Tasmania: 7-Day West to East Tour

Tasmania’s best feature is its variety, and this seven-day west-to-east route makes that variety easy to experience. In one week, you move from rainforest and mining towns to alpine tracks, white beaches, orange rocks, convict ruins, and Hobart’s mountain backdrop. It is a busy trip, but it avoids the hassle of arranging long drives and park permits yourself.

I like the choice of walks each day, since you can often pick an easy track or a more demanding hike. I also like the guides’ role in making the days work, with guides including Keygan, Brendon, Phil, Hayden, and Lynna praised for good explanations, safety, and a relaxed group atmosphere. The main consideration is the pace: long driving days, early starts around 7:30 am, and short walks nearly every day may feel demanding if you prefer slow travel.

Key points to know before booking

• From Mount Field to Port Arthur: The route covers Tasmania’s major natural and historic sights without requiring you to rent a car.
• Daily walking choices: Easy options are available, but you will get more from the trip if you have good mobility and moderate fitness.
• Two accommodation levels: Pick shared hostel lodging or a private motel room with an ensuite bathroom.
• A strong wildlife focus: Look for wombats and echidnas at Cradle Mountain, wallabies at Cataract Gorge, little penguins in Bicheno, and Tasmanian devils at Bonorong.
• The Gordon River is optional: You can spend the West Coast day on land or pay separately for the cruise.
• Good value at $973: Transport, six nights, park fees, Bonorong, Port Arthur, and guiding are included, but meals and the Gordon River Cruise are extra.

Why this route works for a first visit

Tasmania is compact on a map but slow to cross by road. The western forests, central mountains, eastern beaches, and Tasman Peninsula do not sit close together, so a self-drive trip takes planning and plenty of time. This tour links them in a single loop from Hobart.

I like the route because it does not reduce Tasmania to only beaches or only hiking. You get nature in several forms: waterfalls, tall eucalyptus forest, alpine country, sand dunes, coastal cliffs, and clear bays. You also get a useful sense of the island’s past, from mining at Queenstown to the convict settlement at Port Arthur and the ongoing cultural connection of palawa people to the land.

The trade-off is that this is a highlights trip, not a retreat. You will spend several hours in the vehicle on some days. The schedule generally runs from about 7:30 am to 5 pm or earlier, with toilet and coffee stops on longer drives. That leaves your evenings free, but not every day feels leisurely.

Day 1: Russell Falls, Lake St Clair, and Queenstown

Your first day heads west from Hobart into Mount Field National Park. The short walk to Russell Falls takes about 25 minutes return over a flat, even track, making it a good opening stop. The falls are attractive, but the tall eucalyptus trees are the real reason to pay attention here. You walk among some of the tallest trees on earth, an early reminder that Tasmania’s forests are not just scenery viewed from a road.

The route continues to Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. Then comes Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, where the forest and river country feel far removed from Hobart’s streets. Your guide supplies context along the way, which matters on a driving-heavy day because the scenery changes faster than you might expect.

Queenstown adds a human story. Its mining past helps explain the stripped, rugged appearance around the town and gives the day some historical weight. You finish in Strahan, a small West Coast settlement where you spend two nights. That second night is useful: it means the West Coast day does not require packing and checking out again.

Day 2: Sand dunes, rainforest, or the Gordon River

The second day focuses on the West Coast’s rougher side. You take a guided nature walk through ancient rainforest, then visit the Henty Sand Dunes and Ocean Beach, Tasmania’s longest stretch of sand. This is a good contrast with the enclosed forest of the previous day. You get open space, wind, and a coastline that feels much less polished than the eastern beaches.

The optional Gordon River Cruise is the major decision here. It costs extra, so you need to choose between a full day on land and a boat trip through one of Tasmania’s most famous river areas. I would decide based on your priorities and budget rather than trying to do everything. If you want more walking and sand dunes, stay with the included program. If seeing the river from the water is a top goal, set aside money for the cruise.

The West Coast can be cool and wet even when Hobart is sunny. Pack a waterproof jacket and warm layers rather than relying on a pleasant weather forecast from the city. The tour supplies transport and guiding, but you are responsible for meals and drinks, so plan to buy food during the day or ask your guide about local options.

