This morning we drive to the unspoilt wilderness of Mount
Field National Park and take a stunning walk through giant green rain forests
arriving at Russell Falls, the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania. No
Tasmania Tour is complete without a visit to the incredible “Wall in the
Wilderness”. Marvel at Greg Duncan’s masterpiece telling the history of the
harsh Central Highlands region. Then we continue onto Lake St. Clair, the
deepest lake of Australia. Visit the park centre and experience the beauty of
the Watersmeet Walk. Our final leg takes us to our overnight stay in Queenstown,
the once richest mining town of the world.
Step back in time with a stunning train journey departing
Queenstown Station and travelling the steep grades of the rack and pinion that
the West Coast Wilderness Railway is renowned for. Enjoy the premium
seating in the Wilderness Class including snacks, lunch and drinks. The King
River Gorge and old growth rainforest complete our railway experience. We drive
to the historic township of Strahan later in the afternoon and check into our
accommodation for the next two nights.
Day 4 Today we board the Lady Jane Franklin II for the Gordon
River World Heritage Cruise. Experience the West Coast’s pristine wilderness in
luxury with seating on the Captain’s Deck. We meander through Hells Gate, 2000-year-old
rainforests and a 190-year-old convict settlement. Indulge in tasty snacks, a
delicious lunch and endless drinks. After our tranquil cruise stroll the
streets of Strahan and soak up the history and sights at your own leisure. Tonight,
we see the very successful outdoor theatre production “The Ship That Never
Was” before having dinner back at our accommodation.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Overnight in Strahan
Day 5 This morning we venture to the wild northern end of Cradle
Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park. Discover the World Heritage Area
breathing in the pure air with a walk around Dove Lake and through
button grass moorland along the edges of Pencil Pine Creek on the Enchanted
Walk. Visit the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery and meet the iconic
Tasmanian Devil at Devils Cradle Sanctuary. Gain a greater understanding
of this unique and endangered animal along with other Australian wildlife. Today,
you will also have the chance taking an incredible scenic helicopter flight
witnessing Cradle Mountain and surrounding gorges from the air. (additional
cost) We enjoy a fabulous buffet dinner and spend the night at our 4-star
Cradle Mountain accommodation.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Overnight at Cradle Mountain Hotel
Day 6 Today we continue our Tasmania Tour by leaving this
spectacular wilderness behind and by travelling to Stanley, a charming
fishing village. We take a guided tour of the Historic Site Highfield and
also make our way to the top of The Nut. Take the exhilarating climb
to the summit or enjoy an easy chairlift journey up and down the most
photographed land formation of Tasmania. Either way the views and peaceful air
will be worth the effort. You will have time for a stroll along the beach
before or after dinner, or just unwind and relax.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Overnight in Stanley Day 7 Today spoil your taste buds with local produce at its best.
We leave the North West corner of Tasmania with a drive to Launceston as our
final destination later in the day. Our first stop takes us to Sheffield.
Once a centre for industry, the town has reinvented itself as an art community.
Be inspired by the many murals in town telling us stories of the past. After
lunch we continue with some delicious cheese at the Ashgrove Cheese
Farm. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm before
we drive the last stretch to Launceston. We arrive mid-afternoon with
plenty of time to take a walk to Cataract Gorge Reserve. In the reserve
you can walk across the suspension bridge or stroll around the wonderful
gardens. Finish the day with a yummy restaurant dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Overnight in Launceston
Day 8 After a well-earned sleep in or an early morning walk in Kings Park, we head out for a beautiful day trip to Tamar Valley and Beaconsfield. You will not only find an extensive display of the very moving mine accident at the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, but you will also find other very interesting exhibits along some marvellous heritage buildings. Our next stop takes us to the Brady’s Lookout. Take in the magnificent views of the Tamar Valley, distant mountains and vineyards. Tamar Valley is the largest grape growing region in Tasmania with many boutique cellar doors. You cannot leave the valley without having tasted some wine. We visit the Tamar Valley Cellar Door for a structured wine tasting and you might even like to buy a bottle for some enjoyment later on. Then we follow the Tamar River to the Tamar Island Wetland Centre. Take a short walk to the bird hide to observe the wetland birds on the lagoon; follow the boardwalk a little further to the island or chat to one of the volunteers in the wetland centre. Back in Launceston enjoy a stroll along the riverfront precinct or into the town centre.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Overnight in Launceston
Day 9 Continue your Tasmania Tour to the East Coast. Our first
stop is Legerwood, home to the amazing avenue of memorial tree
carvings. Follow the Trail of the Tin Dragon and drive through Derby, a
small town but with a big story. For lunch we break in St. Helens and
then travel to Bicheno, a small seaside town and our home for tonight.
There is plenty of time to explore the town and to take a walk to the Blowhole
and the Whalers Lookout for great photo opportunities. Well after dinner you
might like to join the optional penguin tour. Get up close to the little
penguins as they come ashore from a day at sea.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Overnight in Bicheno
Day 10 Today we travel to Freycinet National Park for
breathtaking photo opportunities of Wineglass Bay. The walking track to
the lookout will be rewarded with one of Tassie’s most celebrated views –
shimmering turquoise seawater surrounded by secluded white beaches. Escape the
group for an optional scenic flight over Wineglass Bay and National Park with Freycinet
Air. Enjoy the short Great Oyster Bay walk with magnificent coastal views and
check out the fantastic Visitor Information Centre. After all this natural
beauty we continue our journey to Port Arthur. We arrive late
afternoon and check into our accommodation for the next two nights. We are
within walking distance of the Port Arthur Historic Site and you can
go for a sunset walk and photos or join an optional Ghost Tour after dark.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Overnight in Port Arthur
Day 11 We had an amazing journey so far and we are about to embark
on another exceptional experience – the Tasman Island Cruise. Explore
waterfalls, rock formations and deep-sea caves on a great 3-hour adventure. The
cruise travels beneath the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern
Hemisphere at Cape Pillar and we will see thousands of sea birds of all kinds,
most likely seals and super pods of dolphins. After this spectacular cruise we
will have lunch at the historic site before hearing about Port Arthur’s
history as a convict settlement. Our visit includes an informative introductory
walk and a harbour cruise. The historic buildings are open until 5pm and
the grounds and gardens until dusk. We all join back for dinner and our final
night.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Overnight in Port Arthur
Day 12 Day 12 has arrived, and we travel back to Hobart today. If you are looking for a last-minute gift, perhaps Federation Artisan Chocolate is a good idea. Taste a variety of chocolates and will be hard to decide what chocolate or fudge to buy. Our next stop takes us to the Tasman National Park high above the ocean with sheer cliff drops and monumental rock formations. Take a short walk to the Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Blow Hole. Not far from here we stop at the Tessellated Pavement for a few photographs before lunch at the local Doolishus Van. We travel the final leg to Hobart and it is time to say goodbye. Spend more time in Hobart or let us drop you off at the airport for a flight back home.Breakfast, Lunch