2 day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay

If you’re short on time but eager to experience Tasmania’s most iconic sights, the 2-day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay tour offers an enticing option. For around $273 (plus accommodation and meals), this guided adventure takes you from Hobart through some of Tasmania’s most stunning landscapes, including Cradle Mountain, Sheffield, Launceston, and Freycinet National Park. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the trip promises not only breathtaking scenery but also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like wombats and enjoy Tasmania’s famous seafood.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances active exploration—with hikes and walks—against relaxing scenic stops like Cape Tourville Lighthouse and Honeymoon Bay. We also appreciate the flexible hiking options at Freycinet, which cater to both energetic hikers and those looking for a more leisurely visit. Plus, the comfort of modern transport and the small group size (max 20 travelers) make for a more personal and engaging experience.

A potential consideration is the fast-paced schedule. While it’s well-organized and covers a lot in a short time, travelers who prefer a slower, more in-depth exploration might find it somewhat rushed—especially on the second day with multiple stops and hikes. Still, for those eager to see Tasmania’s highlights without a lengthy commitment or high cost, this tour hits a good sweet spot.

This experience suits adventurous travelers who enjoy a mix of scenery, wildlife, and coastal relaxation, and who are comfortable with moderate physical activity. It’s perfect for those who want to maximize their time and see the best of Tasmania in just two days.

Key Points

Stunning Landscapes: The tour visits some of Tasmania’s most photographed spots, including Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay.

Expert Guides: Local guides provide insightful commentary, enhancing your understanding of the areas visited.

Flexible Hiking Options: Whether you want a quick lookout visit or a longer trek, the tour offers choices suited to different fitness levels.

Wildlife Encounters: Spot wombats and enjoy Tasmania’s abundant birdlife in natural settings.

Comfortable Transport: Modern vehicles and small groups ensure a smooth and personable journey.

Taste of Local Seafood: Ending the day at Freycinet Marine Farm allows for enjoying fresh, local seafood delicacies.

A Detailed Look at the 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Hobart to Cradle Mountain via Sheffield

The adventure kicks off early from Hobart at 7:00 am, giving you a full day of exploration. We loved the way the tour incorporates a scenic drive through Tasmania’s countryside, with a relaxing stop at Campbell Town after roughly 1.5 hours. It’s a great chance to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and enjoy some light snacks. This quick break sets a friendly, unhurried tone for the day.

Arriving at Cradle Mountain around mid-morning, the real magic begins. The Cradle Mountain National Park is one of those places you see in travel magazines — jagged peaks, ancient forests, and pristine lakes. The Information Centre is the gateway, and from here, we loved the opportunity to explore the area independently or with guided commentary. Spend about three hours here walking around Dove Lake, where the view of the mountain reflected on the water is iconic. Keep an eye out for wombats and wallabies in the wild, a highlight for wildlife lovers.

After soaking in the scenery, the tour continues to the charming town of Sheffield, known for its vibrant murals representing the area’s natural beauty and local history. A quick 25-minute stop gives you a chance to snap some photos and enjoy the artsy vibe. It’s a fitting way to wind down the first day—combining Tasmania’s natural wonders with its creative spirit.

Day 2: From Launceston to Freycinet National Park

The second day begins with another short stop at Campbell Town before heading to Freycinet National Park. The drive takes approximately an hour, and we appreciated the smooth, comfortable transport that kept the schedule moving without feeling rushed.

Freycinet is the star of this day, offering some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Tasmania. You’ll have about four hours for sightseeing and optional hikes. For the more energetic, the Wineglass Bay hike is a must—an iconic trail that rewards you with panoramic views of the curved bay. The tour offers a scenic walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout that takes about 40 minutes uphill, giving you a fantastic vantage point without the more strenuous full hike. For those wanting less exertion, the guide-led walk still delivers stunning vistas without the need for a lengthy trek.

Post-hike, cooling off at Honeymoon Bay is a treat. Imagine stepping onto white sands, with orange granite rocks framing the scene, and taking a refreshing dip in the clear waters—an ideal way to relax after a morning of exploring. We loved how this adds a personal touch to the day, mixing active pursuits with leisure.

Further along, a visit to Cape Tourville Lighthouse offers a gentle walk along a coastal boardwalk with sweeping views of the shoreline and ocean. It’s perfect for a quick photo stop and soaking in the coastal serenity.

The day wraps up at the Freycinet Marine Farm, where you can indulge in fresh oysters, prawns, and crayfish. Sampling Tasmania’s seafood is a must-do, and the farm’s casual setting makes it feel like a local secret—yet it’s included in the tour, adding excellent value.

Transportation, Group Size, and Value

The use of modern, comfortable vehicles is a big plus, especially considering the long drives between destinations. The small group (up to 20 people) creates a more intimate atmosphere, allowing for personalized attention from guides and easier socializing. The tour also provides hotel pick-up and drop-off at selected CBD hotels, which is convenient and saves you the hassle of navigating Tasmania’s roads on your own.

At $273.24 per person, the price includes park passes, expert guides, and all entrance fees—a significant value considering the cost of individual admissions and guided tours you might arrange separately. The fact that meals and accommodations aren’t included allows flexibility, but it’s wise to plan for meals at stops like Freycinet Marine Farm or bring snacks.

How the Tour Compares to Solo Travel

Traveling independently might give you more flexibility with timing or in-depth exploration, but it would likely cost more and require detailed planning. The guided nature of this tour means you get insider knowledge and expert commentary, which enhances the experience without the stress of navigation or scheduling.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy a mix of active exploration, scenic drives, and wildlife spotting. It’s also excellent for those who want to see Tasmania’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple day trips or renting a car. If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity, like walking uphill for panoramic views or wading into the water at Honeymoon Bay, you’ll find this tour well suited.

It’s an especially good choice for first-timers to Tasmania who want a rundown in a manageable time frame—just be prepared for a fast-paced schedule. If you prefer a more relaxed, in-depth exploration, consider extending your stay or adding extra days at key spots.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay tour packs a lot into a short window—covering Tasmania’s most celebrated landscapes, wildlife, and coastlines. The blend of guided commentary, scenic stops, and optional hikes makes it a versatile choice for many travelers. We loved the expert guides’ local insights and the chance to experience the island’s natural beauty firsthand.

While the schedule can feel a bit tight, it’s a great way to get a taste of Tasmania’s diverse attractions without the need to plan or navigate solo. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, this tour offers value, comfort, and memorable scenery in one accessible package.

If you’re after a well-rounded, cost-effective way to see Tasmania’s highlights with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this tour is hard to beat. Just remember, it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a busy itinerary and are eager to soak up some of Tasmania’s most iconic views in just two days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accommodation included in this tour?
No, accommodation is not included. You will need to arrange your own hotel stay, although the tour offers pick-up and drop-off at selected CBD hotels.

What is the physical activity level required?
The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level due to walking, hiking, and some uphill sections, especially at Freycinet National Park.

Are meals provided during the tour?
No, meals and beverages are not included, but they can be purchased at stops like Freycinet Marine Farm or packed from outside.

How long are the hikes or walks involved?
Hiking options vary: a 40-minute walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout is included, with longer options available at Freycinet for those wanting more activity.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, creating a more personal experience.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, for a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-organized, value-packed way to experience Tasmania’s most stunning natural sights in just two days. If you love scenic landscapes, wildlife spotting, and sampling local seafood, it’s a solid choice. Perfect for travelers who appreciate guided insights, comfortable transport, and a taste of Tasmania’s diverse environments—all wrapped into a manageable, exciting itinerary.