Tasmania's Epic Great Eastern Drive

This drive holiday will take you along the east coast of Tasmania with its long beaches, dramatic coastline and the taste of local produce. Spend some time in Hobart before making your way to Coles Bay to see the famous Wineglass Bay, then along the coast to St Helens and the Bay of Fires before finishing in Launceston.

The itinerary includes 3 nights in Hobart, 2 nights in Coles Bay, 1 night in St Helens and 2 nights in Launceston.

Arrive in Hobart and collect your vehicle from the airport. Spend the afternoon exploring Salamanca and wander into artist studios and galleries that fill the sandstone warehouses before settling onto an outdoor seat for dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants dotted around Salamanca.

Suggest 3 nights in Hobart.

Today embark on a full-day adventure on Bruny Island, departing from Hobart. Experience a culinary journey as you explore this stunning island, sampling the creations of our acclaimed artisan producers while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Tasmania's beloved destination.

Prepare for a day filled with delicious delights, including award-winning cheeses, premium wines and beers, freshly shucked oysters, artisanal fudge, local honey, and a delightful lunch at Pennicott's beachside restaurant, offering panoramic views of Adventure Bay.

Meet the island's producers and hear their stories, featuring an exclusive cheese and beer tasting at Bruny Island Cheese Company, as well as sweet treats from Bruny Island Chocolate Company and Bruny Island Honey.

Enjoy the renowned Bruny oysters from Get Shucked, served alongside your lunch. We recommend indulging in the premium Tasmanian fish with chips and salad to keep you energized for the day ahead. Your lunch will also be accompanied by two glasses of high-quality Tasmanian wine, beer, cider, or juices.

Return back to Hobart that evening.

For spectacular views of the city and harbour, drive up to the summit of Mt Wellington, or take a walk along Hobart's iconic waterfront and explore the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (fees apply, payable direct), or add on an Iron Pot Cruise, taking you along the maritime waterways of Hobart, stopping at Australia's oldest lighthouse and circumnavigating Betsey Island.

Step back in time and explore the historic village of Battery Point and wander the streets with its charming cottages and well-manicured gardens. Stop by the popular Jackman and McRoss on Hampden Road for a light meal, serving great coffee and a delicious selection of sweet and savoury baked goods.

In the evening, take your tastebuds on an adventure at one of the many restaurants in North Hobart along Elizabeth Street, or head back to Salamanca, with a range of dining options.

Make an early start today to Australia's most infamous convict settlement at Port Arthur. Stop along the way at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm for a sweet treat or browse the gift shop or stop at Bangor Wine and Oyster Shed for lunch and enjoy paddock to plate dining with a glass of cool-climate wine.

If time permits, take a slight detour through the heritage town of Richmond, famous for the Richmond Bridge and elegant Georgian architecture or spend a few hours at Australia's most infamous convict settlement at Port Arthur Historic Site before making your way to the Freycinet Peninsula.

If you are a lover of seafood, The Fish Van at Triabunna, serves fresh local fish, most from the pristine waters off Maria Island. A further 40 minutes up the coast, stop into Swansea for a sweet treat at Kate's Berry Farm, or stock up on house-made jams or chocolate coated berries, before making your way to Coles Bay.

Suggest 2 nights in Coles Bay.

Today venture out and explore the spectacular Freycinet Peninsula.

Enjoy a 4.5-hour cruise through Freycinet National Park's stunning waterways, departing from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay. Marvel at the dramatic granite coastline, including the iconic Hazards range and sparkling white sand beaches like Cooks and Bryans, accessible only by water or on foot.

Explore the inner passage of Schouten Island, home to wildlife like little penguins and shearwaters, before venturing into the Tasman Sea. Discover hidden sea caves, blowholes, and waterfalls along the cliffs. Experience the breathtaking view of Wineglass Bay from the water, where white sands meet turquoise waters. Learn about the region's rich history, including Aboriginal heritage and tales of early explorers. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including sea eagles, dolphins, cormorants, and even migrating whales between September to December and May to July.

Enjoy lunch included in your experience and relax in the Vista Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious outdoor decks. A licensed bar and caf� are available for additional refreshments.

NB: If you are entering the national park, ensure you have a National Parks Pass, which can be purchased at any Rangers Station at the entrance of the park.

Enjoy a relaxing morning before making your way to the seaside town of Bicheno. Take a scenic walk to Rocking Rock, the Blowhole to witness saltwater fly up into the air, and along the sandbar to Diamond Island Nature Reserve.

As you continue onto St Helens, stop at the Iron House Brewery, located at White Sand Estate to enjoy beer tasting and learn about the handcrafted brews made using traditional recipes and water from the Estate's own spring or enjoy a bite to eat at the Brewhaus Cafe & Bar.

Just 10km north of St Helens you will find The Bay of Fires, extending along the coast from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north. Witness the turquoise-coloured ocean and the breathtaking white beach fringed with huge orange lichen-covered boulders that line the bay. Take a drive along the coast to The Gardens, where you will have a scenic view of the bay.

Suggest 1 night in Saint Helens.

Continue onto Launceston; one of Australia's oldest cities with a history spanning to the early 1800s. Spend time exploring the elegantly preserved Colonial and Victorian architecture and century-old parks around the city and stop into the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a brochure outlining a few Heritage Walks before you begin. Each Saturday is the Harvest Launceston Community Farmers Market with local fresh and handmade artisan produce. Stop by the historic Boag's Brewery, which was founded in the 1880s, sitting on the banks of the Esk River, or why not add in a Cataract Gorge Cruise, travelling on the Lady Launceston, reminiscent of the 1890s with her sweeping traditional lines, as she takes you past historical Kings Wharf, Seaport and the riverfront precinct.

Another option could be to embark on a day trip from Launceston to Cradle Mountain, taking in picturesque farms and charming landscapes along the way. Your first stop can be in Burnie, where you can visit Hellyers Road Distillery, Australia's largest producer of single malt whisky. If coffee is more your style, don't miss Infuse Coffee Roasters to savour their award-winning blends.

Just south of Ulverstone, be sure to sample the hand-crafted extra virgin olive oil at Cradle Coast Olives. As you continue through Spreyton, enjoy a refreshing cider at Spreyton Cider Company or explore the exquisite cool-climate wines at La Villa Wines.

Make a stop in Latrobe for a delightful chocolate experience at the House of Anvers or indulge in cherry treats at The Cherry Shed.

Upon arriving at Cradle Mountain, you'll discover a stunning landscape rich in wildlife, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and a variety of bird species. Explore the numerous walking trails available in the national park, catering to all skill levels. Shuttle services run daily every 10-15 minutes from the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service visitor center to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Consider taking the 2-hour loop around Dove Lake, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings. In the late afternoon, take a short drive to Devils@Cradle for a unique after-dark feeding tour with Tasmanian devils.

Suggest 2 nights in Launceston.