Tasmania's Remote North West Wilderness

Travel with Australian Geographic for extraordinary experiences from a different perspective.

Explore island life, an ancient wilderness and unique wildlife on this exclusive FIVE-DAY nature tour to beautiful Tasmania.

Overview

Explore two of Tasmania's most picturesque national parks as we go in search of the Tasmanian Devil in the wild.

Cradle Mountain, with its rugged peaks and ancient rainforests, embodies the untouched beauty of nature. This Tasmanian icon, cradled in the wilderness, invites adventurers to forge their own path and discover the grandeur of its winding trails. Each step is a connection to the wild's timeless spirit, a reminder of the intrinsic beauty found when nature unfolds in its purest form.

The Tarkine Wilderness, located in northwestern Tasmania, Australia, is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern Hemisphere. This pristine and remote area is renowned for its ancient myrtle forests, wild rivers, and unique ecosystems. The Tarkine is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are rare and endangered. The landscape is characterized by rugged coastlines, dense forests, and button grass plains. 

Day 1

Welcome to Tasmania! Meet your private guide at Launceston upon arrival. Continue your journey along the rugged Bass Strait coast, passing by the coastal towns of Wynyard, Boat Harbour Beach and Stanley. Stop at the Rocky Cape National Park for a short walk and great view of the Bass Strait. Then onto Stanley, recently named the best tiny tourist town in Tasmania in 2023. Lunch is provided in a local café. Spend the afternoon exploring the NUT, Stanley’s iconic volcanic rock formation. A chairlift ride is provided for those not walking up the hill. Continue to Smithton and your accommodation for the night. 

Meals: (L,D)

Day 2

This morning, leave Smithton behind and travel onto the famous Tarkine Drive. 

The loop through the Tarkine Drive takes travellers through natural and dramatic landscapes beginning with Kanunnah Bridge Picnic Area, taking its name from the aboriginal name for 'Tasmanian Tiger', Sumac Lookout surrounded by rainforest and tall eucalypts and more impressive widespread views of the river and beyond. Julius River Forest Reserve has cool temperate rainforest, excellent picnic facilities and with two walks, moderate 30 minute and 40 minute walks. Lake Chisholm Forest Reserve has flooded limestone sinkholes and meandering walks through old myrtle forests and alongside still watered lakes. At Milkshakes Hills Forest Reserve, relax with picnic spots nestled among the eucalypts. Completing the loop is the Trowutta Arch Rain Forest Walk; a stunning and natural geological structure.

Return to Smithton for the night.

Meals (B,L,D)

Day 3

This morning, visit the Table Cape Lighthouse and the Leven Canyon Reserve for great views of the Bass Sea and River Leven. With a bit of luck, some wildlife, such as Wombats and Wallabies, can be spotted. Then continue to the UNESCO-world-heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park and settle into your accommodation.

Meals (B,L,D)

Day 4

On a clear day, the rugged grandeur of Cradle Mountain is reflected in the tranquil waters of Dove Lake, or you may experience the drama of its craggy peaks through swirling mist. Your guide will share with you an insight into the history, flora, and fauna of the region. In the afternoon, meet our icon animal, the Tasmanian Devil, on a very informative tour within Devils@Cradle.

Meals (B,L,D)

Day 5

Today, it already means farewell from Tasmania. Travel to Launceston and visit Sheffield, the town of Murals, on the way to the airport. Your guide bids you farewell at Launceston airport at around noon.

Meals (B)

Costs include the following services as per itinerary 

• 4 nights accommodation as per itinerary 
• Local experienced Driver/Guide throughout days 1–5
• All National Park fees 
• Sightseeing as per itinerary by private, air-conditioned charter vehicle
• Meals as per itinerary, 4 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 4 x dinner
• Goods & Service Tax (GST)

Costs do not include

• Domestic or international airfares
• Pre-registration, late check-out or day use at hotels other than specified above
• Guide services other than specified
• Meals/beverages other than specified
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional tours/services
• Travel insurance