20-Day Tasmania Hiking Itinerary

Arrival and Mona

After landing at Hobart Airport in Cambridge, allow about an hour for baggage, rental-car collection, and getting oriented to left-side driving. The airport is roughly 20 minutes from central Hobart, but head first toward Berriedale—about a 25–30-minute drive via the Brooker Highway—to visit Mona. Parking is free, and the museum and grounds can easily fill three hours. Expect provocative installations, underground galleries, and plenty of stairs; comfortable shoes are worthwhile. General admission is typically around A$35–40, with reduced pricing sometimes available online, but check the official timetable before travelling because gallery access and ferry services vary.

Have your first meal at Mona Wine Bar, right on the museum grounds, where the setting overlooking the River Derwent is more relaxed than formal. Allow around A$30–50 per person and roughly an hour; it is sensible to book or confirm service times, particularly on a Friday or Saturday. After lunch, drive back toward Hobart—about 20 minutes—to Salamanca Place in Battery Point. Wander slowly among the sandstone warehouses and nearby lanes for about 45 minutes; late afternoon is a good time, when the area feels atmospheric without the Saturday market crowds.

Evening by the Waterfront

Finish at Franklin Wharf, a short walk from Salamanca Place along the waterfront. Settle in for seafood near the docks, budgeting around A$35–60 per person for dinner. Choose a table outside if the weather is calm, but bring a warm layer—the Derwent can feel chilly even in November. If you are tired after the flight, keep the evening unhurried and return the rental car to your accommodation rather than driving again; Hobart’s waterfront and Battery Point are easy to explore on foot.

Morning

Start early for kunanyi / Mount Wellington summit, allowing roughly 30–40 minutes from central Hobart by car. The summit road is winding and conditions can change quickly—even in late November—so check the Wellington Park alerts and webcam before leaving, and bring a warm waterproof layer. At the top, allow about two hours for the lookout platforms and short walks around the summit; parking is free, but spaces can fill on clear mornings, so arriving around 8:00 AM is worthwhile. Expect panoramic views over Hobart, the Derwent estuary, and the surrounding ranges, although cloud can roll in without warning.

From the summit, drive back down into Wellington Park and continue to the Organ Pipes Track trailhead near The Springs. This is a more satisfying walk than simply stopping at the lookout: allow about two hours for the return hike through mountain forest to the distinctive dolerite columns. The track is uneven in places, so sturdy shoes are advisable, and carry water even if the weather is cool. Afterward, drive approximately 15 minutes to Cascade Brewery in South Hobart; its historic grounds are a pleasant place to slow down. Brewery tours and tastings typically run during the day and cost roughly A$35–50, while the on-site bar is an easier option if you prefer a quick drink—check the current tour schedule before setting out.

Afternoon and Evening

Head back toward the centre for Machine Laundry Café in Salamanca for a late brunch or coffee, budgeting about A$20–35 per person. It is compact and popular, so expect a short wait at peak brunch time; street parking can be limited, while the nearby Salamanca public car park is generally the simplest choice. Once you have eaten, leave the car behind and wander through Salamanca toward the Hobart waterfront at Sullivans Cove. The easy harbour walk takes about an hour, with fishing boats, historic warehouses, and changing views of the river. This is best kept unhurried—linger by the docks around sunset, then choose one of the waterfront restaurants or return to Salamanca for dinner.

Morning

Leave Hobart around 8:30 AM and take the Tasman Highway toward Richmond, allowing roughly 25–30 minutes. Spend about 30 minutes at Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest surviving stone arch bridge. It is a quick, worthwhile stop: walk down beside Coal River for the best view, and note that parking around the village is generally easy and free. Continue southeast to Sorell Fruit Farm, another 25–30 minutes by car, where you can browse local produce and seasonal fruit for around 45 minutes. Opening hours and pick-your-own availability vary by season, so check the farm’s website that morning; bring a small cooler if you want to carry fruit onward.

Afternoon

From Sorell, continue along the Arthur Highway to Port Arthur Historic Site, allowing about 45 minutes. Plan roughly three hours here, including the main penitentiary, ruined buildings, gardens, and waterfront paths. Standard adult admission is typically around A$50–60, with the ticket generally including the introductory walking tour and harbour cruise—confirm the current fare and tour times when booking. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water: the site is spread out, and November sun can feel strong even when the sea breeze is cool. Arriving in the early afternoon still leaves enough time for the major buildings without trying to see every corner.

Evening

Have dinner at 1825 Restaurant, close to Port Arthur Historic Site, rather than driving back toward Hobart after dark. Allow about 1½ hours and budget approximately A$35–60 per person; reservations are sensible in late November, particularly for an early dinner around 5:30–6:00 PM. The restaurant is a convenient end to the day, with local Tasmanian produce and a relaxed setting near the historic precinct. Afterward, settle into your Port Arthur accommodation—there is little reliable evening transport or roadside lighting on the peninsula, so avoid an unnecessary late-night drive.

Morning

Leave Port Arthur around 7:30 AM for the Cape Raoul Track in Tasman National Park; allow roughly 25 minutes by car to the trailhead near Stormlea. The walk is about 5–6 hours return, with a steady climb through eucalypt forest before opening onto spectacular cliffs, offshore islands, and the long headland. Carry all food and water for the hike—there are no reliable facilities on the track—and wear sturdy shoes, as exposed sections can be windy even in late November. A parks pass is required for the national park, and parking at the trailhead is limited, so an early start is worthwhile.

Afternoon

After returning to the car, drive back toward Eaglehawk Neck and stop at Pirates Bay Lookout for about 30 minutes. It is an easy roadside pause with broad views over the isthmus and coast, particularly attractive in the softer afternoon light. Continue north to Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Taranna, allowing around 1½ hours; check the day’s feeding and keeper-talk schedule on arrival, since those sessions are the most interesting part of a visit. Admission is generally around A$40–50 for adults, and the site usually operates from late morning into the afternoon, but confirm seasonal hours before setting out.

Evening

Have a relaxed late lunch or afternoon tea at The Lavender Farm Café in the Port Arthur area, budgeting roughly A$20–35 per person. It is a good place to refuel after the hike rather than trying to fit in a formal dinner, and you can browse the gardens and shop if you still have energy. Finish with a 45-minute walk along Eaglehawk Neck beach—return there after eating if daylight remains, or make it your final stop before the café if you prefer the beach in brighter light. Keep an eye on the tide and avoid climbing onto unstable rock platforms; the coast is beautiful but exposed, and conditions can change quickly.

Morning

Leave Port Arthur around 8:30 AM and follow the Tasman Highway toward Swansea, allowing roughly 2.5 hours of driving without stops. This is an easy scenic run through open farmland and coastal country; fill the tank before leaving Port Arthur, as services become more spread out along the east coast. Your first stop is Spiky Bridge at Little Swanport, about 30 minutes south of Swansea. Built by convicts in the 1840s, its jagged stonework is best appreciated from the roadside pull-off—allow about 30 minutes for photographs and a short leg stretch.

Continue inland to Milton Vineyard near Cranbrook, roughly 15–20 minutes from Spiky Bridge. Set aside about 90 minutes for a tasting of cool-climate East Coast wines, and call ahead to confirm the cellar door’s opening hours and whether bookings are required; small Tasmanian wineries can operate on limited or seasonal hours. Tastings are commonly around A$10–20 per person, with bottles available to take away. Because you are driving, keep the tasting modest and share pours.

Afternoon and Evening

Return toward Swansea and spend about an hour at Kate’s Berry Farm, a relaxed stop for fresh berries, preserves, ice cream, and café treats. It is particularly pleasant in the afternoon, when you can browse the farm shop rather than rush through another formal tasting. Check the seasonal opening schedule before setting out—berry availability and café hours vary—and leave room in the car for jars of jam or chutney. Afterward, check into your Swansea accommodation and take an easy walk around the town waterfront or Jubilee Beach if you still have energy; keep this unstructured, as tomorrow’s Freycinet Peninsula day is best started early.

