Part of the First Light Travel Group
South Pacific Specialists
+64 (9) 320 1065
Embark on a 10-day journey through Tasmania that blends wild beauty with refined indulgence. From charming Launceston to the harbour city of Hobart, discover a landscape of soaring mountains, pristine beaches, and gourmet treasures. Walk among the dramatic peaks of Cradle Mountain and the pink granite shores of Freycinet, soar into the untouched Southwest Wilderness by plane and boat, and savour world-class wine. With a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, this self-drive tour reveals Tasmania at its most authentic and luxurious.
Duration: 10 days
Starts: Launceston
Finishes: Hobart
Where heritage elegance meets Tasmania’s wild beauty.
On arrival at Launceston Airport, collect your premium rental vehicle and begin your Tasmanian journey. The Eagles Nest Retreat is an easy 50-minute drive from Launceston Airport. After collecting your vehicle, follow the Bass Highway south through picturesque farmland to Deloraine, then continue towards Sheffield, famed as the “Town of Murals.” The retreat lies just beyond, nestled near Mount Roland with sweeping views of Tasmania’s Great Western Tiers, a scenic journey that perfectly sets the mood for your stay.
3 Nights Accommodation at Eagles Nest Retreat
Approximate Distance: 95 km
Travel Time: 1 hour 15 min
Explore wild beauty by day, retreat to refined luxury by night
Today is yours to relax and savour the tranquillity of Eagles Nest Retreat. Just an hour’s drive from Cradle Mountain, the retreat offers a private and luxurious base surrounded by rolling farmland and gentle hills. Set out on a self-drive adventure through nearby boutique wineries, artisan galleries, and charming country towns, or explore the wilderness of Cradle Mountain at your own pace. Return to your retreat to indulge in restorative spa treatments, private chef dining, or soothing massages, before ending the evening with bird watching or stargazing beneath Tasmania’s clear night skies.
A journey into World Heritage landscapes and untamed wildlife
Take a return day excursion to discover the splendour of Cradle Mountain, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Renowned for the world-famous Overland Track, this pristine park is a landscape of glacial lakes, cascading streams, and dramatic peaks. Wander through a tapestry of vegetation – from rainforest and grasslands to ancient King Billy pines and the rare deciduous beech – and keep watch for native wildlife including wombats, platypus, echidna, quolls, and the elusive Tasmanian devil. With its blend of rugged beauty and ecological richness, Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most treasured natural wonders.
Approximate Distance: 100 km round trip (62 miles).
Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
From rolling hills to coastal splendour – a journey into Tasmania’s east.
Depart Eagles Nest Retreat and journey east towards Tasmania’s breathtaking east coast. The drive to Freycinet National Park is a feast for the senses, unfolding through rolling farmland, forested hills, and charming country towns before giving way to sweeping coastal vistas. Along the way, you’ll glimpse fertile valleys and quaint villages, with opportunities to pause at local farm gates or vineyards for a taste of Tasmania’s produce. As you approach the Freycinet Peninsula, the dramatic granite peaks of The Hazards rise ahead, signalling your arrival at one of the island’s most iconic and captivating destinations.
2 Nights Accommodation at Saffire Freycinet
Approximate Distance: 248.8 km
Travel Time: 3 hr 5 min
From oysters and ocean to spa serenity – every moment redefined.
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the world-renowned Saffire Freycinet. A thoughtfully curated collection of complimentary activities invites you to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty and cultural treasures. Choose from guided coastal walks, kayaking in tranquil Pelican Bay, or learning about Tasmania’s iconic wildlife, including the elusive Tasmanian devil. Savour freshly shucked oysters straight from the water, try your hand at fly fishing, or join an indigenous guide for an enriching cultural journey. For those seeking pure indulgence, the award-winning spa and wellness experiences provide the perfect sanctuary.
Step into one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Embark on one of Freycinet’s signature treks – the 11 km loop to the world-famous Wineglass Bay. Begin with a steady climb to the lookout for sweeping views of its flawless curve of white sand, consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful and remote beaches. From here, descend through fragrant coastal forest to the shoreline, where the turquoise bay makes a perfect backdrop for a leisurely picnic lunch. Continue at your own pace along the gently undulating coastal track, completing the loop surrounded by the park’s rugged cliffs, pink granite peaks, and abundant birdlife.
