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 make this
Safari a unique Australian
Experience indeed.
Day 1:
Launceston to 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 behaviour of
this notoriously shy animal.
Cradle Mountain Chateau (L, D)
Day 2:
Cradle Mountain
Enjoy a 3- hour walk through the
National Park while the animals are
asleep. Through Tasmanian rainforest
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 Centre 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
birdlife 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
centre of the hotel. This is
followed by a relaxed dinner and
evening in the hotel.
Cradle Mountain Chateau (B, L, D)
Day 3:
Table Cape to 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 Chalets (B, L, D)
Day 4:
Stanley to Boat Harbour
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
Harbour (B, L, D)
Day 5: Fernglade to Narawntapu
National Park
Travel along the north coast to
Narawntapu National Park. We will
again stop at Fernglade for a second
opportunity to see the 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 beachside guesthouse 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 (B, D)
Day 6: Hawley Beach to 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 (B, L, D) Day 7: Moulting Lagoon to 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) wales. 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
travellers while allowing the sunset
to soothe your eyes.
Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay (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. |
