7 Days West Coast

Day One

Start your journey in Hobart with a drive to the summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington for panoramic views over Hobart, the River Derwent and beyond. Once checked in to your hotel, wander Hobart’s historic waterfront and board the MR1-Fast Ferry, berthing 20-minutes later at Mona, Museum of Old and New Art. Explore the museum and lunch at one of the three eateries on site. Upon your return to Hobart, wander Salamanca or Battery Point, followed by a seafood dinner at Constitution dock. Overnight Hobart at Hadley’s Hotel.

Highlights:

• Drive to Kunanyi / Mt Wellington summit (27 kms from city) for views over Hobart and surrounds.
  
• Catch the MR1-Fast Ferry (20 mins) to Mona, Museum of Old and New Art, the most controversial museum collection worldwide.
  
• Drinks and tapas at Source Restaurant, the Wine Bar Moo Brew microbrewery or Moorilla’s wine cellar – onsite at Mona.
  
• Back in Hobart, visit Lark Distillery to sample the world’s best single malt whisky.
  
• Dinner at T42 or Fish Frenzy on the Hobart waterfront.

Day Two

After breakfast, head to Cambridge Aerodrome to board your flight to Tasmania’s South West. You’re in for an unforgettable full day tour (8 hours), taking in the incredibly remote waterways and wilderness of Bathurst Harbour and Port Davey. Leave civilisation behind and prepare for a day of exploration in Tasmania’s untouched wilderness area, breathing in some of the cleanest air in the world. Enjoy lunch in a remote location prior to departing and on return fly over spectacular mountain peaks. Dinner at one of Hobart’s contemporary restaurants, Smolt or Frank. Overnight at Hadleys Hotel.

Highlights:

• Take a remote wilderness flight to Tasmania’s wild South West with Par Avion Wilderness Tours.
  
• Fly above Tasmania’s southern coastline, soaking in the changing landscape as you pass wild beaches, sea cliffs, coastal mountain peaks and islands.
  
• Explore on ground at the remote southern post of Melaleuca keeping a lookout for the endangered Orange Bellied Parrot.
  
• Board your boat for a trip to Bathurst Harbour and Port Davey enjoying lunch en route.
  
• Return to Hobart to dine at Smolt or Frank, near the waterfront.

Day Three

Leave Hobart behind and set off for the five and a half hour trip to the West Coast. Lake St Clair and Derwent Bridge are excellent destinations to stretch your legs and have lunch. From here the road takes you through forests, past mountains and across wild rivers. Take time to stop and explore some of the roadside nature trails and river crossings. Upon arrival in Strahan, settle into your hotel and wander the small fishing village before attending the legendary local play, The Ship That Never Was. Enjoy dinner at a local venue. Overnight at Strahan Village.

Highlights:

• Lake St Clair is the ideal spot for a walk and lunch at Derwent Bridge.
  
• Continue along the Lyell Highway stopping at Franklin River Nature Trail and Donaghy’s Lookout.
  
• Wander the fishing village of Strahan or walk the vast coastal stretch of Ocean Beach.
  
• See the local theatre production of The Ship That Never Was.
  
• Enjoy a meal at Hamer’s Hotel Bar and Grill or Risby Cove.

Day Four

Rise early and board the Gordon River Cruise (approx 6.5 hours). You’ll depart from Strahan and cross Macquarie Harbour – one of the few protected harbours on the West Coast, reaching its narrow entrance – the notorious Hells Gates. Then glide slowly upstream along the Gordon River and experience the still waters of this true wilderness waterway. Disembark at Heritage Landing and explore the largest tract of temperate rainforest surviving on earth. After exploring Sarah Island, return to Strahan and depart for Cradle Mountain (1.5 hours) where you will spend the night at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

Highlights:

• Depart for a morning cruise on the Gordon River.
  
• Journey to the notorious Hells Gates where harbour and ocean meet.
  
• Lunch on board the cruise.
  
• Visit Sarah Island, once a dreaded penal colony.
  
• Discover the bays and river on the Gordon River aboard its sleek, purpose built tour vessels.
  
• Depart for Cradle Mountain and arrive in time for dinner.

Day Five

After breakfast head to Dove Lake for a two hour circuit walk, exploring the lakeside alpine heathlands and ancient forest of Cradle Mountain, part of the Tasmanain Wilderness World Heritage Area. Stop at the Cradle Mountain Lodge Tavern for a hearty lunch, maybe a spa treatment at Waldheim Alpine Spa, or meet local wildlife at Devils@Cradle. For the more adventurous, take a leap of faith and sign up for an experience of a lifetime, wilderness canyoning with Cradle Mountain Canyons. Enjoy an evening stroll on one of the many boardwalks before dining and staying at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

Highlights:

• Walk the Dove Lake Loop Track.
  
• Enjoy lunch at the Cradle Mountain Lodge Tavern.
  
• Relax at Waldheim Alpine Spa.
  
• Visit the local wildlife at Devils@Cradle.
  
• Sign up for a canyoning tour with Cradle Mountain Canyons.
  
• Overnight at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

Day Six

This morning depart for Launceston (2 hours) pulling in at a number of foodie stops along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail – a wine tasting at Barringwood Estate, a cheese tasting at Ashgrove Farm, a beer tasting at Seven Sheds Brewery or chocolate coated freshly-picked raspberries at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm. Drive past undulating hills and through a number of small villages prior to arriving at your destination, the Launceston Country Club Hotel. Dine on site and relax in the venues leafy lakeside surrounds.

Highlights:

• Depart Cradle Mountain for Launceston travelling the picturesque drive through valleys and forest.
  
• Make plenty of stops along the Cradle to Coast tasting Trail to sample Tasmanian wine, cheese, beer, berries and more.

Day Seven

Make the most of your last day and head to Cataract Gorge early to enjoy the morning tranquility of the gorge. Spot wildlife or take a ride on the First Basin Chairlift – the longest single chairlift span in the world. Departing the Gorge in good time will allow you to enjoy a relaxing lunch at Josef Chromy Wines. Close to the airport, this is a stunning location to wander the grounds, indulge in a wine tasting and lunch in the restaurant – maybe even cast a fly into the trout-stocked lake. Make your way to the Launceston Airport to return your vehicle and depart.

Highlights:

• Venture into the city of Launceston and take a morning stroll along the Launceston Seaport and the Tamar River.
  
• Explore Cataract Gorge and take a ride on the First Basin Chairlift.
  
• Indulge in lunch and a wine tasting at Josef Chromy Vineyard.
  
• Depart from nearby Launceston Airport.