Where heritage harbours meet mountain horizons
Travel south to Hobart, a harbour city framed by the dramatic slopes of Mount Wellington and the glistening waters of the Derwent River. This vibrant destination blends natural beauty with rich heritage, where colonial-era architecture meets contemporary galleries, boutique shops, and a thriving culinary scene. Explore the historic waterfront precinct, wander through lively markets, or simply soak up the city’s relaxed charm. Surrounded by forests, mountains, and rugged coastlines, Hobart is the perfect gateway to Tasmania’s culture, cuisine, and outdoor adventures.
3 Nights Accommodation at Macq01 Hotel
Approximate Distance: 197.2 km
Travel Time: 3 Hours
An untouched wilderness revealed by sky and sea.
Uncover the grandeur and raw beauty of Tasmania’s untouched wilderness on an exclusive Southwest Wilderness Experience. Fly over rugged southern coastlines before landing at remote Melaleuca, a gateway to one of the world’s last great wilderness frontiers. From here, take to the water to explore the pristine waterways of the Port Davey Marine Reserve, passing secluded inlets, Waterfall Bay, and the windswept Breaksea Islands. Enjoy a gourmet lunch amidst this wild setting, then wander through the Melaleuca Museum and the Needwonnee Walk, offering insight into the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Conclude with a breathtaking return flight over the jagged Arthur Range, one of Tasmania’s most spectacular mountain landscapes, before arriving back in Hobart.
Included Meals: Lunch
A fusion of daring creativity, world-class wine, and bold design.
MONA & Moorilla Winery
Experience MONA, Australia’s largest private museum and one of the world’s most provocative collections. Set in a striking subterranean building, its three levels showcase everything from ancient mummies to daring contemporary works, designed to challenge and inspire.
The estate also features Moorilla winery, Source restaurant, boutique cinema, and luxury pavilions. Enjoy a private behind-the-scenes tour with Moorilla’s wine ambassador, taste premium Cloth Label and Muse vintages, and indulge in a two-course wine-matched lunch. The afternoon is yours to further explore MONA’s extraordinary exhibitions.
Leave with memories as rich as the landscapes you’ve explored.
This morning, make your way to Hobart Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you the memories of an unforgettable Tasmanian journey. From wild coastlines to world-class cuisine, you’ve experienced some of the island’s most treasured landscapes and indulgences. We hope the spirit of Tasmania inspires you to return and uncover even more of Australia’s remarkable highlights in the future.
“Experience Tasmania's most beautiful corners, from the historic Hobart port to the stunning national parks in Freycinet and Cradle Mountain. And don't forget to taste some of Australia's best cool-climate wine in the Tamar Valley! You'll love it here as much as I do!”
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
ENQUIRELike what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. Each Absolute Australia tour is tailored to who you are and what you want to do.
Our team has access to Australia's most unique accommodation, superb activities, and flight specials. Contact us for a personalised Australia experience.
Uluru / Yulara to Alice Springs
Exmouth to Perth
Sydney to Sydney
Eagles Nest Retreat features three award-winning, self-contained luxury spa properties nestled in the picturesque countryside near Cradle Mountain in northwestern Tasmania. This exclusive hideaway is yours to enjoy fully. Explore the stunning Cradle Mountain area, then return to your retreat to indulge in one of the many spa treatments or pamper yourself with in-house services like a private chef or massage. Surrounded by tranquil farmland, the property provides a luxurious and secluded escape. Guests are encouraged to shut the gate and revel in their own private paradise.
Saffire Freycinet is Australia’s new luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s East Coast, delivering sophisticated and intimate style and an inspirational experience – it’s Tasmania’s luxury resort. Discreetly positioned overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and the pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay, Saffire Freycinet blends mankind and nature with breathtaking beauty. Featuring 20 luxurious suites, an exclusive day spa, restaurant, guest lounge and bar, this new experience is a celebration of the art of service, internal and external well-being, local culinary delights, ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Nestled in the heart of the historic Hobart waterfront, MACq 01 is a luxurious hotel that combines premium accommodation with unforgettable storytelling. It is just a 5-minute drive from the city centre and famous Salamanca Square. There is an on-site restaurant at the property and private parking is available. The sandstone warehouses that line Hunter Street become your historic backdrop, artistically juxtaposing the watery surrounds. Each one of these style-infused rooms is replete with furnishings of extreme comfort and more than ample floorspace.
