Six Days Across Wild Tasmania: From Cradle Mountain to Wineglass Bay
A compact, eco-certified circuit of mountains, beaches and wildlife that showcases the island’s dramatic contrasts
The van hums away from Hobart before dawn and the city’s sandstone chimneys blur into a horizon of blue and green. Within an hour the air has a different edge — cooler, salt-scented in places, laced with eucalypt oil — and the island begins to show the two faces that make Tasmania magnetic: alpine stone rising dark and ancient; coastlines that fold into impossibly bright bays. Over six days this guided loop stitches those extremes together: kunanyi/Wellington Park’s low ridges, the jagged silhouette of Cradle Mountain, the pastel sweep of Wineglass Bay in Freycinet, and the lichen-strewn granite of the Bay of Fires.
Trail Wisdom
Layer for variable conditions
Weather shifts fast between coast and mountain — pack a lightweight waterproof shell and merino layers for warmth and breathability.
Good footwear matters
Choose supportive hiking boots or trail shoes with tread — tracks can be muddy, rocky or sandy on the same day.
Carry water and snacks
Daily walks are short but remote; bring at least 1–2 liters and high-energy snacks for longer options.
Respect wildlife distances
Tasmanian devils and wallabies are wild — use a zoom lens and avoid feeding or approaching.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Clifftop lookout near Cape Tourville for sunrise views of Wineglass Bay
- •A short, unsigned trail to a quiet cove on the Bay of Fires accessible at low tide
Wildlife
Tasmanian devil, Bennett's wallaby
Conservation Note
This operator is eco-certified and emphasizes leave-no-trace practices; many sites are within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and protected by state park management.
Tasmania’s landscape holds deep palawa Aboriginal heritage and later European colonial and convict-era changes that shaped settlement and coastal use.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower displays, Milder hiking temperatures
Challenges: Changeable weather, Cooler nights
Spring brings bright wildflowers and active wildlife; days are pleasant but pack for wind and rain.
summer
Best for: Calmer coastal conditions, Longer daylight
Challenges: Higher park visitation, Occasional heat on exposed hikes
Summer is the most popular time to visit for beach clarity and extended daylight — book early and start hikes early to avoid crowds.
fall
Best for: Crisp light for photography, Fewer tourists
Challenges: Shortening days, Cooler offshore winds
Autumn offers golden light and quieter trails; evenings cool quickly so bring warm layers.
winter
Best for: Snow-capped alpine vistas, Dramatic coastal storms
Challenges: Snow and ice at Cradle Mountain, Short daylight and colder temps
Winter rewards with stark landscapes and fewer visitors but requires warm gear and flexibility for weather-related changes.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof shellEssential
Protects against sudden rain and coastal winds — lightweight and breathable preferred.
Sturdy hiking shoes or bootsEssential
Support and grip for wet boardwalks, beach sand and rocky alpine sections.
Daypack with 1–2L hydrationEssential
Carries layers, water, snacks and camera for daily walks.
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Useful for spotting devils, seabirds and distant marine life from headlands.
Common Questions
What level of fitness do I need for this tour?
Moderate fitness is ideal: days involve several short walks (30–90 minutes) with optional extensions; you don’t need technical climbing skills.
Is food and accommodation included?
Yes — the tour includes accommodations and most meals; check the supplier page for specific meal inclusions and any dietary requests.
Will I see Tasmanian devils in the wild?
Wild sightings are rare; the itinerary includes a visit to a wildlife sanctuary where you have a reliable chance to see devils up close.
How changeable is the weather?
Very changeable. Pack rain gear and layers; coastal days can be warm and windy while alpine mornings are cold.
Are park fees or permits required?
There’s no general entry fee for these national parks, though camping fees apply at certain sites; your tour operator manages logistics and park compliance.
What’s the group size and guide ratio?
This is a small-group tour; exact size can vary but is designed to be eco-certified and to keep group impacts low — check the operator for current max numbers.
What to Pack
Water (1–2L) and snacks for remote stretches, Waterproof shell and warm mid-layer, Sturdy hiking shoes for mixed terrain, Camera/binoculars for wildlife and coastal views
Did You Know
Cradle Mountain is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, recognized for its outstanding natural and cultural values.
Quick Travel Tips
Book summer dates early, Start hikes early to avoid afternoon wind, Carry local currency for small purchases in towns, Expect limited cell service in remote parks
Local Flavor
After a day on the trail, head back to Hobart for fresh seafood at Mures Lower Deck or a whisky tasting at Lark Distillery; Salamanca Market (Saturdays) is great for local produce and craft, and MONA offers a provocative cultural counterpoint.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Hobart International Airport (HBA) / Typical driving from Hobart to first park: 1–2 hours / Cell service: good near towns, patchy in national parks / Permits: no general park entry fee; camping fees may apply / Confirmation: Instant
Sustainability Note
The tour is eco-certified — small groups and responsible supplier choices reduce impact. Stay on marked tracks and pack out all litter to protect fragile coastal and alpine ecosystems.