Tasmania Wilderness, Melbourne and Great Barrier Reef Adventure

Discover pristine wilderness made of dramatic mountains, clear lakes, rugged coasts, and white beaches. Plus, enjoy walking the lanes and arcades of Melbourne and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef.

We designed this Tasmania Wilderness, Melbourne and Great Barrier Reef Adventure for a couple from Denver who were avid photographers. Tasmania has some of most pristine wilderness scenery on the planet, as well as some of the purest air and water. This unique vacation package took them to some of the most breathtaking corners of Tasmania, where they captured some amazing shots of mountains, lakes, rugged coastline, and iconic Australian wildlife.

Their Tasmania Wilderness, Melbourne and Great Barrier Reef Adventure began in the gorgeous Cradle Mountain National Park. They were able to explore awe-inspiring craggy mountains, deep valleys, heathlands, button grass moors, and ancient forests right from their hotel. They even rose early one morning and were rewarded with a breathtaking shot of Lake St Clair at sunrise.

Continuing their Tasmania Wilderness, Melbourne and Great Barrier Reef Adventure, they drove to Freycinet National Park, where granite mountains meet turquoise ocean and white sand beaches. They enjoyed gorgeous coastal hikes to Wineglass Bay, the Bay of Fires, and more. The next day, they drove down to the capital city of Hobart. This port city is a hub for Tasmania’s quirky art and culture.

Then on to Hobart where they spent a day exploring Hobart and stayed in the Macq01, a unique hotel that showcases Tasmanian and Australian artworks.

From Hobart, they continued to Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital. They stayed at the local boutique hotel, QT Melbourne. In Melbourne, they enjoyed a free day to explore the shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. The next day, they joined a small-group tour to explore Melbourne’s bustling lanes and arcades, where surprises await around every corner. They loved getting the local perspective and history from their guide.

Last on their Tasmania Wilderness, Melbourne and Great Barrier Reef Adventure, they wanted some beach time and to enjoy the one and only Great Barrier Reef. They stayed at the Saltwater Luxury Apartments in Port Douglas. The following day they embarked on a Diver’s Den snorkeling expedition. The boat quickly whisked the duo away for a day filled with fun and adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. The day was filled with activities like exploring the underwater gardens and ecological diversity of the Great Barrier Reef.

On their last day in Port Douglas, they spent the day exploring the oldest rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest. This tour starts with a cruise on the Daintree River where they experienced the saltwater crocodiles, then they went for a lovely walk in the forest, being mindful of the local Cassowaries that might on the path. After a lovely lunch at Lynchaven and some feeding of the Roos and Wallabies, they continued up to Cape Tribulation. They returned to Port Douglas for a lovely local meal in town.

They come home from Australia with memories to last a lifetime—and some amazing photos of the coastal scenery and their favorite Aussie critters!

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Tasmania, Australia! Arrive in Hobart, pick up your rental car, and make your way into high country. Your home for the next 3 nights is supremely located within Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park.
Cradle Mountain Hotel

Day 2
The next day is yours to spend at your leisure exploring the breathtaking natural park at your doorstep. The hiking and wildlife here are incredible. Explore awe-inspiring craggy mountains, deep valleys, heathlands, button grass moors, and ancient forests. You can also try canoeing, fishing, or other outdoor pursuits in this iconic corner of Tasmania. After a day full of adventure, your cozy hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal and relax by a roaring fire.
Cradle Mountain Hotel

Day 3
Drive about 2-3 hours to the northern reaches of Freycinet. This peninsula of granite mountains, dazzlingly white beaches, and turquoise sea forms part of the Freycinet National Park. Enjoy a hike to the famous Wineglass Bay with a picnic backpack. Be sure not to miss the penguins at sunset, as they waddle up the beach and onto your hotel property to nest in the shrubs for the evening.
Freycinet Lodge

Day 4
The next day is yours to spend at leisure, doing as little or as much as you like. With the Freycinet National Park on the doorstep, there’s a world of deserted islands, wild bushland, and secluded beaches to explore. Hop on a quad bike or mountain bike to discover the rugged coastal scenery; wade into the bay to sample deliciously fresh oysters; indulge in a private beach picnic; encounter Tasmanian Devils in the wild; and much more.
Freycinet Lodge

Day 5
Today you journey to Hobart. With its captivating colonial history, pristine waterways, rugged mountains and gourmet experiences, the city has something for everyone. Enjoy the contrast of elegant heritage sandstone alongside modern architecture. Explore Salamanca Place, a short walk from the waterfront, with its galleries, theatres, craft shops and restaurants. The Henry Jones Art Hotel is located on Hobart’s waterfront and is Australia’s first dedicated art hotel, featuring Tasmanian and Australian art.
Macq01

Day 6
From Hobart, it’s a short flight to Melbourne, the vibrant capital city of Victoria. A hub of creativity and culinary innovation, Melbourne is heaven for lovers of art, wine, and cuisine. Explore the lanes and arcades filled with boutique shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
QT Melbourne

Day 7
Get a true local’s view of Melbourne today with a small-group tour through the city’s signature lanes and arcades. Your expert local guides will reveal some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, and architecture while regaling you with historical tales of Melbourne. Included in your tour is a stop at a local cafe for coffee or tea (Melbourne is famous for its cafe scene!), as well as a delicious lunch with a glass of wine.
QT Melbourne

Day 8
Today is your day at leisure to explore the city of Melbourne. Take the free circle tram car of the city to visit galleries, gardens, museums, and cafes.
QT Melbourne

Day 9
After a quick transfer to the airport, fly up to Cairns, the launching point for the Great Barrier Reef. And then transfer to Port Douglas for your next adventurous days. Sunny Port Douglas is the perfect hub for experiencing Australia’s top natural wonders. Discover the rare flora and fauna of the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, plus the vibrant coral gardens and tropical marine life out on the Great Barrier Reef. Your home for the next 4 nights is a beautiful, local apartment just steps away from the beach.
Saltwalter Luxury Apartments

Day 10
Today, explore the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, on a day filled with adventure and fun. You’ll explore spectacular coral formations and underwater gardens awash with vibrantly colored marine creatures as you visit three different Agincourt ribbon reef sites at the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. After a fun-filled, active day, you’ll return to Port Douglas in time for a relaxing stroll along Four Mile Beach and dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants in town.
Saltwalter Luxury Apartments

Day 11
Today, you’ll explore the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the ancient rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Your first stop is the Daintree River for morning tea before enjoying an informative, guided river cruise. From here, travel over the Alexandra Range for a panoramic view of the tropical rainforest merging with the azure colors of the Coral Sea. Meet Australian animals at Lync Haven, where you can hand feed the wallabies, followed by a delicious barbecue lunch. At pristine Emmagen Creek, jump into the refreshing rainforest stream for a swim, followed by a cup of theatrically prepared, traditional “Billy Tea.” At Cape Tribulation Beach, stroll to the photographers’ platform overlooking the stunning mountains and coast where the rainforest meets the reef. Time permitting, you’ll stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Factory before recrossing the Daintree River by cable ferry.
Saltwalter Luxury Apartments

Day 12
Today, your Tasmania, Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef adventure ends. Time to fly home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
11 day stay
2 travelers

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