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Hobart Tours
Southwest Tasmania Wilderness Experience: Fly Cruise and Walk Including Lunch
5

Southwest Tasmania Wilderness Experience: Fly Cruise and Walk Including Lunch

By Par Avion
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Discover Tasmania’s Southwest National Park by plane during this tour from Hobart. This remote UNESCO World Heritage Site is mostly accessible via plane or boat. During the flight, check out Hobart and southern Tasmania from above before touching down inside the wilderness setting. Then board a boat and cruise around Bathurst Harbour.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 22 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • Take a scenic flight from Hobart to Tasmania’s Southwest National Park
  • Meals are included depending on selected tour option
  • Explore the park and cruise Melaleuca Inlet and Bathurst Harbour
  • Lunch an non-alcoholic beverages are included

  • Beverages
  • Lunch
  • All activities
  • Live commentary on board
  • Local Professional guide
What's not included
  • National Parks Pass (available for purchase if required)


Start:
  • 115 Kennedy Dr, Cambridge TAS 7170, Australia
    Par Avion Wilderness Tours
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5968DIW_SWS

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Please dress appropriately for weather conditions - hat, sunglasses, enclosed shoes, coat
    • Body Weights
    • Phone Number
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5968DIW_SWS

    From
    AU$699.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 115 Kennedy Dr, Cambridge TAS 7170, Australia
      Par Avion Wilderness Tours
    • Pass by
      Hobart
      Bruny Island
    • 1
      Flying over Hobart’s eastern suburbs and the Derwent River, we will make our way down the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, past Recherche Bay to Tasmanian’s most southern point, South East Cape. At this point we leave civilisation behind and enter the vast south west wilderness by following the South Coast Track all the way to Melaleuca. The magnificent Southwest National Park is the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness and contains some of the finest and most remote wilderness found anywhere in the world. On arrival to Melaleuca we'll board our tour boat for a cruise into Bathurst Harbour, an untouched waterway twice the size of Sydney Harbour. You will see the remote Celery Top Islands, take walks in the wilderness, giving you an opportunity to experience untouched landscape while breathing the cleanest air in the world. We will pick a remote location for a delicious lunch including Tasmanian produce and wine. On our return to Melaleuca, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the area, including a visit to see the rare and endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot at the Deny King Bird Hide, and the award winning Needwonnee walk. Late in the afternoon, we’ll board our aircraft again, and return to Hobart, flying via spectacular Federation Peak, and Mt Picton, over Huonville and Hobart city. The tour is approximately 6 hours in duration. Our price includes lunch consisting of wine and Tasmanian produce, boat trip, and scenic flights to and from Melaleuca.
      Pass by
      Hartz Mountains National Park
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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Par Avion
      595
      Australia
      Joined in November 2010
    • wendybY1295VA
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful experience
      We had a wonderful time, flight. The pilots were very professional and easy going. They were very informative. The views were breathtaking, so pleased with the experience. Our picnic lunch was delicious as well. Thank you to all involved.
      Written 3 November 2024
    • KerylC3
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Idyllic Maria Island
      After weather cancelled our Southwest Experience twice and with our departure from Tasmania imminent, Par Avion offered us the option of a refund or a day on Maria Island. As it was a blue sky, low wind day in the east we decided to make the most of it and soon Michael our pilot, Dave our guide and the two of us were in the air, viewing from above where we had driven from Coles Bay the day prior, over the Freycinet Peninsula and magnificent Wineglass Bay then looping around to land on Maria Island. A very inviting cheese platter with tea, coffee (or wine!) for morning tea soon followed, then the two of us took a relaxed walk to the former settlement, stopping to photograph forester kangaroos, wombats and pademelons in the bush adjoining the track along the way. After we walked a leisurely circuit investigating the restored convict buildings we rejoined Michael and Dave to feast on a gourmet picnic lunch and wine on the beautiful fine white sand beach below. Following this and another lovely scenic walk back to the aircraft, it was mid afternoon and sadly time to leave. Returning to Cambridge airport flying over yet more beautiful scenery, before we knew it we were gently landing and our fabulous day was over. Michael’s expert piloting and Dave’s vast knowledge and experience of yachting, kayaking and hiking (indeed all things outdoors!), along with the fun banter between us all, made this truly a day we will never forget. Thanks Par Avion.
      Written 29 October 2024
    • 319ruthk
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A must do.
      Would absolutely recommend this flight. Very professional service and excellent communication. Our pilot was fabulous. Sensational experience.
      Written 13 September 2024
    • makotara
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      There really are wombats and kangaroos everywhere
      We had a lovely flight, where the pilot described what we were seeing, then landed on Maria Island for a good portion of time. We are visiting from the USA and had limited time, so this was a great way for us to see some things we wouldn’t have had time for otherwise. The picnic lunch was great and they even accommodated our request for something besides seafood.
      Written 21 August 2024
    • S5503KSchristiner
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      We flew over a beautiful landscape with a commentary all the way then boarded a boat to have the day on Bathurst Harbour
      We had a day trip to Bathurst harbour this time but went on the 3 day camping tour as well last year. I can't speak highly enough about travelling and touring with par Avion. Their service, commentary and catering was exceptional.
      Written 2 May 2024
    • markhovenden68
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wilderness experience with luxury and heart
      Everything was simply marvelous. The flights were spectacular, the scenery amazing, the guides fun, attentive, informative and lovely and the program tailored to suit our group excellently. The accommodation was extremely comfortable and the food and drinks excellent. We have specific dietary requirements and these were accommodated without any fuss and without making us feel like we were being difficult. We were provided with excellent options at every meal including snacks while we were out seeing the sights. At the camp, everything was thought through down to the smallest detail - lanterns and headlamps provided in our hut/tent, the bed was lovely and comfortable. The camp has been cleverly designed to be low impact and was nestled into the forest to give you the feeling of truly being in the wilderness. Birds flying around immediately outside your tent! Quite a bit of our time during the day was spent in the boat travelling to beautiful, secluded beaches on Bathurst Harbour, visiting indigenous sites and historical sites, going on short to medium-length hikes. Having two guides at all times, the group could break into those keener on slightly more strenuous hikes and those more content to potter... We were also lucky enough to have great wildlife experiences including seeing dozens of the endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot, as well as potoroos, wedge-tailed eagles and a white-bellied sea eagle nest complete with fledglings. The guides themselves were amazing, very, very knowledgeable and fonts of stories of all kinds, covering the geology, history and ecology of this amazing, wonderful region. The boat trip out to Port Davey proper was a true highlight with dozens of islands, beaches, cliffs, blowholes and arches, all in a simply spectacular coastline. All done in comfort and safety with an engaging commentary and the guides being flexible and responsive to our individual requests. We highly recommend this trip of a lifetime.
      Written 23 March 2024
    • 735paulinew
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A tour to remember
      What an amazing experience! The flight around the coast was breathtaking and the boat trip was fascinating. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable (with a host of tall tales!), the food and drink were excellent, and the places we stopped were truly beautiful (Balmoral beach, where we had lunch, will remain in my memory for a very long time). And we had the best weather! I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone lucky enough to come to Tasmania.
      Written 8 March 2024
    • he5102
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Flight cancelled
      Our Dec 18th flight/tour was cancelled by Par Avion only the day before and was notified through email only on Dec 17th. I didn't check my email until late afternoon of Dec 17th and checked with my travel agent. But my travel agent has no information of the cancellation at all. All our travel plan on the day was totally disrupted and even our hotel location was specifically picked to be near the airport. At least I got my refund back.
      Written 14 January 2024
    • Keith G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Brilliant experience
      Absolutely the best experience. Jonah as,pilot boat captain and totally knowledgeable. Worth every cent and more. Best guide
      Written 7 January 2024
    • Jo P
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Trip of a lifetime
      Incredible Wonderful Stunning Surprising Majestic and Beautiful. It was a VERY special day. Our pilot and guide Gavin was amazing. Thank you.
      Written 2 December 2023
    • traceycH9771DA
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A very special trip
      An experience of awe. The plane trip over was breathtaking, even though there was cloud cover. The cruise was stunning. The staff were really friendly, the lunch was delicious and the scenery was gorgeous. As it was a lovely day we’re got to go out to sea. The tour of Sarah Island was a highlight. Our guide was funny and yet conveyed the cruelty the convicts endured. I had wanted to do the trip for many years. It lived up to all my expectations.
      Written 30 November 2023
    • LHerberts
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous instructors and amazing experience. Thank you!
      Thank you to the instructors and extended support team who made my solo flight experience truly valuable.
      Written 29 November 2023
    • Tasallan
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A once in a lifetime experience to visit this hidden gem in our home of Tasmania
      What an amazing experience in this pristine, remote and beautiful part of Tasmania. We had 3 days of brilliant sunshine with Callum and Dave, two wonderful tour leaders with an incredible knowledge of South West Tasmania and Bathurst Harbour. The scenic flight in and out of Melaleuca was brilliant, the wine and food and the glamping were outstanding and a trip I will remember for the rest of my life. THank you Par-Avion. Put it on your bucket list!
      Written 26 November 2023
    • celinalaurilla
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing experience
      We had an amazing experience doing Par Avion’s Wineglass and Wildlife tour. We saw the most beautiful coastal sights of Tasmania and were even lucky enough to spot some whales at Wineglass Bay. Our pilot was a great guide too and made it a smooth day. Overall was a beautiful experience and would highly recommend!
      Written 21 November 2023
    • zoed2019
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic experience
      Absolutely loved it! Booked this tour for myself and Husband to do on my birthday, and it was the best birthday! We were the only ones to book, so we basically had a private tour, with an amazing pilot and incredible views. Our pilot was friendly and knowledgeable, he shared some great stories and made sure we had a great time. We saw seals from the sky, and a wombat on the island. Definitely recommend it!
      Written 14 November 2023
    See all 595 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles146 reviews
    Excellent
    135
    Very good
    6
    Average
    0
    Poor
    1
    Terrible
    4

