Just off the coast of mainland Australia lies Tasmania - Australia's only island state. Heart-shaped, the island is known as the "Island of Inspiration" for nature lovers due to a relatively large and unspoiled natural environment populated more by animals and birds - many of which are found no where else in the world - than people.

Tasmania's diverse landscape with glacial mountains, dense forests and rolling green hills - over 40% of the island is national parks and protected forests - is home to abundant wildlife. Topping the list is the endangered state icon, the Tasmanian Devil - but wombats, echidnas, fur seals, eagles, wallabies, dolphins, penguins and platypus all share the island with the locals and their visitors.

Most of the wildlife is nocturnal - the animals rest during the day and spring to life at dusk, through the evening and into the very early morning.

During this 8-day small group wildlife safari, you'll explore the remote northern and eastern regions of Tasmania to visit the native habitats of Tasmania's wildlife and have the opportunity to mix and mingle with many of them. Tour the island in comfort with daily briefings on the wildlife activities and leave with your photographs and memories of these amazing creatures.

For more information and to book this fantastic Australia vacation package through Tasmania, contact Authentic Australia at 1-888-825-4529 or by email.

Day 1 - Launceston to Cradle Mountain

Your wildlife exploration begins in Launceston, with a drive through the hinterlands to World Heritage Cradle Mountain and your first meeting with the endangered Tasmanian Devil. After dinner, join a spot-lighting expedition to view Tasmania's nocturnal wildlife with a stop off at the Devil's at Cradle Mountain for a brief film, close-up encounter with a Devil and lots of photographs of Devils enjoying their dinner.
Overnight at the Cradle Mountain Chateau

Day 2 - Cradle Mountain

Begin the day with a 3-hour walk through the Tasmanian rainforest and past the native Pandani, the world's tallest heath plant. During your picnic lunch, you may spot a Wedge-tailed Eagle, Currawong or Forest Raven. Learn about the history and environment of this area with a stop at the Visitor Centre and Waldheim Chalet, the former home of Gustav Weindorfer, the champion of the conservation of this region. Relax and enjoy the surroundings in the late afternoon before dinner.
Overnight at the Cradle Mountain Chateau

Day 3 - Table Cape to Marrawah

This morning you'll head out for a drive to Table Cape in the northwest, stopping in Fernglade to search for the elusive Duck-billed Platypus. Arriving at Table Cape, your guide will take you on an interpretive walk along the coastal cliff tops for an introduction to this dry coastal forest.

After lunch, continue on to Marrawah in the remote northwest. This evening's activities include a magical experience viewing Devils in the wild from the Devil Restaurant at King's Run, and a spot-lighting tour.
Overnight at the Arthur River Units

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The Nut - Stanley
Photo: Tourism Tasmania and George Apostolidis © 2009

Day 4 - Stanley - Rocky Cape - Boat Harbour

Continue your journey through northwest Tasmania with a visit to Stanley. Weather permitting, you'll join a 1-hour cruise along the coast to view Australian fur seals in their rugged coastal habitat.

At Rocky Cape National Park, join an interpretive walk to view the ancient Aboriginal sites and a cave. In the evening, you can "mix" with the small penguins on their nightly pilgrimage to return to shore.
Overnight at Killynaught Spa Cottages, Boat Harbour

Day 5 - Warraweh - Narawntapu National Park

Traveling along the north coast, on the way to Narawntapu National Park, you'll stop at the Warraweh Forest Reserve to look for platypus. After the scenic drive along the Bass Strait coast, you'll reach Narawntapu National Park, described as the Serengeti of Tasmania - many wild animals wander across the Park's coastal plains.

This evening join a spot-lighting expedition to see the many Wombats and Forester Kangaroos in the area before retiring for the night in a historic beach-side guesthouse.
Overnight at the Hawley House on Hawley Beach

Day 6 - Hawley Beach to Freycinet National Park

Relax in the morning at Hawley Beach before heading across the midlands to the east coast and Freycinet National Park.

This afternoon there are optional excursions to experience the marine life in nearby Bicheno or scuba dive in the Governor Island Marine Reserve amidst the stunning kelp forest, or join the group to tour the Freycinet Marine Farm to sample the local marine life. Enjoy the stunning sunset on the terrace before dinner at Freycinet Lodge.
Overnight at Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay

Day 7 - Moulting Lagoon - Wineglass Bay

An early wake-up for sunrise bird watching on nearby Moulting Lagoon before joining a breakfast cruise to Wineglass Bay. You may spot dolphins or whales in season along the way.

You may chose to hike back from Wineglass Bay - a 2 to 3 hour walk - to return to the Lodge. Be sure to check out the Wallabies sunbathing at the northern end of the beach.
Overnight at Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay

Day 8 - Hobart

Enjoy a final walk at Freycinet before heading back to Hobart. Return to the airport for your flight to the mainland, or spend a night or two exploring Hobart's many things to do.

This authentic Australia wildlife vacation package is great for photographers and nature, animal and bird enthusiasts.

You are likely to see Wombat, Bennett's Wallaby, Pademelon, Forrester Kangaroo, Bandicoot, Tasmanian Devils, and Eastern or Spotted Quoll in addition to Duck-billed Platypus, Tiger snakes, Copperhead snakes, Lizards, Black Swan , Sooty oyster catchers, Hooded plover, Australian fur seals, Angasi oyster, Blue mussels, Green lipped or black lipped abalone, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Forest raven, Currawong, and various ducks with Bottlenose dolphin and Whales, in season.

This fully escorted Australia vacation package includes 7 nights accommodation with breakfast, 7 lunches, 3 a la carte dinners, 1 gourmet bush dinner and a Farewell Gourmet Safari dinner. Night vision equipment and high quality binoculars are provided.

Contact Authentic Australia at 1-888-825-4529 for more information and to customize our Tasmania wildlife safari into your ideal Australia vacation package.