Day 1: Hobart to Bruny Island

Welcome to Tasmania! Pick up your X-TRAIL from Hobart Airport and take the ferry from Kettering to Bruny Island for a stunning Tasmanian wilderness experience. You will stay at Cloudy Bay Villa for 3 nights, a spectacular two-storey house on a gentle rise over Whalebone Point with some of the best views in Tasmania.

- Included

Pick up your Nissan X-TRAIL

Pick up your rental car at Launceston Airport and ride high in this world class family size SUV. Designed to get you from here to there, and everywhere in between, the Nissan X-TRAIL is made for adventure. The perfect car for your Heartlands road trip, with room for 2 adults and up to 3 children. We are proud to partner with Drive Car Hire, a 100% Tasmanian-owned family business. Known for their second to none level of service, their goal is to make renting a car an easy, hassle-free experience.

Ferry to Bruny Island

Take the ferry from Kettering to Bruny Island for a stunning Tasmanian wilderness experience. The island has some of Tasmania's most beautifully preserved natural environments with abundant wildlife and stunning clifftop views. Also take time to enjoy the famous local produce — Bruny is home to producers specialising in oysters, cheese and chocolate.

- Overnight

Bruny Island Coastal Retreat - Cloudy Bay Villa

Cloudy Bay Villa will offer you a unique experience on secluded south Bruny Island. This spectacular two-storey house on a gentle rise over Whalebone Point offers some of the best views in Tasmania. This light-filled beach house is cosy, comfortable and welcoming. The view dominates both upstairs and downstairs, with multiple living areas and a sheltered outdoor deck on the first floor. Downstairs, an open, well-appointed and modern kitchen looks out to an expansive dining and living area with a huge dining table. At the end of the day you can retire to the leather couches in front of the gas log fire. Each of the three bedrooms is comfortably appointed, with queen beds, ensuite bathrooms and luxury linen. An outdoor dining setting at the front makes the most of the ocean view and the rolling, open grassland leading down to the beach.

Day 2: Bruny Island

Wake up in Cloudy Bay Villa and enjoy the beautiful coastal views. This morning, you will go on a thrilling wilderness cruise to explore the rugged coastline of Bruny Island. Cruise alongside some of Australia's highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags and drift up close to listen to the awesome 'Breathing Rock'. This will be one of the highlights of your trip.

- Included

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Bruny Island Cruises

Experience an award-winning 3-hour wilderness cruise to explore the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Cruise alongside some of Australia's highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags and drift up close to listen to the awesome 'Breathing Rock'. Enter deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and 'The Monument' and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean.

- Overnight

Bruny Island Coastal Retreat - Cloudy Bay Villa

Cloudy Bay Villa will offer you a unique experience on secluded south Bruny Island. This spectacular two-storey house on a gentle rise over Whalebone Point offers some of the best views in Tasmania. This light-filled beach house is cosy, comfortable and welcoming. The view dominates both upstairs and downstairs, with multiple living areas and a sheltered outdoor deck on the first floor. Downstairs, an open, well-appointed and modern kitchen looks out to an expansive dining and living area with a huge dining table. At the end of the day you can retire to the leather couches in front of the gas log fire. Each of the three bedrooms is comfortably appointed, with queen beds, ensuite bathrooms and luxury linen. An outdoor dining setting at the front makes the most of the ocean view and the rolling, open grassland leading down to the beach.

Day 3: Bruny Island

The heritage-listed 1836 Cape Bruny Lighthouse towers 114 metres above the dramatic cliff tops and coves. Luke highly recommends a visit to the iconic lighthouse today for some great photo opportunities. If you feel adventurous, why not visit during sunset or sunrise for the most spectacular shots? You can also choose to do a guided Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour.

- Optional

Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour

The heritage-listed, historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse has been restored to her former beauty and is the only lighthouse in southern Tasmania open for guided tours. Initiated by Craig Parsey and former resident at Cape Bruny during the 1970s. Take a fully guided tour of this spectacular piece of history, towering above the rugged coastline of the south west tip of Bruny Island, with Bruny Island Safaris. Hear stories of shipwreck tragedies on the nearby islands and reefs, convict hardship, lighthouse keepers arduous duties, and family life.

- Overnight

Bruny Island Coastal Retreat - Cloudy Bay Villa

Cloudy Bay Villa will offer you a unique experience on secluded south Bruny Island. This spectacular two-storey house on a gentle rise over Whalebone Point offers some of the best views in Tasmania. This light-filled beach house is cosy, comfortable and welcoming. The view dominates both upstairs and downstairs, with multiple living areas and a sheltered outdoor deck on the first floor. Downstairs, an open, well-appointed and modern kitchen looks out to an expansive dining and living area with a huge dining table. At the end of the day you can retire to the leather couches in front of the gas log fire. Each of the three bedrooms is comfortably appointed, with queen beds, ensuite bathrooms and luxury linen. An outdoor dining setting at the front makes the most of the ocean view and the rolling, open grassland leading down to the beach.

Day 4: Bruny Island to Dover

Take the ferry back to Kettering and drive to Dover, a pretty fishing village with beaches, pastoral scenery and an old world charm. You will stay in a Waterfront Studio for two nights, with spectacular views across Port Esperance Bay and the islands of Faith, Hope and Charity. This afternoon, you will visit the famous Tahune Airwalk, an elevated walkway 30 metres above the forest floor with spectacular views.

- Included

Tahune Airwalk

Discover the famous Tahune Airwalk, an elevated walkway 30 metres above the forest floor with the final cantilever section sitting at a height of 50 metres above the Huon River, with spectacular views to the confluence of the Huon and Picton and beyond to the peaks of the World Heritage Area. The full return journey takes about 50 minutes – more if you stop for photographs, spot birdlife, or pause to enjoy the clean, fresh scents of the forest. Your day pass includes access to all walks on site.