    Prado 150
    Hobart, Australia310 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2020
    My wife and I, along with another couple, booked Par Avion's Southwest Tasmania Wilderness Experience as although we are Tasmanian locals, we had not seen the South West of Tasmania in any great detail. The whole experience was first class. Booking was easy, the reception at Cambridge Airport by Par Avion staff was professional, and the flight to and from Melaluka as spectacular to say the least. Somewhat bumpy in parts given the weather, but all very manageable. On arrival, you are not rushed but your 8 hour day is very full. We got to see a number of the extremely rare orange-belly parrots in the wild from a viewing stand (only 70 are claimed to remain) and then it was off onto Bathurst Harbour for a boat tour. The Harbour is twice the size of Sydney Harbour and provides shelter for boats sailing around South West Tasmania, We stopped at various locations and an added bonus was we were able to assist two bush walkers cross the Bathurst Harbour narrows where you need to exchange small boats from either side. They were walking the iconic South West Track which takes 7 days so that was great. A great lunch was provided at a private and secluded site which was of great quality, including excellent Tasmania wines. All in all an absolutely great experience in a remote part of Tasmania that very few get to see. Absolutely spectacular country, scenery and service, and great value. Highly recommended.
    Written 28 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Libby C
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2021 • Family
    Our pilot/captain, Liam, made this day one of the most wonderful and memorable experiences I have ever had. He was so engaged in showing us around Bathurst Harbour on the boat, then all the incredible sights of the South West from the air.
    The morning tea and lunch food was delicious, and the spots where we stopped to eat were breathtaking.
    This was just the most fantastic way to experience the incredible South West corner of Tassie, would highly recommend - particularly if you can get Liam to take you!
    Written 12 February 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for the review and mentioning Liam! So glad to hear you enjoyed your day
    Written 13 February 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Malcolm H
    Hobart, Australia9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2020
    What a magical place. Great flights to and from Melaleuca, with amazing scenery. Once arrived, the time cruising on Bathurst Harbour was so special and peaceful.
    Our pilot/skipper/guide/waiter was just great. He was knowledgeable and very helpful and considerate.
    My only negative - we were a bit cramped in the plane, a Britten Norman Islander. However, the flight was only one hour each way so that didn't detract too much from a wonderful day.
    Our day was enhanced by beautiful weather - clear and calm.
    Par Avion was very good in delaying our initial trip due to inclement weather. The staff were good communicators and very accommodating when deciding on a replacement date. Being local made it easy for us.
    So my best advice for people booking this trip - try to give yourself enough options for the date of your trip. If you're spending five days in Hobart, book this trip for the first day and try to keep your other plans flexible so you could still experience this trip if it is initially delayed by bad weather.
    Written 30 September 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Greatly appreciated ... use the Islander is a ... “special” aeroplane ..., but with the airstrip 450M long, as much as I’d love to bring something with an aisle in, my options are a little limited .... thank you for using your money to travel with us during these tricky times and I’m so happy you enjoyed your day!’ Shannon
    Written 1 October 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    AnniKK
    Port Macquarie, Australia34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2020 • Couples
    I wanted to make sure that we had the most memorable last day of 2020! As a treat, I booked the Southwest Wilderness Par Avion day trip. We were not disappointed. Brilliant value for $. The flight there and back was magical, the pilot being exceptionally professional and informative. The rugged beauty of the SW, the wild coastline and glimpses of the SW walking track was simply wonderful. The tiny quartzite Melaleuca airstrip welcomed us and we enjoyed a cup of coffee in Deny King’s bird hide. Our guide Greg provided endless stories and information of the area and its history. We boated through Bathurst Harbour to Port Davey, landing on Balmoral Beach for a wander through the quartz sand and shells. Enjoying a Covid friendly sumptuous lunch, washing it down with a crispy cool Tassie white or red. Onboard we headed towards the Southern Ocean admiring geological features and wildlife (eagles) before heading back to Melaleuca. The flight home took us north along the Arthur Range, down the valley to Huonville and towards Hobart. Exceptional views from every seat in the plane! Highly recommend this trip for a once in a life time experience of this last bastion of wilderness as a reminder to keep fighting to keep places like this wild!
    Written 9 January 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Interloca
    London, UK16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2020
    We were lucky enough to book this plane and boat tour on a calm and sunny early autumn day. We left on time and had a brilliant flight over the SW coast to the landing strip by Bathurst Harbour. Our informative pilot also turned out to be our boat captain and caterer all conducted with effortless aplomb. The boat journey at a brisk 45 k/hr took us as far as the swell of the Southern Ocean and the Breaksea Islands. Two stops, for coffee and lunch provided us with surprisingly tasty meals, wine included. We arrived punctually back at the airfield after an exciting flight inland over the mountains.
    Our party took a boat which proved difficult to start on departure. Its motor also stopped working on two occasions during our trip. The standby outboard could not be lowered into the water. Luckily the main motor was revived both times. I'm sure the outfit is now on to this.
    A very enjoyable and thrilling tour. Pray for good weather and it will be truly memorable.
    Written 5 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Robert R
    Hobart, Australia22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2021
    The trip was superbly organised right from the time of booking with special dietary requirements being no problem at all. We had been watching the weather forecast closely all week and at check-in were assured by Ben, one of the pilots, that the weather would be OK. Our pilot James not only flew us down but was an excellent source of information, our guide and the skipper on our cruise.

