Trip Overview

Venture Down Under—Where Wild Beauty Meets Vibrant Culture

From cosmopolitan harbors to the edge of the Earth, this journey through Australia and Tasmania blends the best of city life with the awe of the untamed. We begin in Sydney, where iconic landmarks, dramatic coastal cliffs, golden beaches, and nearby rainforest-filled national parks frame one of the world's most spectacular harbors.

Then it's off to Tasmania—a remote island where ancient wilderness and remarkable wildlife take center stage. Hike beneath the towering peaks of Cradle Mountain, kayak the turquoise waters of Coles Bay, wander through historic towns, and explore some of Australia's most breathtaking coastal landscapes. Here, rugged sea cliffs, pristine beaches, and misty rainforests reveal the island's wild and untamed spirit.

Tasmania also delights the senses with fresh-from-the-sea delicacies, award-winning wines, and artisan specialties—from oysters and whisky to truffles and saffron. We'll wrap up our adventure in vibrant Hobart, where bustling Salamanca Market, a thriving food scene, and sweeping views from kunanyi / Mt Wellington provide a memorable finale. Whether you're drawn by the wildlife, the wilderness, or the warm Australian hospitality, this unforgettable adventure showcases the very best of Australia's southern edge.

Maximum group size: 13

Picture of Australia: Sydney's Shores to Tasmania's Trails
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AUST Cape-Hauy-with-Cape-Pillar-beyond- Andrew Bain
AUST Cradle-Mountain-Peter Walton
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AUST Port-Arthur-Historic-Site-Courtesy of Port Arthur Historic Site
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Picture of Australia: Sydney's Shores to Tasmania's Trails

Highlights

  • Discover the iconic sights and sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour
  • Experience a traditional Welcome to Country in the Blue Mountains
  • Hike through ancient rainforests and above the dramatic valleys of Blue Mountains National Park
  • Marvel at the wild alpine landscapes surrounding Cradle Mountain
  • Visit the world-famous Wineglass Bay
  • Paddle beneath the towering Hazards Range in Coles Bay
  • Encounter wombats and other native wildlife on Maria Island
  • Hike to the spectacular sea cliffs of Cape Hauy
  • Cruise beneath the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site
  • Savor fresh oysters, seafood, wine, and other distinctive Tasmanian flavors
  • Experience Hobart’s lively Salamanca Market and panoramic views from kunanyi / Mt Wellington

Inclusions

    • Local female Australian wilderness guide(s) and an AGC guide based on group size
    • Twelve nights in shared twin/double hotel and cabin style accommodation
    • 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners, plus snacks & hot drinks, and wine as described in itinerary
    • All transportation and luggage transfers within Australia, including internal flight from Sydney to Launceston.
    • All entrance and National Park fees, ferry tickets, wildlife cruise, and activities as described in the itinerary.
Not included: Alcoholic beverages not on itinerary, lunches Day 4 and 12 and dinners Day 3, 5 and 6, transportation to and from Australia, guide gratuities, and Travel Insurance (Insurance is MANDATORY for this departure).

Trip Info


This trip is designed for women in good physical condition who enjoy hiking and other activities and want to explore Australia. Hiking is generally 2 - 7 hours on dirt trails, rocky paths, and occasionally uneven footing. The kayaking is suitable for novices. A rating of 3 requires aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week.

Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5

Curious about how we rate our trips and how to prepare for yours? Explore our AGC Fitness Guide for more details.


This trip is designed to showcase the natural beauty, rich culture, and remarkable diversity of Australia's vibrant Sydney Harbour, nearby World Heritage-listed national parks, and the remote wilderness of Tasmania. We will hike 2–10 miles per day through lush temperate rainforests, across alpine landscapes, along sandy beaches, on dirt trails, and atop dramatic coastal cliffs. Along the way, we'll experience Aboriginal culture, kayak the turquoise waters of Coles Bay, enjoy an award-winning wilderness cruise, explore the historic Port Arthur site, and stroll through Hobart's vibrant Salamanca Market. This trip is perfect for women who love active adventure and hiking while also seeking meaningful cultural experiences and unforgettable wildlife encounters in Australia

Wondering what kind of gear works well for our trips? Our AGC Gear Guide highlights some of our go-to favorites.


