Tasmania Panorama

This trip is Tasmanian Expeditions' longest running and is a smorgasbord of Tasmanian delights. The adventure starts in Launceston and takes in everything from the iconic Cradle Mountain to the historic town of Richmond.

We begin with a two day bushwalking warm-up, with easy and moderate single day walks in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. From our base in cabins at located just outside the National Park we set off across button grass plains and alpine herb meadows to the cool silent waters of Dove Lake. The following four days are spent in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, a region of towering rock walls and spectacular mountain peaks. Native Pencil Pines, Waratah and lemon scented Boronia open the senses to some of Tasmania's beautiful flora. Our base camp provides us with further opportunity to explore this area with day packs. The walking finished, we take to the road, cycling from Launceston to Coles Bay - the long scenic way. Rolling pastures, magnificent coastal scenery and a glimpse of Tasmania's past can all be appreciated from the seats of our bikes.

Although bushwalking experience and having ridden a bike recently is an advantage, it is not essential. Fitness is important however and cycling walking and/or running on a regular basis prior to the trip will be beneficial. Our experienced guides will help to bring the trip alive for you with their local knowledge and enthusiasm for the Tasmanian wilderness.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Distance approx 5km Time approx 3hrs
Today you will be picked up from your accommodation between 8.00 and 8.30am & transferred to a pre-departure briefing at The Arthouse Hostel in Launceston. Your guides will present a general overview of the trip, conduct a gear check and provide the opportunity to hire/borrow any equipment/clothing that you may need. We will aim to depart at approx 9.30am, transferring to our cabins at Cradle Mountain which will take approximately 3 hours including a mid journey leg stretch in Sheffield & Tassie's town of murals.

On arrival we will unload the bus and have lunch before setting off on an afternoon walk around the beautiful Dove Lake. In the evening your guides will prepare a feast for you to enjoy as you relive the excitement of the day & prepare for our full day in the National Park tomorrow.

Day 2. Distance up to 12km Time up to 8hrs walking
Today can be as challenging or as leisurely as you wish. Conditions permitting, your guides will offer you the opportunity to trek to the base of Cradle Mountain and to climb to its summit. The breathtaking 360 degree views on offer are a worthy reward for the effort required to reach the summit.

Day 3. Distance approx 7km Time approx 4hrs walking
This morning we will pack up our belongings, load the bus and enjoy a selection of morning walks including the King Billy Walk. Our walking at Cradle Mountain complete, we will share a picnic lunch & check out the visitor centre before driving approx 1 hour to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

Carrying our full backpacks into this magnificent highland area will provide us with a challenge but we will be provided with plenty of encouragement from our guides as well as snacks & numerous rest stops. It will take approx 3-4 hours to reach our base camp where we are equipped with raised tent platforms, a composting toilet and a communal dining/kitchen area.

Day 4. Distance up to 12km Time up to 8hrs
After a relaxed breakfast your guides will let you in on the great Tassie secret that is the Walls of Jerusalem NP! Carrying only daypacks once again we will explore areas such as Dixon's Kingdom and the ancient Pencil Pine forests that surround it, the mighty towers of King David's Peak and Mount Moriah and the magical Lake Ball. The National Park is largely untracked so enjoy the freedom of treading gently in this wonderland. In alpine regions in Tasmania the weather is extremely changeable so what we do today and tomorrow is weather dependent and your guides will offer an awe inspiring option whatever weather prevails.

Day 5. Distance up to 12km Time up to 8hrs
Similarly, today will be another day of discovery in the otherworldly region of ‘the Walls'. Some areas we may encounter include The Temple, Mount Jerusalem and Solomon's Throne. These walks have varying degrees of difficulty; you will be challenged by the terrain and delighted by the amazing views of the surrounding valleys, lakes and mountains.

Day 6. Distance 7km Time 4hrs walking
Today we will pack up camp and bid farewell to the Walls of Jerusalem NP. We will return to the bus along the same track that we entered with plenty of photo breaks, rest stops and lighter packs! We will lunch once more amongst the serene Tasmanian bush before heading back to Launceston. Your guides will drop you to your self contained apartments for a freshen up before meeting up for dinner and a hard earned beverage at the Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston.

Day 7. Distance up to maximum 63km Time approx 8hrs cycling
Overnight: Ben Lomond & Carr Villa Cabin
After setting up the bicycles we mount up and cycle from Launceston through rolling countryside to the historic town of Evandale. After a delicious picnic lunch beneath the shade of the grand old oaks, we continue south following the Macquarie River valley passing the beautiful estate and gardens of Clarendon House. We continue riding through the grazing country of the Fingal Valley where we will have views of the grandiose Ben Lomond National Park and Tasmania's second highest peak.

Day 8. Distance up to maximum 77km Time 8hrs
Overnight: Bicheno
Wonderful cycling opportunities continue as we journey further up the Fingal Valley & through the Eucalypt forests of the North East. Today's highlight is an exhilarating ride over the spectacular and steep St Mary's Pass down to the east coast with its dazzling aqua blue water and pure white sandy beaches. We spend the afternoon cycling south along the coastline to the seaside fishing town of Bicheno.

Day 9. Distance up to maximum 55km (plus Wineglass Bay walk)
Overnight: Bicheno Time approx 8hrs activity
Today's destination is the Freycinet Peninsular National Park. We will cycle from Bicheno into the busy tourist hub of Coles Bay, a fast growing seaside town in a spectacular setting. We will head straight into the National Park and explore the natural beauty of the area. We will walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout where we have spectacular view of the beach below and the pink granite rocks of The Hazards Mountain Range. Continuing on down to the beach is optional for the group & perhaps a great opportunity for a refreshing swim! At the end of our day in the National Park we will return by vehicle to Bicheno.

Day 10. Distance up to maximum 70km Time 8hrs
Overnight: Triabunna
This morning we continue our ride south enjoying the spectacular scenery of Tasmania's coastline and our first glimpse of Maria Island National Park. We finish today's ride at Triabunna a small port town and also our gateway to tomorrow's destination & Maria Island.

Day 11 & 12. Maria Island
Today we catch the ferry to the secluded Maria Island National Park. Over the next two days we spend our time exploring Maria Island, taking in its vast history and the natural wonders scattered all over the island on foot and by bike.
We will see the unusual sandstone formations of the painted cliffs and visit Aboriginal middens. In the south of the island we will see the beautiful pristine beaches of Chinaman's Bay and the isthmus. You will also have the option of climbing either Bishop and Clerk Mountain or the amazing Mount Maria, the tallest mountain on the island which has a mini alpine area of vegetation right at its summit; this is extremely rare in coastal regions.
The fascinating history of the island is as diverse and substantial as its wildlife. This industrial history includes everything from vineyards to cement works but the most interesting is the convict history. There are many ruins from penal days including cell blocks, commandant's cottages and windmill sites.

Day 13. Distance-30-50km max Time-approx 8hrs
Today we leave Maria Island on the morning ferry. We rejoin our vehicle and head to Hobart. On arrival, we will drive to the 1270 metre summit of Mt Wellington where you will be provided with fantastic views of the lower Derwent River system, Hobart and its surrounds. Distant ports such as the Tasman Peninsula, far away Precipitous Bluff and many peaks of the wonderful South West are also visible in clear weather.
After lunch we enjoy an exhilarating ride all the way down the mountain and into Hobart where your trip will conclude. Your guides will drop you off at your accommodation (arranged by you) in Hobart at approx 5pm.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Nights 1, 2 and 6 – 10 will be accommodated in self contained share cabins, units and rooms. Some are bunk style and some have shared bathroom facilities. Sleeping bags & pillows are provided when linen is not provided. Our accommodation bookings will have been made many months in advance and, depending upon group size, it is not always possible to provide you with your own room although your privacy and comfort is accommodated for as much as possible.