    To visit this amazing part of the State in fine weather was incredibly lucky and we saw a wilderness and water area that stunned us all. The flight in was coastal with views including Maatsuyker Island and the flight back passed close to Federation Peak. James's geographical and geological knowledge was essential for our appreciation of what were seeing.
    Written 13 February 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for spending the day with us!
    Written 15 February 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Anne D
    Lindisfarne, Australia13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2020
    This tour was wonderful. Gavin our pilot did a great job providing great commentary on our way following coastline down. We were in a very small plane but the ride was very smooth. When we got to Mellaluca our guide Greg took over and we had a great time with him. He was very knowledgeable and showed us around Denny Kings museum and around where he lived then onto the boat and out to Bathurst Harbour and Port DVey. The weather was perfect so we were able to enjoy a great time exploring the area. Scenery was spectacular. Our plane trip home took us up through the Huon Valley and over Hobart.
    Written 23 October 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for the review Anne
    Written 24 October 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Buffy
    Tamworth, Australia21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful day out. The flights made certain we saw as much as possible from the air with expert commentary. The cruise was spectacular to say the least. Staff were attentive, knowledgeable and highly informative without being over the top or pushy. There was time to just enjoy the amazing spectacle of nature around me as well as to listen. Morning tea and lunch were a pleasant surprise for their taste, presentation and standard. I was not expecting gourmet food. Overall it was a truly wonderful and picturesque experience that was managed particularly well by Par Avion and James our pilot/guide/ boat driver.
    Written 14 January 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you! and appreciate you mentioning James!
    Written 16 January 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    David P
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2021
    This has been on our bucket list for sometime and what an absolutely perfect day.
    Zayden’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the history of melaleuca and the characters and so much more was enlightening and entertaining.
    Breath taking scenery a photographers dream and a picnic on Balmoral beach. Highly recommended.
    Written 9 May 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you !
    Written 10 May 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Greg W
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2020
    The professionalism from the moment we walked into the terminal office's front door until we were farewelled was clearly evident. When either flying the plane, captaining the boat or preparing lunch, the pilot's knowledge and passion made the experience one of the most enjoyable trips we have taken in Tasmania, in fact, the world. The gourmet lunch was a delight and perfect for such an occasion. The wine was a nice touch.
    Written 29 October 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you :) yes it’s an amazing place, one upside of covid is we can explore our own backyard ... thank you for travelling with us
    Written 31 October 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Southwest Tasmania Wilderness Experience: Fly Cruise and Walk Including Lunch provided by Par Avion

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