Tasmania Tour 2026

Travel with Blue Bus Tours to the island state of Tasmania. Experience spectacular scenery, pristine wilderness and the compelling history of Australia’s convict past.

14 Day Tour

Monday 16 March - Sunday 29 March 2026

Tour Cost (GST inclusive):
$9,250 per person twin share
$1,290 single supplement

Inclusions

  • Economy flights from Brisbane to Melbourne and Launceston to Brisbane
  • Luxury Coach Travel in our Business Class Coach
  • Guided farm village tour, garden visit and lunch at Brickendon Estate
  • Entry and guided tour at Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Museum
  • Entry, guided tour and lunch at Seahorse World
  • Entry and talk at Platypus House
  • Tastings, guided garden tour and morning tea at Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company
  • Lunch at the Pub in the Paddock
  • Entry to Bicheno Penguin & Adventure Tours
  • Tasting at Coal Valley Vineyard and Restaurant
  • Dinner at Revolving Restaurant, Wrest point Hotel Casino
  • Guided tour of Hobart including the Salamanca Markets
  • Entry, walking tour, cruise and lunch at the Port Arthur Historic Site
    Dinner at the Drunken Admiral Restaurant
  • Bruny Island Traveller with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
  • Entry to Wall in the Wilderness
  • Lunch at Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel
  • Gordon River Cruise with World Heritage Cruises
  • Entry to “The Ship that Never Was” Show
  • Cradle Mountain Park Explorer Tour
  • Lunch at Cradle Mountain Hotel
  • Guided tour including morning tea and lunch with Woolnorth Tours
  • Entry and lunch at Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens
  • Entry and guided tour at Don River Railway Museum
  • Guided tour and hot chocolate at The House of Anvers Chocolate Factory
  • 12 nights motel accommodation and 1 night cabin accommodation on the Spirit of Tasmania
  • 13 cooked breakfasts, 13 two course dinners, 10 lunches
  • Fully hosted and escorted by your Blue Bus Tours crew

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: (D)

Brisbane to the Spirit of Tasmania

Mon 16 Mar 26

Join us on an unforgettable journey to Tasmania, where pristine wilderness, dramatic landscapes, and rich convict history await. Departing Brisbane, we fly to Melbourne and meet our welcoming coach driver before heading to Geelong for a delicious dinner at Tempo Kitchen & Bar. That evening, we board the Spirit of Tasmania for a scenic overnight voyage across the Bass Strait. As our coach is loaded onto the ship, guests can relax in their cabins or explore the onboard amenities, including lounges, bars, shops, and viewing decks—setting the tone for a comfortable and exciting adventure ahead.

Day 2: (BLD)

Don River Railway and Brickendon Estate

Tue 17 Mar 26

After arriving in Devonport, the day begins with breakfast at Argosy Motor Inn before heading through Penguin to the Don River Railway Museum for a scenic ride along the historic Melrose line. In Longford, explore Brickendon Estate—an 1824 convict-era farm still owned by the Archer family—featuring heritage gardens, colonial buildings, and rich family history. After a guided tour and lunch, the afternoon is spent at Launceston’s Cataract Gorge Reserve, a lush city-centre escape with walking trails, tea rooms, and a chairlift offering sweeping views. It’s a day filled with history, nature, and unforgettable Tasmanian charm.

A steam train on a track
Don River Railway (Stu Gibson)
Sheep in a paddock
Brickendon Estate (Tourism Tasmania)

Day 3: (BLD)

Tamar Valley & Wildlife Wonders

Wed 18 Mar 26

Explore the scenic Tamar Valley, beginning with Grindelwald, a Swiss-inspired village nestled in Tasmania’s countryside. In Beaconsfield, delve into gold mining history at the Gold Mine and Heritage Museum, home to Australia’s only waterwheel-driven stamp battery. The afternoon brings close encounters with fascinating aquatic creatures at Seahorse World and Platypus House, where we observe these elusive animals up close. After a day of discovery, we return to Launceston for a relaxing dinner at our hotel.

Displays in a museum
Beaconsfield Mine (Tim Hughes, Tourism Tasmania)
Platypus swimming in the water
Platypus House (Tourism Tasmania)

Day 4: (BLD)

Legerwood Carvings and Penguins

Thu 19 Mar 26

Start the day with a flavourful visit to the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company, sampling premium berry-based sauces and condiments. Journey through the scenic northeast to Legerwood to admire the Carved Memorial Trees, then enjoy lunch at the historic Pub in the Paddock in Pyengana. After passing through coastal towns like St Helens and Scamander, we arrive in Bicheno. At dusk, we join a guided Penguin Tour through a private rookery, witnessing the charming behaviours of little penguins in their natural habitat—an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Carved figures in a tree
Legerwood memorial (John Butler)
Penguin in a burrow
Bicheno Penguin Tours (Tourism Australia)

Day 5: (BD)

Bicheno to Hobart

Fri 20 Mar 26

Travel to the coastal gem of Coles Bay, framed by pink granite peaks and the sparkling waters of Oyster Bay. Enter Freycinet National Park for breathtaking views from Cape Tourville Lighthouse. Continue to Richmond, one of Tasmania’s most historic towns, to admire the convict-built Richmond Bridge—the oldest in Australia. The day ends with a wine tasting at a local vineyard before arriving in Hobart. Dinner is served high above the city at the Revolving Restaurant, offering panoramic views of Mount Wellington, the Derwent River, and the city skyline.