Day 3: Cradle Mountain and the road to Launceston

Cradle Mountain National Park is one of the trip’s main rewards. The area was shaped by glaciers, and the walking tracks give you a closer look at its alpine country. Wildlife is part of the appeal. Keep an eye out for wombats, echidnas, and other Tasmanian animals, though sightings are never guaranteed.

You can choose a walk to suit your ability. The Dove Lake Circuit takes about two to three hours and covers six kilometres. It includes short hills, rough surfaces, and many steps, so sturdy hiking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness help. Marion’s Lookout offers a more demanding option and is suited to people who want greater height and wider views.

I appreciate that the guide explains the difficulty before you set off. You are not forced into one group pace, and the walks are optional. Still, do not mistake optional for effortless. Even the easier outings add up over seven days, and some tracks can be uneven or steep.

Later, you continue to Launceston through Sheffield, known for its murals. The town adds colour and a human scale after a day in the park. You spend the night in Launceston, giving you a comfortable base before the route turns toward the east coast.

Day 4: Cataract Gorge and the Bay of Fires

Begin with Cataract Gorge, a popular Launceston spot where wallabies may be seen. It is an easy way to get outdoors without committing to another long national park walk. The stop also breaks up the road journey toward the Bay of Fires, known in palawa as larapuna.

The Bay of Fires is one of the most photogenic stops on the tour. You walk beside white sand and turquoise water, with orange boulders giving the coast its distinctive colour. The appeal is not just visual. The guide also explains the spiritual connection between the area and Tasmanian Aboriginal people, adding cultural context to what could otherwise become a quick photo stop.

You finish in Bicheno, a coastal town known for its little penguins. The schedule identifies Bicheno as the overnight stop, but it does not promise a penguin sighting or specify a separate viewing excursion, so keep your expectations sensible. The accommodation here has been especially well received, and a midweek laundry opportunity may be available at one of the motels. That can help if you are travelling with the 20-kilogram luggage limit.

Day 5: Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park brings the tour to Wineglass Bay, one of Tasmania’s signature views. You can walk to the bay lookout or choose the more strenuous climb to Mount Amos. The decision depends on your legs after four active days, not just on ambition.

The Wineglass Bay walk gives you a famous view with a manageable challenge for many people. Mount Amos is more demanding and should be treated as a proper hike rather than a casual viewpoint stroll. Ask your guide about the conditions and difficulty before choosing. Good shoes matter, and a small daypack keeps your hands free.

Cape Tourville lighthouse provides another coastal perspective before the route returns toward Hobart. This day is scenic but can feel full, especially if you choose the harder walk. I would save some energy for the final two days rather than treating Mount Amos as compulsory.

Day 6: Bonorong, Richmond, and kunanyi

Day six shifts from national parks to wildlife and history. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a practical place to see Tasmanian devils, an animal many people hope to encounter but may not spot in the wild. The sanctuary gives you a closer look and adds an educational stop to the natural side of the trip.

Richmond provides a different kind of experience. Its heritage buildings and village setting make it a gentler stop after the longer hikes. You can connect the colonial past here with the harsher convict story waiting at Port Arthur the next day.

Back in Hobart, the tour visits Mount Wellington, known in palawa as kunanyi. The mountain offers broad views over the city and surrounding country, though conditions can change quickly. Bring a jacket, even if Hobart feels mild at street level.

You have the evening free for a historic pub or restaurant. Since food is not included, this is also your chance to choose your own dinner and explore Hobart at your own pace.

Day 7: Port Arthur and Crescent Bay

The final day heads to the Tasman Peninsula, called turrakana in palawa. The coastal scenery is rugged, with cliffs and open water replacing the sheltered beaches of Freycinet.

Port Arthur Historic Site is the major stop. Entry and a harbor cruise are included, which improves the value of the tour and gives you more than a quick walk around the ruins. The site is Australia’s best-preserved convict settlement, and a guide can help connect the buildings and remains to the wider penal system that shaped Tasmania.

