9 days in Tasmania Itinerary

Snaking up the side of a rounded, tree-dotted hill, Hobart sits between Tasmania’s sprawling mountains and the vast estuary of the River Derwent.

Take a break from Hobart with a short trip to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Brighton, about 30 minutes away. On the 18th (Wed), give your taste buds a day to remember with a local gastronomic tour. There's lots more to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, steep yourself in history at Convict Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site, get curious at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and don't miss a visit to Cascades Female Factory Historic Site.

To see ratings, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Hobart trip itinerary builder tool.

Melbourne to Hobart is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In September, daily temperatures in Hobart can reach 18°C, while at night they dip to 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough to drive to Port Arthur.

Surrounded by shark-infested waters and connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus of land, Port Arthur ranks among Australia's top historical sites and heritage areas.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sat): look for all kinds of wild species at Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Port Arthur Historic Site, and then make a trip to Remarkable Cave.

To find photos, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Port Arthur trip builder site.

Drive from Hobart to Port Arthur in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 18°C in September, and nighttime lows around 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) early enough to drive to Coles Bay.

Overlooking one of Tasmania's most scenic strips of coastline and serving as the gateway to Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay is home to just 500 permanent residents.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): make a trip to Bicheno Blowhole, see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, then trek along Wineglass Bay Lookout, and finally join in the after-dark buzz at Kings Fine Art Gallery.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Coles Bay journey planner.

You can drive from Port Arthur to Coles Bay in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can go by car to Launceston.

Lying in the Tamar Valley and surrounded by forested hills, the grid-patterned city of Launceston boasts shaded avenues, vibrant street life, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

On the 23rd (Mon), identify plant and animal life at Cataract Gorge Reserve, then appreciate the views at The Tamar Valley, and then walk around City Park. On your second day here, take an in-depth tour of Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery and then admire the striking features of City of Launceston Town Hall.

To find maps, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Launceston trip planner.

Traveling by car from Coles Bay to Launceston takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 17°C, and evening lows to 4°C. On the 24th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can take a bus to Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park.

A holiday in Cradle Mountain-Lake St.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Wed): take in the dramatic scenery at Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls, explore the activities along Dove Lake Circuit, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Devils @ Cradle.

For reviews, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park trip planner.

You can take a bus from Launceston to Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park in 3 hours. Another option is to drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can catch the flight back home.