Best of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain

Intrepid Travel · 6 days

4.4

6 Reviews

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Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience 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.

Trip Details

Duration

6 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Launceston / Cradle Coast / Stanley / Smithton, Australia

Finishes

Launceston (or Hobart), Australia

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Launceston / Cradle Coast / Stanley / Smithton

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Tarkine Wilderness / Smithton

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Rocky Cape National Park / Waratah / Corinna

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

Accommodation:

Cottage (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Corinna / Cradle Mountain

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, head out to meet Tasmania’s most emblematic animal – the Tasmanian devil. This 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. 

Included Activities:

Cradle Mountain - Devils @ Cradle Day Keeper Tour

Optional Activities:

Corinna - Kayaking - from (40 AUD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Cradle Mountain / Launceston

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Launceston (or Hobart)

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.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,275

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 6 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 05 Apr 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Danny

Traveled, March 2025

03/15/2025

Loved tasmania, very fullaw, very mindful tour.

4.0

Tracy

Traveled, January 2025

02/10/2025

Such a great trip and got to see lovely locations and lots of animals.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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