Tassie Tours Hobart to Cradle to Launceston

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A one-way day across Tasmania from Hobart to Launceston with about three and a half hours in Cradle Mountain National Park: time to walk around Dove Lake beneath the mountain and through ancient rainforest, with an eye out for wombats. Made for travellers heading north who don't want to backtrack.

Days

Full day, about 11 hours

Group size

Small group, up to 24

Start / finish

Hobart / Cradle Mountain / Launceston
Launceston CBD hotels, about 6 to 6:15pm

Return

Launceston CBD hotels, about 6 to 6:15pm

Transport

Air-conditioned small-group vehicle, one way Hobart to Launceston

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Tassie Tours Hobart to Cradle to Launceston

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Included experiences

Dove Lake — lakeside walks or the full circuit beneath Cradle Mountain
Enchanted Forest — moss-covered rainforest and clear streams
King Billy Pine and Pencil Pine Falls — short rainforest walks
Sheffield — the town of murals
Campbell Town — coffee and snack stop on the way north

Tassie Tours Hobart to Cradle to Launceston

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Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: HOBART TO CAMPBELL TOWN

Pick-ups from selected Hobart hotels begin before 7am, and the tour leaves the city at 7. Bring your bags, as there's room for standard luggage and you won't be coming back. About 90 minutes up the Midlands you stop in Campbell Town for a coffee and a stretch. It's an old garrison town on the coach road between Hobart and Launceston, and convicts finished its brick Red Bridge over the Elizabeth River in 1838.

LATE MORNING: SHEFFIELD

Heading north-west, the tour calls at Sheffield, the town of murals. In 1986 the town began painting its walls with scenes of local history, pioneers and landscape to bring visitors back, and the outdoor gallery has kept growing. Wander the main street and look into the galleries, with the bulk of Mount Roland standing behind the town.

MIDDAY TO AFTERNOON: CRADLE MOUNTAIN

Then you have about three and a half hours in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, around two of them at Dove Lake, a lake carved out by glaciers below the 1,545-metre crags of Cradle Mountain. Fit walkers can take the 6 km circuit, two to three hours on boardwalk and track. Others walk part of the shore to the old boatshed for the classic view across the water.

The rest of the time is in the rainforest. The Enchanted Walk follows Pencil Pine Creek through mossy myrtle forest, past wombat burrows, and the King Billy Pine walk shows off a Tasmanian conifer that can live more than 1,000 years. Time allowing, visit Waldheim Chalet, a copy of the 1912 home of Gustav Weindorfer, who campaigned for the park. Watch for wombats and wallabies.

EVENING: INTO LAUNCESTON

Late in the afternoon the tour drives east to Launceston, Tasmania's second city, at the head of the Tamar River, and drops you at your CBD hotel at about 6 to 6:15pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from selected Hobart hotels, starting before 7am. Check the time on your booking and be ready early.
Departure time: 7am from Hobart.
Finishes: Launceston CBD hotels, about 6 to 6:15pm. The tour doesn't return to Hobart.
Fitness: Choose your own level, from short flat rainforest walks to the 6 km Dove Lake circuit (2 to 3 hours). Walks depend on time, weather, track conditions and your fitness.
Please note: Tell us at booking if you have more than standard luggage, and where you're staying in Launceston. Getting back to Hobart the same night means a separate evening coach; delays can happen, so don't plan a tight onward flight.

What to bring

Warm layers and a waterproof jacket (Cradle Mountain weather turns quickly)
Comfortable walking shoes
Water and food for the day
Camera

What is included

Pick-up from selected Hobart hotels
Drop-off at Launceston CBD hotels
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park entry
Space for standard luggage
Transport and a local guide

Not included

Accommodation in Launceston
Meals and drinks
Any bus back from Launceston to Hobart

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.