2 day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay

Tasmania’s natural beauty is legendary, and for those short on time but eager to experience its best, a guided 2-day tour from Hobart offers a smart way to see a lot in a limited window. This particular tour, offered by Tassie Tours Tasmania, promises to take travelers from the city straight into the heart of Tasmania’s iconic wilderness—covering Cradle Mountain, Launceston, Wineglass Bay, and even a bit more.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its combination of stunning scenery, wildlife sightings, and active adventures—all delivered with the help of knowledgeable guides, in comfortable transportation. However, with a packed itinerary and a price that might seem steep at first glance, it’s worth looking at what you truly get for your investment.

If you’re someone who loves getting a taste of nature without the hassle of planning multi-day trips, or if your schedule only allows for a quick snapshot of Tasmania’s highlights, this tour could be just right. It balances guided ease with enough flexibility for memorable experiences—whether that’s spotting wombats, hiking to scenic viewpoints, or sampling local seafood.

Key Points

• Efficiently covers Tasmania’s top sights in just 2 days, making it ideal for time-constrained travelers.
• Expert local guides enhance the experience with commentary and insights on the areas visited.
• Comfortable transport ensures smooth travel between stops, with pickup and drop-off at selected hotels.
• Flexible hiking options at Freycinet National Park allow both relaxed strolls and more challenging walks.
• Wildlife sightings like wombats are possible in their natural habitat, adding an authentic touch.
• Cost reflects an all-inclusive experience with park passes, guiding, and transportation, delivering good value for scenic immersion.

Why Consider This Tour?

This tour is a practical way to see some of Tasmania’s most photographed landscapes without the stress of self-driving or heavy planning. It’s tailored for travelers who want a guided, rundown and are comfortable with a moderately active schedule.

We loved the way this tour combines stunning scenery with expert commentary, making even the most iconic spots feel personal and memorable. The small group size (max 20 travelers) means you get a more intimate experience, and the modern vehicle makes for a comfortable ride.

On the downside, the pace is fast—if you prefer lingering for hours at each site, this might feel rushed. Also, the cost, at just under $300 per person, includes park passes and guiding but excludes accommodation and meals, which could add up depending on your choices.

This tour suits travelers eager to maximize their Tasmanian experience in a short time, especially those who enjoy a mix of light hikes, sightseeing, and local food indulgence.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Hobart to Cradle Mountain and Sheffield

Your adventure kicks off early from Hobart, with a pickup at your hotel—convenience that’s appreciated after a possibly early start. The first stop is Campbell Town, a charming town where you can stretch your legs and grab a coffee. It’s a brief 30-minute pause, but enough to shake off any travel fatigue.

Next, the group heads toward Cradle Mountain, recognized worldwide for its rugged beauty. Upon arrival, you’ll spend around three hours exploring the area around Dove Lake, a highlight that never loses its charm. Here, you can expect to see wildlife like wombats in their natural habitat, as noted by travelers who appreciated the chance to spot animals in the wild. The scenery is breathtaking—think craggy peaks, mirror-like waters, and the possibility of catching a glimpse of the mountain’s famous silhouette.

After soaking in the views, the group visits Sheffield, a small town famed for its vibrant murals that depict local history and scenery. A brief 25-minute stop allows for some photos and a chance to appreciate the artistic flair that has earned Sheffield a reputation as Tasmania’s “Town of Murals.”

Day 2: Launceston, Wineglass Bay, and Coastal Highlights

The next morning starts similarly early, with a drive from Hobart to Launceston, making a quick stop at Campbell Town again for a leg stretch. Then it’s onward to the Freycinet National Park, a highlight of the trip.

Here, you have options: you can hike up to the Wineglass Bay lookout, a moderate 40-minute uphill walk. This view is often described as one of Tasmania’s most iconic, with its perfect crescent-shaped beach framed by pink granite and lush surrounds. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the guide can lead a scenic walk, or you can choose to just enjoy the vista from the lookout platform.

Post-hike, you’ll cool off with a swim at Honeymoon Bay, a favorite for its crystal-clear waters, striking orange granite rocks, and white sands. It’s a great spot to relax and refuel with a beachside picnic or just enjoy the tranquil setting.

A visit to Cape Tourville Lighthouse provides a leisurely walk on a coastal boardwalk, offering panoramic views of the coastline—a good way to breathe in fresh sea air and snap some memorable photos.

Finally, your afternoon concludes at the Freycinet Marine Farm, where you can sample some of Tasmania’s freshest seafood—oysters, prawns, crayfish—an authentic taste of local bounty. It’s a tasty way to end your adventure before heading back to Hobart.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour’s price of about $290 per person covers park passes for both Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Parks, guiding, and transportation in a modern vehicle. The guides are described as expert, providing in-person commentary that adds depth to the experience—much appreciated by travelers who want more context for what they’re seeing.

However, accommodation is not included, so you’ll need to book your own hotel. The tour starts early at 7:00 am and runs until you’re back at the meeting point, so a flexible or centrally located hotel in Hobart makes sense. Plus, food and drinks aren’t provided but are readily available at stops, so budget accordingly.

The tour’s small group size (up to 20 travelers) helps keep things intimate and manageable, while the pickup and drop-off at select hotels make logistics straightforward.

Authentic Traveler Insights

One reviewer praised their guide Nathan, calling him “super and friendly,” and appreciated the fun group dynamic that made the experience enjoyable. Others highlighted how the tour’s timing allowed them to see multiple highlights without feeling overwhelmed, especially noting the stunning views and wildlife sightings.

Several travelers mentioned that the hiking options at Freycinet were flexible, offering both easier walks and more challenging hikes—ideal for those with different fitness levels. The seafood tasting at Freycinet Marine Farm also got rave reviews, with visitors loving the chance to indulge in fresh local produce.

While the itinerary is full, some noted that the pace is brisk—if you prefer a more leisurely visit to each spot, this might feel a little rushed. Still, most appreciated the comprehensive snapshot of Tasmania’s natural beauty in just two days.

The Sum Up

This 2-day tour from Hobart offers a practical, well-organized way to see Tasmania’s most famous sights—Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay—without the hassle of self-driving or planning complex logistics. You’ll get to enjoy spectacular scenery, spot wildlife, and indulge in local seafood, all with knowledgeable guides who bring the landscape alive.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a guided overview, have a moderate fitness level, and don’t mind a packed schedule. The price reflects a comprehensive experience, including park passes and guiding, making it a good value for those eager to maximize their short time in Tasmania.

While the itinerary is fast-paced, it’s rich with unforgettable views and authentic experiences that will leave you with a true sense of Tasmania’s wild charm. If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, sightseeing, and local flavor, this tour checks many boxes.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, comfortable modern vehicles are used for all transfers, with pickup and drop-off at selected Hobart hotels.

Are meals included?
No, meals and beverages are not included but can be purchased at stops along the way.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended; some hikes are optional and vary in difficulty. The main walks are around 40 minutes uphill, but options are flexible.

Can I see wildlife on this tour?
Yes, wildlife sightings like wombats are possible, especially in the Cradle Mountain area where animals often roam freely.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
While the tour operates year-round, check local weather conditions—Tasmania’s weather can be variable. Early spring or late autumn can be cooler but less crowded.

Is accommodation included?
No, you will need to arrange your own hotel in Hobart before and after the tour.

How long is each day’s travel?
Day 1 involves about 1.5 hours driving to Campbell Town and three hours at Cradle Mountain, with additional time in Sheffield. Day 2 involves a drive to Launceston, then a full afternoon exploring Freycinet National Park, roughly 4 hours of sightseeing with travel time included.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of expert guiding, scenic stops, wildlife viewing, and flexible hiking options all packed into just two days makes it a real value for travelers wanting a quick yet immersive taste of Tasmania.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour offers some flexibility, especially with hikes at Freycinet, but the overall schedule is fixed. For personalized experiences, consider local guides or longer stays.