Tasmania 8 Day – Tour in Circle

Discover Tasmania in 8 Days: A Small-Group Adventure from Hobart

Tasmania’s rugged beauty and intriguing history come alive in this 8-day tour that circles the island’s highlights. Starting from Hobart, you’ll visit UNESCO sites, historic landmarks, and spectacular wilderness areas, all while enjoying local foods, wines, and a cozy group size limited to 15 travelers. Priced at $2,573.03 per person, this trip offers a thorough exploration designed for all ages and fitness levels, with most days packed with engaging sights and experiences.

Two things we love about this tour are the thoughtful balance between cultural and natural highlights—think convict history in Port Arthur alongside breathtaking views from Cradle Mountain—and the small-group format, which ensures personal attention and the chance to forge connections. On the flip side, it’s quite a full itinerary, so travelers should be prepared for some early mornings and a lot of moving parts.

This tour best suits those who appreciate a mix of history, wildlife, scenery, and good food, and who prefer traveling with a small, friendly group rather than a large bus. If you’re eager to see Tasmania’s iconic spots without the hassle of self-planning, this experience offers a comprehensive, enjoyable way to do it.

Key Points

Small-group intimacy enhances your experience, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds.
Diverse destinations cover Tasmania’s top attractions, from historic sites to wild coastlines.
Inclusive meals and tastings provide authentic local flavors—wines, cheeses, oysters—without extra hassle.
Expert guides like Dean, Morgan, and Ben bring stories to life with their knowledge and humor.
The itinerary balances active exploration and relaxing moments suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
All attraction fees and national park passes are included, so no surprises on costs.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hobart
You arrive at the Mövenpick Hotel — a luxurious, centrally located spot perfect for unwinding after your journey. It’s a great base for exploring Hobart’s lively waterfront, historic district, and cafes. We loved how easy it was to get a feel for the city from this well-situated hotel.

Day 2: Hobart Highlights & Scenic Drive
Your day kicks off with a stroll around Constitution Dock, where you’ll see the Mawsons Hut replica and statues commemorating Antarctic explorers. We appreciated the relaxed pace here—enough time to snap photos and soak in the maritime atmosphere.

Next, passing through Salamanca and Battery Point, you get a glimpse of Hobart’s colonial past and charming old cottages. The drive past the female correctional facility might sound serious, but it offers insight into Tasmania’s convict history.

A highlight is Mount Wellington — an absolute must-visit for panoramic views from 1275 meters. As some reviews mention, the view of Hobart below is breathtaking, making the ascent worth the slightly winding road.

Lunch at Puddleduck Vineyard features a generous platter of local produce and free wine tastings; a favorite among travelers who enjoyed tasting Tasmania’s wine at leisure. Afterward, the visit to Richmond Bridge—the oldest in Australia—adds a touch of convict-built charm, and the Denison Canal provides another great photo stop.

The day wraps up at Pirates Bay, where you can enjoy afternoon tea with spectacular coastal views, and a walk along the Tessellated Pavement — a natural rock formation with striking geometric cracks that spark curiosity.

Day 3: Port Arthur & Maria Island
Port Arthur is the centerpiece of the day, with a guided 3-hour tour revealing its dark convict past amidst stunning scenery. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides, making history come alive in a very personal way (“Morgan was very knowledgeable, thoughtful and ready,” says a reviewer).

A quick stop at Federation Artisan Chocolates lets you sample handmade chocolates, a sweet break. Then, your journey takes you past Maria Island, where coastal scenery and the island’s wildlife—like the thriving devil population—offer memorable sights.

The afternoon visits to Spiky Bridge and Spiky Beach add quirky charm and scenic beauty, ending with a guided penguin spotting tour at Bicheno, which many reviews describe as a highlight — watching little penguins waddle ashore in the wild.

Day 4: East Coast & Oyster Tasting
Start with a morning visit to the Bicheno Blowhole, an impressive natural feature that spouts sea water during high tide. The East Coast Natureworld sanctuary offers close encounters with Tasmania’s native animals—highlighted by reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see wallabies, peacocks, and other wildlife.

After lunch, the Bay of Fires impresses with its turquoise waters and fiery orange rocks, perfect for photos and relaxing walks. A guided tour of the Lease 65 Oyster Farm provides a taste of Tasmania’s seafood bounty, with fresh oysters and a behind-the-scenes look at oyster farming—an experience many travelers find authentic and delicious.

