Launceston to Hobart via Wineglass Bay – Active one-way Day Tour

Launceston to Hobart via Wineglass Bay – Active One-Way Day Tour
Rating: 4.5/5 (based on 12 reviews)
Price: $146 per person
Duration: Approximately 12 hours
Location: Launceston, Australia
Highlights: Visiting Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay Lookout, Cape Tourville Lighthouse, Freycinet Marine Farm, and Devils Corner Winery

This tour offers a fantastic way to travel from Launceston to Hobart while soaking in some of Tasmania’s most iconic sights. For just $146, you get around 12 hours of scenic drives, invigorating walks, and tasty local stops. Your guides, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, will lead you through a carefully curated route that balances nature, history, and delicious food.

What we love most? First, the walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout rewards you with one of the most celebrated views in Tasmania—a sweeping curve of white sand framed by rugged mountains. Second, the opportunity to sample fresh oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm makes this more than just a sightseeing tour; it’s a chance to taste the local harvest.

One thing to keep in mind: this is an active experience—expect some uphill walking and a fair bit of outdoorsy exploration. If mobility is an issue, you might want to consider your pace, particularly for the Wineglass Bay walk.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy nature, good food, and a bit of adventure, especially those keen to cover multiple highlights in a single day. It’s perfect for those who value guided insights and want a balanced mix of walking and relaxing stops.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Combines major natural sights with local food stops.
• Active experience: Includes walks, hikes, and scenic viewpoints suitable for moderate fitness levels.
• Authentic Tasmanian flavor: Tastes at Freycinet Marine Farm and Devils Corner Winery add local charm.
• Flexible walking options: The walk to Wineglass Bay can be extended or shortened based on your energy.
• Small group size: Ensures personalized attention and meaningful interactions.
• Ideal for adventurers: Best suited for active travelers who want a rich, full day of discovery.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

How It Starts: From Launceston’s Charm to Tasmanian Landscapes

We begin early in Launceston, with pickup from most central hotels. The drive sets the tone—rolling through historic towns like Ross, with their convict-era buildings and cozy bakeries. It’s a scenic journey that hints at the diverse stories Tasmania offers. As we pass through Ross, the convict-built Kiki’s Kitchen and the Spiky Bridge are quick photo stops that reveal the island’s rugged history.

The highlight here is the Freycinet National Park, a highlight for many travelers. The landscape is stunning—craggy mountains, dense forests, and shimmering waters. Our guides, like Graham or Clinton, bring the scenery alive with stories and insights, making each stop more meaningful.

Freycinet National Park: Natural Wonders and Walks

Once at Freycinet, the real adventure begins. The Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk offers a gentle 30-minute circuit, perfect for stretching your legs while taking in 360-degree views of the coast. It’s a short but impactful experience—think rugged cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, with seabirds soaring overhead.

Next is the walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout—a moderate uphill hike that takes about 45 minutes. We loved the way our guides explained the terrain and offered tips for a comfortable climb. The reward? A jaw-dropping vista of the iconic Wineglass Bay, often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. For those wanting a bit more, the option to continue down to the beach itself allows for relaxing, swimming, or a picnic amid white sands and clear waters.

Flexibility and Personal Choice

Reviews highlight that this tour offers flexibility: if you prefer a shorter walk, guides will tailor the experience, focusing on other highlights like Honeymoon Bay and Sleepy Bay. Multiple travelers raved about the spectacular scenery along the coastline, especially those who enjoyed walking and learning about the geology and flora. One reviewer mentioned, “Having lunch near Honeymoon Beach was good,” emphasizing that the stops are well-paced.

Tasting Local Delights

After exploring the park, the tour continues eastward with a visit to Freycinet Marine Farm for oysters—a definite highlight for seafood lovers. The farm cultivates oysters right in the ocean waters, and tasting their fresh produce adds a real local flavor to the trip. While lunch isn’t included in the price, you can purchase seafood, jams, and sauces—a value-added experience for foodies.

On the way to Hobart, the charming town of Swansea is a perfect spot for a sweet treat at Kate’s Berry Farm—think ice-cream, jams, and chocolates, all sourced locally. The reviews mention how these stops break up the day and give a taste of Tasmania’s agricultural bounty.

End of the Day: Wine and Final Views

As the day winds down, a visit to Devils Corner Winery offers a chance to sip some local wine while enjoying spectacular views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains. Many reviews describe this as a relaxing way to cap the day, with some saying it’s “the best way to travel from Launceston to Hobart,” thanks to the scenic stops and guided commentary.

Arrival in Hobart

The tour concludes with a drop-off in central Hobart around 6 pm—giving you ample time to explore further or settle into your accommodation. The small group size guarantees a personal experience, and the overall pace keeps the day engaging without feeling rushed.

What’s in the Price and What’s Not

The $146 fee covers the guided tour, vehicle transport, and national park entry fees. It’s a fair value considering the included stops and expert guides. Food, drinks, and optional purchases like seafood and wine tasting are not included, but ample opportunities are provided to buy or bring your own picnic.

Travelers often comment on the knowledge of the guides, who share stories and local facts that deepen the experience. One reviewer noted that they appreciated Clinton’s passionate knowledge of Tasmania’s history and scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who enjoy outdoor walks and scenic vistas. It’s suitable for ages 8 and up, and the moderate physical activity involved makes it perfect for those comfortable with some uphill walking. If you’re looking for a leisurely bus ride, this might be too much, but if you love a blend of nature, food, and culture, it’s a winner.

Those with mobility concerns should consider the uphill walk to Wineglass Bay, but the guide can tailor the experience if needed. It’s also a fantastic choice if you want to cover multiple attractions in one day—saving you the hassle of planning individual visits.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from most central Launceston hotels, typically between 7:00 am and 7:30 am, but you should confirm your pickup time when booking.

How long is the drive between Launceston and Hobart?
The entire day’s journey, including stops, takes about 12 hours from start to finish, with the drive being broken up by sightseeing and food stops.

Can I extend the walk at Wineglass Bay?
Yes, the guide can help you extend your walk to the beach itself if you’re up for more exploration, or you can opt to stay at the lookout only.

Are national park entry fees included?
Absolutely, all park fees are covered in the ticket price.

What if I can’t walk uphill comfortably?
The tour offers options to focus on other highlights like Honeymoon Bay and Sleepy Bay, giving you a scenic experience without the strenuous hike.

Is food included in the tour?
No, food isn’t included, but stops at places like Freycinet Marine Farm and Kate’s Berry Farm offer delicious local tastings you can purchase.

Overall, this tour offers a well-balanced day filled with breathtaking scenery, local flavors, and engaging storytelling. It’s especially suited for those who want to see Tasmania’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort or insight. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides make it a rewarding choice for anyone eager to experience Tasmania in a single day.