Walk the East Coast of Tasmania

Welcome to Hobart! Be ready bright and early at the Vibe Hotel Hobart at 7. 45 am, for an 8 am departure. On your way to the first hike, stop quickly in Sorrell to grab yourself some lunch, then arrive at the Cape Huay walk. Head along a section of the Tasman Peninsula, with spectacular views greeting you along the way. Part of the Three Capes Track, walk through heathland full of wildflowers on undulating tracks until you hit the coastline. The scenes of dolerite cliffs get more and more pronounced as you near the narrow edge of the promontory – it’s seriously incredible viewing. Stop by a number of vantage points to soak in the best of The Lanterns, Mitre Rock, The Candlestick and Totem Pole – the perfect walk to begin your adventure. After returning to your private vehicle, drive to Orford (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes). Spend the evening in this sleepy coastal town, with a delicious two-course meal included for you and your group to enjoy. (D)

After breakfast, jump on a ferry bound for Maria Island (approximately 45 minutes). A natural wonder full of history, sweeping bays and rugged cliffs sitting off the coast of Tasmania, Maria Island is an ideal destination for hiking. You’ll be tackling two trails of the island – Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs loop walks. Starting from where the ferry dropped you in Darlington, head north past silo ruins and cement works towards the Convict Barn, full of early farming artefacts. Continue across coastal plains, past other reminders of settler history, along a track that often has forester kangaroos and wombats lurking about. Climb the short steep track to Fossil Cliffs and marvel at the thousands of shellfish fossils embedded in the limestone, formed millions of years ago. Today you will have the option skip one of the two hikes to hire a bike for an hour or so to check out more of the island. Enjoy your own lunch that you brought with you during the day, then ferry back to the mainland and drive to the quaint coastal town of Swansea (approximately 45 minutes). After a busy day of walking, perhaps take a quiet stroll along the foreshore, stock up on supplies and join your leader for some dinner in town. (B/L)

This morning, you’re in for a treat. Take a 1-hour drive to Freycinet National Park – one of Australia’s most renowned and picturesque regions. As you enter the park, the views over Coles Bay towards what’s known as The Hazard Range is a sight to behold. On arrival, lace up your walking shoes for a scenic 11. 5-kilometre circuit walk which takes you to the iconic white sands of Wineglass Bay, and also a lesser-known but no less stunning Hazards Beach on the opposite site of the Cape Freycinet isthmus. Best to have your camera at full charge today, because the vistas are out of this world. Afterwards, drive towards Tasmania’s central hub, Launceston, taking around 2.5 hours. Once arrived and checked in, join your group and local leader for a celebratory dinner at the well-known Hotel Grand Chancellor. Included will be a two-course meal for you all, so toast to the sights and sounds of the East Coast. (D)

With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your Tasmanian adventure has to finish just yet! If you would like to explore Launceston and surrounds more, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). (B)