Tasmania: Wilderness and Wildlife Guided 6-Day Tour

Tasmania rewards a slower road trip. This six-day guided journey links the island’s great natural sights, from Russell Falls and Lake St Clair to Cradle Mountain, the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park. I especially like the choice of walks each day and the chance to travel without renting a car. The main trade-off is a busy schedule, with long drives and short stays in several places.

I also like the mix of wilderness and wildlife. You can walk through rainforest in the morning, spot wombats near Cradle Mountain, and meet Tasmanian devils at Bonorong later in the trip. Guides such as Phil, Keygan, Brendan, Hayden, Brendon and Tim have been praised for local stories and thoughtful route choices, though the tour bus is described as older than ideal.

Key details that shape the experience

• Six days, five overnight stops: Travel from Hobart through Strahan, Launceston and Bicheno before returning to Hobart.
• Walks for different abilities: Choose easier routes such as Russell Falls or harder options including Marion’s Lookout and Mount Amos.
• Tasmania’s big natural hits: See Lake St Clair, Franklin-Gordon National Park, Cradle Mountain, the Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay.
• Wildlife is built into the route: Look for wombats and wallabies, then visit quolls, kangaroos, birds and Tasmanian devils at Bonorong.
• Accommodation gives you a choice: Select hostel rooms or motel accommodation, with private motel rooms and ensuite bathrooms.
• Good value for car-free visitors: At $831 per person, the price covers transport, five nights, national park entry, guided walks and Bonorong admission.

What $831 buys you across Tasmania

At $831 per person, this is not a luxury tour, but it covers the costly parts of seeing Tasmania independently. You get five nights of accommodation, transport from selected Hobart city locations, national park fees, commentary, guided walks and entry to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Food, drinks and the Gordon River Cruise cost extra.

I see the value most clearly if you do not have a car. Tasmania’s main sights are spread across the island, and reaching the West Coast, Cradle Mountain, the Bay of Fires and Freycinet by public transport would be awkward. Here, one booking connects them with a local guide and a planned route.

The price also includes accommodation flexibility. Motel bookings provide private rooms with ensuite facilities. Hostel choices include same-gender dormitories or private single, twin and double rooms with shared same-gender bathrooms. A twin or double room requires at least two people.

You should budget separately for meals and drinks. The schedule includes stops in towns such as Queenstown, Sheffield, St Helens, Bicheno and Richmond, but the supplied details do not promise meals or restaurant bookings. Bringing a reusable water bottle and a few practical snacks makes sense.

The package receives an overall rating of 4.6 from 60 reviews, with repeated praise for the guides, walk choices and organization. That is useful context, but the experience still depends on weather, road conditions, your room selection and how comfortable you are with an active itinerary.

Day 1: Russell Falls, Lake St Clair and the road to Strahan

The first day heads west from Hobart into Tasmania’s Western Wilds. Mount Field National Park provides an easy early walk to Russell Falls, one of the island’s best-known waterfalls. The return walk takes about 25 minutes and covers 1.4 kilometres on a flat, even path without steps or steep sections.

You also walk among very tall trees, which gives the opening day a strong sense of scale. This is a good first stop because you can enjoy a classic Tasmanian forest without needing to be an experienced hiker.

From there, the route reaches Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. The drive continues through Franklin-Gordon National Park, where rainforest, mountains and clean rivers fill the view. You are spending much of the day on the road, but the scenery is the reason to take this western route.

Queenstown adds a change of mood. The old mining town has a tougher, more industrial past than the forest and lake stops, and it helps you understand how different Tasmania’s West Coast feels from the gentler East Coast.

The day ends in Strahan, a small harbourside village that serves as your base for two nights. Expect a full day with several stops rather than a relaxed transfer from Hobart.

Day 2: Henty Sand Dunes and the untamed West Coast

Day two gives you more time in the West Coast wilderness. The Henty Sand Dunes are the unusual feature here: huge dunes beside the coast, with a very different feel from the rainforest and mountain country seen the previous day.

You also take a guided walk through ancient rainforest. The combination matters. Tasmania’s West Coast is not one repeated view of green forest. You move between sand, trees, open coast and river country, with the guide explaining what you are seeing along the way.

At Ocean Beach, the emphasis shifts to space and clean air. The beach is broad and exposed, and the stop gives you time outside the vehicle after the previous day’s long drive.

