Hobart to Cradle Mountain to Launceston

Hobart to Cradle Mountain to Launceston: A Day Tour of Tasmania’s Natural Wonders

If you’re short on time but craving a taste of Tasmania’s breathtaking scenery, this 11-hour guided tour from Hobart to Cradle Mountain and Launceston offers an excellent glimpse into some of the island’s most iconic sights. For $181 per person, you’ll enjoy a well-organized trip packed with opportunities for spectacular views, peaceful walks, and a chance to see native wildlife—an authentic experience that balances adventure with comfort.

What we love about this tour is the stunning scenery of Dove Lake, with its mirror-like surface reflecting the towering peaks of Cradle Mountain, and the chance to walk through ancient forests under the canopy of 4000-year-old trees. The tour also includes time to explore the Enchanted Forest and the King Billy Pine Walks, giving you a real sense of Tasmania’s natural beauty.

A possible consideration is the long travel time — 11 hours is a substantial part of your day, and it requires a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the walks comfortably. This tour is best suited for those who love the outdoors, don’t mind a bit of a bus ride, and want a comprehensive taste of Tasmania’s wilderness without multiple days away. If you’re after a deeply immersive experience or prefer more leisurely exploration, you might want to consider extending your stay or choosing a different tour.

This experience is ideal for nature enthusiasts, avid hikers, or travelers who want to see the highlights of Tasmania’s wilderness with expert commentary. It’s perfect if you’re visiting Hobart and want a full-day adventure that covers some of the island’s most stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning scenery at Dove Lake and the surrounding mountains is a major highlight.
• Includes walks through ancient forests, offering tranquility and wildlife spotting.
• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioned vehicles and hotel pickup options.
• A long but rewarding day that balances travel with exploration.
• Excellent value for accessing multiple major sights in one day.
• Suitable for those with moderate fitness, able to handle easy terrain hikes.

An In-Depth Look at the Hobart to Cradle Mountain to Launceston Tour

The Departure and Journey North from Hobart

Your adventure begins early — around 7:00 AM — with pickup from various central Hobart locations. The convenience of multiple pickup points ensures you won’t have to travel far to join the group. From there, expect a scenic drive heading north, giving you your first glimpses of Tasmania’s lush landscapes and rugged coastlines. During the ride, you’ll enjoy live commentary (in English), which helps set the stage for what’s ahead.

While the drive is lengthy—about 11 hours total—you’ll appreciate the comfort of air-conditioned transport and the opportunity to stretch your legs at several points. The focus is on making the long day enjoyable, with chances to pause for coffee, snacks, or simply to take photos of the changing scenery.

Cradle Mountain: The Heart of the Day

Once you arrive at Cradle Mountain, the real magic begins. The Cradle Mountain Information Centre acts as your gateway. Here, you’ll have time to stock up on water and essentials before heading to Dove Lake, a highlight of the tour.

The Dove Lake Circuit is the main walk, offering around 2 hours to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and mountain reflections. The trail is relatively gentle, making it accessible for most fitness levels, yet it still offers plenty of chances for striking photos. We loved the way the lake’s surface perfectly mirrored the jagged peaks—an image that sticks with you long after the day ends.

Beyond Dove Lake, there are other walking options of varying difficulty, allowing you to tailor your experience. If you’re feeling energetic, you might venture further along some of the other trails, soaking in the silence and crisp mountain air.

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Exploring Tasmania’s Forests: Enchanted Forest and King Billy Walks

Next, the tour takes you through ancient forests, where you’ll explore the Enchanted Forest and King Billy Pine Walks. These walks are truly memorable. The Enchanted Forest is a lush, moss-covered haven, filled with towering trees and delicate ferns, offering a fairy-tale ambiance that captivates visitors.

The King Billy Pine Walk showcases some of the most majestic and oldest trees in the region. Native wildlife is plentiful here; you might even glimpse a Tasmanian Devil, Wombats, Wallabies, or Spotted Quolls. The forest’s serenity and the chance to be among trees that are thousands of years old make this part of the tour particularly special.

Wildlife and Nature: What You Might See

While the tour doesn’t guarantee wildlife sightings, many travelers report seeing some of Tasmania’s iconic animals. Warnings in reviews mention the possibility of spotting elusive creatures like Tasmanian Devils or Wombats, especially in the early morning or dusk. The walks are designed to maximize your chances, and the native flora and fauna are a big part of Tasmania’s charm.

The Return to Launceston

After roughly 4.5 hours of exploration, it’s time to head east toward Launceston, arriving around 6:00 PM. The driver will drop you off at your accommodation in the city center. It’s important to note that this tour does not include return to Hobart, so you’ll need to arrange your own stay in Launceston if you plan to continue exploring Tasmania.

Practicalities and Value

The tour includes all entrance fees and transportation, making it a hassle-free way to see the highlights. The live commentary adds context and makes the long drive more engaging, while the hotel pickup adds convenience.

Food and drinks are not included, but there are plenty of opportunities to purchase snacks or a coffee along the way. The tour’s price reflects the inclusiveness of transportation, park entrance fees, and guided insight, making it a good value for a comprehensive day of sightseeing.

What the Tour Offers for Different Types of Travelers

This trip is especially suited for those who want a full-day taste of Tasmania’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s perfect if you enjoy gentle hikes, majestic mountain views, and peaceful forests. The group size typically keeps things personable, and the tour operates in English, with commentary that’s both informative and friendly.

The Sum Up

This Hobart to Cradle Mountain and Launceston tour packs a lot into a single day. It offers an authentic look at some of Tasmania’s most iconic landscapes — from the reflective waters of Dove Lake to ancient forests filled with wildlife. The combination of comfortable transportation, guided commentary, and well-chosen stops makes it a practical option for travelers eager to see Tasmania’s wild side.

While the long hours might be tiring for some, the stunning scenery and chance to walk among towering trees in pristine wilderness will appeal to those who cherish nature. It’s an ideal choice for outdoor lovers, first-time visitors wanting a broad overview, or anyone looking for a memorable day in Tasmania’s national parks.

If you’re after an efficient, well-organized excursion that captures Tasmania’s essence, this tour offers excellent value. Just be prepared for a full day on the go—your camera and sense of adventure will thank you.

FAQ

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $181 per person, which covers transportation, park entrance fees, and guided commentary. Food and accommodation in Launceston are not included.

How long does the tour last?
It’s an 11-hour experience, starting around 7:00 AM and arriving in Launceston by approximately 6:00 PM.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from multiple central Hobart locations, making it convenient to join.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, hiking shoes, water, and rain gear. Weather conditions can vary, and snow is not uncommon even in summer.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 are not allowed. Participants should have a reasonable fitness level to handle gentle terrain walks.

Can I see wildlife on this tour?
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the forests and parks are home to native animals like Wombats, Wallabies, and possibly the elusive Tasmanian Devil.

Do I need to arrange my own accommodation in Launceston?
Yes, the tour does not include return to Hobart, so you’ll need to book your own stay in Launceston.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility challenges, as walks are on easy terrain but involve some standing and walking.

Embark on this day trip if you want a snapshot of Tasmania’s pure, rugged beauty. It’s an adventure that offers both majestic scenery and a good dose of fresh mountain air—perfect for those eager to tick off some of Australia’s most stunning natural sights in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: