As Australia’s only island state (and its southernmost), Tasmania is chock full of natural wonders as well as fascinating Aboriginal and European settlement history. Hobart, the island’s state capital and largest city, is home to nearly 40% of Tasmania’s population, located on the Derwent River Estuary. Nestled along a picturesque deep natural port, with the imposing Mount Wellington looming large to the north, this charming city serves as the starting point of our Land Down Under adventure as we share a Welcome Dinner together!

Walk #1: Port Arthur Walk – 2 km, rated 2B
Walk #2: Coal Mines Historic Walk – 2 km rated 2B
Walk #3: Waterfall Bay Walk – 2.3 km, rated 2B

This morning, we focus on the splendid southeast corner of Tasmania, beginning with an historic and moving visit to Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Britain’s early penal colonies in Australia. Despite its beautiful location, Port Arthur served as a place of punishment and hardship for countless decades. We discover fascinating stories and gain a deeper appreciation of Tasmania’s early settlement history on a guided walk among Port Arthur’s many historic buildings, including prison ruins, gardens, restored houses, and an impressive skeleton of a church.

Following lunch at Port Arthur, our history lesson continues with a brief visit and walk at Coal Mines Historic Site, a tranquil and beautiful site along the shallow waters of Ironstone Bay, where unfortunate convicts were forced into unrelenting and confining work in the peninsula’s coal mines. By mid-afternoon, we escape from the prison-theme and gaze in wonder at stunning cliffs and dazzling sea arches on an exciting walk from Waterfall Bay to Devils Kitchen. Prepare to be wowed! Finishing off our first full day of activity, we savor a brief stop at a geological oddity known as the Tessellated Pavements, a strange collection of naturally occurring rectangular blocks in a gorgeous seaside setting.

Walk #6: South Bruny National Park Walk – 4 km, rated 2B

This morning, we embark on a full day adventure to Bruny Island. The fun begins after we traverse the southern shores of Hobart to the seaside town of Kettering. From there, we depart by vehicular ferry on an award-winning Bruny Island Cruise, giving us the opportunity to spot a variety of Southern Ocean marine wildlife and impressive coastal geology.

Along the way, we sample a smattering of local produce and take in the lovely scenery. After an included lunch, we enjoy a 4 km stroll at Grass Point, located within South Bruny National Park, savoring spectacular coastal views and a peek at the ruins of an old whaling station.

Following this memorable day, we return to the comfortable confines of our Hobart hotel for one last night before tomorrow’s exciting day at Maria Island.

Walk #9: Wineglass Bay Hike – 3 km, rated 3D
Walk #10: Cape Tourville Walk – 1 km, rated 1B
Bonus Walk: Friendly Beaches – 1-5 km, rated 1C

Freycinet National Park is an absolute gem along Tasmania’s east coast! Today, we bask in several splendid vistas that are among Australia’s prettiest postcard scenes. This park is probably best known for the breathtaking and stunning exquisiteness of Wineglass Bay, which we witness on our morning walk. Ascending a short and steep track through coastal woodland and gigantic granite boulders, the reward is well worth the effort when we arrive at a saddle in the mountain and gaze down at the crystal-clear waters and curvaceous white sand beach below.

Following this wow moment, only a short drive away, a much easier but equally scenic stroll awaits us on a dramatic boardwalk at Cape Tourville Lighthouse, majestically set high above the crashing surf.

A relaxing and tasty lunch awaits us on the pink granite shores of Honeymoon Bay, which looks out upon the larger Great Oyster Bay. After this rejuvenating break, you can either choose to enjoy free time on your own near our beachside lodge or take a short drive with your guide down to Friendly Beaches for a couple hours of late afternoon enjoyment at one of the prettiest, long, white sand beaches you’ll likely come across. One thing is certain…this day will leave you wishing you had more time to explore Freycinet!

We catch a morning flight to Sydney, Australia’s largest city, where we are met by a guide, motorcoach, and driver.

The Great Western Highway takes us west across a plateau of sandstone bedrock, winding along a ridgeline that separates a series of deep and dramatic gorges. We soon find ourselves in a UNESCO Site—the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site, comprised of seven national parks and a conservation reserve.

Anticipating tomorrow’s exploratory hikes, we arrive at our hotel on the outskirts of the charming hamlet of Leura in time for a no-host dinner.

Walk #13: Three Sisters Viewpoint Walk – 1 km, rated 1A
Walk #14: Govett’s Leap Lookout Walk – 2 km, rated 1A
Walk #15: Pulpit Rock Walk – 1 km, rated 2C
Walk #16: Charles Darwin Trail Walk – 4 km, rated 2C 

Rather than mountains in the traditional geological sense, the Blue Mountains are really a series of deep canyons lined with verdant eucalyptus forests and dense subtropical vegetation, punctuated at intervals with silver threads of water falling in cataracts down craggy sandstone cliffs. A series of four trails at widely divergent spots along the rim of two different canyons offers a delightful connection with this fascinating ecosystem.

We take a break between trails to experience a very British influence on down under culture–a traditional cream tea in a tea house that doubles as a serious tea pot museum. If you’ve never experienced cream tea, be careful! Scones smothered with clotted cream and jam, washed down with good British black tea, can become addicting.

Later this afternoon, the last hike of the day also offers a “challenge” alternative route for those yearning for a bit more exercise.

Walk #17: Spit to Manly Sydney Harbour Hike – 10 km, rated 3C

We say farewell to the Blue Mountains this morning, returning to Sydney for a three-night stay. Our hotel is strategically located in “The Rocks”, the oldest section of Sydney, overlooking the waterfront with access to a host of activities and dining options.

After dropping our luggage at the hotel, we continue by bus to the trailhead of today’s classic hike along the north side of Sydney Harbour. A local guide leads us on a route that weaves through a wonderful variety of lush bush land and scenic harbor side trails, passing several of North Sydney’s picturesque beaches.

The trail finishes in the town of Manly from where we return to Sydney by ferry, crossing legendary Sydney Harbour with stellar views of the famous opera house and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Today is free to explore Sydney on your own. A wide array of Sydney attractions awaits your consideration. Simply strolling the waterfront is a worthwhile and entertaining way to enjoy Sydney, but we have a number of ideas for you to consider, including those listed below that you can pre-book through WAI.

Later this evening, we rendezvous to reminisce about our Australian Adventures at a Farewell Dinner in a popular local restaurant.

OPTIONAL SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE TOUR: Using state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, this 60-minute tour puts architect Jorn Utzon on center stage and is a tribute to his creative genius. You’ll experience the magic behind one of the world’s most extraordinary opera, ballet, and symphony venues as you explore the interior of the youngest building ever designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. ~ Estimated price: $45.

OPTIONAL SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB: This unique adventure on the bridge takes climbers to the top of the bridge’s structure for a 3½-hour overview (quite literally) of Sydney and its magnificent harbor. Standing on top of the Bridge in the center of Sydney Harbour offers breathtaking panoramas of the Sydney foreshore, World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House, and the skyline of the modern city of Sydney and beyond, depending upon weather clarity at the time of the climb. Climb Leaders will point out key landmarks that can be seen from the top of this great architectural icon. ~ Estimated price: $299.

OPTIONAL SYDNEY HARBOUR CRUISE: Discover stories of Sydney Harbour under the spell of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This sightseeing cruise features a fun and personalized commentary of the sights, people, land, history, and development of one of the world’s most beautiful harbour cities, along with refreshments that include unlimited self-serve coffee and tea, as well as a glass of sparkling wine. ~ Estimated price: $49

Departing Sydney, we gain a day as we fly east, courtesy of the magic of the International Date Line. We arrive home several hours earlier than our Sydney departure, returning to the other side of the globe overflowing with indelible memories of our walking adventure Down Under!

Those participating in Fiji ~ Pearl of the Pacific can anticipate 8 more days of exploring Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, and Sacred Islands on our 68-passenger ship. That Adventure begins with a flight this morning from Sydney to Nadi, Fiji.

With help from local experts and walking guides, these itineraries are crafted with extensive on-site planning by WAI tour planners.

When designing Classic Curated Tours, our objective is to capture the essence of a destination—the history, culture, and natural wonders unique to that part of the world. We then build activities and walks that take us inside these characteristics.

Yes, these tours are educational, but they are also interactive and immersive; walking gets us off the bus and penetrates local cultures to not only see, but also touch, smell, and feel these special spaces.

Along the way, interactions with locals amplify the experience by sharing insights into the magic of that particular location.

In the case of Australia, our first tour in 1996 combined Australia and New Zealand, which has been our model for down under travel until 2025. Over the years, we have made regular and continuous improvements to both the itinerary and the walks. Repeated visits to Tasmania convinced us that this jewel of Australasia is worthy of more time, hence the redirected focus of the 2025 edition of Australia.

We generally walk at a pace of 2 to 3 miles per hour. Walks that are oriented more towards education may take longer due to stops for guide commentary. Nature walks, on the other hand, generally continue at a steadier pace because we’re stopping less to talk. In most cases, we are not “strolling.” We are walking at a relaxed but steady pace. Your experience will be significantly affected by your level of physical fitness. If not walking regularly at home, we strongly recommend that you make a priority of “training” beforehand to both enjoy the trip and avoid medical issues due to overexertion.

If you have questions about your ability to participate, please contact our office at [email protected].

We have adopted a walk difficulty rating system which contains a numeric indicator for trail incline and an alpha indicator for trail terrain. The explanation for this system is presented on the table below:

INCLINE

1. Minimal hills or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: <200 feet.
2. Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 200-1000 feet.
3. Some significant hill or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 1000-2000 feet.

TERRAIN

A. Almost entirely on pavement.
B. A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles.
C. A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky / rooted paths or soft sand).

Once we have a viable number of participants, an “Adventure Advice” email is sent with critical information on flight arrangements as well as important steps to take in the months before your trip. Please do not buy your airline tickets until you review this Adventure Advice email.

You will receive reminders to pay the second deposit and the final payment as detailed above under Modified Payment Terms. All payments are non-refundable after the due date.

About 2 weeks before departure, you will receive a final packet with all the details of the program, including hotel name and contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule.