From Hobart: 9-Day Tasmania Circle Tour

Experience Tasmania’s diverse landscapes and rich history on this 9-day guided tour starting from Hobart. With a maximum of 12 guests in a cozy 17-seat vehicle, you’ll visit highlights like Port Arthur, Cradle Mountain, and the Bay of Fires. This fully guided adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and local tastings — all at a manageable pace for travelers who want a genuine taste of Tasmania.

Two things we love about this trip are the small-group setting that makes for a more personal experience and the variety of activities, from scenic walks and boat cruises to wine tastings and chocolate sampling. The tour also guarantees departures with just two guests, which means you won’t be lost in a crowd.

A potential consideration is the pace of the trip — it’s quite busy with a lot packed into each day, so if you prefer a slower, more relaxed visit, you might find some days a bit full.

This tour is ideal for couples, friends, and solo travelers who appreciate detailed guided experiences, scenic drives, and the chance to learn about Tasmania’s history and landscape from passionate local guides.

Key Points

• Small Group Tours: Maximum of 12 guests for a more intimate experience.
• Diverse Itinerary: From historic sites and national parks to coastlines and charming towns.
• Local Guides: Fully guided with experienced, friendly local guides.
• Included Tastings: Wine, chocolate, cheese, oysters, and honey add a delicious local flavor.
• Accommodation: Comfortable stays, including a 4-star hotel in Hobart and scenic lodges.
• Flexible Activities: Options like Bruny Island, MONA Museum, or Hobart harbor cruises.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 9-Day Tasmania Circle Tour

An Introduction to the Experience

If you’ve dreamed of exploring Tasmania’s rugged coastlines, historic sites, and lush wilderness, this tour hits many of the highlights in a well-organized, engaging way. Starting from Hobart, the tour takes you across the island, exposing you to both its natural beauty and its storied past, especially the convict history that shapes much of Tasmania’s identity.

What makes this tour stand out is the small group size—up to 12 travelers in a 17-seat vehicle. This arrangement ensures you won’t be just another face in a tour bus, but rather part of a close-knit group that can stop for spontaneous photos or extra explanations. Plus, with fully guided experiences, you’ll gain insights directly from local experts, making each stop more meaningful.

Two features we particularly appreciate are the full range of included experiences—from tastings of local wines and oysters to visits to iconic sites—and the guaranteed departure policy. This means the tour runs even if only two people sign up, which offers flexibility and peace of mind.

One thing to consider is the fast-paced nature of the itinerary. You’ll be covering a lot of ground, which might leave some wishing for more time at each stop. But for travelers eager to see as much as possible in a short period, this is a huge advantage.

This tour best suits those who enjoy guided adventures with a mix of cultural, historic, and natural sights, and who prefer the comfort of an organized group rather than self-driving every step. It’s a good fit for solo travelers, couples, and friends looking for an enriching taste of Tasmania.

The Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival and Hobart Welcome

When you land in Hobart, you’ll settle into the 4-star Mövenpick Hotel, a comfortable base for your Tasmanian adventure. The first day is flexible, giving you the chance to explore Hobart at your own pace. You can stroll along the waterfront, check out local cafes, or simply relax after your journey. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to get a feel for this historic port city.

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Day 2: Choose Your Adventure—Bruny Island, Hobart Cruise, or MONA

This is a flexible day designed to cater to your interests. You might opt for the full-day tour of Bruny Island, renowned for its rugged coastlines, wildlife, and local food scene. Alternatively, a 2.5-hour cruise around Hobart harbor and The Channel offers a relaxing way to see the city from the water, with opportunities for wildlife spotting, including seals and seabirds. Lastly, the MONA Museum (Museum of Old and New Art) provides a provocative, world-class art collection that is uniquely Tasmanian.

We love that you can tailor this day, ensuring your interests are met. The MONA option, in particular, is a highlight for art lovers, while the Bruny Island trip offers spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters.

Day 3: From Hobart to Port Arthur

Today combines history and scenic views. You’ll start with a visit to Mt Wellington (1270m), where panoramic views of the city and beyond await—on clear days, the vista of Hobart and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. Visiting the Female Factory and Cascade Brewery offers insights into Tasmania’s convict and industrial past.

A drive along the Tasman Peninsula includes stops at Pirates Bay lookout, Tasmans Arch, and Devils Kitchen — rugged natural formations carved by wind and water. The highlight is the Port Arthur Historic Site, where you’ll take a guided tour to learn about the early convict settlement. The site’s preserved buildings and haunting ruins make history come alive.

We loved the detailed exploration of the Port Arthur site; the guide’s knowledge deepens the experience, making history tangible and compelling.

Day 4: Convict History and East Coast Highlights

A morning at Port Arthur deepens your understanding of Tasmania’s convict past, walking through the original buildings and listening to stories of hardship and resilience. Then, the journey takes you along Tasmania’s east coast, with stops at Raspins Beach, Spikey Bridge, and Spikey Beach — each offering spectacular coastal scenery.

The optional fairy penguin spotting in the evening is a charming way to end the day, giving you a chance to see these tiny creatures in their natural habitat.

Day 5: Bicheno and the Bay of Fires

Today is all about stunning coastlines. The Bicheno Blow Hole is a natural spectacle as water shoots through rocky crevices. East Coast Nature World is a treat, especially if you’re interested in seeing Tasmanian Devils fed and learning about native wildlife.

In the Bay of Fires, you’ll walk along pristine white beaches and photograph the striking orange lichen-covered rocks. The Lease 65 Oyster Farm offers fresh oysters, and the cheese tasting at Pyengana Dairy is a highlight for food lovers.