All participants are guaranteed their own bed. Our nights are spent in accommodations ranging from modern stays in Sydney to boutique mountain-style lodges and wilderness villages across Tasmania. A limited number of single supplement rooms may be available for an additional cost and can be selected during booking if available.

See the FAQs below for more details about accommodation options.

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Download the detailed trip summary for a closer look — daily highlights, travel notes, and everything you need to know before you go. It’s the perfect way to dream, plan, and share with a friend!

Itinerary

Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.

DAY 1
Touch down in Sydney, where our Australian adventure begins. Take some time to unwind, stretch your legs, and soak in the energy of this vibrant waterfront city.

This afternoon, we’ll gather for our first group meeting and trip orientation. We’ll then set out on a relaxed walk near Sydney Harbour, where views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and sparkling waterfront provide the perfect introduction to one of Australia’s most iconic cities.

Tonight, we’ll come together for our welcome dinner and toast the beginning of our adventure.

Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Sydney hotel
Daily Activities: Trip orientation and short city walk
DAY 2
This morning we leave the cityscape behind and take the drive west, until we reach the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Upon arrival we will be given a full traditional Welcome to Country Ceremony. Our private ceremony will be performed by Dharug and Gundungurra Traditional Owners, as they welcome us in visiting their Country. These ceremonies vary from speeches of welcome to traditional dance and smoking ceremonies. Once we have been provided with permission by our hosting group and been offered the safe passage and protection of our spiritual journey, we will set about exploring this sacred land.

After an early lunch, we set off on the historic Grand Canyon walking track, established in 1907. This lush rainforest trail winds through sandstone chasms, moss-covered walls, and towering Coachwood and Sassafras trees. We’ll explore some of the area's most diverse and spectacular ecosystems, concluding at Evans Lookout, where views over the Grose Valley Wilderness will leave us in awe.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Carrington Hotel (or similar), Katoomba
Daily Activities: Hiking (3-4 mile loop, ~948 feet elevation +/-)
Travel Time: Driving (~2.5 hours)
DAY 3
Today, we venture deeper into the breathtaking landscapes of the Blue Mountains along The Grand Cliff Top Walk. As the most visited national park in New South Wales, with approximately 8 million visitors annually, the Blue Mountains National Park is home to some of Australia's oldest and most beloved bushwalks.

Escaping the crowds, we’ll begin at the iconic Three Sisters before following the lesser-traveled trails toward Wentworth Falls. Along the way, we’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Jamison Valley, culminating at the top of the stunning Wentworth Falls. While much of our hike follows Jamison Creek and the ridges high above the valley, we’ll also pass through lush, forested pockets—offering the perfect opportunity to cool off in the creeks if the day is warm.

Your guides will provide a delicious and nutritious lunch along the trail, keeping us fueled as we take in some of the most secluded and scenic spots. We’ll finish at Empress Falls, a popular canyoning destination for adventure seekers, before returning to town for a free evening in Katoomba.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: The Carrington Hotel (or similar), Katoomba
Daily Activities: Hiking (9-11 miles; ~1,528 feet elevation +/-)
DAY 4
We rise early today and bid farewell to the Blue Mountains. If time permits, we may stop at the Three Sisters lookout to see the first morning light illuminate the Jamison Valley—a memorable final glimpse of this hazy-blue wonderland.


We then travel to the airport for our approximately 90-minute flight to kanamaluka / Launceston. Upon arrival in Tasmania, we continue west through rolling farmland and increasingly wild landscapes to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.


We’ll settle into our accommodations near the park, surrounded by ancient forests and rugged alpine scenery. If our arrival time permits, we may take a short excursion to Ronny Creek, where wombats often emerge from their burrows to graze at dusk.


Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner together and prepare for tomorrow’s hiking adventure.


Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Cradle Mountain Hotel
Drive/Flight Time: Approximately 2 hours to the airport, a 1.5-hour flight, and approximately 3 hours to Cradle Mountain
Daily Activities: Travel day with a possible short wildlife walk
DAY 5
Cradle Mountain is a place of exceptional natural beauty in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Its landscapes range from moss-covered rainforest and waterfall-fed creeks to glacial lakes, alpine moorlands, and dramatic mountain peaks.

After breakfast, we transfer to Ronny Creek, the official beginning of Tasmania’s famous Overland Track. We start along a boardwalk before climbing past cascading creeks, lakes, and alpine tarns toward the Cradle Plateau.

Our route gradually ascends to Crater Lake before a short but steep climb brings us to Marion’s Lookout. From here, we’ll be rewarded with impressive views of Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain, and the surrounding ranges. After spending much of the day exploring the park, we transfer to Launceston for a relaxing evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Leisure Inn Penny Royal, Launceston
Daily Activities: Hiking approximately 4.3–6.2 miles, 5–6 hours
DAY 6
We leave Launceston behind this morning and journey toward Tasmania’s beautiful east coast. Our route carries us through rolling farmland and quiet historic towns before reaching white-sand beaches and the sparkling waters of Great Oyster Bay.

Along the way, we stop at Melshell Oyster Farm, where we’ll sit beside the Swan River overlooking the oyster beds. A resident oyster specialist will demonstrate how to shuck an oyster and explain how these local delicacies are grown and harvested. We’ll then enjoy a fresh seafood lunch served in a memorable waterfront setting.

Continuing south, we enter Freycinet National Park and stretch our legs with a sandy walk along Friendly Beaches. Afterward, we settle into our accommodations near Coles Bay and enjoy a relaxed evening beneath the Tasmanian sky.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet, Coles Bay
Drive Time: Approximately 3 hours
Daily Activities: Walking approximately 1–2 hours
DAY 7
Today, we set out on a full-day hike around the Hazards Range and into the world-famous Wineglass Bay.

From the trailhead, we climb a well-graded track to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. On a clear day, the view across the Freycinet Peninsula and its perfect crescent of white sand is unforgettable. From the lookout, we descend approximately 1,000 steps to the beach, where we’ll have time to enjoy the pristine shoreline and clear blue water.

We continue through fragrant eucalyptus forest to Hazards Beach on the opposite side of the isthmus. After walking along the golden sand, our trail returns to dry sclerophyll forest and climbs onto the peninsula’s distinctive pink granite sea cliffs. The final section follows the edge of the Hazards Range, offering beautiful views across Great Oyster Bay.

Time permitting, we may finish the day with a refreshing dip in the clear waters of Honeymoon Bay.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet, Coles Bay
Daily Activities: Hiking approximately 7.1 miles, 5–6 hours
DAY 8
This morning, we trade our hiking boots for kayaks and meet our professional paddling guides on the beach.

As we glide across Great Oyster Bay beneath the imposing Hazards Range, we’ll keep watch for White-bellied Sea Eagles and the occasional curious seal. Our guides will share stories about the natural and cultural history of Freycinet National Park as we experience its coastline from an entirely new perspective.

After working up an appetite on the water, we visit Devil’s Corner Cellar Door for a private guided tasting. We’ll enjoy Tasmanian wine accompanied by fresh seafood and wood-fired pizza while taking in sweeping views of Great Oyster Bay.

We then continue south to Orford, where we settle in for the night before tomorrow’s ferry to Maria Island.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Eastcoaster, Orford
Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours
Daily Activities: Kayaking approximately 2.5 hours
DAY 9
A short ferry ride takes us to Maria Island National Park, a wildlife sanctuary sometimes called Tasmania’s “Noah’s Ark.”

The island has a fascinating history encompassing Aboriginal habitation, a convict penal station, farming settlements, and its eventual protection as a National Park. Today, it is one of the best places in Australia to observe native animals in their natural habitat. Wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, Cape Barren geese, and other wildlife roam freely across the island.

We’ll choose from several hiking options and explore striking geological formations such as the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs. We’ll also have an opportunity to visit Darlington, the island’s remarkably preserved convict settlement.

Keep your camera close—Maria Island’s thriving wombat population and abundant birdlife frequently provide memorable encounters. Late this afternoon, we return to the mainland by ferry and enjoy dinner at our accommodations.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Eastcoaster, Orford
Daily Activities: Hiking approximately 6.2–7.5 miles
DAY 10
This morning, we travel south to the Tasman Peninsula, where some of Tasmania’s most dramatic coastal landscapes await.

Our destination is Cape Hauy, one of Tasmania’s celebrated Great Short Walks and part of the longer Three Capes Track. The trail initially undulates through woodland and heath, where seasonal wildflowers brighten the landscape. It then descends a steep series of stone steps before climbing toward the cape.

Cape Hauy extends boldly into the restless Southern Ocean, with dramatic views in both directions. Immense dolerite columns plunge vertically into the sea, creating one of Tasmania’s most striking coastal scenes. Along the way, we’ll watch for seabirds, eagles, and possibly whales passing offshore.

After completing our hike, we settle into our accommodations near Port Arthur for the next two nights.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: NRMA Holiday Park, Port Arthur
Drive Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Daily Activities: Hiking approximately 6.2 miles, 4–5 hours
DAY 11
This morning, we embark on an award-winning wilderness cruise along the spectacular Tasman Peninsula.

As we travel through the wild waters of the Tasman Sea, we’ll gaze up at the towering cliffs of Cape Pillar—the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Waterfalls tumble down immense rock faces, while centuries of wind and waves have carved archways, caves, and unusual formations into the coastline.

The surrounding waters and cliffs support an impressive variety of marine and birdlife. We’ll watch for fur seals, dolphins, migrating whales, diving gannets, albatross, sea eagles, cormorants, and peregrine falcons. Seeing the cliffs from sea level offers an entirely new appreciation for their extraordinary scale.

This afternoon, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Spread across 100 acres and containing more than 30 historic buildings and ruins, Port Arthur is Australia’s most intact and evocative former convict settlement. A guided tour introduces us to its layered and often difficult history, followed by time to explore the grounds.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: NRMA Holiday Park, Port Arthur
Daily Activities: Three-hour wilderness cruise and approximately 2–3 hours of walking
DAY 12
Today, we journey to nipaluna / Hobart, Tasmania’s lively and historic capital. Upon arrival, we visit Salamanca Market, one of Hobart’s most beloved traditions. More than 300 vendors line the streets beside the city’s historic sandstone warehouses, offering locally crafted homewares, artwork, jewelry, clothing, artisan cheeses, breads, seasonal produce, and other Tasmanian specialties. With the waterfront just steps away, the market is a wonderful place to experience the creativity and flavors of the island.

After time to explore the market and settle into our hotel, we head to Hobart’s most recognizable natural landmark: kunanyi / Mt Wellington. Rising 4,170 feet above the city, the mountain transitions from dense eucalyptus forest to exposed alpine terrain.

At the summit, we’ll take in panoramic views across Hobart, the Derwent River, and the landscapes beyond. Tonight, we gather one final time for a farewell dinner and celebrate the adventures, wildlife encounters, and new friendships we have shared.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: The Old Woolstore, Hobart
Drive Time: Approximately 2–3 hours
Daily Activities: Market exploration and sightseeing at kunanyi / Mt Wellington
DAY 13
All good things must come to an end. Our adventure concludes after breakfast at the hotel. You may depart for the airport at any time today or extend your stay to continue exploring Hobart and the surrounding area.

Reviews

This trip is brand new — be among the very first to experience it with AGC!

Dates & Prices

Year Departure Date Availability Price

2027

October 26 to November 07

Available

$12495.00

Year

2027



Departure Date

October 26 to November 07, 2027



Availability


Available



Price

$12495.00




Make It Your Adventure

Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.

Common Questions


All participants are guaranteed their own bed on our trips.

A Single Supplement (SS) means you will have your own room with your own bed, and no other participants will share that room with you. Single supplements are limited, offered at an additional cost, and will appear as a booking option at the time of registration if still available.

A Double Accommodation means you will share a room with another participant. You will still have your own bed. Shared beds can be requested but cannot always be accommodated depending upon the property.

Bathrooms: Bathroom arrangements vary depending on the trip and lodging. A single supplement guarantees your own sleeping space but may still include a shared bathroom. Double accommodations typically share a bathroom with a roommate and sometimes additional participants, depending on the property. Private or ensuite bathrooms will be noted in the trip details when available.


Most breakfasts will be in our hotel or prepared by guides. 
Lunches will often be packed hikers lunches or prepared by guides and self-serve. There will never be a lunch spot without a view!
Dinner options will vary each night, ranging from freshly cooked wholesome meals by your guides, to eating out at our favourite nearby food spots.


If we know well in advance, your guides can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and they cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.


You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.


This trip is designed for women in good physical condition (health, mobility and balance) who enjoy hiking and other activities and want to explore Australia. Hiking is generally 2 - 7 hours on dirt trails, rocky paths, sandy beaches and occasionally uneven footing. You will be rewarded with spectacular views.
The kayaking is suitable for novices.

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