Tasmanian Wilderness Walking Escape

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Your driver will meet you at Cradle Mountain Lodge late morning for your private transfer to Pumphouse Point. You’ll stop in the old mining town of Queenstown for lunch, before continuing onto Franklin River-Wild National Park where you’ll enjoy an easy one hour return walk through the forest to Donaghy’s Lookout offering stunning views over Franklin River and nearby Frenchman’s Cap. From here it’s less than an hour to Lake St Clair and the wonderful Pumphouse Point. After settling in, enjoy time relaxing by the fire with views over the lake and help yourself to a glass of wine from the honour bar. Tonight enjoy a welcome glass of bubbles and dinner in the Shorehouse with fellow guests. Premium Tasmanian wines are available to select from the bar at cost.

[If commencing in Hobart: If commencing in Hobart, your private driver will collect you just after lunch for your transfer to Pumphouse Point. Before departing Hobart, you’ll enjoy the views from the top of Mt Wellington which overlooks the city, before continuing on the 2.5 hour drive to Lake St Clair.]

Included: B (where commencing at Cradle Mountain) – D

Day 2

Breakfast at Pumphouse is a cosy affair with guests gathering in the Shorehouse to enjoy coffee by the fires and a highland breakfast as you watch the birds flit across the lake. After a peaceful start to your day, you may choose a gentle bushwalk on one of the property’s trails or perhaps row around the lake. E-bikes are also complimentary for guests so you can venture further afield to explore Platypus Bay and the many trails accessible from the nearby Lake St Clair visitor centre. When it’s time for lunch, let reception know if you’d like a loaf of freshly baked bread delivered warm to your room to go with local cheeses and charcuterie from your in-room larder as a light lunch option. These work well as a great packed lunch option if you’d prefer to take a picnic rug and provisions with you for a lakeside lunch. After a day of fresh air and adventure, return to the comfort of the Pumphouse or Shorehouse for a sunset drink in the lounge and share tales of your day with new friends over dinner.

Optional alpine hike: If you’d prefer a more challenging full day alpine adventure, we recommend the Mt Rufus and Shadow Lake Circuit today. Please enquire for a quote including a private guided walk with two licenced guides and driver. Alternatively for the very experienced hiker, you could use the e-bikes to ride to the trailhead and enjoy this walk self-guided (be sure to speak to the Visitor Centre staff first to ensure conditions and your gear are appropriate and leave your details with them so they know when to expect you back).

Included: B – D – Freshly baked bread

Day 3

This morning there is no rush. Sleep in, explore another lake or bush trail, and enjoy breakfast by the fire before your driver meets you late morning for your transfer to Hobart. Half-way to Hobart you will stop in Mt Field National Park for a short walk to one of Tasmania’s most scenic waterfalls. The trail to Russell Falls is shaded by rainforest canopy and ferns with an easy well-marked trail leading to the stunning falls viewing platform. A second trail leads to Horseshoe Falls, one of Mt Field’s other popular attractions. After an hour of walking, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch from the renowned Agrarian Kitchen Eatery, where produce from the kitchen garden is showcased and home-baked treats are pulled fresh from the oven throughout the day. Pick your favourite items from the menu with some local beer, cider or wine and enjoy a casual picnic style lunch by the Derwent river, before continuing to Hobart. You’ll arrive at Henry Jones Art Hotel in time for an optional late afternoon art and history stroll around the IXL buildings. Enjoy a free evening tonight with many great Hobart bars and restaurants to discover nearby. We recommend Peacock and Jones for dinner and a nightcap in the IXL Bar or across the road at the Story Bar overlooking the water.

Included: B – L

Day 4

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and then we recommend a stroll around the Hobart waterfront and Salamanca Arts Centre. There is also a quality art gallery and several boutiques housed within the IXL buildings, which are well worth visiting. Your driver will meet you late morning and take you first to the Coal River Valley where you’ll enjoy locally produced cheese and chocolate, along with having the option to hand-pick some seasonal fruit from the orchard to take away with you. Wine tastings follow at family-run Frogmore Estate, which showcases the region’s cool climate wines. Light platters are available at Coal River Farm or Frogmore, or you may like to continue directly to Saffire to enjoy a late lunch with Tasmanian wines on arrival there.

[If concluding in Hobart: After checking out of Henry Jones, your driver will transfer you to the airport if you’re departing today. There are several options for enjoying a day in and around Hobart if you are extending your time here, such as visiting the MONA museum, Bruny Island or touring the Coal River Valley. Please enquire for personalised trip suggestions.]

Included: B – L (on arrival at Saffire)