The final walk is to Crescent Bay, a striking coastal viewpoint. It is a fitting close to the week because it combines the walking, sea views, and open country that define much of Tasmania. You then return to Hobart for drop-off at a central location.

Accommodation, transport, and group comfort

You can choose hostel or motel accommodation. Hostel rooms may be same-gender dormitories, or private twin, double, or single rooms with shared same-gender bathrooms. Private motel rooms have ensuite facilities. If you select a twin or double option, at least two people must book together.

That choice changes the feel and value of the trip. The hostel option suits solo visitors and keeps the price lower, while the motel option gives you more privacy after active days. One Hobart hostel stay has been described as noisy, so light sleepers may prefer the private motel option if available.

Your luggage limit is 20 kilograms, stored in a trailer on travel days. Pack a smaller daypack for walks and keep warm clothing accessible. The vehicle seats can feel tight for a tall passenger, especially on long drives. One six-foot passenger found the space somewhat cramped, while a shorter passenger was comfortable.

The small-group format helps the tour feel more personal than a large coach trip. It also makes guide explanations and walk choices easier to manage. Guides such as Brendon, Phil, Hayden, Keygan, and Lynna have been praised for humor, careful organization, local knowledge, and attention to different fitness levels. The guide may change during the week, with the first five days and final two days sometimes handled by different people.

What the $973 price really covers

At $973 per person, the tour is not an all-inclusive holiday, but it covers the expensive parts of a Tasmania road trip. Transport, six nights of accommodation, guide commentary, national park entry fees, Bonorong entry, Port Arthur entry, and the harbor cruise are included.

You still pay for food, drinks, travel insurance, and the Gordon River Cruise. Airport pickup is not included either. The value is strongest if you are travelling alone or do not want to rent a car, pay fuel costs, plan every overnight stop, and manage long drives through unfamiliar roads.

The package also saves time. You do not need to build your own route between Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Launceston, Bicheno, Freycinet, and Hobart. For a first visit, that convenience can be worth more than a small saving from independent travel.

Fitness, clothing, and who should book

This is an active tour with short walks every day. Most are easy to moderate, but the longer options include uneven tracks, hills, and steps. People with moderate fitness and good mobility can get the most from it, while the tour is not suitable for children under eight, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments.

Bring hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, long pants, swimwear, a towel, warm layers, and a weatherproof jacket. Tasmania’s conditions can change from coast to mountain, so practical clothing matters more than stylish clothing.

I would recommend this tour to a solo visitor, a couple, or a small group that wants a broad first taste of Tasmania without driving. It also suits people who like meeting others and want several walking choices rather than one fixed hike.

I would be more cautious if you want late mornings, long restaurant lunches, or several days in one place. The route is efficient, but efficiency means movement.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want Tasmania’s major natural and historic sights in one week, with transport, park access, and guiding handled for you. The strongest reasons are the range of scenery, the choice of walking difficulty, and the included Port Arthur and wildlife visits.

Think twice if you dislike early starts, shared accommodation, long road sections, or changing hotels. For most active first-time visitors, though, $973 is a solid price for a tightly planned route from the wild West Coast to Wineglass Bay and Port Arthur. Choose a private motel room if comfort matters, bring proper walking gear, and budget separately for meals and the Gordon River Cruise.

FAQ

How long is the Tasmania West to East Tour?

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

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and finishes in Hobart. Pickup and drop-off are available from centrally located Hobart hotels and hostels.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. Six nights are included, with a choice of hostel accommodation or private motel rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you need to budget for meals during the tour.

Is the Gordon River Cruise included?

No. The Gordon River Cruise is an optional activity available at your own expense. You can instead follow the included land-based West Coast program.

How difficult are the walks?

Walks range from easy to moderate, and all walks are optional. Russell Falls is an easy 25-minute return walk, while the Dove Lake Circuit takes about two to three hours over six kilometres and includes hills, rough surfaces, and steps.

How much luggage can I bring?

You can bring up to 20 kilograms of luggage. Your main luggage is stored in a trailer during travel days, so you should also carry a daypack with items needed for each walk.