Tasmania Self Drive for the Travel Trade

Tasmania 8 Day Tempter

An 8-day self drive or small group journey through Tasmania’s wildest landscapes and finest produce regions – from Hobart’s waterfront to the ancient rainforests of the Gordon River, Cradle Mountain’s alpine plateau, and the pink granite peaks of Freycinet. Built by Australia and Beyond Holidays (AABH) for travel agents packaging immersive Australian itineraries, Fully Independent Traveller (FIT) programmes, and small group touring that goes well beyond the usual highlights.

About This Tour

Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania packs an astonishing amount into a compact island. Temperate rainforests older than civilisation. Coastline that shifts from white sand to pink granite within a single drive. Working farms, artisan producers, and a food scene that punches well above its weight. It feels different from mainland Australia – quieter, cooler, and genuinely wild in places that are still easy to reach.

This 8-day itinerary covers Tasmania’s essential highlights as either a self drive or small group touring programme. Hobart, Bruny Island, Freycinet National Park, Cradle Mountain, the Gordon River, and the cave systems at Mole Creek. Meals are included throughout, accommodation is comfortable and well-located, and the pace gives travellers time to actually experience each destination rather than just ticking it off. For travel agents building Australian itineraries that include something beyond the east coast, Tasmania is one of the most compelling additions you can offer.

  • 8 days / 7 nights – self drive or small group options available
  • Hobart to Launceston loop covering Tasmania’s key regions
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners included
  • Bruny Island gourmet experience with optional seafood cruise upgrade
  • Ideal for FIT travellers, couples, food and nature enthusiasts
A beautifully preserved medieval stone bridge with multiple arches spans across a calm river, featuring characteristic Romanesque architecture with cylindrical defensive towers. The bridge is lined with visitors enjoying the scenic views, with a fortified tower visible on the right bank and lush green vegetation framing the waterway under a clear blue sky.

COMPLETE ITINERARY

Your Tasmania Journey – Day by Day

Arrive in Hobart

Travellers arrive at Hobart Airport and are met by their tour manager, or pick up a rental car if on the self drive option. Transfer to The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel for three nights. It’s centrally located – a block from Hobart’s historic waterfront, easy walking distance to Salamanca Place, and the kind of place that feels properly Tasmanian rather than generic.

The Old Woolstore features spacious apartment-style rooms with 24/7 reception and daily servicing. Stockman’s restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with a menu built around Tasmanian produce, and the Baaa Bar stocks local wines and spirits. For clients arriving with time, activities include oyster tasting at Barilla Oyster Farm, a visit to Bonorong Wildlife Park, or a drive up kunanyi / Mount Wellington for panoramic views across the Hobart skyline and the Derwent River.

Trade tip: Most international clients fly into Hobart via Melbourne or Sydney. We recommend arriving by early afternoon to make the most of the waterfront and Salamanca area that first evening. The Old Woolstore is a strong base – comfortable without being overly corporate, and the location makes Hobart’s dining scene walkable.

A scenic view of Hobart, Tasmania, featuring the iconic Tasman Bridge spanning the Derwent River with Mount Wellington snow-capped in the background. Residential neighborhoods and forested slopes line the shores beneath clear blue skies.
copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-untitled-3-1.png

Mt. Field National Park & Curringa Farm

After breakfast, the day begins at Mt. Field National Park to visit Russell Falls – the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania. It’s reached by a gentle 20-minute walk through towering tree ferns and ancient rainforest. Not a strenuous hike by any measure, but genuinely beautiful.

From there, it’s on to Curringa Farm, a working sheep property where travellers experience sheep shearing, working farm dogs, a farm tour, a forest walk, and morning tea. It’s an authentic look at Tasmanian rural life – best practice land care and farming techniques explained by people who actually do it every day. Not a theme park version of farming.

The afternoon is free back in Hobart for lunch and exploring the city. AABH can suggest and organise additional activities for this day depending on your clients’ interests.

Trade tip: Russell Falls is easy enough for any fitness level and delivers excellent photos. Curringa Farm works particularly well for international clients – especially from Asian and Middle Eastern markets – who haven’t experienced Australian farming culture. The combination of nature and agriculture in one morning gives the day good variety.

istock-506700550.jpg
untitled-design-4.png

Bruny Island Gourmet Traveller

A full day departure from Hobart to Bruny Island – and this is one of those days that tends to become the highlight of the entire trip. The Bruny Island Traveller tour is built around the island’s artisan producers: award-winning cheeses at Bruny Island Cheese Company, premium wines and beer, freshly shucked oysters at Get Shucked, handcrafted whisky and fudge, local honey, and chocolate from Bruny Island Chocolate Company.

Lunch is at Pennicott’s beachside restaurant overlooking Adventure Bay – Tasmanian fish, chips and salad served with two glasses of quality local wine, beer, cider or juice. It’s relaxed, generous, and genuinely delicious.

For clients wanting something more exclusive, there’s an optional upgrade to the Full Day Seafood Seduction Cruise. This departs from Constitution Dock aboard a custom-built vessel carrying up to 12 guests. The cruise heads down the Derwent River to the sheltered waters around Bruny Island. The guide harvests oysters directly from the water, and may snorkel for abalone and sea urchin. The on-board feast includes rock lobster, abalone, mussels, sashimi, salmon, artisan cheeses and local breads, paired with Bruny Island Premium Wines, Jansz Sparkling, and boutique beers and ciders.

Trade tip: The Seafood Seduction upgrade is worth recommending to clients who value food experiences. It carries an additional cost but the exclusivity and quality justify it. For agents packaging luxury FIT itineraries, this is a standout experience. The standard Bruny Island Traveller tour is excellent in its own right and suits a broader range of budgets.

copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-untitled-5-1.png

Freycinet Wineglass Bay & Launceston

After breakfast, travellers head east to Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast. The park is defined by dramatic pink granite peaks known as The Hazards, secluded bays, white sandy beaches, and abundant birdlife. Wineglass Bay is consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches, and it lives up to it.

A three-course lunch is included at Richardson’s Bistro at Freycinet Lodge – a lovely setting within the national park itself. After lunch, the drive continues north to Launceston for an overnight stay at Mantra Charles or similar, with dinner at the Jail House Grill.

Trade tip: The Wineglass Bay lookout walk is a moderate uphill hike of roughly 45 minutes each way. Clients who prefer not to walk can still enjoy the park at lower levels. The drive from Freycinet to Launceston takes around two and a half hours, so it’s a full day – but the scenery along the east coast makes the travel time feel easy. Richardson’s Bistro lunch is a real highlight.

copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-untitled-2-1.png

Cradle Mountain & the West Coast

The drive from Launceston to Cradle Mountain passes through farmland and the historic towns of Longford and Deloraine, then cuts inland through Sheffield – known as the Town of Murals – before climbing onto the alpine plateau. Clients can spend the whole day getting to Cradle Mountain if they stop at the recommended locations along the way, or push through to maximise time at the mountain.

At Cradle Mountain, the Dove Lake shuttle provides access to the iconic lakeside circuit beneath the jagged dolerite peaks. This is the postcard image of Tasmania and it genuinely delivers in person.

From Cradle Mountain, the route heads west to Strahan, situated on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness UNESCO World Heritage Area. This is home to flora and fauna of world importance and one of the last expanses of temperate rainforest on the planet. Overnight at Strahan Village.

Trade tip: This is a big driving day. For self drive clients, make sure they understand the distances involved and the appeal of stopping along the way. Sheffield is a worthwhile photo stop. For small group touring, the guide manages the pacing. Strahan itself is a small, characterful harbour town – worth framing as the gateway to genuine wilderness rather than just a transit stop.

screen-shot-2019-09-06-at-35917-pm.png

Gordon River Cruise

After breakfast, travellers check in at the cruise terminal at 8am (directly across from the hotel) for an 8:30am departure. The Gordon River Cruise is multi-award winning, Tasmanian-owned, and showcases a part of the state that remains untouched by civilisation. Premium upper deck seating is included.

The cruise glides across Macquarie Harbour – Australia’s second largest harbour – and into the still, mirror-like waters of the Gordon River. Ancient Huon pine forests line the riverbanks, some of the trees thousands of years old. Lunch and drinks are included on board. The cruise returns at 2:30pm.

