Wilderness Escape

A 5-day wilderness escape to some of Tasmania's most beautiful and remote national parks. Travel to Cradle Mountain, the Gordon-Franklin National Park on the west coast, and then back to civilization in Hobart.

Arrive in Launceston airport and make your way up to Cradle Mountain (about a 2 hour drive). The Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park is probably Tasmania's most famous wilderness area, which is not unjustifiable. There are plenty of things to do in this area, but first off settle in to your accommodation at the Cradle Mountain Lodge.

In the afternoon take a walk around the beautiful (in name as well as picture) Dove Lake. This is a volcanic lake found at the foot of Cradle Mountain that offers a spectacular scenic outlook. There are numerous other walks in this region from gentle strolls, to challenging climbs to the top of Cradle Mountain. After you've exhausted yourself from all your walking, consider a relaxing spa back at Cradle Mountain Lodge at the Waldheim Alpine Spa.

Spend the morning enjoying more scenic walks in the Cradle Mountain National Park or maybe give your feet a break and try a horseriding tour tour of the area instead.

Then continue the next leg of your wilderness escape and set off for Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania. This drive should take about 3 hours, but is through some of the most spectacular scenery in Tasmania and should therefore fly by.

Once you have arrived in Strahan check into the Franklin Manor which is a deluxe, boutique hotel that offers a cosy and warm retreat from the wild and windy weather on the west coast of Tasmania. In the afternoon see more of the west coast on the recently restored Wilderness Railway. Which is an old steam engine and track that were originally used by loggers and miners on the west coast of Tasmania. Today, the steam engine purely operates for tourists travelling between Strahan and Queenstown and giving you a unique perspective of the wilderness found on the west coast.

Today take a Gordon River Cruise on the luxuriously appointed Lady Jane Franklin II. The cruise takes about 6 hours departing and returning to Strahan, and includes a gourmet lunch and commentary on the rich history of the area.

Day 4:

Today set off for the east coast of Tasmania on your wilderness escape. Stop by the historic town of Richmond on your way to Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula. Here you will find the Port Arthur Convict Settlement with it's beautiful sandstone ruins amidst well-kept landscape gardens. After you have spent some time exploring the convict settlement, head back to Hobart stopping on the way to admire the beautiful Tasman Peninsula.

On your last day of your wilderness escape enjoy exploring the beautiful city of Hobart before heading south on the "Huon Trail". This consists of scenic drive about 2 hours south of Hobart through mountainous terrain and past tranquil river systems. Be sure to stop in some of the quaint towns to see the local arts and crafts and taste the fresh produce on offer.

The Tahune Airwalk just past Geeveston is a 50-metre high airwalk that allows you to have the unique experience of walking amoung the treetops. Alternatively, a little further south near Hastings and Dover you can go underground to see the ancient dolomite Hastings Caves. There are also some thermal springs in this area where you can enjoy a swim in 28 degree celsius water year-round. On the way back to Hobart you may want to stop at some of the vineyards in the region to sample their world-class wines and maybe take some home with you.