Experience Overview
Maria Island and Freycinet National Park are jewels in Tasmania’s already studded crown of coastal wonders and on this hiking adventure, you’ll be able to discover both and more in all the East Coast’s wild beauty. From Launceston, spend five days hiking some of the southern state’s best coastal walks, including part of the Three Capes Track, the Fossil Cliffs and the awe-inspiring Wineglass Bay. Take a wilderness cruise with an expert local guide, looking out for migrating whales, seals, dolphins and sea eagles, as you pass underneath rock formations and past hidden sea coves, towering cliffs and a diverse coastline. With a knowledgeable leader joining you each step of the way, plus a selection of group dinners in some of the state’s best dining locations, you’re sure to come home with some pretty great memories.
Highlights
- Navigate the scenic Cape Freycinet isthmus on foot, marvelling at the white sands of Wineglass Bay and discovering lesser-known beaches and coves along the way.
- Cruise past steep cliffs and hidden coves on a wilderness cruise along the natural beauty of Tasman National Park – look out for migrating whales, dolphins, seals and the abundant birdlife that live here.
- Embark on two scenic walks across the Three Capes Track and soak in the natural wonders of Cape Raoul and Cape Hauy as you walk past wildflowers and coastal views.
- Keep an eye out for soaring sea birds and Australian animals like kangaroos and wombats as you walk. Plus, depending on the time of the year, you could spot a breaching whale from these promontories!
- Start your journey in Launceston and end in Hobart with opportunities to do a little of your own exploring in both of these gorgeous cities (also home to some pretty great dining options).
Trip Details
Product Code: 2285
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle,Ferry,Boat,Walking
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: PJXE
Starts: Launceston, Australia
Finishes: Tasman Peninsula / Hobart , Australia
Duration: 6 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5), Lunch (5), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (1 night),Motel (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2810 (CAD 468 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Launceston! With a charming mixture of heritage buildings, a vibrant foodie scene and beautiful scenery just minutes from the city centre, Launceston is the perfect spot to start your journey. If you arrive early, maybe head to the Cataract Gorge and enjoy a slice of nature just a short walk from the city or discover one of the many museums. If you get a chance to dine in Launceston – you won’t regret it, it wasn’t named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for nothing! After a day to explore on your own, you’ll meet your trip leader and group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Then, get to know each other over a group dinner and toast to your upcoming adventures.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’re in for a treat. Drive to Freycinet National Park – one of Australia’s most renowned and picturesque regions. As you enter the park, the views over Coles Bay towards what’s known as The Hazards Range are a sight to behold. When you arrive, lace up your walking shoes for a scenic circuit walk that takes you to the iconic white sands of Wineglass Bay and the lesser known, but no less stunning, Hazards Beach on the opposite side of the Freycinet Peninsula isthmus. Best to have your camera at full charge today because you’ll want to remember these views! After your walk, perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim before driving toward the coastal town of Swansea to relax for the evening.
Included Activities:
- Freycinet National Park - Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach walk
Accommodation:
- Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, jump on a ferry bound for Maria Island. A natural wonder full of history, sweeping bays and rugged cliffs sitting off the coast of Tasmania, Maria Island is an ideal destination for hiking. Walk across coastal plains, past reminders of settler history and along tracks that often have forester kangaroos and wombats lurking about. Climb the short, steep track to Fossil Cliffs and marvel at the thousands of shellfish fossils embedded in the limestone formed millions of years ago. Visit the Painted Cliffs, formed from Triassic sandstone that showcase spectacular colouration from seeping groundwater and fantastic shapes sculpted by salt-laden winds. Enjoy some time to explore Darlington township – with a fascinating history, this town was first established as a penal colony in 1825. Today, the township is part of a wildlife sanctuary, while the island itself has been declared a National Park. You’ll be lucky to spot Forester kangaroos, Cape Barren geese and the adorable waddling wombats from Flinders Island today. After a short ferry ride back to the mainland, drive to Orford where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Maria Island - Day trip
Accommodation:
- Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
Fuel up on breakfast today and get ready for a super fun adventure! Drive south towards Port Arthur, soaking in the views along the way. When you arrive, you’ll take a wilderness cruise along the cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. This three-hour cruise takes you beneath high sea cliffs at Cape Pillar, past waterfalls and deep-sea caves and along the coastline of the gorgeously diverse Tasman National Park. Along the way, look out for seals, dolphins, migrating whales and the many sea birds that call this place home – including albatross, gannets, peregrine falcons and sea eagles. Your friendly local guide will tell you where the best spots are for spotting wildlife, the history of the geology of the fascinating rock formations and if you’re lucky, a few funny anecdotes. With the wind in your hair and open-air seating for the best panoramic views, you’re sure to have an incredible afternoon. After, you’re free to visit the historic Port Arthur sites or maybe take on a couple of short walks along the peninsula.
Included Activities:
- Tasman Peninsula - Boat Cruise
Accommodation:
- Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
Explore Cape Raoul this morning, on a section of the Three Capes Track. You’ll start inland, walking through the lush heath country this area is known for, heading for the coastline. As you approach, you’ll catch glimpses of the spectacular dolerite cliffs that drop dramatically into the ocean below. As the trail heads east along the striking cliff tops, you’ll descend onto the Cape Raoul plateau. Here, you’ll be rewarded with views of the swirling seas, the northern coastline and the incredible Cape Pillar (with its 300-m-high cliffs) in the distance. After some time to take it all in, you’ll walk back to the bus before driving to Port Arthur for your final night. Enjoy dinner with your group and leader and swap travel stories as you reminisce on all you have achieved over the past few days.
Included Activities:
- Tasman Peninsula - Cape Raoul Track
Accommodation:
- Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your final walk on the Tasman Peninsula, on the Three Capes Track, is the Cape Huay walk. You’ll be treated to spectacular views as you walk through a heathland full of wildflowers on undulating tracks until you hit the coastline. The scenes of dolerite cliffs get increasingly pronounced as you near the narrow edge of the promontory. Stop by several vantage points to soak in the best of The Lanterns, Mitre Rock, The Candlestick and Totem Pole – the perfect trail to finish your adventure. After, you’ll make your way to Hobart (or nipaluna in the language of the muwinina and palawa peoples, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Hobart is now located), where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Included Activities:
- Tasman Peninsula - Cape Huay Track
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sarah - Traveled, March 2024
A wonderful week exploring the east coast which is full of amazing surprises. The trip with Intrepid was good value, and delivered on what was offered. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys hiking and exploring in nature.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Jenny - Traveled, November 2023
An amazing trip, with the most amazing guides Stacey and Will. Lifelong memories and wonderful times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Leah - Traveled, November 2023
Tasmania East Coast Our tour was absolutely fantastic 10 / 10 for our group. From our first meeting, the fabulous day trips we did to the last goodbyes we couldn't fault anything. The admin and booking has a lot of room for improvement. Information given was confusing. Our guides were amazing, if anyone is lucky enough to get Stacey and or Will you will have the most incredible time and come away with a wealth of knowledge and the best experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Andrew - Traveled, March 2023
An excellent introduction to the coastal walks of Tasmania's East Coast. A good physical challenge, but not overly so.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2023
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