After disembarking, it’s a two-hour drive back through the west coast wilderness, retracing the scenic route to Cradle Mountain Hotel for an overnight stay. Buffet dinner or a three-course dinner is included at the hotel.

Trade tip: The Gordon River Cruise is one of Tasmania’s signature experiences and the premium upper deck makes a real difference – quieter, better views, more comfortable seating. The river itself is extraordinarily still and reflective. It photographs like nothing else in Australia. Remind clients that the west coast weather can be unpredictable, which honestly adds to the atmosphere.

A cruise vessel navigates the calm waters of Macquarie Harbour near Strahan, Tasmania, with forested shorelines and wooden pilings visible in the foreground. The serene morning conditions reflect the pristine wilderness of Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Mole Creek Caves & Cataract Gorge

After breakfast and check out from Cradle Mountain, the day begins with a visit to Mole Creek for the Marakoopa Cave Tour. The climate inside the caves never changes year-round – a constant 9°C. Travellers choose from three different cave tours, each lasting 45 minutes. Inside, they’ll encounter the Tasmanian Cave Spider and other creatures uniquely adapted to living without light, many found nowhere else in the world outside Mole Creek.

In the afternoon, the route returns to Launceston for a visit to Cataract Gorge Reserve. The South Esk River has carved a natural gorge just minutes from the city centre – a genuinely unusual thing to find on the doorstep of a regional city. The gorge features walking tracks, a swimming pool, the world’s longest single-span chairlift, a restaurant, suspension bridge, and panoramic lookouts. Peacocks wander the grounds alongside native wildlife.

Overnight at The Country Club Tasmania, with a farewell dinner at Christmas Hill Restaurant.

Trade tip: The caves are a genuine surprise for most travellers – unexpected and memorable. Cataract Gorge works well as an afternoon activity because it’s right in Launceston and requires no driving. The farewell dinner at Christmas Hill is a nice way to close the trip. For clients extending their stay, Launceston’s food and wine scene – particularly the Tamar Valley wineries nearby – offers plenty to fill an extra day.

An aerial view of the iconic Alexandra Suspension Bridge spanning across the turquoise waters of Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tasmania, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs and autumn vegetation. The historic footbridge connects the gorge's steep sides and offers stunning views of the natural landscape below.

Depart Launceston

After breakfast, travellers transfer to Launceston Airport for their departure flight. Self drive clients return their rental car at the airport.

Trade tip: We recommend building in a connection to Melbourne or Sydney for onward travel. Launceston has good flight connections to both cities. For clients who want to extend, AABH can package additional nights in Launceston with Tamar Valley wine touring, or arrange a drive to the northeast coast (Bay of Fires) before departing from Launceston. This itinerary also pairs well with a few days in Melbourne pre- or post-Tasmania, or as part of a broader Australian programme incorporating the Great Ocean Road, the Red Centre, or the Great Barrier Reef.

A vibrant pedestrian shopping mall in Launceston, Tasmania featuring a central tiered water fountain with bronze sculpture, surrounded by heritage-listed Victorian and Edwardian architecture. The scene captures modern retail storefronts including a Medibank branch, with cloudy skies overhead and outdoor seating areas lining the promenade.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Inclusions & Accommodation

Tour Inclusions

  • All travel or car rental as appropriate in Tasmania (bring your own car option available)
  • 7 nights accommodation throughout
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners included
  • Bruny Island Gourmet Traveller full day tour
  • Gordon River Cruise with premium upper deck and lunch
  • Cradle Mountain Dove Lake shuttle tour
  • Mole Creek Marakoopa Cave Tour

Accommodation

Accommodation has been selected for location, comfort, and local character. Each property sits close to the key experiences of the day, so travellers spend less time in the car and more time enjoying the destination.

  • 3 nights – The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, Hobart
  • 1 night – Mantra Charles or similar, Launceston
  • 1 night – Strahan Village, West Coast
  • 1 night – Cradle Mountain Hotel
  • 1 night – Country Club Tasmania, Launceston

Ready to Book the Tasmania Tempter?

