head towards Bicheno then onto Freycinet National Park.
Overnight: Freycinet Lodge (4 Star)

Day 8:
Freycinet National Park
Today is at leisure. Spend the morning exploring this beautiful peninsula. Hike to Wine Glass Bay and enjoy spectacular views.Wildlife abound in Freycinet: wallabies, wombats, rosellas, cockatoos and sea eagles. This is the perfect retreat to relax and become part of nature.
Overnight: Freycinet Lodge (4 star)

Day 9:
Freycinet/Hobart (4hrs drive)
Today head back to Hobart.
Overnight: Hotel of choice.

Day 10:
Departure: This morning is at leisure until you drive to the airport for your onward flight.