For dinner, settle in at The Banc, a casual local restaurant in central Swansea, where you can expect a relaxed meal of Tasmanian produce for approximately A$30–50 per person. Book ahead if visiting on a weekend or during peak season, since Swansea’s evening options are limited. Ask about local seafood or seasonal specials, and pick up breakfast supplies tonight if your accommodation does not provide an early breakfast.

Morning

Leave Swansea around 7:30–8:00 AM for the roughly 45-minute drive to Freycinet National Park via Coles Bay Road. Arriving early is worthwhile: parking fills quickly in late November, and you’ll have about 30 minutes to purchase or show your parks pass, use the facilities, and organize water before heading onward. Continue to the Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk, an easy 45-minute circuit through coastal bushland with broad views over Wineglass Bay, Promise Bay, and the granite headlands. Keep an eye out for seabirds and seals offshore, and bring a light layer—the coast can be breezy even on a warm day.

Midday

Drive the short distance to Honeymoon Bay, a sheltered cove that is ideal for a relaxed swim or picnic. Allow around 1½ hours here rather than rushing: the water is often clearest earlier in the day, and the rocky shoreline makes a pleasant place to sit with lunch supplies. Check conditions before swimming, as there is no lifeguard, and take all rubbish with you. Afterwards, return to Coles Bay for lunch at Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar, where local seafood and Tasmanian produce feature prominently; expect roughly A$25–45 per person. It’s a good idea to arrive before the main lunch rush, as the small dining room can fill quickly.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, keep the afternoon unstructured—browse the waterfront and return to Richardson’s Beach for an easy final hour beside Great Oyster Bay. This is one of the best nearby spots for sunset, with the Hazards often turning warm pink and orange as the light fades. Bring a towel and a warm layer, and allow about 10 minutes to drive from central Coles Bay; parking is generally straightforward, but avoid leaving valuables in the car. For dinner, either return to your accommodation for a simple meal or book ahead locally—restaurants in Coles Bay are limited, particularly during the November holiday period.

Morning

Leave Coles Bay around 7:00 AM for the short drive into Freycinet National Park. Since you visited the park entrance yesterday, today’s priority is getting straight to the Wineglass Bay car park before it becomes busy; in late November, the main lot can fill by mid-morning. Keep your parks pass ready, carry at least 2 litres of water per person, and expect a steep, rocky climb to Wineglass Bay Lookout. Allow about 1½ hours return, including time at the viewing platform—the best photographs are usually from the far side of the lookout, where the curve of the beach and pink granite headlands line up.

From the lookout, continue down the path to Wineglass Bay Beach if everyone still has comfortable legs. The descent is straightforward but the return climb is the tiring part, so allow roughly 2½–3 hours return from the car park overall. There are no cafés or reliable water facilities on the track; eat a packed snack on the sand, stay clear of the shorebird areas, and remember that mobile reception is patchy.

Afternoon and evening

If conditions are dry and the group still has energy, continue with the Hazards Beach Track extension, allowing around two hours. Treat this as an optional add-on rather than a target: the trail is more exposed, and November weather can turn windy quickly along the peninsula. Start back early enough to return to the car park well before dusk, then drive back to Coles Bay for a shower and a slower afternoon. For dinner, head to Iluka Tavern on Esplanade; it is the practical local choice after a long hike, with generous pub meals generally costing about A$30–50 per person. Arrive around 5:30–6:00 PM if you want the best chance of a table, as dining options in Coles Bay are limited and busy in peak season.

