This island, slightly smaller than Eire, boasts wild rivers, and World Heritage Parks. With pristine lakes and some of the most unspoilt walking trails in the country, Tasmania provides the perfect place for self drive exploration.
Beginning at Hobart, Tasmania’s capital and most distinctive city, the city combines heritage charm and cultural diversity in a setting of exceptional beauty. Situated at the mouth of the Derwent River, against the backdrop of Mount Wellington, the city mixes old and new. With colonial heritage, the historic harbour and Georgian waterfront, Hobart’s European beginnings are evident throughout the city.The city is a place of fishing boats and a great setting for coffee under the sun-umbrellas where the famous Salamanca Market is held every Saturday. A harbour cruise voyages past the square-rigged yachts whilst a drive to the summit of Mount Wellington provides a bird’s eye view of the intricate pattern of islands and estuaries that reach out to the sea and beyond.
Surrounding Hobart, the area is rich with a variety of landscapes and experiences. South east of the city, past the Coal River Valley wineries, is the historic town of Richmond. The jail serves as a prelude to the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula, with nearby Port Arthur offering cliff walks and cruises that take you beside 300 metre sea cliffs and Tasman Island.
Travelling south from the city you can cruise across to Bruny Island. The island lies beneath some of the world’s highest sea cliffs, and from here you can then travel north to Oatlands and explore Australia’s largest collection of sandstone buildings.
Freycinet National Park is Tasmania’s oldest national park and occupies the craggy landscapes of the island’s east coast, presenting a beautiful rugged peninsula of spectacular pink granite, isolated coves and the breathtaking Wineglass Bay that is ideal for exploring by land and sea.
Coles Bay sits beneath pink granite mountains at the entrance to the park, at the foot of the granite mountains known as the “Hazards.” Exploring the park and bay can be done on foot, following the steep ascent to the top to view the bay. The blue waters often entice visitors down into the bay to discover secret coves and the white sands.
For more active discoverers, mountain bikes can be hired, or join a guided sea-kayaking tour. Swim in the turquoise waters, fish, snorkel or scuba dive around this magnificent coast, before heading back to the Freycinet Lodge, set amidst the unique wilderness of the Freycinet National Park. Offering a harmonious design and contemporary accommodation with a spectacular waterfront location the lodge has panoramic views over Great Oyster Bay.
The picturesque fishing village of Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania offers infinite charm and grace that belies the region’s once brutal history.
Take a cruise across Macquarie Harbour, travel past waterfalls and the magnificent mirrored reflections of the Gordon River before steping ashore at Heritage Landing. Walk into the green silence of the rainforest showcasing the 2000 year old trees. Encounter Hells Gate where the harbour opens to the ocean, Tasmania’s world-renowned salmon farms, and the notorious Sarah Island. Walking amongst the ruins the guide brings the past alive with astonishing stories of when convicts built amazing ships from precious Huon pine.
Lying north of Hobart, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The mountain itself is one of the most famous sites in Tasmania, rising to 1,545 metres above sea level. Abundant in walking tracks to explore the park, the Overland Track is one of the country’s well known bush walks. Situated at the northern end of the park the route stretches 65 kilometres, attracting thousands of walkers each year as the track winds through mountains, wild rivers and alpine plains.
Bales Tasmania Self Drive 8 day itinerary allows you to experience the picturesque port city of Hobart, charming Strahan with an opportunity to cruise the breathtaking Gordon River and to see the spectacular scenery around Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Parks, before returning back to Hobart.
To book your Tasmanian experience call our Australia & New Zealand specialists now for more information on 08452 703 862.
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Bales Worldwide (formerly known as Bales Tours) is a family run independent tour operator established by George Bales in 1947. Bales have become more and more flexible over time, in order to truly meet your needs. Wherever you decide to travel and whenever you want to travel, whether it is in 14 months time or just 3 weeks away, Bales have 60 years of knowledge and expertise to give you a holiday of a lifetime. 