Family Adventure: Tasmania Coast to Coast

Arrive into Launceston and collect your rental car to begin your self-drive exploration of Tasmania. Head west into the Central Highlands to Cradle Mountain and your accommodation situated right on the edge of World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Settle into your cabins and instantly switch off amidst this pristine wilderness.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

Today is at leisure to enjoy a range of guided activities (additional cost) from the lodge including walks, four-wheel drive tours, mountain bike riding, mountain climbing, horse riding, canoeing, fly-fishing and abseiling. Or relax at the lodge with a stretch class, a massage or sauna, or enjoy a gourmet indulgence at a wine and cheese tasting.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge | Meals: B

Continue your journey today into Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area where rugged mountains, ancient rainforests and heath make this part of the state one of Australia's last true wilderness frontiers. A two-hour drive delivers you to the charming fishing port of Strahan on the west coast, gateway to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Strahan Village | Meals: B

This morning head out on a shared cruise across Macquarie Harbour - a vast body of water six times the size of Sydney Harbour. Arrive at the narrow harbour entrance - the notorious Hell’s Gates – where the ocean meets the harbour in a turbulent and shallow channel marked by a lonely lighthouse. This is the place the convicts called 'the gates of hell' signalling the point of no return. Pass fish farms en route and learn about the local industry farming salmon and ocean trout.

Enter the Gordon River and glide slowly upstream on the glassy waters of this spectacular wild waterway. Disembark at Heritage Landing where an elevated boardwalk threads its way into the heart of the rainforest. Marvel at the towering rainforest species including sassafras, blackwood, myrtle and the fabled, long-lived Huon pine. Reboard the ‘Spirit of the Wild’ in time for your chef-prepared lunch as you cruise back along the river towards Sarah Island. Once a dreaded penal colony and the largest boat building settlement in the British colonies, Sarah Island is a fascinating historic site.

After exploring the island, return to Strahan, gliding across the harbour on the final leg of this unforgettable journey.

Strahan Village | Meals: BL

Today is a unique exploration of the ancient rainforest as you travel aboard a shared heritage steam train from Queenstown to the incredible King River Gorge and Dubbil Barril. As you travel through the cool temperate rainforest, you will climb one of the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest tracks under the unique power of the Abt Rack and Pinion system which was designed in the 17th century and transformed the fortunes of the west coast during the late 19th century. It is the only operating Abt rack and pinion railway in the Southern Hemisphere.

Stop along the way at remote stations, traverse the deep chasm of the King River Gorge, and see the places where early pioneers lived and worked to create this extraordinary railway. Your guide will share stories of the determined visionaries who carved out their fortunes in one of the most difficult and remote landscapes imaginable. Hear tales of the rogues and rivalry that led to the creation of the richest copper mining company in the world and marvel at how nature has prevailed through it all.

Strahan Village | Meals: BL

Today’s spectacular journey takes you through the very centre of the state from west coast to east (approximate 4.5 hour drive). Climb up into the mountains to Queenstown, then across valleys and more elevated terrain on the Alpine Plateau to Derwent Bridge at the southern end of Lake St Clair. The Derwent River rises here, and the drive passes through the hydro-electricity generating area and follows the Derwent Valley downhill all the way to Hobart. Stop at Russell Falls on the way. Arrive into Tasmania’s charming capital and your waterfront hotel, the exceptional MACq01, whose storied spaces reveal the very essence of Tasmania. Settle in and explore the historic setting, dine on local produce in the Old Wharf Restaurant or enjoy a drink at the harbourside bar before turning in.

MACq 01 Hotel | Meals: B

This morning meet your A&K guide who will escort you on a private walking tour of Hobart’s urban centre. Discover the city’s hidden secrets, stroll through laneways and arcades, peer inside quirky shops, admire street art and appreciate the architectural layers of the city.

This afternoon make your own way to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in time to join the shared “Feeding Frenzy” with your own personal guide. Bonorong is Tasmania’s largest wildlife rescue service with an army of volunteers doing important rescue and rehabilitation work. This is a rare opportunity to get up close to many different native animals while supporting the incredible work being done here.

Enjoy the abundant activity here: hand feed wombats, cockatoos and Tassie devils; meet two species of quoll and learn how to spot their differences; stroke the koalas as they chew on fresh gum leaves; watch the tawny frogmouth swallow its food whole; spot secretive, and little known, Tasmanian bettongs in their grassy nests; see the sweet-toothed sugar gliders come out for dessert; and much more. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

MACq 01 Hotel | Meals: B

Another incredible wilderness experience is in store today as you make your way to the Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy supported Raptor Refuge, a not-for-profit organisation on a 20-acre property outside of Hobart. This inspiring refuge reflects a committed dedication to caring and protecting Tasmania's natural wildlife, rehabilitating injured birds and releasing them back into the wild. The proximity of the refuge to the birds' natural habitat is a great advantage to rehabilitation. The facility has three of the largest raptor flight aviaries in the Southern Hemisphere, purpose-built to flight train wedge-tailed eagles, sea-eagles and other birds during their recovery from injury.

Exclusive to A&K, your visit to the Raptor Refuge will provide a level of access beyond anything that is offered to any other visitor. Additional to touring the aviaries and tactile displays, you are invited into the bird care and exercise areas for a behind the scenes experience which may include beak trimming, eagle weighing, or any of the other interesting husbandry techniques that allow Raptor Refuge to take the very best care of their patients for the duration of their recovery, and to adequately prepare them for their release back into the wild.

Your visit also includes the chance to watch the Peregrine falcon, one of the fastest birds of prey, soaring through the flight tunnel, as well as the chance to see wedge-tailed eagles in flight in Australia's largest flight aviary. You will leave with a greater understanding of the wild beauty and strength that these birds possess, as well as an appreciation of how Raptor Refuge manages these creatures, from the grassroots organising of bird rescues, to the more complex level of long term planning and wildlife policy.

On conclusion, make your way back to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

MACq 01 Hotel | Meals: B

Today, return your rental car to Hobart airport in time for your onward flight.

Meals: B