Tasmania Southwest: Fly, Cruise & Walk Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Remote Tasmania by air and water, wild harbours and rare parrots

You’ll fly from Hobart into Tasmania’s wild southwest for a day of scenic flights, a peaceful Bathurst Harbour cruise with local guides, walks through untouched bushland, and lunch featuring Tasmanian produce and wine. Rare wildlife sightings and real stories from locals give this day trip an edge—expect moments that stay with you long after you land back in town.

What’s the experience like?

The second we took off from Hobart, I felt that little jolt — you know, when you realize you’re really leaving the city behind. The plane buzzed low over Bruny Island and the coast just kept stretching out, all tangled forest and empty beaches. Our guide, Sarah, pointed out the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and I tried to spot seals (no luck). The windows fogged up for a second from everyone’s breath — it was colder than I expected up there. Then suddenly it was just wilderness below us, nothing but green and water. It’s weirdly quiet in those little planes except for the engine; I could hear my own heartbeat for a while.

Landing at Melaleuca felt like dropping onto another planet. There’s no phone signal or anything — just wind and birds. We met Li on the dock; she grew up nearby (well, as “nearby” as you get here), and she steered our boat across Bathurst Harbour like she’d done it a thousand times. The water was dark but glassy, reflecting sky in this way that made me want to just sit still for ages. At one point Li handed me a bit of local cheese during lunch (Tasmanian produce is something else), and I probably ate too much bread because I was nervous about saying something dumb about birds — which, by the way, are everywhere if you pay attention.

We stopped at these tiny islands — Celery Tops? — where everything smelled sharp and clean, almost metallic after the salt air on the boat. The walk through the bush was muddy in places; my boots got stuck once and everyone laughed (me included). There’s this bird hide where we waited quietly for orange-bellied parrots — didn’t see any at first but then one zipped by so fast I wasn’t sure if I imagined it. That moment sticks with me though. On the way back to Melaleuca, Sarah told stories about old miners and explorers who used to live out here with barely anything. Makes you think about what “remote” really means.

The flight home circled over Federation Peak — clouds snagged on its top like cotton wool. By then everyone was quieter; maybe tired or maybe just full of all that space and silence. Back in Hobart it felt almost loud again. Still can’t decide if my favorite part was that first breath of cold air off the harbour or seeing how big Tasmania feels when you’re right in its wild heart.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fly, cruise, walk, and lunch in wilderness

• Board aircraft in Hobart
• Fly over Hobart and D’Entrecasteaux Channel
• Fly past Bruny Island and Recherche Bay
• Fly to South East Cape and enter wilderness
• Arrive at Melaleuca
• Board boat for Bathurst Harbour cruise
• See Celery Top Islands
• Take wilderness walks
• Enjoy lunch with Tasmanian produce and wine
• Explore Melaleuca area
• Visit Deny King Bird Hide for Orange-Bellied Parrot
• Walk the Needwonnee trail
• Fly back to Hobart via Federation Peak and Mt Picton

Top questions

How long is the Southwest Tasmania Wilderness day trip?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours including flights, cruise, walks, and lunch.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included featuring Tasmanian produce and wine.

Are hotel pickups included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours depart daily from Hobart airport with Par Avion staff.

Will I see wildlife on this trip?

You may see rare birds like the orange-bellied parrot at Melaleuca’s bird hide.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What should I bring or wear?

You should dress appropriately for weather—hat, sunglasses, enclosed shoes, coat—and advise dietary needs when booking.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Beverages are included along with lunch during your day trip experience.

Is public transport available to reach departure point?

Public transportation options are available nearby to reach Hobart airport where the tour begins.

What’s included

Your day includes return scenic flights between Hobart and Melaleuca in Tasmania’s southwest wilderness, a guided boat cruise across Bathurst Harbour with stops for short walks in remote bushland, a delicious lunch made from Tasmanian produce paired with local wine or beverages, plus live commentary from your professional guide throughout the journey before flying back to Hobart in the late afternoon.