Tasmania: 7-Day West to East Tour

Travelers looking for a comprehensive taste of Tasmania’s natural beauty, wildlife, and history might find this 7-day tour from Under Down Under Tours an appealing option. It promises to take you from the rugged west coast to the lush east, with highlights like Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay, and historic sites along the way.

What we particularly like about this experience is its balanced mix of guided excursions, free time for personal exploration, and its focus on authentic, scenic locations. The guides we’ve read about are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making each stop not just a sightseeing moment but a story told through local insights.

A potential consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of active walking—though most are easy to moderate hikes—and may not be ideal for those with mobility issues or young children under 8.

This trip best suits travelers who enjoy nature, small-group adventures, and want a well-rounded yet flexible way to see Tasmania without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary: Covers Tasmania’s most iconic sites from rainforests to rugged coastlines.
• Weather-ready experience: Bring layers, sun protection, and hiking shoes for comfort.
• Small-group vibe: Enjoy a more personal, engaging tour with knowledgeable guides.
• Flexible walks: Short, easy walks combined with more challenging options for enthusiasts.
• Authentic insights: Guides share stories about environment, history, and indigenous culture.
• Good value: Multiple highlights, comfortable accommodations, and included transport make it a worthwhile spend.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tasmania 7-Day West to East Tour

An introduction to Tasmania’s Natural Wonders

This 7-day tour offers what many travelers crave: a close-up look at Tasmania’s most stunning scenery and unique wildlife, led by local guides who know their stuff. While we haven’t done the tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest a thoughtfully curated experience designed to maximize time and variety.

The tour starts in Hobart, a vibrant city with a rich maritime history, and quickly takes you into Tasmania’s untouched wilderness. Expect to see some of the tallest eucalyptus trees on earth, walk beneath ancient rainforests, and stand on the edge of dramatic coastlines.

Day 1: Hobart to Strahan via Mount Field and Queenstown

Our journey begins with exploring Mount Field National Park, home to towering eucalyptus and the classic Russell Falls. It’s a short walk, only about 25 minutes return, but highly scenic and accessible for most. You’ll get a glimpse of Tasmania’s lush forests and learn about the native flora.

Next, the tour passes through Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, a peaceful and photogenic stop. The scenic drive continues through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, an area famous for its pristine rivers and natural beauty.

The historic mining town of Queenstown provides a fascinating contrast—its rugged, industrial past gives way to stories of Tasmania’s resource boom. Travelers have appreciated the historical context shared by guides, as one reviewer noted, “felt very looked after and appreciated all the information about the environment and plants.”

Finally, the day ends in Strahan, a quiet village on the west coast. The two-night stay here sets the stage for exploring Tasmania’s wilder side.

Day 2: Exploring the Wild West Coast

The west coast offers a stark contrast to the lush lowlands. Think endless forests, wild beaches, and ancient rainforests. Many guests rave about the guided nature walk among Tasmanian rainforests—a chance to see wombats and echidnas in their natural habitat.

The tour gives options: you can explore Henty Sand Dunes, a surreal landscape of rolling sand, or opt for a cruise on the Gordon River (own expense), where you’ll glide through lush rainforests that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The river cruise, praised by previous travelers, offers a peaceful way to appreciate the pristine wilderness.

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Day 3: Cradle Mountain’s Glacial Wilderness

One of Tasmania’s crown jewels, Cradle Mountain, is the highlight here. The landscape is glacially carved, with rugged peaks and tranquil lakes. You can choose from various walks, including the Dove Lake Circuit—a 6-kilometer trail, often described as a “must-do” because of its jaw-dropping scenery.

For the more adventurous, the Marions Lookout trail offers a panoramic view, though it involves a bit more effort. Wildlife spotting is common, with chances to see wombats, wallabies, and perhaps some shy echidnas.

Travelers frequently describe Cradle Mountain as “stunning” and note that the walks provide ample opportunities to connect with Tasmania’s wilderness. The day concludes with a drive to Launceston, passing through the colorful Town of Murals—a vibrant arts community.

Day 4: Launceston to Bicheno and the Bay of Fires

In Launceston, the Cataract Gorge is a highlight—an oasis of natural beauty right in town where wallabies are often seen. It’s an accessible spot for a quick walk and fantastic photo opportunities.

Then, the journey takes you to the Bay of Fires, famous for its striking orange lichen-covered boulders, white beaches, and turquoise waters. As one reviewer said, it’s easy to understand why this area is considered one of Tasmania’s top coastal attractions. Walking along the pristine sands, you can feel the connection to the land’s spiritual significance for the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

The night in Bicheno offers a special treat—little penguin viewing at dusk, an experience highly praised by travelers.

