Discover the beauty of Tasmania from the mountains and lakes of the North West and beaches of the East Coast to the harbour capital of Hobart. Experience the history of the Tasman Peninsula and the magnificence of the South West wilderness including the Gordon River. Enjoy all the natural beauty of Tasmania as well as the best of the man made attractions - a quality tour at a nice leisurely pace.
THU - 31 OCT AUCKLAND/HOBART D
Pick up from your home address and transfer to Auckland Airport for Air NZ flight NZ195 to Hobart departing at 9.00 am. Arrive in Hobart at 10.50 am. Your coach awaits you for a city and surrounds tour with spectacular views from Kunanyi/Mt Wellington (4,170ft), then on to the brand new Crowne Plaza Hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. Welcome dinner tonight.
FRI 1 NOV - HOBART/STRAHAN B,D
Travel to the rugged beauty of the West Coast. Stop at iconic Lake St Clair, the deepest lake in Australia - situated adjacent to the world-famous Cradle Mountain. At Derwent Bridge visit the Wall in the Wilderness sculpture. Lunch own expense. Continue on to Strahan, a tiny former port town with beautiful beaches - surrounded by rainforest. Stay at the Village Hotel in the heart of Strahan for the next two nights.
SAT 2 NOV - STRAHAN B,L,D
Enjoy the famous Gordon River Cruise, a tour highlight. Witness the magical reflections of the river. Meander through the rainforest whilst enjoying a buffet lunch of fresh Tasmanian produce. Visit Sarah Island one of the most notorious penal settlements of the colonial period. This afternoon enjoy time to explore Strahan before joining in the fun and frivolity of Tasmania’s longest-running play, ‘The Ship That Never Was’- the hilarious and dramatic true story of the last great escape from Sarah Island. Dinner is included at the Hotel.
SUN 3 NOV - STRAHAN/CRADLE MOUNTAIN/SMITHTON B,D
Explore the incredible Cradle Mountain National Park. On arrival take the included shuttle bus to gorgeous Dove Lake and enjoy the boardwalk and beautiful views. Onward to Smithton and the Tall Timbers Tasmania Hotel, where you will stay for the next two nights. A two-course Dinner is included tonight.
MON 4 NOV - SMITHTON (TARKINE & STANLEY) B,D
Depart for a half-day Tarkine experience with a local Tall Timbers Guide - including the scenic Edge of the World lookout. Return to Smithton around 12.30pm and on to the perfectly preserved coastal Georgian village of Stanley. Explore its colonial buildings, cafes and cottages sheltering under “The Nut“. Walk or take the lift (own expense) up "The Nut" - for breathtaking views of the Bass Strait from this 143m high volcanic rock. Return back to Smithton Hotel, for an included dinner tonight.
TUE 5 NOV - SMITHTON/LAUNCESTON B,D
This morning we make our way along the stunning Nth West coastline to Launceston. Tempt your tastebuds at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm cafe, Ashgrove Cheese & Dairy Farm and House of Anvers Chocolates. Arrive in Launceston mid-afternoon, Tasmania's Northern Capital and vibrant food and wine hub. Stay at Peppers Silos Hotel Launceston on the Tamar River, for the next two nights. Dinner is included tonight.
WED 6 NOV - LAUNCESTON B,L
This morning we cruise the Tamar river and enter the Cataract Gorge to view the old and new of Launceston's seaport precinct. Then onward to Joseph Chromy Wines for a wine taste and superb two-course lunch. Return to Launceston mid-afternoon and then the opportunity to visit the wilderness of Cataract Gorge Reserve - admire the Cliff Grounds and beautiful walking tracks and suspension bridge - with the chance to ride the chairlift (own expense) over the Basin and manicured lawns. A free evening in Launceston tonight.
THU 7 NOV - LAUNCESTON/ST HELENS B,D
Enjoy morning tea and a 30-minute guided tour of Bridestone Lavender Estate. The gardens and spring-fed dam are a spectacular sight. Travel through the farming towns of Scottsdale, Pyengana and Derby, stopping at St Columba Falls. It's one of Tasmania's highest waterfalls. Onward to picturesque St Helens, famous for the Bay of Fires. Stay at Panorama Hotel for one night. Dinner is included tonight.
FRI 8 NOV - ST HELENS/HOBART B
Today we experience the Great Eastern Drive with a stop at the pretty seaside town of Bicheno and down to the fabulous Freycinet National Park, where a highlight is Coles Bay. Take the walk to the Cape Tourville Lighthouse with the amazing views of the turquoise ocean and Freycinet Hazards. Continue on the Great Eastern Drive journey back to Hobart. Your hotel is the Crown Plaza for the next two nights.
SAT 9 NOV - HOBART B,L,D
Visit one of Australia's most loved markets, the Salamanca Markets. Music, crafts, location and the people all go to making this a memorable experience. Then on to the Tasman Peninsula, for an included lunch at Iron Creek Bay Farm, with sea and Mt Wellington views. Afterwards, we travel to the South East tip of Tasmania to visit the famous Port Arthur Historic Site - the Unesco World Heritage convict settlement. Enjoy a guided introductory walking tour and harbour cruise of the site. Returning to Hobart view the stunning sights of Devil's Kitchen, The Tasman Arch, Tessellate Pavement and the Remarkable Caves. Enjoy an included dinner tonight in Hobart.
SUN 10 NOV - HOBART/AUCKLAND B
Enjoy the morning at leisure then bid farewell to Hobart. We transfer to Hobart Airport for your Air NZ flight NZ198 departing at 12.00 pm to Auckland. On arrival in Auckland at 6.00pm you will be transferred to your home address.
Itinerary is subject to change due to operating conditions.
