7-Day Super Value Tour of Tasmania: Explore Tasmania’s West and East Coasts

Tasmania packs an astonishing amount into a small island, and this seven-day loop from Hobart reaches the places most first-time visitors want to see: Russell Falls, the Gordon River, Cradle Mountain, the Bay of Fires, Freycinet, Port Arthur, and Mount Wellington. You move from cool rainforest to alpine tracks, white beaches, convict ruins, and rugged sea cliffs without having to plan every hotel and transfer yourself.

I like the mix of big natural sights and smaller local stops, such as Sheffield’s mural-covered streets and the fishing boats at St Helens. I also like the included wildlife sanctuary, national park fees, and six nights of accommodation. The main catch is that the days are full, some walks are demanding, and the Gordon River cruise is not included in the advertised price.

Key things to know before you book

• Cradle Mountain gives you a choice of walks: Take the gentler Dove Lake Circuit or work harder for Marion’s Lookout and its broad mountain views.
• The Gordon River cruise costs extra: It takes around six hours and is one of the signature west coast experiences, so budget for it before you book.
• The group is capped at 24 people: That is small enough for a more personal guide-led trip, though it is still a minibus-style group rather than a private tour.
• The itinerary includes real walking: Expect boardwalks, short trails, lookout climbs, and a moderate fitness requirement.
• The trip covers both coasts: You see west coast rainforest and dunes, east coast beaches, alpine country, historic towns, and the Tasman Peninsula.
• Guides can make a big difference: Natalie is praised for adapting to a wide range of ages, while Evan is noted for careful driving, useful suggestions, and lively place-based stories.

Why this seven-day Tasmania route works

This is a practical way to see Tasmania if you have one week and want more than Hobart. The route forms a broad circuit through the island’s major natural areas, with time in Queenstown, Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Launceston, the Bay of Fires, Freycinet, Richmond, and Port Arthur.

I like that the itinerary does not stick only to famous lookouts. You get time in small towns, a chance to watch for wombats at Ronny Creek, a stop beside fishing boats, and an evening in Bicheno. Those moments give the trip a human scale. You are not simply ticking off national parks from a bus window.

The trade-off is pace. Several days involve long drives and multiple stops. You will see a lot, but this is not a slow retreat with lazy mornings. The 7:00 am start is useful for reaching popular places before crowds, yet it means you need to be ready early and comfortable with a packed schedule.

The tour costs $1,038.14 per person. That price includes six nights of accommodation, hotel, hostel, and motel pickup and drop-off in central Hobart, national park entry fees, an expert guide, Port Arthur entry, and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary entry. The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for lodging, park fees, transport, and a wildlife visit.

Do not assume every major activity is covered. The Gordon River cruise is listed as an optional extra, and The Ship That Never Was in Strahan also costs extra. Ask about the cruise price before committing, since it is a major part of the west coast day.

Day 1: Russell Falls, rainforest, and Queenstown

The first morning starts at the YHA Hobart Central on Argyle Street, with pickup offered from Hobart CBD hotels, hostels, and motels. The early start gets you into the southern forests while the day is still fresh.

At Russell Falls, you walk among giant trees on the Tall Trees walk before reaching the waterfall. Allow about 90 minutes. This is a good opening stop because it gives you an immediate sense of Tasmania’s forest country without requiring a long or technical hike.

Next comes Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Expect rainforest, mountain peaks, and views that feel far removed from town. The stop lasts about 90 minutes, so you get more than a quick photograph from the roadside.

Lake St Clair is another substantial stop, lasting around 75 minutes. It is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake and sits at the southern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. You can take a walk or have lunch by the water, though the available time is not enough for an extensive exploration of the park.

The day ends in Queenstown, a former mining town with a rough-edged character and strong west coast identity. You have about 25 minutes here, so think of it as a quick introduction rather than a full town visit. The short stop still helps explain why this part of Tasmania feels so different from the green east coast.

Day 2: Strahan, the Gordon River, and the wild west coast

You begin in Strahan, a harbour-side village on the edge of the wilderness area. The town has convict-era connections and a strong maritime feel. Forty-five minutes gives you time to look around before the main activity.

The Gordon River cruise takes about six hours and is the day’s major optional experience. It carries you into cool temperate rainforest along the Gordon River, where the value lies in seeing the west coast from the water rather than from the road. The slow pace also gives your legs a break after the previous day’s walks.

Because the cruise is not included, this is the most important cost decision on the whole trip. I would be inclined to add it if your budget allows, especially if you want the full west coast experience. If you skip it, confirm how your day will be arranged, since the cruise occupies much of the scheduled time.