Bridge over a river
Richmond Bridge (Tourism Australia)
Aerial view of Hobart and the harbour
Hobart (Alistair Bett, Events Tasmania)

Day 6: (BD)

Hobart

Sat 21 Mar 26

Discover Hobart’s rich heritage on a guided coach tour, exploring landmarks like Sullivans Cove and Battery Point, where colonial architecture tells stories of the past. Wander through the bustling Salamanca Markets, held each Saturday, where hundreds of stalls showcase local crafts, fashion, and gourmet treats. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—perhaps strolling the waterfront or relaxing in a café. In the evening, dine at the iconic Drunken Admiral Restaurant, rounding off the day with hearty fare and maritime charm.

Market stalls in front of building
Salamanca Market (Tourism Australia)
Outside of a restaurant
The Drunken Admiral (Sandra Jacob)

Day 7: (BLD)

Port Arthur

Sun 22 Mar 26

Journey through the quirky “Do Town” en route to the Tasman Peninsula’s dramatic coastal formations, including Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen. At Port Arthur Historic Site, delve into Tasmania’s convict past with a guided walking tour and harbour cruise. Once home to 12,000 prisoners, the site offers a powerful glimpse into colonial hardship and resilience. The Visitor Centre provides compelling stories and artefacts that bring history to life. After a day steeped in heritage and natural beauty, return to Hobart for a relaxing evening and dinner at the hotel.

Historic buildings
Port Arthur (Alastair Bett)
Historic building and open grassed area
Port Arthur (Alastair Bett)

Day 8: (BLD)

Bruny Island Gourmet & Nature Tour

Mon 23 Mar 26

Embark on a full-day Bruny Island adventure, blending gourmet indulgence with stunning landscapes. Taste award-winning cheese, oysters, fudge, honey, and local wines while meeting artisan producers who share stories behind their craft. Visit the Neck Lookout for panoramic views and walk through the ancient Mavista Rainforest, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. The island’s pristine beauty and flavours offer a sensory feast. After a day of discovery and delight, return to Hobart for dinner and reflection on the island’s unique charm.

Aerial view of boat and island
Bruny Island Ferry (Jess Bonde)
Oysters on a platter
Bruny Island Oysters (Adam Gibson)

Day 9: (BLD)

Hobart to Strahan

Tue 24 Mar 26

Depart Hobart and head west through Tasmania’s heartland. Stop at Derwent Bridge to admire the Wall in the Wilderness, a breathtaking wood-carved tribute to the region’s pioneers. Enjoy lunch at the Wilderness Hotel before travelling through the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, where untouched landscapes and dramatic scenery unfold. Ascend into Queenstown and continue to Strahan, a picturesque harbour town nestled on the edge of the wild west coast. Settle in for two nights, surrounded by nature and history.

Day 10: (BLD)

Gordon River Cruise & Sarah Island

Wed 25 Mar 26

Cruise the tranquil Gordon River, absorbing its rich convict history and breathtaking reflections of ancient forests. Pass through Hells Gates and explore Sarah Island, once a notorious penal colony. Learn about Huon Pine, one of the world’s oldest living trees, and walk among the dense forest on the Heritage Walk. Return to Strahan with time to relax before enjoying “The Ship That Never Was,” a lively theatrical retelling of Sarah Island’s convict escape. It’s a day of storytelling, serenity, and spectacular scenery.

Boat on waterway with forested banks
Gordon River Cruise (Tourism Australia)
Aerial view of boat on waterway
Gordon River Cruise (Tourism Australia)

Day 11: (BLD)

Cradle Mountain & Wilderness Gallery

Thu 26 Mar 26

Travel to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where rugged peaks and glacial lakes await. Begin with a visit to the Wilderness Gallery, showcasing evocative art inspired by Tasmania’s natural beauty. After lunch at Cradle Mountain Hotel, explore Dove Lake and Waldheim Chalet, once home to conservationist Gustav Weindorfer. The park’s alpine vistas and ancient forests offer a soul-stirring experience. Continue to Smithton and settle into Tall Timbers Hotel, surrounded by peaceful rural landscapes.

Building
Cradle Mountain (Sarajayne Lada)
View of Cradle Mountain with lake in the centre
Cradle Mountain (Geoff Jacob)

Day 12: (BLD)

Woolnorth Station & Cape Grim

Fri 27 Mar 26

Today’s journey takes us to Woolnorth Station, Australia’s largest dairy farm, nestled in Tasmania’s remote northwest. On a guided tour, we explore historic farm buildings, the state’s first wind farm, and an engaging interpretive centre. We also visit Cape Grim, renowned for recording the world’s cleanest air since 1976. The cape’s dramatic coastal views stretch across the islands off Tasmania’s tip, offering a breathtaking moment of reflection. After a delicious lunch, we return to our accommodation for a relaxing afternoon at leisure.

Aerial view of Valley Bay
Valley Bay Woolnorth (Kraig Carlstrom, Tourism Tasmania)
Aerial view of Cape Grim
Kennaook, Cape Grim Woolnorth (Kraig Carlstrom, Tourism Tasmania)

Day 13: (BLD)

Stanley, Gardens & Chocolate

Sat 28 Mar 26

We begin with a visit to Stanley, a charming coastal village rich in history and character. Explore craft shops, heritage homes—including the birthplace of Prime Minister Joseph Lyons—and enjoy views from the Nut via chairlift (own expense). Continuing along the North Coast, we stop at Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens for a peaceful stroll and lunch. In Latrobe, we visit the House of Anvers Chocolate Factory, set in a 1931 bungalow surrounded by flora from all over the world. Stock up on gourmet truffles and fudge before returning to Launceston for our final night together.

Historic house in front of mountain
The Nut Stanley (Sandra Jacob)
Gazebo beside a lake
Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden (Tourism Australia)

Day 14: (B)

Launceston to Brisbane

Sun 29 Mar 26

With hearts full and bags packed, we make our way to Launceston Airport for the journey home. After days of exploring Tasmania’s wild landscapes, rich history, and gourmet delights, we leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary island.