Wildlife of Tasmania and Queensland
Southern Australia
September 27 to October 10, 2026
Safari Overview
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Embark on a wildlife expedition through Southern Australia, exploring the pristine landscapes of Tasmania and Queensland. Traverse Cradle Mountain’s rugged terrain, witness nocturnal Tasmanian devils, and discover the untouched rainforests of Mount Field National Park. Experience the biodiversity of Bruny Island, home to rare endemic bird species and breathtaking coastal scenery. Observe Tasmania’s nocturnal wonders, spotting eastern quolls, little penguins, and the elusive Tasmanian devil on guided night excursions. Wander through a tranquil forest reserve and along crystal-clear streams ideal for platypus spotting in their natural habitat. Visit Narawntapu National Park for close-up views of wombats, wallabies, and pademelons.
In Queensland’s Lamington National Park, search for colorful parrots, lyrebirds, and marsupials in lush rainforests. Spot vibrant bird species like the charming Superb Fairy Wren and the mesmerizing Paradise Riflebird. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, this small-group adventure offers unparalleled access to Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. This trip is carefully designed to immerse you in some of Australia’s most incredible landscapes and wildlife hotspots.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
- Explore Diverse Ecosystems: From Tasmania’s alpine landscapes to Queensland’s tropical rainforests, experience Australia’s most unique wildlife habitats.
- Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters: Spot endemic birds like the Pink Robin and Albert’s Lyrebird, observe nocturnal creatures such as Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, and encounter iconic mammals like wombats, wallabies, echidnas, and pademelons.
- Expert-Led Small-Group Safari: Experience an intimate, well-paced journey with personalized access to Australia’s stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.
- Immersive Birding & Night Safaris: Spot endemic birds by day and venture out at night to observe marsupials such as quolls and bandicoots.
- Exclusive Locations: Discover Bruny Island, Cradle Mountain, and Lamington National Park with expert guides, ensuring deeper insights into these extraordinary ecosystems.
ENHANCE YOUR TRIP
- Begin your journey early on our Kangaroo Island extension from September 22 to 28, 2026. You’ll spend two and a half days exploring Kangaroo Island, a wildlife sanctuary off South Australia’s eastern coast known for its rugged shorelines, sandy beaches, rolling farmland, and untouched wilderness. This extension offers immersive opportunities to experience its preserved natural beauty, spot unique wildlife like koalas, Tammar wallabies, Australian sea lions, and the rare Glossy Black Cockatoo, and visit conservation parks, historic sites, and coastal landscapes.
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: October 2025
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27–28 | Travel to Hobart, Tasmania from home or our Kangaroo Island Extension. | ||
| Sep 29 | Hobart arrival and exploration. Arrive in Hobart. Explore several reserves in the Hobart Area, with chances to see several endemic species. | The Old Woolstore Hotel | L, D |
| Sep 30 | Travel to Bruny Island. Travel to Bruny Island – home to many endemic species and mammals. | Cottages, Bruny Island | B, L, D |
| Oct 1 | Sea Cruise and Guided Walks. Explore Bruny Island’s seabirds and nocturnal mammals. | Cottages, Bruny Island | B, L, D |
| Oct 2 | Mount Field National Park. Travel to Mount Field National Park to experience the wildlife in fern gullies, alpine heathland, and temperate rainforest. | Cottages, Hamilton | B, L, D |
| Oct 3-4 | Cradle Mountain Endemics. Travel to northern Tasmania and search Cradle Mountain’s endemic birds, plants, and nocturnal animals in hopes of spotting Tasmanian devils. | Cradle Mountain Lodge, Cradle Mountain | B, L, D |
| Oct 5 | Wildlife Safari in Narawntapu. Travel to the northern Tasmania coastline for its rarer mammals at Narawntapu National Park, known as the Serengeti of Tasmania. | Hawley House, Hawley Beach | B, L, D |
| Oct 6-8 | Lamington National Park Exploration. Travel to Queensland and explore Lamington National Park, home to a rich assemblage of birds and mammals. | O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Canungra | B, L, D |
| Oct 9 | Return to Brisbane and fly home. | B | |
| Oct 10 | Arrive home. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Tracey-Ann Hooley
Tracey-Ann HooleyShe is a Tasmanian-born biologist and passionate bird guide whose career has taken her from studying parrots in the Andean cloud forest to curating exhibitions and leading biodiversity programs at Museums Victoria. With a deep love for Tasmania’s wild landscapes and strong ties to the Southern Ocean, she now splits her time between home and guiding ornithological expeditions in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic. She brings joy, curiosity, and a deep ecological understanding to every tour, aiming to help others find moments of awe and connection in nature.
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Jane Blackwood
Jane BlackwoodBased in the Tablelands of North Queensland, she has spent much of her career as a land manager and ranger working with Traditional Owners across northern Australia, from the Kimberley to the Top End, Central Australia, and Far North Queensland. Formally trained in ecology at the University of Queensland and James Cook University, she has also gained hands-on knowledge of the region’s landscapes, seasons, and wildlife from Indigenous Elders. A lifelong birdwatcher, she developed her passion for birds on family camping trips and has contributed to research projects such as studying Arctic Terns in the Shetland Islands. Today, she continues to share this knowledge through bird monitoring programs and native plant identification work on Indigenous Protected Areas.
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $8,200 |
| Single Supplement | $1,360 |
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Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | April 1, 2026 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, landing fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Accommodations (double occupancy) for the nights of September 29 through October 8.
- Meals from lunch on September 29 through breakfast on October 9, except meals listed in Not Included section.
- Transfers on October 9 between O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and the Brisbane Airport.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees. The one-way flight between Devonport and Brisbane will be added to your trip balance based on rates closer to trip departure, but the approximate cost is $300.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Breakfast on September 29 and lunch and dinner on October 9.
- Divergent airport transfers (arranged by us) and extra hotel nights.
- Transfers on September 29 between the Hobart Airport and The Old Woolstore Hotel.
- Gratuities – tipping is not required or expected in Australia and prices usually include goods and services tax (GST) which is equivalent to VAT. However, if you feel that your guides, a staff member, or any service provider has done an outstanding job or exceeded your expectations, it is appropriate to give them a tip in appreciation. A recommended amount is approximately 10% of a meal/service charge and AU$10-20 per day for a tour guide.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
Temperatures vary depending on the location. Lows can be about 29 to 55°F (-1 to 12°C) and highs can be about 57 to 75°F (13 to 23°C). Rain is possible.
Fitness Level
You need to be able to get in and out of the vehicle and boat on the Bruny Island cruise. You’ll take short walks during stops while driving between destinations. You’ll take longer walks at Cradle Mountain on uneven ground, but if you prefer shorter walks, we will make them available. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (HBA) by 10:00am on September 29.
- Depart from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (BNE) after 1:00pm on October 9.
Flights we book
- The one-way flights from Devonport to Brisbane; we’ll add the flight cost to your final trip balance.
FAQ
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism and Conservation for Australia.
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.