The Henty Dunes offer a striking change of scene. Sand stretches for about 15 kilometres along the coast, with dunes reaching 30 metres high. You have around 45 minutes, enough to walk into the sandy area and see how sharply it contrasts with the forests and mountains.

Ocean Beach is another short but memorable stop. This huge shore faces open ocean toward South America, more than 10,000 kilometres away. The point is not a long beach walk. It is the feeling of exposure, wide sky, heavy surf, and a coast with very little between you and the horizon.

In the evening, you can pay extra to see The Ship That Never Was, a 75-minute play based on the 1834 escape from Sarah Island. It adds humour and local storytelling to a day otherwise shaped by scenery. I would choose it if you enjoy live theatre and want more context about the west coast’s convict past.

Day 3: Cradle Mountain and the choice between two walks

Cradle Mountain is one of the strongest days of the trip. You get about four hours at Dove Lake, enough for a serious walk rather than a rushed viewpoint. The Dove Lake Circuit offers intimate forest sections and larger views toward the famous mountain.

If you want a more demanding outing, choose Marion’s Lookout. The climb rewards you with broad views, but the stated moderate fitness requirement matters here. The tour does not present these as two separate full-day hikes, so listen carefully to your guide and choose the route that matches your energy.

This is one place where good footwear and sensible clothing matter. The provided details do not promise a particular weather pattern, and alpine conditions can change. Bring layers, water, and footwear suitable for an uneven trail. You will enjoy the stop more if you do not treat it as a casual stroll.

Sheffield provides a welcome change after the mountain tracks. The town is known for murals that cover its streets and connect local history with public art. You have about 45 minutes, which is enough to explore the central area and take in the town’s unusual character.

At Ronny Creek, your guide leads you along a boardwalk in wombat country. The walk lasts around 30 minutes, and wombats are accustomed to people in this area, though sightings are never guaranteed. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready, but do not expect wildlife to perform on schedule.

Day 4: Cataract Gorge and the Bay of Fires

Cataract Gorge sits close to central Launceston, yet it feels separate from the city. You have about an hour to explore its walking tracks, rest areas, and the famous single-span chairlift, described as the longest of its kind in the world. The short visit gives you a taste of the reserve, not enough time to cover every path.

The route then heads east to St Helens, a fishing town where you can stop for lunch and see the cray boats in the harbour. The 30-minute visit is brief, but it adds a useful connection to the coast’s working life. If seafood appeals, this is a natural place to consider it.

Binalong Bay is one of the visual highlights. Clear water, pale sand, and orange lichen on granite boulders create the classic Bay of Fires setting. You have about 90 minutes, and if conditions are right, you can swim. Do not count on a swim every time, but bring a swimsuit if you like having the option.

The evening is spent in Bicheno, a seaside town with time at leisure. The two-hour period lets you walk, take in coastal views, and look for local wildlife. You can also try fish and chips, a fitting meal after a day along Tasmania’s northeastern shore.

This day is less about long hikes and more about changing scenes. It balances a short nature reserve visit, a working harbour, a beach stop, and an evening town stay.

Day 5: Freycinet, Wineglass Bay, and the Great Eastern Drive

Freycinet National Park gets about five hours, making this one of the trip’s best-proportioned visits. The group arrives early, which is useful at a place where the main lookout can become crowded.

Wineglass Bay Lookout is the headline stop. From above, you see the curved beach and the blue water framed by the Hazards Mountains. The lookout is rewarding, but remember that a view from above is not the same as reaching the beach. The available time may allow you to continue toward Wineglass Bay, but follow your guide’s instructions about how much walking fits the day.

Cape Tourville Lighthouse provides a different angle. The short visit, about 45 minutes, looks out toward the Tasman Sea and back toward the pink granite peaks and Wineglass Bay. It is a good companion to the main lookout because you see the coast from another direction.

The route continues along the Great Eastern Drive, with a brief stop in Orford. At only 15 minutes, this is mainly a chance to stretch and get your bearings rather than explore the township.

Freycinet is a good example of the tour’s overall style: you receive enough time to walk and absorb the place, but not enough to follow every trail at your own pace. If you want a long, quiet day in one national park, a self-drive visit would suit you better. If you want to see several major areas in one week, this structure makes sense.

Day 6: Tasmanian wildlife, Richmond, and Mount Wellington

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers two hours with Tasmanian animals, including quolls, birds, wombats, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils. Entry is included, which improves the tour’s value and gives you a better chance to see native wildlife than a roadside stop alone.

I like the placement of Bonorong after several days of scenery. It gives you a closer look at animals that can be difficult to spot in the wild. It is also a useful choice for families and for anyone who wants more than photographs of mountains and beaches.

