Australia’s Wild Heart: Tasmania and Queensland
Southern Australia
October 17 to 30, 2028
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Join us for this unforgettable small-group wildlife expedition through Southern Australia, exploring the pristine landscapes of Tasmania and Queensland. Traverse the rugged terrain of Cradle Mountain, discover the lush, untouched rainforests of Mount Field National Park, and experience the rich biodiversity of Bruny Island, home to rare endemic birds and breathtaking coastal scenery. On guided night excursions, observe Tasmania’s remarkable nocturnal wildlife, including Eastern Quolls, Little Penguins, and the elusive Tasmanian Devil, then wander through tranquil forest reserves and along crystal-clear streams ideal for spotting platypus in their natural habitat, before visiting Narawntapu National Park for close-up encounters with wombats, wallabies, and pademelons. In Queensland, explore the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, where colorful parrots, lyrebirds, and marsupials abound, and watch for vibrant species such as the charming Superb Fairy-wren and the striking Paradise Riflebird. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, this intimate adventure offers unparalleled access to Australia’s iconic landscapes and extraordinary wildlife.
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRIP?
- 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.
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: April 2026
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17–18 | Travel to Hobart, Tasmania from home. Begin your journey to Southern Australia's island state and gateway to some of the continent's most biodiverse landscapes. | ||
| Oct 19 | Hobart Arrival and Exploration. Arrive in Hobart and explore several reserves in the Hobart area, with chances to see endemic species. | The Old Woolstore Hotel | L, D |
| Oct 20 | Travel to Bruny Island. Journey to Bruny Island – home to many endemic species and mammals. | Cottages, Bruny Island | B, L, D |
| Oct 21 | Sea Cruise and Guided Walks. Explore Bruny Island's seabirds and nocturnal mammals. | Cottages, Bruny Island | B, L, D |
| Oct 22 | 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 23-24 | Cradle Mountain Endemics. Travel to northern Tasmania and search for Cradle Mountain's endemic birds, plants, and nocturnal animals including Tasmanian devils. | Cradle Mountain Lodge, Cradle Mountain | B, L, D |
| Oct 25 | 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 26-28 | Lamington National Park Exploration. Journey 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 29 | Return to Brisbane and Fly Home. Transfer to Brisbane Airport for your departure flight home. | B | |
| Oct 30 | Arrive Home. Complete your journey and arrive home with unforgettable memories of Australia's extraordinary wildlife. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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TBD
TBDCheesemans’ Ecology Safaris carefully selects leaders who are experts in their field to ensure that your experience is the best it can be. One or more leaders, assisted by other local park guides, will provide a range of expertise for your trip.
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| 5-6 travelers | $11,200 |
| 7-8 travelers | $9,900 |
| Single Supplement | $1,900 |
This trip requires a minimum of 5 participants. Final pricing will be confirmed once group size is determined.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | May 10, 2028 | 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-transferable. 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 October 19 through October 28.
- Meals from lunch on October 19 through breakfast on October 29, except meals listed in Not Included section.
- Transfer on October 29 between O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and the Brisbane Airport.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare, 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.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Breakfast on October 19 and lunch and dinner on October 29.
- Divergent airport transfers (arranged by us) and extra hotel nights.
- Transfer on October 19 between the Hobart Airport and The Old Woolstore Hotel.
- Gratuities.
- 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
Weather conditions will vary throughout the itinerary due to changes in latitude, elevation, and proximity to the coast. In Tasmania, including Hobart, Bruny Island, Mount Field, and Cradle Mountain, temperatures are often cool, especially in the mornings and evenings, with lows ranging from about 29 to 45°F (-1 to 7°C) and daytime highs generally between 55 and 70°F (13 to 21°C). Highland areas such as Cradle Mountain can be colder, windier, and subject to rapid weather changes, while coastal locations may feel cool and breezy, particularly during boat excursions. In Queensland’s Lamington National Park, conditions are warmer and more humid, with lows around 50 to 55°F (10 to 12°C) and highs of 70 to 75°F (21 to 23°C). Rain is possible at any point during the trip, especially in temperate and subtropical rainforest areas.
Fitness Level
This itinerary is best suited for travelers with a moderate fitness level who are comfortable with regular walking and being outdoors for extended periods. Most activities involve leisurely to moderate-paced walks on well-maintained trails, boardwalks, beaches, and uneven natural terrain, typically lasting one to three hours at a time, with plenty of stops for wildlife viewing and photography. There are no strenuous hikes or steep, sustained climbs required, though some areas such as Mount Field, Cradle Mountain, and Lamington National Park may include uneven ground, gentle inclines, steps, or muddy sections. Several nocturnal outings and full days of exploration mean long but rewarding days, so a reasonable level of stamina and balance is important. Overall, this is an active yet accessible wildlife-focused journey, ideal for travelers who enjoy nature walks and don’t mind varied terrain, but it does not require advanced hiking experience.
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 October 19.
- Depart from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (BNE) after 1:00pm on October 29.
Flights we book
- The one-way flight from Devonport to Brisbane on October 26; 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.