Hobart

Hobart was originally established as a penal settlement in the early 1800's and historic Port Arthur gives an insight into its infamous convict history. Hobart has retained much of its colonial heritage which is reflected in the architecture that is protected by National Trust. This is the island's capital and the countries second oldest city after Sydney. Situated on the broad estuary of the Derwent River, with majestic Mount Wellington as a backdrop. Hobart has a seafaring tradition and is the finish line of the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The event has become so popular that accommodation in Hobart becomes booked out months in advance with locals and international visitors converging on the city to see the finish and join in the celebrations (usually 2 - 3 days after boxing day). The relaxed pace, picture-postcard setting and friendly locals will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. Click here for recommended tours of Hobart

Hobart Accommodation
3 Star: Fountainside Motor Inn - Centrally located with great views.Ý Excellent Value for money.

4 Star: Lenna of Hobart - minutes from the city centre. Oldy worldy mansion with an elegant atmosphere.

5 Star: Hotel Grand Chancellor - located on the waterfront in central Hobart with superb views over the Derwent. All the facilities expected in a deluxe hotel.

National Parks

Tasmania actually has 14 parks in total and about 20% of the state is World Heritage Listed. Tasmania has been very active in its efforts to preserve its wilderness areas so visitors and locals are lucky to enjoy this fragile environment.

The most well known of Tasmania's national parks is Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair situated on the Northwest of the island. The pristine scenery is a magnet for bushwalkers of all standards. People can set off on individual easy walking trails or join a 5 or 6 day hike on the Overland Track.

Accommodation
3.5 Star: Cradle Mountain Lodge - this is an icon in the National Park and a luxury mountain retreat. It is the only lodge of this standard right in the National Park and very popular. You will need to make bookings well in advance if you would like to be pampered here.

Silver Ridge Retreat - located on the fringe of the National Park approx. 1hr drive from Cradle Mountain. This is another luxury lodge that is an alternative to Cradle Mountain Lodge. Once again very popular so plan ahead.

Freycinet
National Park

Jutting out from the sea on Tasmania's mild east coast is the rugged and beautiful Freycinet Peninsula. Freycinet National Park freatures granite
mountains surrounded by azure bays and white sand beaches. The
dramatic peaks of the Hazards welcome you as you enter the park.Freycinet National Park offers a wide variety of activities. Take a
walk to the pass overlooking the perfectly shaped Wineglass Bay or try less strenuous activities like beach strolls, swimming or wildlife spotting. Freycinet National Park (along with Mt Field National Park) is Tasmania's oldest national park, gazetted in 1916

Freycinet Accommodation
Freycinet Lodge - situated at Coles Bay 2 hours drive from Hobart. Luxury accommodation right on the water. One of the most picturesque spots in Tasmania.

Self Drive
Itinerary

Suggested Self Drive Itinerary:
Day 1: Hobart Arrive in Hobart and collect your hire car from the airport Hertz Car hire. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Hobart.
Overnight
3 Star: Fountainside Motor Inn
4 Star: Lenna of Hobart
5 Star: Hotel Grand Chancellor

Day 2: Hobart/Port Arthur/Hobart (2hrs leisurely drive each way) Depart Hobart for Port Arthur. Cross the Derwent River visit the Tessellated Pavement, Blowhole, Devil's Kitchen and Tasman's Arch before arriving at Port Arthur Penal Settlement. Take a guided tour and learn about Australia's infamous convicts. On the way back to Hobart visit the Convict and Colonial Museum at Copping, a magnificent collection.
Overnight: Same hotel as last night.

Day 3: Hobart/Queenstown/Strahan (4 1/2 hrs drive) Depart Hobart and drive to Plenty to visit the Salmon Ponds. Continue on to the Central Highlands to placid Lake St. Clair. Stop for lunch and enjoy the views. Travel on to Queenstown and visit the Open Cut Copper Mine before continuing to Strahan. Overnight: Franklin Manor (4 Star) or The Strahan Village (3.5 Star)

Day 4: Strahan/Cradle Mountain (2 1/2 hrs drive) A 1/2 day cruise on the Gordon River - a world heritage area, is recommended. Pass Hells Gates where many early ships were destroyed by treacherous ocean swells. Travel to Zeehan to inspect a fascinating mineral collection in the West Coast Pioneer Museum. Continue north to Cradle Mountain National Park. See Devils and other wild animals feeding under lights this evening as you relax beside a large log fire. Overnight: Cradle Mountain Lodge (3.5 Star)

Day 5: At leisure in Cradle Mountain. Overnight: Cradle Mountain Lodge (3.5 Star)

Day 6: Cradle Mountain/Launceston (3hrs drive) Drive to Dove Lake and visit the Information Centre for an insight into the untamed wilderness of this area. Journey to Hadspend to visit 'Entally House', a beautifully maintained National Trust property. Continue to Launceston for overnight.
Launceston Accommodation:
3 Star: Coach House Motor Inn
4 Star: Launceston International

Day 7: Launceston/Freycinet National Park (3 1/2 drive) A visit to the Penny Royal Complex is recommended before leaving Launceston. Afterwards head towards Bicheno then onto Freycinet National Park.
Overnight: Freycinet Lodge (4 Star)

Day 8: Freycinet National Park
Today is at leisure. Spend the morning exploring this beautiful peninsula. Hike to Wine Glass Bay and enjoy spectacular views.Wildlife abound in Freycinet: wallabies, wombats, rosellas, cockatoos and sea eagles. This is the perfect retreat to relax and become part of nature.
Overnight: Freycinet Lodge (4 star)

Day 9: Freycinet/Hobart (4hrs drive)
Today head back to Hobart.
Overnight: Hotel of choice.

Day 10: Departure This morning is at leisure until you drive to the airport for your onward flight.