Richmond brings the focus back to colonial-era buildings. The town has more than 50 Georgian structures, many used as cafes, restaurants, galleries, and accommodation. You have about an hour to walk around, followed by a 15-minute stop at Richmond Bridge, one of Australia’s oldest surviving stone arch bridges.

The final major stop is Wellington Park on kunanyi, Mount Wellington. The two-hour visit gives you time among fern glades, eucalyptus forest, rock columns, and boulders. The mountain is Hobart’s large outdoor playground, and this stop shows how close wild country is to the capital.

Weather can affect mountain views, so keep your expectations flexible. Even if the summit outlook is limited, the park itself offers a change from the coastal and lowland settings earlier in the week.

Day 7: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula

The final day heads to the Tasman Peninsula, beginning with a quick view from Pirates Bay and Eaglehawk Neck. The stop lasts only 10 minutes, but it gives you a broad look toward Cape Hauy and Cape Pillar.

Port Arthur Historic Site receives three hours, enough time to explore the main convict settlement and absorb its difficult past. Entry is included, making this more than a drive-by historic stop. The site adds depth to the natural scenery you have seen all week, especially after Strahan’s convict-era connections.

You then visit the geological features of Tasman National Park. Tasman Arch and the Tasman Arch Track show the power of the sea against the cliffs. Devil’s Kitchen has an observation platform and broad coastal views, with about 15 minutes at the feature itself.

Remarkable Cave receives a longer visit of around two hours and 15 minutes. The walk includes the impressive coastal sand dunes of Crescent Bay, giving the day another strong natural setting rather than ending only with historic buildings.

The final day is well balanced, but it is also busy. Port Arthur deserves attention, and the coastal stops are spread across the peninsula. You will get a strong introduction to the area, though not the time for every trail or lookout.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $1,038.14 per person, the tour is not simply a seven-day sightseeing bus. Six nights of accommodation are included, along with central Hobart pickup and drop-off, national park fees, an expert guide, Bonorong entry, and Port Arthur entry. Those inclusions remove several costs that can add up quickly on a self-drive trip.

The cruise on the Gordon River is not included. Neither is The Ship That Never Was. Treat those as planned extras, not minor surprises. The cruise is especially worth considering because it fills six hours and forms the main activity on the west coast day.

The group maximum is 24 people. That keeps the experience smaller than a large coach tour, while still giving you the social feel of a shared trip. A good guide matters here. Natalie is noted for handling a wide range of ages and adjusting to different needs, while Evan is praised for careful driving, detailed stories, and useful suggestions. Guide assignments can change, so do not assume either person will lead your departure.

The activity is non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking. That makes travel insurance and firm dates sensible, especially since the tour is booked on average 61 days ahead.

Who should book this Tasmania tour?

I would choose this tour if you have one week, want to avoid driving on unfamiliar roads, and care more about seeing many major places than spending several days in one park. It suits nature lovers who also want wildlife, colonial buildings, convict history, beaches, and small towns.

You should be comfortable with early starts, long travel days, and moderate walking. The Cradle Mountain options and the several coastal tracks reward people who can stay active, but the schedule may feel tiring if you prefer a slow holiday.

Solo visitors can benefit from the shared group setting, while couples and friends gain an efficient route without having to arrange hotels and park entries. Families may appreciate Bonorong and the range of short walks, though parents should consider the early mornings and full days.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is a broad, practical introduction to Tasmania with accommodation and many entry fees handled for you. Its best features are the range of scenery, the generous time at Cradle Mountain and Freycinet, the wildlife visit, and the chance to hear local stories from a capable guide.

Skip it if you want complete freedom, long rests, or a tightly controlled budget that cannot absorb the Gordon River cruise and other optional activities. For most first-time visitors with seven days, though, this is a strong value route, provided you accept the pace and prepare for real walking.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at YHA Hobart Central, 9 Argyle Street, Hobart, Tasmania.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 7:00 am.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Hobart.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels, hostels, and motels in central Hobart.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately seven days and includes six nights of accommodation.

What is included in the price?

National park entry fees, six nights’ accommodation, central Hobart pickup and drop-off, an expert guide, Advanced Eco-Certified tour operations, Port Arthur Historic Site entry, and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary entry are included.

Is the Gordon River cruise included?

No. The World Heritage Cruises Gordon River experience is listed as an optional activity, with admission not included.

How physically demanding is the tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is required. The program includes walks at Russell Falls, Cradle Mountain, Freycinet, Tasman National Park, Remarkable Cave, and other sites.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 24 people.

Can I cancel or change the booking?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.