AABH is a fully accredited, Australian-owned inbound operator with over 30 years of collective team experience. Get in touch with our team at enquiries@aabh.com.au for trade rates, availability, and help packaging Tasmania into your clients’ Australian itineraries. We handle accommodation, car rental, touring, domestic flights, and connections to our full range of Australian and New Zealand product. For New Zealand itineraries, visit our subsidiary New Zealand and Beyond Holidays. Available as self drive or small group – we’ll tailor it to suit. Sign up for our trade newsletter for the latest Australian and New Zealand product updates and new itinerary releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both options are available. The self drive version suits clients who prefer independence and flexibility – they pick up a rental car at Hobart Airport and follow the itinerary at their own pace with pre-booked accommodation, meals, and experiences. The small group option includes a tour manager and all transport, which works well for clients less comfortable driving on Australian roads or those who simply prefer not to. The itinerary, inclusions, and accommodation are the same for both options. There’s also a “bring your own car” option for domestic travellers.
Tasmania is a year-round destination, though each season offers something different. Summer (December to February) brings the longest days and warmest weather – ideal for coastal experiences and outdoor activities. Autumn (March to May) is stunning for foliage and cooler walks. Winter (June to August) brings snow to Cradle Mountain and a quieter, more atmospheric experience across the island. Spring (September to November) sees wildflowers and wildlife activity. The Gordon River and caves are excellent regardless of season. We’d suggest December to April as the most broadly appealing period for international travellers, but winter has a real charm for the right client.
This is a comfortable touring itinerary rather than an adventure trip. Most walks are short and gentle – the Russell Falls walk is 20 minutes, the cave tours are 45 minutes on formed paths, and Cataract Gorge is accessible with minimal effort. The Wineglass Bay lookout at Freycinet is the most demanding section – roughly 45 minutes uphill each way on a stepped track. Clients who prefer not to do this walk can enjoy other parts of Freycinet at lower levels. The Dove Lake circuit at Cradle Mountain is a flat boardwalk loop. Overall, the itinerary suits most fitness levels.
Absolutely. This is a template itinerary that AABH can tailor to suit your clients’ preferences. We can upgrade accommodation, add extra nights in specific locations, include additional experiences like the Bruny Island Seafood Seduction Cruise, add a MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) visit in Hobart, or extend to include the Bay of Fires or Cradle Mountain hut walks. We can also adjust the route for different arrival and departure airports. Contact us at enquiries@aabh.com.au with your requirements and we’ll build a customised version.
Tasmania pairs naturally with Melbourne – most international clients fly into Hobart or Launceston via Melbourne, and the flight is only about an hour. Common combinations include Tasmania plus the Great Ocean Road, Tasmania plus Melbourne city, or Tasmania as part of a larger Australian circuit that might also take in Sydney, the Red Centre, or the Great Barrier Reef. We build complete Australian itineraries for the travel trade – flights, accommodation, touring, and transfers across all states. Tasmania works particularly well as a distinctive add-on for clients who’ve already seen the mainland highlights, or as a focal point for food and nature-focused travellers on their second or third visit to Australia.
A picturesque waterfront scene of Hobart Harbour at sunset, featuring moored sailing boats and historic buildings reflected in calm golden waters. The image captures the vibrant golden and orange hues of the setting sun illuminating the colonial architecture and modern skyline along Tasmania's waterfront.
A stunning twilight cityscape of Hobart's Victoria Dock waterfront, featuring illuminated sailboats and tour vessels reflected in calm waters, with the heritage Tasmanian Museum and Gallery glowing warmly on the left and modern buildings silhouetted against a moody blue sky.
A stunning coastal scene featuring the Bay of Fires in northeastern Tasmania, characterized by distinctive orange-hued granite boulders covered in lichen, pristine white sand beach, and turquoise waters under a clear blue sky.
A stunning coastal landscape featuring distinctive orange and golden granite boulders scattered along the shoreline of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area in Tasmania, Australia. Crystal-clear blue waters and a pristine sandy beach complement the dramatic rocky formations under a clear sky.
A stunning aerial drone view of Cloudy Bay Beach on South Bruny Island, Tasmania, showcasing pristine white sand, turquoise waters with rolling surf waves, and forested mountains backing the coastline under clear blue skies.