MONA (The Museum of Old and New Art) is Australia’s largest private museum and one of the most controversial private collections of modern art and antiquities in the world. Described by its owner as a “subversive adult Disneyland”, the collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the world’s most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art. With around 300 artworks on display, the collection takes up three floors within a subterranean architectural masterpiece and is guaranteed to impress.
The 3.5 ha site includes a function centre, Moorilla winery and vineyard, a cellar door, and a wine bar. There’s also the Source restaurant, a 63-seat cinema, the Mona Library and Gallery, and eight stylish accommodation pavilions on site.
Moorilla’s Wine Ambassador will take you on a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Moorilla winery and vineyard. Taste the wine as it is being made and learn about the history of the winery, one of the oldest in Tasmania. The tour includes an exclusive tasting of the best wines from Morrilla’s Cloth Label and Muse series. After your tour, enjoy a delicious two-course lunch with matched wines. Then spend the afternoon exploring the MONA museum (Museum of Old and New Art) which happens to be located within Moorilla winery.
Take a return day excursion to discover the splendour of Cradle Mountain, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Renowned for the world-famous Overland Track, this pristine park is a landscape of glacial lakes, cascading streams, and dramatic peaks. Wander through a tapestry of vegetation – from rainforest and grasslands to ancient King Billy pines and the rare deciduous beech – and keep watch for native wildlife including wombats, platypus, echidna, quolls, and the elusive Tasmanian devil. With its blend of rugged beauty and ecological richness, Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most treasured natural wonders.
Embark on one of Freycinet’s signature treks – the 11 km loop to the world-famous Wineglass Bay. Begin with a steady climb to the lookout for sweeping views of its flawless curve of white sand, consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful and remote beaches. From here, descend through fragrant coastal forest to the shoreline, where the turquoise bay makes a perfect backdrop for a leisurely picnic lunch. Continue at your own pace along the gently undulating coastal track, completing the loop surrounded by the park’s rugged cliffs, pink granite peaks, and abundant birdlife.
Uncover the grandeur and raw beauty of Tasmania’s untouched wilderness on an exclusive Southwest Wilderness Experience. Fly over rugged southern coastlines before landing at remote Melaleuca, a gateway to one of the world’s last great wilderness frontiers. From here, take to the water to explore the pristine waterways of the Port Davey Marine Reserve, passing secluded inlets, Waterfall Bay, and the windswept Breaksea Islands. Enjoy a gourmet lunch amidst this wild setting, then wander through the Melaleuca Museum and the Needwonnee Walk, offering insight into the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Conclude with a breathtaking return flight over the jagged Arthur Range, one of Tasmania’s most spectacular mountain landscapes, before arriving back in Hobart.
Hobart is the state capital and largest city in Tasmania offering all of the amenities of a large city and few of the hassles. Attractions range from rows of 19th century Georgian sandstone warehouses in Salamanca Place where every Saturday the famous Salamanca Market is held. Theatre in the Botanical Gardens is a summer highlight not to be missed. The city is not only ideal base for southern Tasmanian journeys but it is also city full of friendly people, relaxed lifestyle, beautiful scenery and vibrant culture.
Cradle Mountain is at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Park is 2.5 hours west of Launceston and 90 minutes from Devonport.
The sheer magnificence of Cradle Mountain inspired Austrian born Gustav Weindorfer to build a chalet out of King Billy pine here in 1912 and work tirelessly to have the area declared a national park “for the people for all time”. His dream was realised in 1922, and today a quarter of all visitors to the state travel here to share his vision.
Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city is compact, and its pretty, colourful Victorian and Edwardian homes line the hillsides along the river banks. With a population of 68,000, the city has a strong sense of identity and has one of the best regional galleries in Australia – the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk, along with art and craft galleries and quality restaurants. Like most Tasmanian towns, it’s easy to explore and nature is right nearby – Launceston Gorge, with its Victorian parklands, complete with peacocks, has steep, rugged cliffs and wild areas that attract climbers. Launceston is a good base for exploring the vineyards of the Tamar Valley, and you can visit boutique cool-climate wineries that line both river banks.
Jutting out into the sea on Tasmania’s mild east coast is the rugged and beautiful Freycinet Peninsula. Freycinet National Park consists of knuckles of granite mountains surrounded by azure bays and white sand beaches. The dramatic peaks of the Hazards welcome you as you enter the park.
