Spirit of Tasmania
SELF DRIVE TOUR
HOBART | CRADLE MOUNTAIN | COLES BAY | LAUNCESTON | FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK
From the heritage of Hobart’s cobbled streets to Cradle Mountain’s solitary forests and waterfalls; the World Heritage listed wilderness to the ocean beaches of the Freycinet National Park, this is an island just waiting to be discovered. Discover this today with our self-driving tours of Australia.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Hobart, quaint and brimming with history
- World heritage Cradle Mountain National Park, wilderness, rainforest and wildlife
- Freycinet Peninsula, a nature lover’s paradise
- Launceston, Tasmania’s second city with Victorian architecture and the Cataract Gorge
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
Day 1 : Arrive Hobart
On arrival at Hobart Airport you will be met & transferred by private car to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore. Hobart is Australia’s second oldest city, and the waterfront dates back to the first settlement here in 1804; it’s all a bit different now of course, but the area from Old Wharf round to the fishing village of Battery Point – known as Sullivan’s Cove – is still the hub of this cosmopolitan city. Salamanca Place has some of the city’s best pubs, café’s and restaurants and on Saturdays there’s the pulsating Salamanca market.
Day 2 : Hobart - Cradle Mountain (195 miles)
Collect your car from the Hertz office and begin your journey west through the Derwent Valley via New Norfolk and Derwent Bridge. Continue through the mining town of Queenstown to Cradle Valley.
Day 3 : Cradle Mountain National Park
A day to relax and enjoy this remote area; experience the wilderness with waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, ancient pine covered slopes reflected in still glacial lakes, rainforest, wildlife and the unsurpassed natural beauty of this National Park. Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, with its ancient rainforests and alpine heaths, is home to the world-famous Overland Track and iconic Cradle Mountain. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the park is one of the state’s most special places, where ancient pines fringe glacial lakes and icy streams cascade down rugged mountains. Discover marked trails and walks through the forest, looking out for the native wildlife, and you’ll catch your breath at your first glimpse of jagged Cradle Mountain towering above the sparkling waters of Dove Lake.
Day 4 : Cradle Mountain - Launceston (92 miles)
Leave Cradle Mountain behind and in the riverside village of Deloraine see its historic streetscape alive with craft shops and galleries before you arrive in Launceston, Tasmania’s second city with Victorian architecture and the Cataract Gorge.
Day 5 : Launceston - Freycinet (130 miles)
In Ross you’ll find arguably the finest 19th century village in Australia; cobble stone paths and old elm trees line the main street and the Ross Bridge, the third oldest still standing in Australia, has 186 detailed carvings done by the stonemasons who built it. Coles Bay is your destination in the Freycinet National Park.
Day 6 : Freycinet
A day to explore this stunning park, crowded with forests, wildflowers, orchids and native wildlife. With its sapphire seas lapping pristine beaches, secluded coves and pink granite outcrops it is a true delight and nowhere more so than Wineglass Bay, where the perfect curve of white sand washed by sparkling sea under a blue sky can make a mesmerising spectacle and stunning photo. Take a cruise, paddle a kayak, or just wander the trails; the choice is yours.
Day 7 : Freycinet - Hobart (190 miles)
Travel today via the seaside town of Swansea on the shores of Great Oyster Bay, with its many examples of buildings and relics from the mid-1800’s. Enjoy some of the local delicacies, before continuing through the historic Richmond village with Australia’s oldest preserved colonial convict gaol, bridge and Catholic church.
Day 8 : Depart Hobart
Your tour ends with the check out from your hotel and the return of your car to the airport rental office.