You can choose a Gordon River Cruise at your own cost instead of the included nature walk option. This is an important budget decision. The cruise offers a different way to see the West Coast, but it is not part of the $831 price, so check the extra cost before you travel. If you prefer walking and want to keep spending down, the included route remains worthwhile.

The two-night stay in Strahan is practical. It avoids packing and unpacking after a long first day, though the West Coast section still involves substantial driving.

Day 3: Cradle Mountain walks for easy to moderate hikers

Cradle Mountain National Park is the tour’s alpine centerpiece. Its glacially formed mountains and lakes give you a very different setting from the warm forest around Russell Falls or the open shore at Ocean Beach.

You choose a walk based on fitness and energy. The Dove Lake Circuit takes about two to three hours and covers six kilometres. It is rated moderate, with short hills, rough surfaces and many steps. If you want a solid introduction to the park without committing to a major climb, this is the clearest choice.

Marion’s Lookout is more demanding. The climb gives you a higher viewpoint, but it requires more effort and is best for people comfortable with steeper walking. You can also take shorter options if the weather, your legs or the group schedule suggest keeping things simple.

Ronny Creek is a good place to watch for wombats. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the stop adds a wildlife possibility to a day already focused on alpine scenery.

This flexibility is one of the tour’s best practical features. Everyone does not need to take the same walk, and the guide can help match the route to different ability levels. Still, you should not treat this as a sightseeing bus tour. Short walks happen every day, and moderate fitness with good mobility will help you get the most from it.

After leaving the highlands, the group stops in Sheffield, known as the Town of Murals, before continuing to Launceston. The shift from mountain tracks to a town stop breaks up the drive and adds a touch of local character.

Day 4: Cataract Gorge, the Bay of Fires and Bicheno

Launceston’s Cataract Gorge starts the fourth day with an easy city-side nature stop. You can look for local wallabies while walking through the gorge area, which makes this more than a quick urban photo stop.

The route then heads toward the East Coast. Lunch is scheduled in St Helens, followed by a walk along the white sands of the Bay of Fires. The contrast with the West Coast is striking: here the coast is known for pale beaches and clear water, with the red-toned rocks that give the region its name.

Bring swimwear and a towel if you like the idea of getting in the water, though swimming is not promised. Even without a swim, the beach walk is one of the trip’s strongest chances to slow down and enjoy Tasmania’s shoreline.

The night is spent in Bicheno, a fishing village where penguins can be seen emerging from the sea. The wording matters: penguin sightings are possible, not guaranteed. Keep your expectations sensible and follow any local instructions about watching wildlife.

This is another long day with a mix of road time and walking. The payoff is variety, but you should be ready to leave accommodation in the morning and spend much of the day moving between stops.

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

Freycinet National Park brings the tour to Tasmania’s most famous coastal views. You see the pink granite Hazards from Honeymoon Bay, then choose how hard you want to work for the park’s signature sights.

The Wineglass Bay lookout walk offers the classic view of the curved white beach below. You can continue down to the beach if you want a longer outing. The route involves more effort than the Russell Falls walk, so good shoes and water matter.

Mount Amos is the serious option. The climb is challenging and should suit only people prepared for a demanding walk. You do not need to climb it to enjoy Freycinet, since the lookout and beach route provide a strong experience with less strain.

Cape Tourville offers another angle, with ocean and mountain views that round out the park visit. I like this sequence because you are not relying on one lookout for the whole day. Bays, forest, granite peaks and open coast each get their turn.

You return to Hobart via the Great Eastern Drive. It is a scenic finish to the coastal section, but the day is full. If you choose Mount Amos or walk down to Wineglass Bay, expect to feel the distance by evening.

Day 6: Bonorong, Richmond and kunanyi

The final day begins at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Tasmania’s best-known conservation and wildlife center according to the tour information. The visit includes entry and a chance to see quolls, birds, wombats, kangaroos and Tasmanian devils.

This stop is valuable because wildlife sightings in the national parks can be unpredictable. You might see a wombat at Ronny Creek or a wallaby at Cataract Gorge, but Bonorong gives you a more dependable encounter with species that are central to Tasmania’s identity.

A sanctuary staff member may provide a special tour experience, adding useful context to the animal visit. The schedule then moves to Richmond, a colonial village with a slower pace and a very different character from the wilderness stops.

