The island state of Tasmania offers a concentrated opportunity to encounter Australia’s unique wildlife in comfort. The Tasmanian devil heads the extensive list of animals that will be observed on our Safari. You will have the opportunity to closely experience this iconic species in its natural environment. Wombats, wallabies, echidnas, lizards, eagles, dolphins, penguins, fur seals and many other species will also be explored in the pristine natural wilderness and unique flora of this unforgettable island.
Wildlife experts will accompany you on this tour and you will contribute to the protection Tasmania’s fauna. From the alpine areas of Cradle Mountain to the wild coastline of Marrawah, the wetlands and plains of Narawntapu National Park and the stunning coast of Freycinet Peninsula – this Safari will leave a lasting impression. Daily Safari briefings, professional binoculars and night vision equipment as well as fine food, wine and stylish accommodation makes this Safari a unique Australian Experience indeed.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Launceston - Cradle Mountain. Depart from Launceston city through the stunning hinterland of Mt. Roland to the World Heritage Area at Cradle Mountain. After an initial Safari briefing meet the first Tasmanian Devil. Learn about Tasmanian marsupials and role the Devil plays in the island ecosystem. After dinner the group will be whisked off for the evening wildlife activities. These are a spotlighting expedition to view Tasmania’s nocturnal wildlife and a Devil interpretive night at a local facility to observe the behavior of this notoriously shy animal. Cradle Mountain Chateau. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2: Cradle Mountain. Enjoy a 3- hour walk through the National Park while the animals are asleep. Through Tasmanian rain forest and past the native Pandani, the tallest heath plant in the world the iconic outline of Cradle Mountain will reveal itself. After a picnic lunch, overlooking Wombat Fields, visit both the Visitor Center and Waldheim Chalet - the home of Austrian Gustav Weindorfer, who early last century championed the conservation of the region. Along the way you will observe the bird life typically involving species such as Forest Ravens, Currawongs and Wedge-tailed Eagles. In the late afternoon opportunity exists to de-brief your first days whilst luxuriating in the "Calm" Wellness center of the hotel. This is followed by a relaxed dinner and evening in the hotel. Cradle Mountain Chateau. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Table Cape - Marrawah. Depart Cradle Mountain and head northwest. Arrive at Burnie and travel to Fernglade in search of the elusive Duck-billed Platypus, which is seen here frequently. We then travel to Table Cape for an interpreted coastal walk along cliff tops encountering the bird world of this dry coastal forest. After a hearty lunch we will continue to Marrawah in the remote northwest. This evening the activities on offer are a ‘Devil Restaurant’ at King’s Run, a magical experience viewing devils in the wild from a hut surrounded by bush and the Southern Ocean, and complete with a spotlighting tour on the journey back to your simple lodgings. Arthur River Units. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Stanley - Rocky Cape - Boat Harbor. After a hearty breakfast travel to Stanley to have a morning stop in this enchanting coastal fishing village. If the weather allows, we will undertake a one hour seal cruise to see Australian fur seals in their rugged coastal habitat. Continue to Rocky Cape National Park for an interpreted walk focusing on the ancient Aboriginal sites and cave of this area. Your guide will explore the connection that Tasmania’s traditional owners had with the local wildlife of this coastline. In the evening we will visit one of the local penguin colonies along the north coast to see the small penguins in the World arrive in their burrows. Killynaught Spa Cottages, Boat harbor.
Day 5: Warraweh - Narawntapu National Park. Travel along the north coast to Narawntapu National Park. We will drive to Warraweh Forest Reserve in Latrobe to look for Platypus. We continue along the Bass Strait coast. The Narawntapu National Park has been described as the Serengeti of Tasmania, due to the number of wild animals wandering across the Park’s coastal plains. Tonight’s activities will consist of a spotlighting expedition to see abundant Wombat and Forester Kangaroo populations along with other small marsupials. Afterwards we return to Hawley House, a historic beach side guest house for some well deserved sleep. Hawley House itself is teeming with native and domesticated animals, peacocks, ferrets, Native Hens and plovers among them. Hawley House, Hawley Beach. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 6: Hawley Beach - Freycinet National Park. Spend the morning enjoying Hawley House and its beach surrounds and biotopes before heading down the historic midlands towards the east coast. In the afternoon there will be an option to experience marine life in a small shore facility in Bicheno or have the option for a scuba dive in the Governor Island Marine Reserve among stunning kelp forest. Alternatively we will take a tour of the Freycinet Marine Farm to explore the local marine life from a food perspective! Arrive at award-winning Freycinet Lodge for a hearty bistro dinner. Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Moulting Lagoon - Wineglass Bay. Next Safari stop is a sunset bird watching experience on nearby Moulting Lagoon. See the magic of the early light and be surrounded by wildlife. After a well deserved breakfast cruise aboard a fast new catamaran to Wineglass Bay along the outside of Freycinet Peninsula. Opportunity exists for seeing marine mammals such as dolphins and (only seasonally possible) whales. A truly unique setting, where nothing stands between you and the endless ocean. The possibility exists to hike out from Wineglass Bay (about 2 hrs across the saddle, or 3 hrs around Hazards Bay). Wallabies are often found sunbathing at the northern end of the beach and the Hazards isthmus is a (safe) area to spot our Tiger Snakes. In the evening enjoy a "Farewell Gourmet Safari", set on the jetty of Freycinet Lodge overlooking Great Oyster Bay (weather dependent). Compare notes of your adventures with fellow travelers while allowing the sunset to soothe your eyes. Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Departure from Hobart. After breakfast there will be a walk in this magnificent location before we head back to civilization and Hobart airport for your departure flight.
Notes:
- An add-on stay in Tasmania’s capital city Hobart is recommended and available for 1 or 2 nights. This will allow you to visit Salamanca Market on Saturday morning and stay for the weekend!
- Species likely to be seen on Safari: Wombat, Bennett’s Wallaby, Pademelon, Forrester Kangaroo, Bandicoot, Tasmanian Devil, Eastern or Spotted Quoll, Duck-billed Platypus, Bottlenose Dolphin, whales, Tiger Snake, Copperhead snake, lizards, Black Swan, plover, sooty oyster catcher, hooded plover, Australian fur seal, Angasi oyster, blue mussel, green lipped or black lipped abalone, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Forest raven, currawong, various ducks.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices: Single supplement of $ 840, special rates for children 12 - 16 who share with parents
Price Includes:
- 7 nights accommodation,
- 7 x full breakfast, 3 x a la carte dinners, 1 x gourmet bush dinner, 1 x "Farewell Gourmet Safari", 7 x lunches,
- Transport in a comfortable minibus or 4WD,
- Scientist/tour manager and leading resident wildlife experts,
- Entry to National Parks,
- All featured activities and wildlife safari program,
- Professional equipment such as night vision equipment and high quality binoculars are provided.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Australia
Wildlife Viewing
National Parks
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