Tasmania’s Wildflowers, Tall Timber Forests and Coastal Walks

Join a week-long exploration of Tasmania’s east coast. Set out on a series of easy hikes, with the convenience of a coach to deliver us to our next destination. See Mt Wellington’s unique wildflowers and stand before the ancient trees of the state’s tall timber forests. On Maria Island, walk to the Painted Cliffs and admire the island’s spring-fed waterfalls. See the diverse range of flowers within Freycinet National Park and walk the stunning coastline of Bay of Fires.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hobart, Mount Wellington and Wildflowers – Walk: 2 kilometres, approximately 1.5 hours

You will be met in Hobart at 1pm. This afternoon, travel to Mount Wellington to see some of its wildflowers and also take in spectacular views over Hobart. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner to meet your fellow travellers and Botanical Guide.

Day 2: Tall Timber Forest in the Styx Valley – Walk: 6 kilometres, approximately 3 hours

Today we will take an expedition into southern Tasmania’s tall tree forests. Discover the plants and fungus of the ancient rainforest under a canopy of giant trees. You may also catch sight of some of the animals that live there. See the giant trees of the Styx Valley, which is home to many of the largest and oldest of the giant gum trees. Walk the famous Tolkien Track and stop at the secret chamber of the Cave Tree. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Hobart late this afternoon.

Day 3: Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk, Darlington and Bicheno – Walk: 4 kilometres, approximately 2 hours

Cruise to Maria Island and admire its renowned and secluded coastline. Admire the Painted Cliffs, Fossil Cliffs, spring-fed waterfalls, limestone sea caves, cliff-top stalactites, Bishop and Clerk mountain range and more. After lunch on board, we will dock at Darlington to enjoy a guided walk through its fascinating collection of preserved convict buildings, while learning about the town’s remarkable history. This afternoon, continue to the seaside town of Bicheno.

Day 4: Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park Walk – Walk: 6 kilometres, approximately 3 hours

Today, we walk to iconic Wineglass Bay within Freycinet National Park. After navigating the steep track at the start of the walk, we are rewarded with an outstanding view over the bay. Along the way, keep an eye out for purple Melaleuca and Tetratheca pilosa, yellow Hibbertia riparia and rock orchids, of which there are 43 different species to be found along the peninsula. Return to Bicheno to relax this afternoon.

Day 5: Bay of Fires and Wildflower Walk – Walk: 6 kilometres, approximately 3 hours

This morning, we travel to Binalong Bay for a walk around the Bay of Fires area. Along the way, view wildflowers and other native plants, as well as the Swimcart Lagoon and several other inviting beach spots lining parts of the track. At the end of the trail, we arrive at an 80-metre stretch of pure white sandy beach, bordered on either side by the region’s famed, orange-coloured lichen rocks.

Day 6: Bridport Wildflower Reserve and Bridestowe Lavender Farm – Walk: 3 kilometres, approximately 2 hours

We make our way to Bridport, where we take a walk in the Wildflower Reserve, a protected 50-hectare reserve of heath, wetland, sedgeland and woodland. After a while, the spectacular native wildflowers make way for tranquil ocean views. Afterwards, we travel to Bridestowe Lavender farm for a tour of their lavender operation, which includes lunch at their restaurant. This afternoon, arrive in Launceston where we enjoy a Farewell Dinner. 

Day 7: Launceston

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport as our journey reaches its conclusion.