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Five-day thrill-seeker road trip

From mighty mountains and magical caves to soaring sea cliffs and forest canopies, a world of adventure awaits in the island state. This five-day itinerary to some of Tasmania’s wildest places is fuelled by pure adrenaline, as you climb, abseil, bike (mountain, fat or quad style), jet-boat, zipline and fly high in a helicopter. Throw caution to the wind and take a break full of bucket-list thrills.

Be a spirited traveller and follow this 5-day itinerary, perfect for those looking for an exciting adventure.

Day 1: Devonport to Cradle Mountain

Dive straight into adventure at Cradle Mountain, which is only 75 minutes’ drive south-west of Devonport via route C132. Join Cradle Mountain Canyons  in this World Heritage listed wilderness, where you’ll slip into a wetsuit then shoot down natural waterslides, plunge into rivers, launch off waterfalls and abseil down cliffs. Later, if you’re still raring to go, trek to Marions Lookout for incredible views of Cradle Mountain’s twin peaks and down to Dove Lake. If you’d rather spend the whole day hiking, with the reward of panoramic vistas from this iconic mountaintop, the Cradle Summit walk is eight hours return.

Be sure to book ahead for accommodation, including cabins, camp sites and indulgent options like Cradle Mountain Lodge, where you can soothe those well-worked muscles at Waldheim Alpine Spa.

Day 2: Cradle Mountain to Liawenee

Get up early for an Instagram-favourite sunrise view of Cradle Mountain, then make your way to Mole Creek, which is about 90 minutes’ drive east via route C136. Meet your Wild Cave Tours guide and get ready for subterranean surprises, from amazing limestone formations to glow-worms. Most visitors don’t get past the easy – and awesome! – Marakoopa and King Solomons caves, but even beginner cavers up for a bit of climbing, crawling, squeezing and wading through underground streams can explore some of the area’s undeveloped caves.

Head south on Highland Lakes Road for about 75 minutes to Thousand Lakes Lodge, on the edge of Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness in Liawenee. Hire one of this rustic-meets-luxury accommodation’s electric fat bikes, which have chunky off-road tyres and a battery-powered motor so you can pedal as much or as little as you like. Explore the majestic Central Plateau, along old cattle trails, up steep hills, by lakes and streams, all under a big sky, then kick back at the lodge – which may be remote but is well stocked with great local food and drinks. Relive your adventures over a hearty dinner, and a nightcap by the roaring fire.

Day 3: Liawenee to Hobart

During the lodge’s big breakfast, with epic views of the rugged landscape, you might start feeling the need for speed. Head to Hobart, which is two hours south via Highway 1, and tackle the Mount Wellington Descent for a different take on this peak overlooking Tassie’s capital. It begins with a bus ride to the 1272-metre summit for cracking views across the city and beyond. Then it’s time to hurtle down to sea level on a mountain bike, stopping here and there along the 21-kilometre trail to learn more about the contrasting landscapes. There’s an optional off-road section if you’re up for it.

Just 30 minutes south of Hobart, take an exhilarating joyride along 12 kilometres of the Huon River. Weave in and out of the forest canopy, speed through rapids and feel the excitement of 360-degree spins with Huon Jet, who have been carving up the water since 1989.

Toast another great day of adventures at one of Hobart’s pubs and bars, like crafty Shambles Brewery.

Day 4: Hobart to Coles Bay

Take to the sky and say “good morning, Hobart!” on a helicopter flight with operators such as Tasmanian Air Tours. Choose your own adventure, from a 15-minute scenic jaunt to an all-day tailored experience. Unless you can extend your itinerary, don’t hold off too long on the drive to Freycinet Peninsula. A top overnight option is Coles Bay, which is 2.5 hours’ drive north-east of Hobart via the Tasman Highway. It’s right at the edge of Freycinet National Park, where the granite cliffs plunging into the sea are some of Tasmania’s most popular climbing and abseiling spots.

Companies like Mountain Bike and Rock Climbing Tasmania have everything you need to get going, including guide, gear and encouragement. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll soon be conquering cliffs like the 60-metre White Water Wall, overlooking sapphire waters and maybe whales and dolphins. If the view gets you thinking of seafood, head to the nearby fishing town of St Helens for dinner (and stay overnight if you prefer).

Another option today or tomorrow morning is an ALL4 quad-bike tour, exploring hard-to-get-at parts of Freycinet National Park. Get your heart pumping as you speed through the wilderness, then feel how good it is to be alive while pausing at a beautiful, remote beach.

Day 5: Coles Bay to Devonport

Spend your final day on the island above the tree tops at Hollybank Wilderness Adventures, which is 2.5 hours north-west of Coles Bay via Highway 1. There are six ziplines, totalling almost one kilometre of thrills, including a final 400-metre leap across the bluegum forest, plus insights about the unique ecosystem from your guide along the way. Other options at Hollybank include mountain biking and a rope obstacle course up in the trees.

From here it’s 90 minutes to Devonport, where you will board Spirit of Tasmania for your journey home.

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