Overnight in Launceston gives you a comfortable base for exploring northern Tasmania.

Day 6: Launceston and the Wilderness

Launceston’s charming city center features the King Bridge, City Park, and the historic Post Office. Foodies will enjoy tastings at Melita Honey Farm, with dozens of honey flavors paired with local ice cream. The Salmon Farm lunch is a local favorite with fresh, farmed salmon.

The Marakoopa Caves reveal glow worms in their luminous glory — a magical moment. The day’s drive into the central highlands leads you to Cradle Mountain National Park, where you’ll spend the night. Dusk is perfect for spotting wombats and other wildlife in their natural environment.

Day 7: Cradle Mountain and West Coast

A morning at Dove Lake offers iconic views of Cradle Mountain itself, with short walks around glacier rocks and waterfalls. The Waldheim Chalet tells the story of Gustav Weindorfer, a pioneer who championed the preservation of this stunning landscape.

Traveling west, you’ll see Zeehan and Morrison’s Saw Mill, giving insight into Tasmania’s industrial past. Overnight in Queenstown, a town known for its dramatic mountain scenery and history.

Day 8: Wilderness and Waterfalls

Today’s journey takes you through the Franklin-Gordon National Park, home to Nelson Falls — a beautiful waterfall set amidst lush rainforest. The Lake St Clair area is the source of the Derwent River, and the visit to The Wall, an impressive art space hidden deep in wilderness, adds a cultural touch.

Stop at the Tarraleah Lookout and Mt Field National Park to see the famous Russell Falls, regarded as one of Tasmania’s most beautiful. Ending the day back in Hobart gives you a chance to reflect on your adventure.

Day 9: Departure

Your tour concludes after breakfast and hotel check-out by 11 am. You’ll leave with a wealth of memories—scenic views, historic insights, and a taste of Tasmania’s wild beauty.

Authentic Experience and Practical Insights

This tour balances organized comfort with authentic encounters. The fully guided nature ensures you get historical context, local stories, and expert tips, enriching each stop. The tastings—wine, cheese, oysters, honey—are thoughtfully included, adding both flavor and cultural depth. These experiences aren’t just optional add-ons but key parts of the journey, giving you a real taste of local life.

The small group size means more personalized attention and the flexibility to enjoy spontaneous moments, like wildlife sightings or scenic stops. The accommodation choices range from a comfortable 4-star hotel in Hobart to scenic lodges near national parks, adding to the overall value.

The transportation, being in a 17-seat vehicle, is both intimate and practical, perfect for winding roads and scenic drives. The itinerary is packed but well-paced, with enough variety to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Price and Value

While the tour covers a lot of ground, the price includes seven guided days, eight nights of accommodation, most meals, and all attraction entry fees, which makes it a comprehensive package. The tastings of wine, cheese, oysters, and honey are generous and give a true taste of Tasmania’s local produce. Considering the inclusion of expert guides, entry passes, and pre-arranged accommodations, this tour offers excellent value for travelers seeking a hassle-free, immersive experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip suits those who love active sightseeing and are comfortable with busy days and multiple stops. The guided format is ideal for travelers who want to learn about Tasmania’s history, culture, and environment without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It’s particularly good for solo travelers, couples, or friends looking for a well-rounded, authentic Tasmanian adventure.

Final Thoughts

This 9-day Tasmania circle tour provides a well-balanced, in-depth look at the island’s highlights, blending natural beauty, historical sites, and local flavors. The small-group approach, guided insights, and inclusive tastings make it a memorable, comfortable experience.

While the pace can be brisk and some may wish for more leisure time at key stops, the opportunity to see so much of Tasmania in one trip is hard to beat. Whether you’re fascinated by convict history, wildlife, or stunning coastlines, this tour offers a rich, authentic introduction to Tasmania’s unique character.

If you’re eager to explore Tasmania’s wild landscapes, iconic sights, and charming towns without the stress of self-driving, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who value guided expertise, local tastings, and small-group intimacy. Prepare for a trip full of awe-inspiring scenery, engaging stories, and memorable adventures.

FAQ

Is transportation provided during the tour? Yes, transportation is in a small, 17-seat vehicle, fully guided, making for an intimate and comfortable ride throughout the trip.

Are all meals included? No, meals are included for breakfast, lunches on most days, and one evening meal. You will need to arrange your own dinners on some evenings.

Can I join the tour as a solo traveler? Absolutely. The tour welcomes solo travelers and guarantees departures with just two guests.

What is the maximum group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 guests, offering a more personal experience.

Are there opportunities for wildlife viewing? Yes, especially in the evening, with possibilities of spotting fairy penguins, wombats, and other native animals.

Is the itinerary flexible? The main itinerary is fixed, but some optional activities, like penguin spotting, allow for personal preferences.

What kind of accommodation is included? Accommodation ranges from a 4-star hotel in Hobart to scenic lodges near national parks, providing comfort and convenience.

Are attraction entry fees included? Yes, all attraction fees and national park passes are covered in the price.

Is there free time during the tour? The schedule is packed, but some free time might be available in Hobart or Launceston for personal exploration.

Who would enjoy this tour most? It’s ideal for active travelers, history buffs, wildlife lovers, and anyone eager to see Tasmania’s highlights with expert guidance and local tastings.

This detailed tour review aims to help you decide if Tasmania’s 9-day circle tour matches your travel style. With its blend of scenic beauty, cultural depth, and thoughtful organization, it promises an authentic adventure for those keen to explore Australia’s southern island.

You can check availability for your dates here: