Best of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain

Best of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain

61 Views
6 Days From

$2310

Best of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain

6 Days Starting and ending in Launceston

Visiting: Launceston / Cradle Coast / Stanley / Smithton, Tarkine Wilderness / Smithton, Rocky Cape National Park / Waratah / Corinna, Corinna / Cradle Mountain, Cradle Mountain / Launceston, Launceston (or Hobart)

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PZKT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $2310

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

On this six-day exploration of rugged Tasmania, you’ll head to takayna/Tarkine – the greatest expanse of cool temperate rainforest in the country (and the second largest expanse in the world), and Cradle Mountain National Park – home to the impressive Cradle Mountain and numerous hiking, walking and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Travel along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, sampling fresh raspberries, cheese, ice cream and brews along the way, and explore Rocky Cape National Park, Narawntapu National Park, Mersey Bluff, The Nut, Corinna, Philosopher Falls and the Pieman River. Drive, walk and eat your way through gorgeous scenery, Indigenous culture and local delights – what a way to spend a week!

Highlights

  • Explore Australia’s oldest temperate rainforest with a visit to takayna / Tarkine– home to unique species that have evolved over hundreds of millions of years and are a living connection to the Gondwana supercontinent.

  • Enjoy some excellent stargazing opportunities as you stay in remote, rural Tasmanian locations with little to no phone signal (the perfect time for a digital detox).

  • Indulge in delicacies like locally made ice cream and cider as you sample a variety of treats along Tasmania’s famed Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.

  • Hike the Dove Lake Circuit in Cradle Mountain National Park – passing the immense lake, high peaks of the mountain and lush vegetation while looking out for wombats.

  • Learn about the rich Indigenous heritage, culture and spiritual connections with Tasmania’s northern landmarks and national parklands.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature.

  • Explore Australia’s oldest temperate rainforest with a visit to takayna/Tarkine– home to unique species that have evolved over hundreds of millions of years and are a living connection to the Gondwana supercontinent.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Launceston / Cradle Coast / Stanley / Smithton

Location: Launceston / Cradle Coast / Stanley / Smithton

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

Welcome to Tasmania or Lutruwita in the language of the Palawa peoples – the Traditional Owners of this land. Your adventure begins in Launceston with an 8 am welcome meeting. Your first stop this morning will be the Tiagarra Museum on Mersey Bluff in Devonport. You’ll watch a Welcome to Country ceremony and then head out on a guided tour of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place. See Aboriginal petroglyphs and learn about the importance of this landscape. Travel along part of the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Along the way, there will be plenty of scenic stops, and if there’s time, sample some local ciders, chocolates and truffles along the trail. After stopping for lunch in the town of Penguin, continue along the rocky coastline to Stanley. Climb the famous landmark The Nut – an ancient volcanic plug that juts out into the Bass Strait and offers outstanding views from the top – then wander down to the working wharf where some of the freshest seafood in Tasmania comes in each day. Continue to your comfortable accommodation, set in the rural area near Smithton, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Included Activities:
-Cradle Coast - Visit to Penguin Village
-Stanley - The Nut
-Cradle Coast - Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail
-Cradle Coast - Mersey Bluff Petroglyphs
-Cradle Coast - Welcome to Country Ceremony
-Cradle Coast - Tiagarra Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place

Day 2: Tarkine Wilderness / Smithton

Location: Tarkine Wilderness / Smithton

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today, you’ll explore the Tarkine Wilderness area (Takayna in the language of the local Palawa peoples) – home to the largest temperate rainforest in Australia and the second largest in the world. Rich with geological wonders, Aboriginal history and unique creatures with habitats not found anywhere else on earth, you can explore sites like the hidden Trowutta Arch and the Lake Chisholm sinkhole – both examples of fascinating geological change. Along the Tarkine Coast, you’ll also see Marrawah – famous for its big wave surfing – and the desolate Edge of the World which marks the longest stretch of ocean on the planet. From here, there’s no land until Argentina! You’ll head out on a few short walks to explore the sites. Later, return to your rural accommodation near Smithton for the night and look up after sunset (this is a gorgeous spot for stargazing). 

Included Activities:
-takayna / Tarkine - Trowutta Arch
-takayna / Tarkine - Lake Chisholm Sinkhole
-takayna / Tarkine - Edge of the World

Day 3: Rocky Cape National Park / Waratah / Corinna

Location: Rocky Cape National Park / Waratah / Corinna

Accommodation: Cottage

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today, you’ll travel to Corinna via Rocky Cape National Park – home to windswept heathlands, sea caves, rock pools and twisted rocks formed over millions of years. Continue to the historic lighthouse at Table Cape and Boat Harbour Beach. Stop by Hellyer Gorge, then walk to see Philosopher Falls near Waratah. Tonight, settle into your accommodation for the night in Corinna’s remote, rural town in a restored miners’ cottage, where you can soak up some phone-free time, as there’s no service out here! Enjoy a group dinner with your fellow travellers and watch the sunset. 

Included Activities:
-Waratah - Philosopher Falls
-Cradle Coast - Rocky Cape National Park
-Cradle Coast - Boat Harbour Beach
-Waratah - Hellyer Gorge

Day 4: Corinna / Cradle Mountain

Location: Corinna / Cradle Mountain

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

You have a free morning this morning to get active. Maybe head out for some optional kayaking or hiking around the Corinna area, exploring the Pieman River and Tarkine Rainforest. After lunch, head to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where your accommodation for the night sits among the trees. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure, then as the sun begins to set, maybe head out to meet Tasmania’s most emblematic animal – the Tasmanian devil. This optional activity visits a wildlife conservation facility aimed at protecting these endangered creatures. Watch how they feed, learn their story, visit the nursery and meet some of the facility’s youngest residents. Finish your day with a sunset over Cradle Mountain and listen out for the unmistakable sound of the devils. 

Optional Activities:
-Corinna - Kayaking - from
-Cradle Mountain - Devils @ Cradle Sunset Experience
-Cradle Mountain - Devils @ Cradle Day Keeper Tour

Day 5: Cradle Mountain / Launceston

Location: Cradle Mountain / Launceston

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, hike the scenic Dove Lake Circuit in the Cradle Mountain area. This trail will take you around the lake and beneath the impressive spires of the mountain, passing gorgeous scenery along the way. As the circuit is board-walked most of the way, it’s a fairly easy walk and gives you plenty of time and energy to focus on the surroundings. After, head to a local restaurant in the park for a group lunch – maybe grab a drink and relax by the fire as you wait. Then, drive to Launceston, where you'll spend the night, stopping for optional tastings and shopping opportunities along the way (pick up some delicious, locally grown raspberries or cheese and ice cream). Tonight, you’re free to relax at your accommodation or head out for dinner with your group.

Included Activities:
-Cradle Mountain - Dove Lake Circuit walk

Day 6: Launceston (Or Hobart)

Location: Launceston (or Hobart)

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast this morning, your trip will come to an end (if you’re staying in Launceston). For those leaving the trip in Hobart, you’ll have breakfast and then hit the road. Arrive at around 10:30 am. There are no further activities planned, so if you’d like to stay in Hobart longer, just speak to your booking agent.

What's Included

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

  • North West Coast - Visit to Penguin Village

  • North Coast - Narawntapu National Park

  • Stanley - The Nut

  • North Coast - Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail

  • Mersey Bluff - Petroglyphs

  • takayna / Tarkine - Trowutta Arch

  • takayna / Tarkine - Lake Chisholm Sinkhole

  • takayna / Tarkine - Edge of the World

  • Waratah - Philosopher Falls

  • North West Coast - Rocky Cape National Park

show more

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

  • Insurance

Transport

LONG TRAVELLING DAYSTasmania is bigger than it appears. To make the most of your time this trip involves some long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information.

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

START & END TIMESThe trip starts in Launceston with a Welcome Meeting at 8 am on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes either in Launceston on Day 6 at our finish point hotel from where you are free to depart at any time, or alternatively, continue to Hobart in the morning of Day 6 where the trip finishes on arrival around 10:30 am. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request in either Launceston or Hobart.SINGLE SUPPLEMENTA Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.LONG TRAVEL DAYSTasmania is bigger than it appears. To make the most of your time this trip involves some long travel days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information.PHYSICAL RATINGThis trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with good fitness and mobility. This is the best way to experience Tasmania, so please make sure you bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.ITINERARY VARIATIONSFor operational reasons some departures throughout the year may operate in the opposite direction, however all experiences and destinations continue to be included.