The return route passes through the Coal River Valley before reaching Wellington Park. Locally called The Mountain, and known by its palawa name kunanyi, the park gives you a final taste of Tasmania’s natural side close to Hobart.

Your guide introduces fern glades, eucalyptus forest, rock columns and boulder fields. Walking tracks lead to lookouts, so the last afternoon is not simply a transfer back to the city. It is a proper final stop, with enough variety to feel like a fitting farewell.

The guides make the difference

The itinerary is strong, but the guide can determine how much you get from it. Phil was praised for local café and ice cream suggestions as well as stories about places along the route. Keygan helped explain the animals, scenery and Tasmanian history in a way that made the stops more meaningful.

Brendan received especially warm praise for his care with hiking trails and wilderness areas. One participant was disappointed when another guide, Garreth, led the final day, though Garreth was still described as good and well informed. Hayden was praised for patience, organization and competence, while Brendon and Tim also received strong marks.

This tells you what to look for in the experience: not just a driver who points out a lookout, but someone who can adjust walks, answer questions and keep the group comfortable. The best guides appear to treat the route as flexible within limits, allowing different people to walk at different levels.

The tour is in English. A private group is available if you prefer more control over companions and pacing, though the supplied information does not state the private-group surcharge.

Accommodation, luggage and daily comfort

You can bring up to 20 kilograms of luggage, stored in a trailer during travel days. That is generous enough for a six-day trip, but use a manageable bag because you will move between several overnight locations.

Motel accommodation gives you private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Hostel accommodation is less private, with same-gender dorms or private rooms that use shared same-gender bathrooms. The choice can change the feel of the trip as much as the scenery, so check it carefully before booking.

One useful detail from the accommodation experience is that some motels had basic facilities for preparing breakfast or heating food with hot water. Do not assume a full kitchen, but this may help you control meal costs.

The bus is reported to be serviceable but somewhat old. That is the clearest comfort drawback. With long drives across Tasmania, a newer vehicle might be nicer, though the route would still require road time in any vehicle.

Pack layered warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, hiking shoes, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, long pants and a reusable bottle. Swimwear and a towel are also listed, which suits the beach stops.

Who should book this six-day Tasmania tour?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time, do not want to drive, and care more about seeing a broad range of Tasmania than staying several nights in one place. You get rainforest, alpine country, beaches, historic towns and wildlife in one carefully connected route.

It suits active people who can manage easy to moderate walks each day. Every walk is optional, but the schedule works best when you are happy to spend time outdoors and walk on uneven tracks.

It is less suitable if you want a slow holiday, high-end hotels, long meals or complete control over your schedule. Children under eight are not accepted, and the tour is not suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments. You also need to be comfortable with long road days and changing accommodation.

Cancellation is free up to 14 days before departure for a full refund. Pickup is available from centrally located Hobart hotels and hostels, but not from Airbnbs or private residences. If you stay outside the pickup area, the operator can advise the closest pickup point.

FAQ

How long is the Tasmania wilderness and wildlife tour?

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

Where does the tour begin and end?

The journey begins in Hobart, travels through western and eastern Tasmania, and returns to Hobart on the final day.

What accommodation choices are available?

You can choose hostel or motel accommodation. Motels have private rooms with ensuite facilities. Hostels offer same-gender dormitories or private single, twin or double rooms with shared same-gender bathrooms.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should budget for meals and refreshments during the six days.

Is the Gordon River Cruise included?

No. The Gordon River Cruise is an optional activity available at your own expense.

How difficult are the walks?

The tour includes short walks every day, with most routes rated easy to moderate. Russell Falls is an easy 25-minute, 1.4-kilometre return walk, while the Dove Lake Circuit takes about two to three hours over six kilometres and includes hills, rough surfaces and steps.

Can I choose a private group?

Yes. A private group option is available. The provided information does not state the additional cost.

How much luggage can I bring?

You can bring up to 20 kilograms of luggage, which is stored in a trailer during travel days.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want Tasmania’s major natural sights without the work of planning a long self-drive route. The strongest reasons are the range of scenery, the daily walk choices, the wildlife stop at Bonorong and guides who bring local knowledge to the road.

Think twice if you need modern transport, luxury accommodation or lots of free time. At $831, the tour offers solid value for an active, car-free visit, but you are paying in part with early starts, long drives and a quick-moving schedule. For six days, though, it covers an impressive slice of Tasmania and leaves you with far more than a handful of postcard views.