A stunning aerial drone photograph of The Neck, a narrow isthmus connecting North and South Bruny Island in southern Tasmania, Australia. The image showcases the dramatic contrast between the turquoise ocean waters on the left, the sandy beach, pristine green lagoon on the right, and forested hills beyond, with mountains visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A stunning coastal landscape featuring pristine white sand beach, turquoise waters, and distinctive granite boulders covered in vibrant orange lichen at the Bay of Fires Conservation Area in Tasmania. The rocky foreground contrasts beautifully with the calm, clear waters and blue sky beyond.
An aerial view of Bruny Island Lighthouse perched on a grassy headland overlooking the Southern Ocean. The white cylindrical lighthouse stands prominently on the rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and dense coastal vegetation, with sparkling blue waters and distant landmasses visible under a partly cloudy sky.
A dramatic aerial view of The Neck, a narrow isthmus on Bruny Island, featuring a wooden boardwalk descending toward pristine white sand beaches flanked by turquoise ocean waters on one side and calm bay waters on the other, with lush green vegetation covering the peninsula and mountains visible across the water under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic wooden boardwalk winds through alpine grassland toward the distinctive peaks of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. The image captures the mountain's dramatic twin summits framed by native vegetation, a pristine alpine lake, and diverse flora in golden and green tones under clear skies.
A scenic landscape view of dramatic rocky mountain peaks rising above rolling bushland, with delicate white wildflowers and native vegetation in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky. The rugged granite formations and diverse flora showcase Tasmania's natural beauty and wilderness character.
An aerial view of the Gordon Dam, a distinctive double-curvature concrete arch dam spanning the Gordon River in southwestern Tasmania, Australia, surrounded by dense temperate rainforest and rocky outcrops with a second lake visible in the distance.
A pristine river flows through a lush temperate rainforest valley under a brilliant blue sky with white clouds, surrounded by ancient eucalyptus trees and rocky outcrops in Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
A serene forest pathway winds through a lush, moss-covered woodland in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania. Towering trees with moss-draped trunks create a verdant canopy overhead, with dappled sunlight filtering through the dense foliage onto the gravel track below.
A scenic wooden boardwalk with metal railings winds through a lush temperate rainforest, featuring moss-covered trees, ferns, and dense green canopy. An interpretive sign is visible along the pathway, providing information about the natural environment.
A serene forest stream winds through a lush, moss-covered temperate rainforest in Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Towering trees, ferns, and moss-laden rocks create an ancient, primordial atmosphere with the clear water flowing gently over a rocky bed.
A striking suspension bridge spans a crystal-clear river in a lush rainforest setting, with visible river stones beneath the transparent water and dense green vegetation framing both sides. The bridge features a mesh safety net design, connecting hikers through the pristine wilderness of Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park under a clear blue sky.
A picturesque waterfront scene showing colorful fishing boats moored at Victoria Dock along Franklin Wharf in Hobart, with the city skyline and snow-capped Mount Wellington visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A picturesque street view of The Mall in central Launceston, Tasmania, featuring elegant Victorian and heritage architecture with distinctive cream and terracotta facades, ornate details, and ground-floor retail establishments beneath a clear blue sky.
An aerial view of the iconic Alexandra Suspension Bridge spanning across the turquoise waters of Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tasmania, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs and autumn vegetation. The historic footbridge connects the gorge's steep sides and offers stunning views of the natural landscape below.
A stunning twilight view of Brisbane's modern city skyline reflecting in the Brisbane River, featuring the iconic Story Bridge, contemporary high-rise buildings illuminated against a vibrant purple and blue sky, with historic riverside landmarks in the foreground including a lighthouse and heritage structures.

WHY TRAVEL AGENTS CHOOSE

Australia and Beyond Holidays

  • Proven Local Expertise

    Led by industry veterans with senior experience at Qantas Holidays and Tour East Australia, and trusted by 500+ global travel agents with dedicated market support teams across Australia, India, Japan, and the Middle East.

  • Fast, Smart Itineraries

    Our HELiO booking platform delivers instant quotes and confirmations, streamlining the booking process for travel professionals.

  • Built For B2B Partners

    We work exclusively with travel trade partners, offering competitive net rates, marketing support, and dedicated account management.

  • Truly Tailor-Made Travel

    From FIT bookings to large-scale incentive groups, we craft bespoke itineraries that perfectly match your clients’ expectations.