Morning

Leave Coles Bay around 8:00 AM for Binalong Bay, allowing about 2½ hours via Bicheno and the Tasman Highway. Top up with fuel before leaving; services are limited once you turn toward the Bay of Fires. In Binalong Bay, spend roughly 90 minutes wandering along the beach and rocky shoreline, where the clear water and granite boulders covered in orange lichen are at their most photogenic. Park near the main beach area and take a short shoreline walk rather than trying to cover every cove.

Late Morning and Lunch

Continue north to The Gardens, about 25 minutes farther along the coast. Allow two hours for the short coastal paths and lookouts through the Bay of Fires Conservation Area—the scenery changes quickly from open beach to sculpted granite platforms and wind-shaped coastal vegetation. Wear shoes with decent grip, as some of the rock surfaces are uneven, and carry water; there are few facilities beyond the main access points. Afterward, drive back toward St Helens for lunch at Skippers Fish Café, a relaxed local stop for fresh seafood. Expect about A$20–35 per person; opening hours can vary seasonally, so check on the morning of your visit and avoid arriving too late in the afternoon.

Evening

After settling into St Helens, take an easy 45-minute walk around the Georges Bay waterfront. The shoreline is especially pleasant in the late afternoon, with calm water, boats, and broad views toward the surrounding headlands. If you still have energy, browse the small central streets before dinner, but keep the evening unhurried after the long coastal drive. As this is a popular late-November holiday period, reserve accommodation and check café hours ahead—many businesses in St Helens close earlier than you might expect.

Morning

Leave St Helens around 7:30 AM for Mount William National Park, allowing roughly 45 minutes along the Tasman Highway and Mount William Road. The approach becomes narrow and rural, with limited phone reception, so fill the car and pack lunch before leaving town. Start the Mount William summit walk early: it takes about 3–4 hours return and climbs through open coastal bush to Tasmania’s northeastern high point. The summit is modest rather than alpine, but the views across the Cape Portland coastline and offshore islands are excellent. Wear sturdy shoes, carry plenty of water, and expect strong wind even on a clear day; park only in the signed area and check current road conditions before setting out.

Midday and Afternoon

After the hike, continue toward Eddystone Point Lighthouse, allowing about 30–40 minutes on the park’s unsealed roads. Give yourselves roughly an hour at the lighthouse and headland to look over the rocky coast and have a picnic lunch—there are few facilities this far north, and the lighthouse itself may not be open for interior access. Return toward St Helens and spend the later afternoon at St Helens Point Conservation Area, about 15 minutes from town. The dunes and broad beaches are ideal for an easy 1½-hour wander after the summit walk; stay on marked paths because the vegetation is fragile, and keep an eye on the tide if walking near the water.

Evening

Book Blue Shed Restaurant in St Helens for dinner, particularly on a Saturday in late November. Expect around A$35–60 per person for seafood and Tasmanian produce, with dinner taking about 1½ hours; call ahead to confirm the evening’s opening hours and reserve a table. Finish at Lease 65 for a relaxed local wine or drink—allow about an hour and check its current service hours, as smaller regional venues can close earlier or change their schedule outside peak periods. After dinner, keep the evening unhurried: St Helens is compact, so both venues are easiest by car, with parking generally straightforward around the town centre.

Morning

Leave St Helens around 8:30 AM for Launceston, arriving about 11:00 AM after the drive via Scottsdale and the Tasman Highway. Park near City Park—there is usually convenient street parking around Cimitiere Street and Lawrence Street—then spend an hour in the gardens. The highlight is the Japanese macaque enclosure, but allow time to wander beneath the mature trees and through the conservatory area. The park is free and open from early morning; the macaques are most active before the day warms up.

From City Park, drive or walk across to Queen Victoria Museum at Invermay. It is about a five-minute drive, with free parking on site, or roughly a 20-minute walk along Cimitiere Street and across the North Esk River. Give the museum around two hours for its Tasmanian natural-history displays, Aboriginal and colonial collections, and local industrial exhibits. Entry is generally free, though special exhibitions may charge separately; check the day’s opening hours before setting out, as galleries typically close in the late afternoon.

Lunch

Head back toward the waterfront for lunch at Stillwater, in the historic Ritchie’s Mill beside the North Esk River. Reserve ahead if possible, particularly for a weekend, and expect about A$35–60 per person for a relaxed meal. This is a good point to slow down after the morning’s driving and museum visit—ask for a riverside table if available. Allow around 1½ hours, then leave the car parked and continue on foot where practical.

Afternoon

Walk from City Park toward Brisbane Street Mall, following Wellington Street and the central heritage streets for roughly 15–20 minutes. Take an unhurried loop through Brisbane Street, St John Street, and the surrounding shopfronts, looking out for restored Victorian façades, independent boutiques, bookshops, and cafés. Most shops close around 4:00–5:00 PM, so this is better as an afternoon wander than an evening shopping stop. Finish around Launceston’s central squares with a coffee or early drink, then return to your accommodation; after the long transfer from St Helens, there is no need to pack in another major attraction.

Morning

Start at Tamar Island Wetlands, about 15 minutes north of central Launceston via West Tamar Highway. Aim to arrive around 8:30–9:00 AM, when the boardwalk is quiet and birdlife is most active. Allow roughly two hours for the mostly level walk through lagoons, paperbark woodland, and open wetland habitat; wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and use insect repellent. Check the reserve’s seasonal opening arrangements before leaving, as access and visitor-centre hours can vary. From the wetlands, allow about 35 minutes to Josef Chromy Wines in Relbia, southeast of the city.

Lunch and Wine

Book an early vineyard lunch at Josef Chromy Wines for around 12:00 PM, leaving time for a relaxed tasting rather than trying to rush through both. The estate is particularly pleasant in late spring, with views across the vines and Relbia farmland; budget approximately A$40–80 per person for lunch and tasting, depending on your selections. Because one person will be driving, keep tastings modest or ask about spittoons and takeaway options. Allow two hours here, then continue north toward the Tamar Valley Wine Route. Select one additional cellar door locally—smaller producers around Legana, Exeter, or Rosevears are generally more relaxed than the larger estates—and phone ahead to confirm opening hours and tasting availability. Give yourselves about 90 minutes, including the drive.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue to Batman Bridge at Sidmouth, roughly 20–30 minutes from the northern Tamar cellar doors. Allow half an hour to stop at the viewpoints and appreciate the bridge’s distinctive cable-stayed design over the Tamar River; the surrounding roads are narrow and winding, so take care pulling off and don’t linger on roadside shoulders. Return to Launceston afterward, allowing about 35–40 minutes, and leave time to freshen up before dinner. Finish at Stillwater Seven, a short drive or taxi ride from central Launceston, for the refined tasting menu—expect roughly A$100–180 per person and about 2½ hours. Reserve well ahead, advise the restaurant about dietary requirements, and arrange a taxi or rideshare if everyone is tasting wine.

Morning

Leave Launceston around 8:00 AM with fuel, water, and a packed snack in the car. Allow roughly 2½–3 hours overall, including today’s stops, and expect the road to become increasingly rural after Deloraine. Your first stop is Sheffield, the “Town of Murals,” where an easy 45-minute wander around the town centre takes in painted walls, shopfronts, and small local galleries. Park near Main Street; the mural trail is outdoors and free, so it works well even if some businesses are not yet open.

Continue toward Promised Land for Tasmazia & The Village of Lower Crackpot, allowing about 1½ hours. This is deliberately light-hearted rather than a serious attraction: the hedge mazes, miniature village, gardens, and café make a good break after the drive. Admission is generally around A$35–45 per adult, with seasonal hours typically beginning around 10:00 AM—check the official opening time before leaving Sheffield, as late-season hours can vary. Bring a jacket; the plateau can feel cool and damp even when Launceston is sunny.

Afternoon and Evening

From Tasmazia, allow roughly 45 minutes to reach the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre via Mole Creek and Moina. Stop there before checking in: confirm the forecast and track conditions, ask about any closures, and clarify the next morning’s shuttle arrangements into Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. The visitor centre is also the practical place to sort out park information and use the facilities before heading to your accommodation. The park shuttle operates seasonally and is the usual way to reach the main trailheads; private vehicles generally cannot simply be taken all the way to the Dove Lake area during operating hours.

For dinner, settle in at the Peppers Cradle Mountain Lounge Bar, a convenient option near the park for a relaxed first evening. Allow about A$35–60 per person for a main meal and drink, and book ahead if possible in November, when accommodation in Cradle Mountain is busy. Keep the rest of the evening quiet: temperatures drop quickly here, mobile reception can be patchy, and tomorrow’s hiking conditions are best assessed with an early look at the forecast rather than a late night.

Morning

Start early at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, ideally around 7:30–8:00 AM. Leave the car there and take the included park shuttle toward the Dove Lake trailhead; private vehicles are generally restricted beyond the visitor centre, and the shuttle ride usually takes around 20–30 minutes depending on stops. Have your parks pass ready, check the weather board, and carry waterproof layers, lunch, and plenty of water—the alpine weather can change abruptly even in December.

Begin with the Dove Lake Circuit, allowing about three hours at an easy, photo-heavy pace. The track is mostly well-marked but includes boardwalks, steps, roots, and uneven ground, so hiking shoes are worthwhile. Walk clockwise if you want to reach the more dramatic mountain-facing sections early, with frequent views across Dove Lake toward Cradle Mountain. Keep a little flexibility in the schedule: low cloud can clear suddenly, and the scenery is often better after the first shuttle rush has passed.

Afternoon Exploring

After completing the circuit, add Marions Lookout if the group still has energy and the track is dry. Allow roughly two to three hours return from the Dove Lake area; the climb is steep in places, with chains and rocky sections, but the panorama over Dove Lake, Crater Lake, and the surrounding peaks is the reward. Treat this as an optional extension rather than a race—if wind, rain, or tired legs make the climb uncomfortable, the circuit itself is a complete hiking day. Return by shuttle to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and spend about 30 minutes there collecting updated track information, checking tomorrow’s conditions, and using the facilities. Shuttle frequency can thin later in the afternoon, so note the final departures before setting off.

Evening

For a proper recovery meal, head to Highland Restaurant at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, a short drive from the visitor centre. Expect around A$35–60 per person for a substantial meal and allow about 90 minutes; booking is sensible in December, particularly for a table before 7:30 PM. Keep the rest of the evening quiet—after a long alpine hike, the best local plan is an early night, warm layers, and a quick check of Parks Tasmania alerts before the next day’s drive.

Morning

Leave Cradle Mountain around 8:00 AM with a full tank, water, and snacks—the Lyell Highway is remote, and fuel options are very limited between settlements. Allow roughly three hours of driving overall, including your stop at Lake St Clair. At Lake St Clair Visitor Centre in Cynthia Bay, spend about 45 minutes orienting yourselves beside Australia’s deepest natural lake; the centre has toilets, information, and useful updates on weather and track conditions. Check the visitor-centre and park notices before setting out, as alpine weather can change quickly even in December.

From Cynthia Bay, take the short drive to the Watersmeet Nature Trail, an easy, approximately 1½-hour forest walk where waterways converge beneath myrtle and sassafras trees. It is a good contrast to yesterday’s mountain walking: shaded, gentle, and usually manageable even if the weather turns damp. Wear proper shoes—the boardwalk and track can be slippery—and keep an eye out for crimson rosellas and other forest birds. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes afterward to continue along the Lyell Highway to Derwent Bridge and check in.

Afternoon and Evening

After arriving in Derwent Bridge, visit Wallace’s Walk, a private gallery and sculpture garden featuring intricate Huon-pine carvings depicting Tasmania’s history. Allow about 1½ hours; the work is remarkably detailed, so it is worth taking your time rather than treating it as a quick roadside stop. Opening hours can vary, particularly outside peak periods, so confirm locally before leaving Lake St Clair. Admission is generally paid on site and is often around A$20–30 per adult, depending on the current arrangement.

Finish at The Wall in the Wilderness Café, a convenient spot for lunch or an early dinner in Derwent Bridge. Budget approximately A$25–45 per person and arrive before late afternoon if you want a full meal, as dining options here are limited and kitchens may close early. This is a deliberately quieter day: the lake walk, the sculpture visit, and a relaxed meal leave room to recover before the longer westward drive tomorrow.

Morning

Leave Derwent Bridge around 8:30 AM with a full tank, water, and lunch supplies—the Lyell Highway is remote, and there are long stretches without services. Allow about two hours of driving to Strahan before stops, following the winding road west through changing forest and mountain scenery. Keep your speed conservative around bends, and treat the trip as a full morning once the short walks are included. If you need fuel or a coffee, Queenstown is the practical service stop, roughly midway along the route.

Continue through Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, allowing about two hours for its rainforest lookouts and short walks. The forest is particularly atmospheric in wet weather, with moss-covered trunks, tree ferns, and frequent viewpoints over the rugged Franklin River country. Parking areas are limited and facilities are basic, so use toilets when available and carry snacks in the car. At Nelson Falls, set aside about an hour for the easy rainforest walk from the roadside car park to the waterfall; sturdy shoes are useful because the track can be damp and slippery.

Afternoon and Evening

Arrive in Strahan in the early afternoon and check in before driving out to Ocean Beach Lookout, about 15–20 minutes west of town. Allow 45 minutes to take in Tasmania’s longest beach, where the exposed Southern Ocean horizon feels dramatically different from the sheltered harbour. Keep well back from the water and avoid climbing onto unstable dunes—this is a powerful, isolated coastline rather than a swimming stop. Return to town before dusk and leave the car parked; most of Strahan is easy to cover on foot.

For dinner, settle in at Bushman’s Bar & Café for a relaxed meal, budgeting about A$25–45 per person. It is a good choice after a long driving day, with a casual atmosphere and hearty fare rather than a formal dining experience. Check the kitchen’s current closing time and book or call ahead in December, when Strahan fills with visitors; otherwise, arrive early for the best chance of a table.

Morning

Be at the World Heritage Cruises terminal on the Strahan waterfront by about 8:00 AM for check-in; the cruise generally departs around 8:30–9:00 AM and runs for roughly six hours. If you are staying in central Strahan, walk to the terminal; otherwise, arrive early enough to find nearby public parking and collect any pre-booked tickets without rushing. Bring a warm layer, rain protection, sunscreen, and snacks—the boat is comfortable, but the weather on Macquarie Harbour can change quickly. The cruise usually costs approximately A$150–200 per adult depending on the vessel and seating, so confirm the exact departure and fare when booking.

Macquarie Harbour and Sarah Island

The cruise’s first major stop is Sarah Island, where a guide leads a roughly one-hour walk through the former convict settlement. The track is uneven and can be muddy, so wear proper walking shoes rather than sandals. The storytelling is the highlight: this isolated harbour outpost was once one of Tasmania’s harshest penal stations, and the ruins are best understood through the guide’s accounts rather than as a conventional museum visit. Back on board, continue across Macquarie Harbour toward the Gordon River, watching for forested shorelines, birdlife, and the remarkably dark, tannin-stained water. The included Gordon River experience typically combines a quiet cruise through the rainforest with a short walk among ancient huon pines; stay outside on deck when conditions allow, as the reflections and scale of the wilderness are difficult to appreciate through glass. You should return to Strahan in the mid-afternoon, leaving the rest of the day deliberately unhurried.

Evening

After a break at your accommodation, have dinner at Hamer’s Bar & Bistro in Strahan, a convenient, relaxed choice near the waterfront for a post-cruise meal. Allow about 1½ hours and budget roughly A$30–50 per person; booking is sensible in December, especially if a cruise has returned with a full boatload of passengers. Order something substantial rather than planning another activity—the harbour day is long, and the evening is best spent walking briefly along the waterfront before turning in.

Morning

Leave Strahan around 7:30 AM with a full tank, water, and breakfast packed—the road through Queenstown, Derwent Bridge, and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is slow, remote, and wonderfully scenic. Before committing to the long drive, spend about an hour at Hogarth Falls, an easy forest walk beginning near People’s Park in Strahan. The track is roughly 2 km return and usually takes 40–60 minutes; it is free, but wear shoes with decent grip after rain. Return to the car and continue east, allowing roughly 4½–5 hours overall to New Norfolk, including stops.

En Route and Afternoon

Break the drive at Nelson Falls, just off the Lyell Highway in the Franklin-Gordon wilderness. The short rainforest track takes about 45 minutes return and leads through cool, mossy forest to a compact waterfall—an ideal leg-stretcher rather than a major detour. Carry snacks and use facilities whenever you find them, as services are sparse along this stretch. Continue toward Mount Field National Park, arriving in the afternoon; buy or show your Tasmania parks pass at the visitor area and walk to Russell Falls, the park’s signature accessible waterfall. Allow about an hour for the mostly easy return walk, with extra time for photographs among the tall wet forest. Check current track and road conditions before leaving Strahan, particularly after heavy rain.

Evening

Have a late lunch or coffee at Waterfalls Café, near the Mount Field National Park entrance, budgeting around A$20–35 per person and allowing about an hour. Its hours can vary seasonally, so check on the morning of your visit and keep a backup picnic in the car. From there, drive roughly 35–40 minutes to New Norfolk, following the Glenora Road and Lyell Highway corridor. Finish with a two-hour seasonal dinner at The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery, where a tasting-style meal or substantial shared plates generally run about A$60–100 per person. Reserve ahead—this is one of the region’s sought-after tables—and plan on a taxi or designated driver if everyone is drinking.

Morning

Depart New Norfolk around 8:30 AM and allow roughly 40–50 minutes into Hobart via the Lyell Highway and Brooker Highway. If you are returning the rental car today, do that before sightseeing; otherwise, park once and explore on foot, as central Hobart’s street parking becomes harder to find late in the morning. Start at Salamanca Market on Salamanca Place, which operates Saturdays from about 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Give yourselves around two hours to browse Tasmanian produce, handmade goods, coffee, and hot food—arriving by 9:30 or 10:00 AM gives you a good selection without the biggest crowds.

Midday and Afternoon

From Salamanca Place, walk about 12 minutes uphill through the Hobart CBD to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery on Macquarie Street. Allow around two hours for its Tasmanian natural-history, Aboriginal, colonial, and contemporary-art collections; admission is generally free, though donations and special exhibitions may cost extra. It is worth checking the museum’s current Saturday hours before setting out, as seasonal exhibition times can vary. For lunch, walk a few blocks to Mueller’s Bakehouse in the CBD for filled rolls, savoury pastries, cakes, or coffee—budget about A$15–25 per person and allow roughly 45 minutes. It is an easy, unfussy stop after the market rather than another formal meal.

Late Afternoon

Finish with a self-guided walk through Battery Point, reached from the CBD in about 15 minutes on foot. Follow Kelly Street, Hampden Road, and the narrow lanes around Arthur Circus, looking for sandstone cottages, old maritime homes, and quiet residential gardens. Allow about 1½ hours, taking the route slowly—the steep streets are part of the character, but comfortable shoes help. End near Lansdowne Crescent or walk back toward Salamanca Place for an early drink or dinner; this keeps the final afternoon relaxed after a full itinerary and leaves you close to your accommodation.