Walk Tasmania's East Coast

Walk Tasmania's East Coast

6 Days Starting in Launceston and ending in Hobart

Visiting: Launceston, Freycinet National Park / Swansea, Maria Island / Orford, Tasman Peninsula / Port Arthur, Tasman Peninsula / Hobart

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PJXE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

15-99 years

From: $2355

NB: Prices correct on 15-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Maria Island and Freycinet National Park are jewels in Tasmania’s already studded crown of coastal wonders and on this hiking adventure, you’ll be able to discover both and more in all the East Coast’s wild beauty. From Launceston, spend five days hiking some of the southern state’s best coastal walks, including part of the Three Capes Track, the Fossil Cliffs and the awe-inspiring Wineglass Bay. Take a wilderness cruise with an expert local guide, looking out for migrating whales, seals, dolphins and sea eagles, as you pass underneath rock formations and past hidden sea coves, towering cliffs and a diverse coastline. With a knowledgeable leader joining you each step of the way, plus a selection of group dinners in some of the state’s best dining locations, you’re sure to come home with some pretty great memories.

Highlights

  • Navigate the scenic Cape Freycinet isthmus on foot, marvelling at the white sands of Wineglass Bay and discovering lesser-known beaches and coves along the way.

  • Cruise past steep cliffs and hidden coves on a wilderness cruise along the natural beauty of Tasman National Park – look out for migrating whales, dolphins, seals and the abundant birdlife that live here.

  • Embark on two scenic walks across the Three Capes Track and soak in the natural wonders of Cape Raoul and Cape Hauy as you walk past wildflowers and coastal views.

  • Keep an eye out for soaring sea birds and Australian animals like kangaroos and wombats as you walk. Plus, depending on the time of the year, you could spot a breaching whale from these promontories!

  • Start your journey in Launceston and end in Hobart with opportunities to do a little of your own exploring in both of these gorgeous cities (also home to some pretty great dining options).

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Launceston

Location: Launceston

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

Welcome to Launceston! With a charming mixture of heritage buildings, a vibrant foodie scene and beautiful scenery just minutes from the city centre, Launceston is the perfect spot to start your journey. If you arrive early, maybe head to the Cataract Gorge and enjoy a slice of nature just a short walk from the city or discover one of the many museums. If you get a chance to dine in Launceston – you won’t regret it, it wasn’t named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for nothing! After a day to explore on your own, you’ll meet your trip leader and group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Then, get to know each other over a group dinner and toast to your upcoming adventures.

Day 2: Freycinet National Park / Swansea

Location: Freycinet National Park / Swansea

Accommodation: Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, you’re in for a treat. Drive to Freycinet National Park – one of Australia’s most renowned and picturesque regions. As you enter the park, the views over Coles Bay towards what’s known as The Hazards Range are a sight to behold. When you arrive, lace up your walking shoes for a scenic circuit walk that takes you to the iconic white sands of Wineglass Bay and the lesser known, but no less stunning, Hazards Beach on the opposite side of the Freycinet Peninsula isthmus. Best to have your camera at full charge today because you’ll want to remember these views! After your walk, perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim before driving toward the coastal town of Swansea to relax for the evening.

Included Activities:
-Freycinet National Park - Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach walk

Day 3: Maria Island / Orford

Location: Maria Island / Orford

Accommodation: Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, jump on a ferry bound for Maria Island. A natural wonder full of history, sweeping bays and rugged cliffs sitting off the coast of Tasmania, Maria Island is an ideal destination for hiking. Walk across coastal plains, past reminders of settler history and along tracks that often have forester kangaroos and wombats lurking about. Climb the short, steep track to Fossil Cliffs and marvel at the thousands of shellfish fossils embedded in the limestone formed millions of years ago. Visit the Painted Cliffs, formed from Triassic sandstone that showcase spectacular colouration from seeping groundwater and fantastic shapes sculpted by salt-laden winds. Enjoy some time to explore Darlington township – with a fascinating history, this town was first established as a penal colony in 1825. Today, the township is part of a wildlife sanctuary, while the island itself has been declared a National Park. You’ll be lucky to spot Forester kangaroos, Cape Barren geese and the adorable waddling wombats from Flinders Island today. After a short ferry ride back to the mainland, drive to Orford where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:
-Maria Island - Day trip

