Australia · Route map
Iconic Sydney and Wild Tasmania Loop
This drive-and-fly itinerary pairs Sydney's iconic harbor with a spectacular, nature-packed self-drive loop through the heart of Tasmania.
- 1
Sydney
3 nights
Harbor iconic walks and world-class dining.
- 2
Hobart
2 nights
Historic waterfront, local markets, and Mount Wellington.
- 3
Strahan
2 nights
Wild west coast rivers and ancient rainforests.
- 4
Cradle Mountain
2 nights
Alpine hiking trails and iconic wilderness vistas.
- 5
Freycinet National Park
3 nights
Wineglass Bay, pink granite peaks, fresh seafood.
- 6
Hobart
1 night
Final Tasmanian feast before flying out.
- ✦6 stops · 13 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to Sydney Harbour
Arrive into Sydney
Flight · Morning · Sydney Airport
Train transfer to Circular Quay
Transfer · Morning · Circular Quay
A quick 15-minute train ride directly to the harbour.
Walk the Royal Botanic Garden
Excursion · Afternoon · Sydney CBD
Follow the shoreline path to Mrs Macquarie's Chair.
Pick up a flat white from the pavilion café near the Government House gates.
Overnight in Sydney
Accommodation · Evening · The Rocks
Coastal Trails and Hidden Coves
Spit Bridge to Manly walk
Excursion · Morning · Sydney North
A scenic 10-kilometre coastal trail through native bushland.
Keep an eye out for ancient Aboriginal rock carvings at Grotto Point.
Afternoon at leisure around Manly
At leisure · Afternoon · Manly
Skip the beachfront tourist traps and grab a local craft schooner at 4 Pines Brewery.
Manly Ferry to Circular Quay
Transfer · Afternoon · Sydney Harbour
A classic public ferry ride across Sydney Harbour.
Overnight in Sydney
Accommodation · Evening · The Rocks
Sydney's Culinary and Creative Edge
Explore Carriageworks Farmers Market
Excursion · Morning · Eveleigh
A bustling weekend market set inside a historic railway site.
Queue up for the famous bacon and egg roll from Single O.
Walk the Hermitage Foreshore Track
Excursion · Afternoon · Vaucluse
An easy path offering postcard-perfect views of the bridge.
Overnight in Sydney
Accommodation · Evening · The Rocks
Fly South to Hobart
Transfer to Sydney Airport
Transfer · Morning · Sydney CBD
Fly from Sydney to Hobart
Flight · Morning · Hobart Airport
A scenic two-hour direct flight to Tasmania.
Collect hire car at Hobart Airport
Car hire · Afternoon · Hobart Airport
Pick up a reliable mid-sized vehicle for the Tasmanian loop.
Walk Salamanca Place and Battery Point
Excursion · Afternoon · Hobart Waterfront
Find the tiny Jackman & McRoss bakery for the best scallop pies in town.
Overnight in Hobart
Accommodation · Evening · Hobart Waterfront
Art, Wine and Mountain Heights
Mona ferry and museum visit
Excursion · Morning · Berriedale
Sail upriver to world-renowned Museum of Old and New Art.
Book the cheeky Posh Pit on the ferry for free-flowing local bubbly.
Self-drive up kunanyi / Mount Wellington
Self-drive · Afternoon · Mount Wellington
A winding 30-minute drive to the 1,271-metre summit.
Overnight in Hobart
Accommodation · Evening · Hobart Waterfront
Journey into the Wild West
Self-drive Hobart to Strahan
Self-drive · Morning · West Coast
A ruggedly beautiful 4.5-hour drive across the Lyell Highway.
Stop at the Hungry Wombat café in Derwent Bridge for a quick tea break.
Short walk to Nelson Falls
Excursion · Afternoon · Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers
An easy, boardwalk-accessed rainforest walk along the highway.
Overnight in Strahan
Accommodation · Evening · Strahan
Cruising the Gordon River
Gordon River Wilderness Cruise
Excursion · Morning · Strahan
A quiet luxury cruise through World Heritage-listed wilderness.
Upgrade to the Premier Upper Lounge for premium Tasmanian grazing plates.
Stroll around Ocean Beach
At leisure · Afternoon · Strahan
This is Tasmania's longest beach; wear a windbreaker even in summer.
Overnight in Strahan
Accommodation · Evening · Strahan
Into the Alpine Heart
Self-drive Strahan to Cradle Mountain
Self-drive · Morning · Highlands
A sharp, winding 2-hour drive through historic mining towns.
Dove Lake Lake Lilla walk
Excursion · Afternoon · Cradle Mountain
An easy-going loop looking up at Cradle's dolerite peaks.
Use the national park shuttle bus as private cars aren't allowed past visitors centre.
Overnight at Cradle Mountain
Accommodation · Evening · Cradle Mountain
Summit Views and Alpine Tarns
Hike the Marion's Lookout trail
Excursion · Morning · Cradle Mountain
A steep but highly rewarding 3-hour return alpine hike.
Pack high-energy snacks and layers; weather changes in minutes here.
Unwind at Waldheim Alpine Spa
At leisure · Afternoon · Cradle Mountain
Book the Sanctuary session to soak in the hot tub overlooking the pencil pine forest.
Overnight at Cradle Mountain
Accommodation · Evening · Cradle Mountain
Traversing to the East Coast
Self-drive Cradle Mountain to Freycinet
Self-drive · Morning · East Coast
A scenic 4-hour drive shifting from high plains to white sand beaches.
Pull over at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for hot waffles and berry sundaes.
Tastings at Devil’s Corner Vineyard
Excursion · Afternoon · Apslawn
Grab a woodfired pizza and a glass of Pinot Noir while enjoying the hazards view.
Overnight in Freycinet
Accommodation · Evening · Coles Bay
Pink Granite and Wineglass Bay
Walk to Wineglass Bay lookout
Excursion · Morning · Freycinet National Park
A steady uphill climb on a well-graded trail.
Continue walking down the 1,000 steps to the actual beach for absolute solitude.
Feast at Freycinet Marine Farm
Excursion · Afternoon · Coles Bay
Order the freshly shucked Pacific oysters raw, straight from the lease next door.
Overnight in Freycinet
Accommodation · Evening · Coles Bay
Secluded Beaches and Scenic Points
Ocean kayak tour of Coles Bay
Excursion · Morning · Coles Bay
Guided paddle beneath the towering pink granite peaks.
Walk Cape Tourville Lighthouse track
Excursion · Afternoon · Freycinet National Park
An easy 20-minute boardwalk with dramatic cliff views.
Overnight in Freycinet
Accommodation · Evening · Coles Bay
Return to the Capital
Self-drive Freycinet to Hobart
Self-drive · Morning · South East
A pleasant 2.5-hour coastal and pastoral drive south.
Stop in historic Richmond for a photo at Australia’s oldest stone bridge.
Whisky tasting at Lark Distillery
Excursion · Afternoon · Hobart Waterfront
Try their flagship Classic Cask malt, a pioneer of Aussie craft distilling.
Overnight in Hobart
Accommodation · Evening · Hobart CBD
Homeward Bound
Drop car at Hobart Airport
Car hire · Morning · Hobart Airport
Return the rental car prior to checking in.
Depart Hobart Airport
Flight · Afternoon · Hobart Airport
Fly home or connect to your international flight.
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