At a Glance
Find life on a human scale and nature on a grand scale with this breathtaking 6-day self-drive package that takes you through Tasmania’s southern-most edge, where the Southern Ocean lashes the South West Wilderness. This package is perfect for couples wanting to get away from it all, to experience some of Tasmania’s best nature walks while indulging in the Island’s famous food and wine.
A journey through southern Tasmania is framed by water and defined by river and sea. Kayak the dark, tannin-rich waters of the Lune River, hike to the edge of the world in South Cape Bay, soak in mineral-rich thermal pools at Hastings Caves, and walk through the treetops at Tahune, where, on a clear day, you can look out over the entire Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Meals: 5 x breakfasts, 2 x dinner
- Lune River guided kayak tour
- Hastings Caves and Thermal Pools
- 5-nights in handpicked, boutique accommodations in Hobart, Dover and Wattle Grove on a twin share basis
- Tahune Adventures Airwalk
- Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
Itinerary
Arrive into Hobart International Airport (HBA) and pick up your hire car to begin your Tasmanian adventure. First stop is the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre to collect the Tasmania National Parks Pass required for entry to all of the state’s national parks. The money raised from park fees is reinvested and goes directly towards the upkeep of the parks and reserves. National Parks Pass in hand, spend the rest of the day exploring Hobart at your leisure. Wander the historic lands, alleys and squares of Salamanca Place; inspect the tall ships and pleasure yachts of Sullivans Cove; admire the fascinating works of MONA (The Museum of Old and New Art); and, in the late afternoon, venture up to Mt Wellington for to watch the sunset red, yellow and purple over the city and sea. You’ll stay the night at the Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, a 5-star boutique art hotel offering a luxurious, historical and authentic experience. |
Driving information: total driving time approx. 2.5hrs Begin your journey to the Southern Edge. First stop is Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, the home of Willie Smith’s Cider. Sample a delicious range of ciders and apple liquors and learn how Tasmania got its nickname as ‘The Apple Isle’. Make sure to treat yourself to a delicious morning tea from the Apple Shed kitchen (own cost). The menu features fresh, seasonal produce including salmon from the purest water on Earth and cheese made from the happiest sheep you’ve ever seen. Continue on to Home Hill Winery. Nestled in the picturesque Huon Valley, Home Hill grows a variety of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sylvaner grapes similar to that of Bordeaux, France. After tasting the wines, head into the award-winning restaurant for a mouth-watering lunch (own cost). Where possible, the food is made from scratch and showcases local ingredients such as Bruny Island Oysters, Mountain River yoghurt, Huon Trout and Salmon, Tongola Goat Products and Willy Smiths Cider to name a few. |
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After lunch, continue south to Geeveston, Australia’s most southerly town. Surrounded by rolling hills and the nearby mountains of the Hartz Mountains National Park, Geeveston has a vibrant main street full of hand-carved timber sculptures of famous locals. If you’re in the market for a souvenir, make sure to check out the local shops for local arts and crafts. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the bush and listen to nature on a kayak tour of the Lune River. Departing from the Lune River Bridge, paddle along the dark, tannin-rich waters beneath the majestic Adamsons Peak and the Southern Ranges, looking for birds and learning about the rich history of the area. Watch the sun set red, yellow and purple over the southwestern wilderness and enjoy a tasty afternoon tea on the beach at Hastings Bay. This is one kayaking experience you will not soon forget. You’ll stay the next two nights at The Boat House, an exclusive hideaway on a private peninsula with 250 acres of wilderness, wildlife and waterfront. Settle in for the evening and indulge in a gourmet antipasta dinner platter featuring Fat Pig Farm salami and ham, Bruny Island cheeses, Tongola goats curdy, Huon Aquaculture hot smoked salmon and more. |
Driving information: total driving time approx. 2.5hrs Venture south to Cockle Creek, the most southerly point you can drive in Australia and the entry point to the South West National Park in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. The South Coast Track, one of Tasmania’s great bushwalks begins – or ends – here. Usually taking 7 days, this hike is Tasmania’s most difficult and most hazardous. But don’t worry, you are only going to walk the safest and easiest section of the track – the South Cape Bay Trail. Starting from the end of the road near the whaling sculpture that explains the bay’s whaling history, the trail leads through the largest swath of protected land Tasmania has to offer. Gently ascend up Moulder’s Hill for the next 3-kilometres (1.8mi) before arriving at marshland. Fortunately, duckboards are provided throughout the marshland to allow you to cover the next few kilometres rather quickly. After leaving the marshland, you will come up and over a few easy hills before arriving at a cliff top. From the cliff top, look out over the entirety of South Cape Bay. Rocks seem to pour out of the lush forest to roll across the beach and off in the distance you can see Lion Rock, a rock formation emerging from the ocean that looks like a lion at rest. If the weather is good, you will likely see surfers enjoying the waves. If you look to the horizon, the next stop is Antarctica. |
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Once you have made it back to the car, hit the road to Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs. With a local Parks and Wildlife Service guide, wander through a living and breathing ecosystem that boasts an identity like no other. Deep in the caves you will discover spectacular subterranean formations including flowstone, stalactites, stalagmites and more. The cave is spacious with no narrow passages. The light level is low. There are 250 stairs each way, equipped with handrails. Once you’ve thoroughly explored the cave, take a dip in the 28-degree thermal swimming pool. The water is rich in minerals – an absolute treat for your skin! Cap off this unforgettable day with a hearty meal at Australia’s southernmost pub, The Southport Hotel (own cost). Overlooking a beautiful natural bush setting, the pub has a relaxed environment with a warm casual atmosphere that appeals to everyone.
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Driving information: total driving time approx. 3.5hrs Journey into the ancient forests of Tasmania’s Southwest to the Tahune Airwalk, an elevated walkway 30-metres (98ft) above the forest floor, with the final cantilever section sitting at a height of 50-metres (164ft) above the Huon River. As you walk through the treetops, look out over the Huon and Picton and beyond to the peaks of the World Heritage area. The return journey takes about 50-minutes – more if you stop for photographs, spot birdlife, or pause to enjoy the clean fresh scents of the forest. (Basic fitness is required to complete the 619-metre (2031ft) Airwalk, complete with 104 steps). |
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Back on Earth, continue on to Hartz Mountains National Park. The Hartz Mountains overlook Tasmania’s south-west wilderness and offer stunning views of remote mountain ranges that stretch as far as the southern coast. Choose from a range of walks to suit every fitness level and length of time. The Waratah Walk is just a few minutes’ walk to a lookout platform with sweeping forest views, while the Arve Falls Walk follows an easy path through alpine fields and woodland to the edge of a plateau overlooking the waterfalls and valley below. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, the high country walk to Lake Esperance reveals fragile cushion plants and ancient King Billy Pines. Finally, the premier walk, to the summit of Hartz Peak rewards advanced hikers with 360-degree views over Tasmania’s south-west wilderness. You’ll stay the night at Villa Talia, one of Australian Traveller Magazine’s 100 Great Australian Holiday Homes. Upon arrival, you will receive a BBQ Food Hamper for 2, filled with fresh, local produce for you to cook at your leisure on the outdoor gas barbeque. Goodies include grass-fed porterhouse steak, beef and pork sausages, fresh salads and Willie Smith Apple Cider. If you would prefer to hire your very own personal chef, please contact us for more information. |
Driving information: total driving time approx. 1.5hrs Journey east to Kettering and take the ferry to Bruny Island, home to some of Tasmania’s most beautifully preserved natural environments with abundant wildlife and stunning clifftop views. At 11:00am, join an award-winning 3-hour wilderness cruise along Bruny Island’s rugged coastline. As you pass beneath some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs and enter deep sea caves, learn about the fascinating history of the island and look for abundant wildlife including dolphins, fur seals and migrating whales. Back on dry land, it’s time for lunch (own cost). If you’re looking for amazing seafood or a classic pub meal, look not further than Hotel Bruny. Grab a plate of oysters and a cold pint of beer, sit on the deck and watch the world go by. |
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In the afternoon, work off the pub grub on the enchanting Cape Queen Elizabeth Track. Combining beach and bush adventure, Cape Elizabeth offers spectacular views of Adventure Bay and The Neck as well as stunningly secluded beaches and unique rock formations. At low tide, the trail leads around the coast below Mars Bluff, allowing for a shorter more exciting route. On your way back to the ferry terminal, be sure to stop in at the Bruny Island Cheese Company and the Bruny Island House of Whiskey to sample some of the Island’s culinary delights. Back on the mainland, begin the return journey back to Hobart, stopping at the Shot Tower, Taroona. Originally built to turn a hazardous mix of hot lead, arsenic and antimony into ammunition, the Shot Tower is today one of Tasmania’s top tourist attractions. Those willing to climb the 300 wooden steps to the top of the tower will be rewarded with sensational views over the Derwent River estuary and beyond. You’ll stay the night at The Henry Jones Art Hotel. |
All good things must come to an end. Check out at your leisure and head to the airport to commence your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available. Surcharge applies to festival/holiday season.
More Info
The start and finish point is Hobart, Tasmania.
Tasmania has four distinct seasons, with the warmest months being December to March. The average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius and winter daily temperatures sit between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius. Rainfall varies dramatically across the island. The north west has an annual average of 2,400 mm that ensures the rainforest thrives. Regardless of where you travel in Tasmania you should be prepared for sudden, temporary deterioration in the weather, especially if bushwalking. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer.
- Tasmania National Parks Pass $80AUD per vehicle (this must be purchased directly from the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, Hobart).
- Ferry to Bruny Island (vehicle length less than 6-metres (20ft)) $32.20AUD one way.
- Hire car starting from $546AUD per vehicle.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.