Mode of Transport

Private Vehicle

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 good fitness and mobility. Several leader-led walks are included on a daily basis, allowing you to get among nature. This is the best way to experience Tasmania, so please make sure you bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. Most walks are relatively short and easy although there are some more challenging options. However, joining a walk is always up to you.

    Temperatures can fluctuate in Tasmania. It's important to prepare – pack suitable clothing for hot, cold, dry and wet weather, just in case.

    This trip forms part of a longer combination tour. If you would like to explore more of Tasmania with us, consider booking our Best of Tasmania (trip code PZKVC) trip. See our website for details.

    For operational reasons some departures throughout the year may operate in the opposite direction, with all experiences and destinations continuing to be included.

  • 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  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

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

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Friday

Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025
$2450

Sunday - Friday

Jan 26, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
$2450 $2328

Operator discount: -$122

Sunday - Friday

Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
$2340

Sunday - Friday

Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
$2340

Sunday - Friday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
$2310

Sunday - Friday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$2310

Sunday - Friday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$2310

Sunday - Friday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$2310

Sunday - Friday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$2310

Sunday - Friday

Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$2310

Sunday - Friday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
$2310

Sunday - Friday

Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
$2425

Sunday - Friday

Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
$2425

Sunday - Friday

Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
$2425

Sunday - Friday

Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
$2425

Sunday - Friday

Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
$2540

Sunday - Friday

Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025
$2540

Sunday - Friday

Jan 04, 2026 - Jan 09, 2026
$2540

Sunday - Friday

Jan 11, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026
$2540

Sunday - Friday

Jan 18, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026
$2540

Sunday - Friday

Jan 25, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026
$2540

Sunday - Friday

Feb 01, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026
$2540

Sunday - Friday

Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026
$2540

Sunday - Friday

Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026
$2540

Sunday - Friday

Feb 22, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
$2425

Sunday - Friday

Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026
$2425

Sunday - Friday

Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026
$2425

Sunday - Friday

Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026
$2425

Sunday - Friday

Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 03, 2026
$2425

Sunday - Friday

Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026
$2310

Sunday - Friday

Apr 26, 2026 - May 01, 2026
$2310

Sunday - Friday

Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 17, 2026
$2415

Sunday - Friday

Aug 09, 2026 - Aug 14, 2026
$2415

Sunday - Friday

Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026
$2415

Sunday - Friday

Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026
$2415

Sunday - Friday

Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
$2415

Sunday - Friday

Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026
$2415

Sunday - Friday

Nov 01, 2026 - Nov 06, 2026
$2415

Sunday - Friday

Nov 08, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026
$2535

Sunday - Friday

Nov 15, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026
$2535

Sunday - Friday

Nov 29, 2026 - Dec 04, 2026
$2535

Sunday - Friday

Dec 06, 2026 - Dec 11, 2026
$2535

Sunday - Friday

Dec 13, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
$2655

Sunday - Friday

Dec 20, 2026 - Dec 25, 2026
$2655

Sunday - Friday

Jan 03, 2027 - Jan 08, 2027
$2655

Sunday - Friday

Jan 10, 2027 - Jan 15, 2027
$2655

Sunday - Friday

Jan 17, 2027 - Jan 22, 2027
$2655

Sunday - Friday

Jan 24, 2027 - Jan 29, 2027
$2655

Sunday - Friday

Jan 31, 2027 - Feb 05, 2027
$2655

Sunday - Friday

Feb 07, 2027 - Feb 12, 2027
$2655

Sunday - Friday

Feb 14, 2027 - Feb 19, 2027
$2655

Sunday - Friday

Feb 21, 2027 - Feb 26, 2027
$2535

Sunday - Friday

Feb 28, 2027 - Mar 05, 2027
$2535

Sunday - Friday

Mar 07, 2027 - Mar 12, 2027
$2535

Sunday - Friday

Mar 14, 2027 - Mar 19, 2027
$2535

Sunday - Friday

Mar 28, 2027 - Apr 02, 2027
$2535

Sunday - Friday

Apr 11, 2027 - Apr 16, 2027
$2415

Sunday - Friday

Apr 25, 2027 - Apr 30, 2027
$2415
Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

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.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Similar Tours