Tasmania 3-day tour Launceston to Hobart: Cradle Mountain

Three days, three of Tasmania's biggest landmarks: alpine moorland, turquoise bay, and 300-metre sea cliffs

A 3-day guided tour from Launceston to Hobart combining Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay and Port Arthur into one itinerary. Day 1 covers Cradle Mountain National Park with walks to Pencil Pine Falls and around Dove Lake, or a steeper climb to Marion's Lookout. Day 2 travels the East Coast to Freycinet National Park for the Wineglass Bay lookout and a vineyard stop. Day 3 walks the Tasman Peninsula's clifftops, visits the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, explores Port Arthur Historic Site with a harbour cruise, and ends at Richmond Village. Hotel pickup from central Launceston between 7am and 7:30am; small groups with a professional guide; park entry, Port Arthur entry and the Unzoo are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Cradle Mountain National Park

• Depart Launceston
• Stop at Sheffield outdoor art gallery
• Arrive at Cradle Mountain National Park
• Walk to Pencil Pine Falls
• Hike Dove Lake Circuit
• Optional hike to Marion’s Lookout
• Visit Van Diemen’s Ice Creamery

Day 2: Visit Wineglass Bay and Freycinet Park

• Depart Launceston
• Stop at Campbell Town for supplies
• Walk Cape Tourville Lighthouse circuit
• Hike to Wineglass Bay lookout
• Optional hike to Wineglass Bay beach or Honeymoon Bay
• Relax at Devil’s Corner winery
• Arrive in Hobart

Day 3: Discover Port Arthur and Tassie Devils

• Travel from Hobart to Tasman Peninsula
• Walk along sea cliffs and lookouts
• Visit Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
• Explore Port Arthur Historic Site
• Take harbour cruise at Port Arthur
• Visit Richmond village and oldest bridge

The experience

Cradle Mountain's jagged silhouette rises 1545 metres above glacial lakes and World Heritage wilderness. Day 1 starts with an easy walk to Pencil Pine Falls, then the main event: the Dove Lake Circuit, a 6km loop around the lake at the mountain's base. If you want more, Marion's Lookout is an uphill push that opens onto views of Little Horn, Smithies Peak and mirrored alpine water. Before leaving, you'll stop at Van Diemen's Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for handmade gelato made from Tasmanian dairy.

Day 2 heads east along the coast toward Freycinet National Park. A 20-minute walk around Cape Tourville Lighthouse gives 360-degree views before the group hikes to the Wineglass Bay lookout. The 45-minute ascent climbs through forest to reveal one of the Southern Hemisphere's most photographed vistas: white sand and turquoise water sweeping below. You can extend the walk down to the beach for swimming and dolphin spotting, or return to the lookout with your guide. The afternoon lands at Devil's Corner winery, perched on a hill overlooking the bay, where you can order wine, seafood, pizza or coffee before the drive to Hobart.

Day 3 focuses on the Tasman Peninsula's raw coastline. The morning is spent walking clifftops 300 metres above the Southern Ocean, stopping at Pirates Bay, Waterfall Bay, Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen to watch waves crash against dolerite spires. Next is the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, where you'll see Tassie Devils in a feeding frenzy (these carnivorous marsupials have one of the animal kingdom's most powerful bites), and hand-feed wallabies. Port Arthur Historic Site follows, with around 2 hours to explore the convict-era ruins, a complimentary harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead, and interpretative talks. The final stop is Richmond Village, a historic settlement of stone buildings and Australia's oldest bridge, built by convicts and said to be haunted.

What’s included

• Professional guides leading all walks and stops.
• entry to Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Parks.
• Tasmanian Devil Unzoo entrance.
• Port Arthur Historic Site entry and a complimentary harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead.
• hotel pickup from central Launceston between 7am and 7:30am.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday and WednesdayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Tours Tasmania

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want three separate day tours bundled together. You'll visit Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay, and Port Arthur across three days rather than booking each one individually.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the walk to Wineglass Bay like on day 2?

The ascent to Wineglass Bay takes 45 minutes uphill through forest and rewards you with views of the bay's white sand and turquoise water from the lookout. You can extend the hike down to the beach itself for swimming and relaxing, or return from the lookout with your guide to visit Honeymoon Bay instead.

Do I need to be very fit to do this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Day 1 includes an easy walk to Pencil Pine Falls and the 6km Dove Lake Circuit, with Marion's Lookout as an optional steeper challenge. Day 2's Wineglass Bay walk is a 45-minute uphill hike. Day 3 involves walking clifftops on the Tasman Peninsula. All activities stay on tracks and boardwalks.

What's included in the price?

Entry to Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Parks, Port Arthur Historic Site, the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, and a harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead are all included. Your professional guide and hotel pickup from central Launceston are also included. Meals and accommodation are not included, though the itinerary stops at places where you can buy lunch and snacks.

Where does the tour start and end?

Hotel pickup is from central Launceston hotels and hostels between 7am and 7:30am depending on your location. The tour ends in Hobart on day 3. You'll need to arrange pickup at least 48 hours before departure with the tour operator.

Can I bring luggage on the tour?

Bring only hand luggage or a day pack on the tour itself. For tours travelling between Launceston and Hobart, you can bring one small suitcase and a day pack. If you have excess luggage, contact the operator before booking.

What are Tasmanian Devils like at the Unzoo?

Tasmanian Devils are carnivorous marsupials found only in Tasmania, with one of the most powerful bites in the animal kingdom. At the Unzoo you'll see them up close during a feeding frenzy. You can also hand-feed wallabies, watch a Birds of the Bush presentation, and learn about local wildlife from the staff.