Day 5: Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay

No visit to Tasmania would be complete without seeing Wineglass Bay. Whether you walk to the bay or climb to the summit of Mt Amos, the views are unforgettable. The tour includes a stop at the Cape Tourville Lighthouse, where panoramic vistas of the coast are on full display.

The walk to Wineglass Bay is relatively accessible and offers stunning photo opportunities, making it a favorite among guests. The iconic bay—with its perfect crescent shape—is often described as a “picture-perfect” spot.

Day 6: Wildlife encounters, Richmond, and Mount Wellington

This day begins at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll meet Tasmanian devils and other native animals. It’s an educational and heartwarming experience, with guides sharing insights into conservation efforts.

The historic Richmond Village enchants visitors with its well-preserved colonial architecture and charming streets. It’s often praised as a delightful step back in time, with a relaxed vibe perfect for strolling.

Back in Hobart, the Mount Wellington tour offers spectacular views from over 1,200 meters above sea level. One reviewer called it “a must-see,” noting the breathtaking vistas and photo opportunities.

Day 7: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula

The final day combines epic coastal scenery with Tasmania’s convict history. The Port Arthur Historic Site is a well-preserved former penal colony. It’s both sobering and fascinating, offering insights into Tasmania’s past as a penal colony.

A walk to Crescent Bay provides a fitting ending—stunning ocean vistas and rugged cliffs. The tour wraps up back in Hobart, leaving travelers with a well-rounded impression of Tasmania’s diverse landscape and heritage.

Overall Value and Experience

This tour’s strength lies in its balance of guided and free time, diverse locations, and small-group format. As many travelers have noted, the guides shine—knowledgeable, caring, and passionate about sharing Tasmania’s secrets.

While the itinerary involves some active walking, most are relatively easy, making it suitable for those with moderate fitness levels. The accommodations vary, with options for private rooms or shared dorms, and most reviews mention the quality being generally good, except for a few comments on Launceston lodging.

Cost-wise, the tour offers good value considering the number of highlights, included transport, and guided insights. It’s especially appealing for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free introduction to Tasmania’s top sights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love nature, wildlife, and scenic walks but prefer some guidance and structure, this tour is a strong pick. It suits solo travelers, couples, and small groups who appreciate authentic experiences without the stress of planning every detail.

However, those with mobility challenges or very young children might find some of the hikes or activities less accessible. It’s aimed at travelers with moderate mobility and a zest for outdoor exploration.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for kids?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 years, mainly due to active walks and nature activities.

What should I bring?
Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, hiking shoes, sun protection, and bring a daypack, swimwear, towel, and extra layers.

Are accommodations included?
Yes, with options for hostels or motels. Motels have private rooms with en-suite facilities; hostels have shared dorms.

Can I bring luggage?
Yes, up to 20kg of luggage is stored in a trailer during travel days, which is plenty for a week’s worth of essentials.

How active is this tour?
Most walks are easy to moderate, like the Russell Falls walk or Dove Lake Circuit. You can choose more challenging options if desired.

What is the guide like?
Reviews consistently praise guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make the experience informative and fun.

Is there free time?
Yes, some days include free time for personal exploration or relaxing. The itinerary balances guided activities with opportunities to wander on your own.

What if I want to do a river cruise?
The Gordon River cruise is available at your own cost, giving you a chance to see untouched wilderness from the water.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
While the reviews mention bookings in different months, Tasmania’s scenery is stunning year-round, but be prepared for variable weather.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Tasmania’s natural beauty, indigenous culture, and historical sites. The combination of scenic drives, guided walks, wildlife encounters, and charming towns makes it a appealing choice for travelers seeking an immersive experience without the hassle of organizing every detail.

The guides are frequently praised for their passion and knowledge, transforming sightseeing into storytelling. The scenic diversity—from rainforests and mountains to rugged coastlines—ensures there’s something for all who loves the outdoors.

In terms of value, the tour strikes a good balance between cost, comfort, and adventure. It’s most suited for active travelers who want an authentic, engaging way to explore Tasmania’s highlights within a manageable time frame.

Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just after spectacular scenery, this tour can deliver a memorable slice of Tasmania. Just pack your sense of adventure and a good pair of walking shoes.

Disclaimer: This review is based on detailed tour descriptions and reviews from other travelers. For the latest availability and specifics, always check with the tour provider directly.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby