Home Tasmania – Wildlife and Conservation with Wilderness Flight Safari

Tasmania – Wildlife and Conservation with Wilderness Flight Safari

AT A GLANCE

WHAT TO EXPECT

THIS COMPREHENSIVE, NINE-DAY wildlife and conservation tour beautifully illustrates just what a special place Tasmania is – its pristine natural environment is one of the best places to observe animals in their natural habitat. During the tour you’ll be treated to a goldmine of unique opportunities to learn about conservation efforts to save marine life, rare species of birds and other native Tasmanian animals. Combine this with spectacular wilderness, great food and the well-known and friendly hospitality of the locals, and you’re sure to collect golden memories that will last a lifetime.

Tour Highlights

• Meet ornithologist Mark Holdsworth – specialist in the endangered orange-bellied parrot – and together aim to spot these rare shy birds in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy a picturesque scenic flight over Tasmania’s Southwest National Park and discover the remote and harsh southern coasts and waterways of this rugged and beautiful region.
• Take a boat tour to view the amazing landscapes from the waters of Bathurst Harbour.
• Meet with local experts on Wild Ocean Tasmania boat journey to gain a deeper understanding and awareness for the marine life and its natural habitat.
• Visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and meet with passionate animal expert Greg Irons and learn about the importance of the native animal conservation program.
• Take a walk to discover the world-famous Wineglass Bay Lookout in Freycinet National Park.
• Journey to UNESCO heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park and uncover the rugged grandeur of Cradle Mountain and tranquil waters of Dove Lake while learning about the many endemic fauna and flora species of the region with your expert guide.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Arrival Hobart – Walking Tour

Welcome to Tasmania! Recommended arrival is before noon, to make your own way to your accommodation in Hobart, before beginning your Tasmanian journey with a two-hour walking introduction along Hobart’s waterfront, the Salamanca area and Battery Point. Your guide will point out and explain the history of Hobart and why this city is what it is today. Later this afternoon return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Grand Chancellor Hobart – standard harbour view room

DAY 2 – Southwest National Park & orange-bellied parrots flight safari

Breakfast at hotel.

Today, we dive deep into Tasmania’s remote Southwest National Park, which makes up a third of the Tasmanian landmass. You’ll be transferred to Cambridge Aerodrome where you’ll board a small fixed-wing plane for an approximately 45-minute flight to Melaleuca. Once landed on the coral sand-paved landing strip you’ll meet Mark Holdsworth, an ornithologist who specialises in the endangered orange-bellied parrot. Only about 80 breading pairs of this native Tasmanian bird are left. You’ll be taken on a boat ride towards Bathurst Harbour, walk in the bush and aim to spot these shy and rare birds as well as other animals in their natural habitat. Later in the afternoon you’ll enjoy a scenic flight back to Hobart followed by a transfer to your accommodation. 

Accommodation: Grand Chancellor Hobart – standard harbour view room

Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch    

DAY 3 – Tasman Peninsula & seals in the wild 

Breakfast at the hotel.

The Tasman Peninsula is one of Tasmania’s most visited destination. View the famous geological features of the peninsula as you explore the rugged coastline. In the afternoon, meet Damian and Susanne Buetow who operate Wild Ocean Tasmania, a family-run business focused on creating a deeper understanding and awareness for the marine life and its natural habitat. 

Join Damien and Susanne on their boat for a journey along the Tasman Peninsula replete with its sea caves, cliffs and abundance of marine life. You may even get into the water and meet the friendly New Zealand fur seals. Return to Hobart later this afternoon.

Accommodation: Grand Chancellor Hobart – standard harbour view room

Meals: Breakfast and lunch   

Day 4 – Wine & conservation

Breakfast at the hotel.

Travel to the historic village of Richmond where you can soak up the nostalgia of colonial times. After lunch at a local winery, taste some of the best wines Tasmania has to offer and learn all about the wine-making process. Later in the afternoon visit the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where passionate animal expert, Greg Irons, will explain its native animal conservation program, its newly built animal hospital and its renowned sanctuary. 

Enjoy a barbecue dinner within the sanctuary and explore the many non-fenced animal enclosures on a guided tour.

Return to Hobart around 9pm. 

Accommodation: Grand Chancellor Hobart – standard harbour view room

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner    

Day 5 – Freycinet Peninsula

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a scenic drive along Tasmania’s East Coast to the Freycinet Peninsula, with its exceptional beauty, pristine white sandy beaches and granite coastline. Walk the track up to world-famous Wineglass Bay Lookout for some stunning photo opportunities across Freycinet National Park. A shorter cliff walk around the lighthouse at Cape Tourville is also on offer. 

Accommodation: Freycinet Lodge – one room cabin

Meals: Breakfast and lunch    

Day 6 – Freycinet National Park – Cradle Mountain

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, depart the beautiful east coast and continue your journey to the UNESCO heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park. We’ll stop in Latrobe to look for platypuses in their natural environment. This unique, semi-aquatic monotreme is a shy creature and some patience and luck are required to see it. 

Travel through lush, rolling, farming fields before reaching the alpine bush of the Cradle Valley. Enjoy an introduction to this captivating alpine environment before settling in at your accommodation for the night. 

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel – deluxe spa room

Meals: Breakfast and lunch    

Day 7 – Cradle Mountain Park & Dove Lake

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today you’ll be mesmerised by the beautiful alpine landscapes of Cradle Mountain, where in many places dolerite cracked into vertical columns has resulted in spectacular sculpted mountains and cliffs. On a clear day the rugged grandeur of Cradle Mountain is reflected in the tranquil waters of Dove Lake, or you may experience the drama of its craggy peaks through swirling mist. 

Your guide will introduce you to the many endemic fauna and flora species of the region while enjoying spectacular views on your walk beneath the craggy peaks. Magical forests of pandani (the tallest heath plant in the world), sassafras, King Billy pines and the deciduous beech can be seen adjacent to wondrous glacial lakes. 

Birds such as forest ravens, black currawongs and wedge-tailed eagles are present in this area, while echidnas, platypus, spotted-tailed quoll and the eastern quoll may also be seen. 

At dusk, you have the option to join your guide on a night spotlighting tour or simply relax at your accommodation. 

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel – deluxe spa room

Meals: Breakfast and lunch  

Day 8 – Cradle Mountain to Launceston

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Depart Cradle Valley and travel to Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city. Explore the scenic Cataract Gorge where the South Esk River snakes its way through sheer rocky cliffs. Evoke memories of the genteel Victorian era as you stroll in the landscaped gardens. In the afternoon you’ll be dropped at your hotel. 

The rest of the day is at your leisure. 

Accommodation: Peppers Seaport – river view suite

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 9 – Launceston

Breakfast at the hotel 

Tour finishes after breakfast. Extend your stay or make your own way to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

_{WHAT’S INCLUDED:}

• 8 nights accommodation as per itinerary
• Local experienced Driver/Guide throughout days 1–8
• Southwest Wilderness flight excursion
• Boat tour Bathurst Harbour
• Tasman Island Coastal Cruise
• Entry to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
• All National Park fees
• Sightseeing as per itinerary by private, air-conditioned charter vehicle
• Meals as per itinerary, 8 x breakfast, 7 x lunch, 1 x dinner

_{COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE:}

• Domestic or international airfares
• Pre-registration, late check-out or day use at hotels other than specified above
• Guide services other than specified
• Meals/ beverages other than specified
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional tours/services
• Travel insurance

CONTACT US

Want to know more or register your interest?

Send us an email to [email protected] or call 1300 241 141.

We look forward to hearing from you!