A stop at Pyengana Dairy offers cheese tastings and an explanation of the robotic dairy process, with visitors appreciating the opportunity to see farm-to-table in action.

Day 5: Launceston & the North
This day begins with a stroll through Cataract Gorge, where wallabies and peacocks roam freely. The Alexandra Suspension Bridge and City Park offer scenic and leisurely stops, with the highlight being the 41 South Tasmania salmon farm, where you can indulge in smoked salmon and local honey—perfect for food lovers.

The Melita Honey Farm is a honey enthusiast’s paradise, with over 40 flavors and good shopping. The afternoon includes a visit to Zeehan to learn about the mining heritage and see the Wilderness Woodworks store, where the aroma of Huon Pine fills the air.

Day 6: Cradle Mountain & Wilderness
Cradle Mountain truly embodies Tasmania’s wild side. We loved the walk around Dove Lake with stunning views of the mountain’s rugged peaks. The Wilderness Gallery offers a taste of local art, adding cultural depth to the natural splendor.

The visit to Zeehan reveals more mining stories, and the Huon Pine Sawmill showcases Tasmania’s prized timber. For many, the highlight is Wombat Spotting — a chance to see these adorable creatures in their natural environment.

Day 7: The West Coast & Iconic Sights
The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a nostalgic ride through Tasmania’s rugged landscapes, with the Iron Blow Lookout offering sweeping views of the Mount Lyell mine. Nelson Falls impress with their moss-covered surroundings, and Lake St. Clair provides a tranquil end to the day with crystal-clear waters and mountain scenery.

The Wall in the Wilderness is a must-see, with its carved Huon Pine panels telling stories of Tasmania’s pioneers—this truly is a craftsmanship marvel. The Tarraleah Power Station looks at Tasmania’s hydroelectric history, and Russell Falls caps the day with a gentle walk to one of the island’s most photographed waterfalls.

Day 8: Farewell to Tasmania
The final morning at Hobart allows for some free time before hotel checkout. Whether you choose to relax or explore more, you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for Tasmania’s natural beauty, history, and local flavors.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Tasmania’s most iconic sights and hidden gems all packed into 8 days. The small-group format ensures a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get personalized stories from guides like Dean, Morgan, and Ben, who are consistently praised for their knowledge and professionalism.

The inclusion of most meals, tastings, and attraction fees makes planning easier and provides good value, especially considering the number of exclusive experiences, from wine tastings and cheese sampling to wildlife encounters and scenic walks.

The itinerary balances active exploration—like walks at Nelson Falls or Dove Lake—with relaxing moments, such as wine tastings or leisurely drives, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

While the schedule is packed, it’s designed to give you a well-rounded snapshot of Tasmania, from its convict past to its wild coastlines. Be prepared for early starts and a fair amount of moving around, but in return, you’ll get a well-organized, engaging journey that covers the island’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a broad overview of Tasmania’s highlights without sacrificing depth. Foodies, wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy. If you enjoy small-group travel, engaging guides, and a mix of scenic beauty and cultural insights, this tour is a fantastic choice.

It’s especially suited to those who don’t mind a busy schedule, as there are early mornings and long days, but for all that, you’ll leave with memorable stories, stunning photos, and a real sense of Tasmania’s unique character.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personal experience and less crowding at stops.

What’s included in the price?
Most breakfasts and lunches, attraction entry fees, national parks passes, scenic stops (like tea/coffee breaks), and tastings such as wine, cheese, oysters, and honey are included.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Yes, you stay at 4-star rated hotels, with the Mövenpick in Hobart being a highlight—luxurious and centrally located.

Is this tour suitable for children or all ages?
Yes, it’s designed to suit all ages and fitness levels, with active walks balanced with relaxing scenic stops.

Do I need to arrange my transfer to Hobart?
Transport to and from Hobart Airport isn’t included, but hotel pickup and drop-off are offered.

Can I customize my experience?
Food and activity options are largely set, but the small-group format allows for some flexibility and personal queries during the day.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so plan accordingly and be sure before booking.

In essence, this Tasmania 8-day tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience that combines nature, history, and local flavors in a manageable, enjoyable format. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Tasmania traveler looking for a well-organized overview, it’s a solid choice to see the best of this rugged, beautiful island.