- Overnight

Driftwood Cottages - Waterfront Studio

Check in for 2 nights at Driftwood Cottages. Your cosy Waterfront Studio is waiting for you. Situated overlooking the water, your self-contained cottage has its own balcony with spectacular views across Port Esperance Bay and the islands of Faith, Hope and Charity. Take the time to sit and watch the sunset whilst sipping a local Huon Valley Pinot. Central to all the attractions of the Huon Valley, D’Entrecastreaux Channel and Tasmania’s Far South, Driftwood makes the ideal base to explore the region. Enjoy the local delights of Dover, Southport and their surrounds including the Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, and discover the rugged beauty and tranquillity of Tasmania’s southernmost forests, waterways and wilderness.

Day 5: Dover

This morning you will experience the spectacular waters of the far south with a Port Esperance Bay Kayak Tour. Enjoy a tasty morning tea on the islands and take in the view of the Hartz Mountain Range, Dover township and its surrounds from a new perspective. In the afternoon, you will visit the magical underground world of Hastings Caves and relax in the swimming pool, which is fed by mineral-rich thermal springs.

- Included

Esperance Adventures - Port Esperance Bay Kayak Tour

In the morning, you will go on the Port Esperance Bay tour exploring one of the most beautiful natural harbors in Tasmania. This 2.5 hour tour departs from Dover town beach before kayaking around the 3 islands Hope, Faith and Charity. Enjoy a tasty morning tea on the islands and take in the view of the Hartz Mountain Range, Dover township and its surrounds from a new perspective. Learn about the history of the old convict probation station on Hope Island and how the island was pivotal to the development of the township of Dover.

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs

In the afternoon, you will explore the magical underground world of Hastings Caves. It will open your eyes to what lies beneath the picturesque Tasmanian landscape. The mystery of these Tasmanian caves is revealed beneath a dense green forest and ferny glades. The spacious dolomite cave system is a labyrinth of chambers, richly decorated and cleverly lit to highlight ancient subterranean formations. A Parks and Wildlife Service guide will lead you through this living and breathing ecosystem. Back on the surface, you can relax in the swimming pool, which is fed by mineral-rich thermal springs. Experience warm thermal pool water that remains 28 degrees celsius, year-round.

- Overnight

Driftwood Cottages - Waterfront Studio

Your cosy Waterfront Studio is waiting for you. Situated overlooking the water, your self-contained cottage has its own balcony with spectacular views across Port Esperance Bay and the islands of Faith, Hope and Charity. Take the time to sit and watch the sunset whilst sipping a local Huon Valley Pinot. Central to all the attractions of the Huon Valley, D’Entrecastreaux Channel and Tasmania’s Far South, Driftwood makes the ideal base to explore the region. Enjoy the local delights of Dover, Southport and their surrounds including the Hastings Caves and thermal springs, and discover the rugged beauty and tranquillity of Tasmania’s southernmost forests, waterways and wilderness.

Day 6: Dover to Hobart

Your final destination for this southern Road Trip is Hobart, Tasmania's capital city and the second oldest capital in Australia. You will sleep at a pretty special place — Hobart’s oldest waterfront warehouses have been thoughtfully reimagined as Australia’s first dedicated art hotel. Your Deluxe Spa Harbour View Room overlooks Hobart’s stunning waterfront, framed by views of the city and kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

- Overnight

The Henry Jones Art Hotel - Deluxe Spa Harbour View Room

At the Henry Jones Art Hotel, history and art collide. Hobart’s oldest waterfront warehouses have been thoughtfully reimagined as Australia’s first dedicated art hotel. Located in the Hunter Street precinct, the hotel blends modernity with an industrial past. Your Deluxe Spa Harbour View Room overlooks Hobart’s stunning waterfront, framed by views of the city and kunanyi / Mount Wellington. Run your hand over original walls of heritage stone and time-smoothed timber trusses. These rooms have aged handsomely, accented with modern touches. Each is fitted out with Euro-style stainless steel, a translucent glass bathroom and original Tasmanian artworks. The centrepiece of your room is an ultra-lush Kohler elliptical spa.

Day 6: Dover to Hobart

Your final destination for this southern Road Trip is Hobart, Tasmania's capital city and the second oldest capital in Australia. You will sleep at a pretty special place — Hobart’s oldest waterfront warehouses have been thoughtfully reimagined as Australia’s first dedicated art hotel. Your Deluxe Spa Harbour View Room overlooks Hobart’s stunning waterfront, framed by views of the city and kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

- Overnight

The Henry Jones Art Hotel - Deluxe Spa Harbour View Room

At the Henry Jones Art Hotel, history and art collide. Hobart’s oldest waterfront warehouses have been thoughtfully reimagined as Australia’s first dedicated art hotel. Located in the Hunter Street precinct, the hotel blends modernity with an industrial past. Your Deluxe Spa Harbour View Room overlooks Hobart’s stunning waterfront, framed by views of the city and kunanyi / Mount Wellington. Run your hand over original walls of heritage stone and time-smoothed timber trusses. These rooms have aged handsomely, accented with modern touches. Each is fitted out with Euro-style stainless steel, a translucent glass bathroom and original Tasmanian artworks. The centrepiece of your room is an ultra-lush Kohler elliptical spa.

Day 7: Hobart

It is time to head back to the airport and drop off your Nissan X-TRAIL ST SUV. If you can't get enough of Tasmania’s south —which we understand— we can always extend your stay!