Fly & Stay: Tasmania's Epic Great Eastern Drive

Arrive in Hobart and collect your vehicle from the airport. For spectacular views of the city and harbour, drive up to the summit of Mt Wellington, or take a walk along Hobart's iconic waterfront and explore the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (fees apply, payable direct), or add on an Iron Pot Cruise, taking you along the maritime waterways of Hobart, stopping at Australia's oldest lighthouse and circumnavigating Betsey Island. Step back in time and explore the historic village of Battery Point and wander the streets with its charming cottages and well-manicured gardens. Stop by the popular Jackman and McRoss on Hampden Road for a light meal, serving great coffee and a delicious selection of sweet and savoury baked goods. In the evening, take your taste-buds on an adventure at one of the many restaurants in North Hobart along Elizabeth Street, or head back to Salamanca, with a range of dining options.". Suggest 3 nights in Hobart

Today embark on a full-day adventure on Bruny Island, departing from Hobart. Experience a culinary journey as you explore this stunning island, sampling the creations of our acclaimed artisan producers while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Tasmania's beloved destination. Prepare for a day filled with delicious delights, including award-winning cheeses, premium wines and beers, freshly shucked oysters, artisanal fudge, local honey, and a delightful lunch at Pennicott's beachside restaurant, offering panoramic views of Adventure Bay. Meet the island's producers and hear their stories, featuring an exclusive cheese and beer tasting at Bruny Island Cheese Company, as well as sweet treats from Bruny Island Chocolate Company and Bruny Island Honey. Enjoy the renowned Bruny oysters from Get Shucked, served alongside your lunch. We recommend indulging in the premium Tasmanian fish with chips and salad to keep you energized for the day ahead. Your lunch will also be accompanied by two glasses of high-quality Tasmanian wine, beer, cider, or juices. Return back to Hobart that evening.

Make an early start today to Australia's most infamous convict settlement at Port Arthur. Stop along the way at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm for a sweet treat or browse the gift shop or stop at Bangor Wine and Oyster Shed for lunch and enjoy paddock to plate dining with a glass of cool-climate wine. If time permits, take a slight detour through the heritage town of Richmond, famous for the Richmond Bridge and elegant Georgian architecture or spend a few hours at Australia's most infamous convict settlement at Port Arthur Historic Site before making your way to the Freycinet Peninsula. If you are a lover of seafood, The Fish Van at Triabunna, serves fresh local fish, most from the pristine waters off Maria Island. A further 40 minutes up the coast, stop into Swansea for a sweet treat at Kate's Berry Farm, or stock up on house-made jams or chocolate coated berries, before making your way to Coles Bay. Suggest 2 nights in Coles Bay

Today venture out and explore the spectacular Freycinet Peninsula. Freycinet Aqua Express is the fastest and easiest way to Wineglass Bay Beach. Cruise and walk in just one hour. Most explore this iconic spot via the challenging 3km Wineglass Bay Lookout Walk, complete with over 1,300 steep stairs one way. Enjoy the beauty of Freycinet not just by foot, but by water. Freycinet Aqua Express allows you to tailor your journey, offering a return coastal transfer with an easy bushwalk so you can experience one of Tasmania's most iconic natural locations. Enjoy a scenic 30-minute cruise along the striking granite coastline of Great Oyster Bay, while our local guides share fascinating stories about the area's history and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, seabirds, dolphins and even migrating whales who might pop up to say hi!. Upon landing at Hazards Beach, it is a gentle 2-kilometre bushwalk along the Isthmus Track to Wineglass Bay. This 30-minute walk takes you through classic Australian bushland, where you'll have a chance to spot native flora and fauna along the well-marked trail. Keep a lookout for friendly echidna and wallabies as you make your way to the soft white sands and crystal-clear waters of Wineglass Bay. Be sure to pack your beach gear and a picnic. We recommend taking a few hours to unwind on the pristine beach and dip your toes in the sparkling sea before heading back to Hazards Beach where you'll be picked up and taken back to Coles Bay. NB: If you are entering the national park, ensure you have a National Parks Pass, which can be purchased at any Rangers Station at the entrance of the park

Enjoy a relaxing morning before making your way to the seaside town of Bicheno. Take a scenic walk to Rocking Rock, the Blowhole to witness saltwater fly up into the air, and along the sandbar to Diamond Island Nature Reserve. Continue on to Chain of Lagoons to settle in to your glamping dome. Suggest 1 night in Chain of Lagoons

Continue onto Launceston; one of Australia's oldest cities with a history spanning to the early 1800s. Spend time exploring the elegantly preserved Colonial and Victorian architecture and century-old parks around the city and stop into the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a brochure outlining a few Heritage Walks before you begin. Each Saturday is the Harvest Launceston Community Farmers Market with local fresh and handmade artisan produce. Stop by the historic Boag's Brewery, which was founded in the 1880s, sitting on the banks of the Esk River, or why not add in a Cataract Gorge Cruise, travelling on the Lady Launceston, reminiscent of the 1890s with her sweeping traditional lines, as she takes you past historical Kings Wharf, Seaport and the riverfront precinct. Another option could be to embark on a day trip from Launceston to Cradle Mountain, taking in picturesque farms and charming landscapes along the way. Your first stop can be in Burnie, where you can visit Hellyers Road Distillery, Australia's largest producer of single malt whisky. If coffee is more your style, don't miss Infuse Coffee Roasters to savour their award-winning blends.

Just south of Ulverstone, be sure to sample the hand-crafted extra virgin olive oil at Cradle Coast Olives. As you continue through Spreyton, enjoy a refreshing cider at Spreyton Cider Company or explore the exquisite cool-climate wines at La Villa Wines. Make a stop in Latrobe for a delightful chocolate experience at the House of Anvers or indulge in cherry treats at The Cherry Shed. Upon arriving at Cradle Mountain, you'll discover a stunning landscape rich in wildlife, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and a variety of bird species. Explore the numerous walking trails available in the national park, catering to all skill levels. Shuttle services run daily every 10-15 minutes from the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service visitor center to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Consider taking the 2-hour loop around Dove Lake, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings. In the late afternoon, take a short drive to Devils@Cradle for a unique after-dark feeding tour with Tasmanian devils.
Suggest 2 nights in Launceston