5-Day Guided Tasmania Tour: Hobart to Launceston — Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay & Cradle Mountain
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days (approx. 40–48 hours, includes driving and short hikes)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness who can walk 30–90 minutes on uneven terrain and handle several hours in transit each day
Overview
Covering Hobart to Launceston in five days, this guided circuit stitches together Tasmania’s most commanding landscapes—Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay and Cradle Mountain—while offering local food stops and accessible hikes. It’s ideal for travelers who want compact logistics with time to absorb history and scenery.
5-Day Guided Tasmania Tour: Hobart to Launceston — Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay & Cradle Mountain
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You arrive in Hobart with sea spray on your jacket and the squat outline of Mt Wellington cutting a knife-edge into the sky. The city hums at the water’s edge—fishermen mending nets, a market spilling brassicas and leather-bound maps—and then, on day one, your guide wheels you up the winding road to the mountain where the Derwent River glints like a strip of foil. This tour moves with the quiet authority of the island itself: slow coastal drives, abrupt cliff vistas, and ancient mountains that seem to lean forward and whisper the island’s history.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for quick weather changes
Tasmanian weather shifts fast—pack a breathable base layer, fleece and waterproof shell to adapt through sun, wind and rain.
Bring cash for small vendors
Markets, local farms and some coastal eateries prefer cash or small cards—carry modest notes for roadside purchases.
Wear sturdy shoes for outlook hikes
The Wineglass Bay lookout and Dove Lake boardwalks have uneven, rocky sections—trail shoes with good grip make the short hikes safer and more comfortable.
Keep a reusable water bottle
Stops between towns can be long; refill at hotels or cafes to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tasmanian devil
- Bennett’s wallaby
History
Port Arthur and Richmond embody Tasmania’s convict-era heritage, with sandstone structures and bridges built by transported labor in the 19th century.
Conservation
Much of the route crosses protected areas within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area; stay on marked tracks, observe wildlife from a distance and minimize single-use plastics.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hobart
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell
Protects against sudden rain and coastal wind during outlooks and ferry stops.
Daypack (20–30L)
Carries water, layers, camera and snacks for daily walks and lookouts.
Sturdy trail shoes
Needed for rocky outlook trails at Wineglass Bay and boardwalks around Dove Lake.
Telephoto or zoom camera lens
Useful for wildlife shots and compressing distant coastal and mountain scenes.