Day 4: Tasman Peninsula / Port Arthur

Location: Tasman Peninsula / Port Arthur

Accommodation: Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Fuel up on breakfast today and get ready for a super fun adventure! Drive south towards Port Arthur, soaking in the views along the way. When you arrive, you’ll take a wilderness cruise along the cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. This three-hour cruise takes you beneath high sea cliffs at Cape Pillar, past waterfalls and deep-sea caves and along the coastline of the gorgeously diverse Tasman National Park. Along the way, look out for seals, dolphins, migrating whales and the many sea birds that call this place home – including albatross, gannets, peregrine falcons and sea eagles. Your friendly local guide will tell you where the best spots are for spotting wildlife, the history of the geology of the fascinating rock formations and if you’re lucky, a few funny anecdotes. With the wind in your hair and open-air seating for the best panoramic views, you’re sure to have an incredible afternoon. After, you’re free to visit the historic Port Arthur sites or maybe take on a couple of short walks along the peninsula.

Included Activities:
-Tasman Peninsula - Boat Cruise

Day 5: Tasman Peninsula / Port Arthur

Location: Tasman Peninsula / Port Arthur

Accommodation: Motel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Explore Cape Raoul this morning, on a section of the Three Capes Track. You’ll start inland, walking through the lush heath country this area is known for, heading for the coastline. As you approach, you’ll catch glimpses of the spectacular dolerite cliffs that drop dramatically into the ocean below. As the trail heads east along the striking cliff tops, you’ll descend onto the Cape Raoul plateau. Here, you’ll be rewarded with views of the swirling seas, the northern coastline and the incredible Cape Pillar (with its 300-m-high cliffs) in the distance. After some time to take it all in, you’ll walk back to the bus before driving to Port Arthur for your final night. Enjoy dinner with your group and leader and swap travel stories as you reminisce on all you have achieved over the past few days.

Included Activities:
-Tasman Peninsula - Cape Raoul Track

Day 6: Tasman Peninsula / Hobart

Location: Tasman Peninsula / Hobart

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Your final walk on the Tasman Peninsula, on the Three Capes Track, is the Cape Huay walk. You’ll be treated to spectacular views as you walk through a heathland full of wildflowers on undulating tracks until you hit the coastline. The scenes of dolerite cliffs get increasingly pronounced as you near the narrow edge of the promontory. Stop by several vantage points to soak in the best of The Lanterns, Mitre Rock, The Candlestick and Totem Pole – the perfect trail to finish your adventure. After, you’ll make your way to Hobart (or nipaluna in the language of the muwinina and palawa peoples, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Hobart is now located), where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

Included Activities:
-Tasman Peninsula - Cape Huay Track

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (1 night), Motel (4 nights)

  • Freycinet National Park - Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach walk

  • Maria Island - Day trip

  • Tasman Peninsula - Boat Cruise

  • Tasman Peninsula - Cape Raoul Track

  • Tasman Peninsula - Cape Huay Track

  • Meals

    5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

Accommodation

  • Hotel (1 night), Motel (4 nights)

Transport

  • Private Vehicle , Ferry , Boat , Walking

Important Information

  • START & END TIMES
  • The trip begins in Launceston with a group meeting at 6pm, and finishes upon arrival into Hobart on the last day in the late afternoon.
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • OPERATOR
  • This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away.

Mode of Transport

  • Private Vehicle , Ferry , Boat , Walking

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear, clothing for all types of Tasmanian weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.

    This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time in Tasmania.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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13-Aug-2024

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Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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