Perfect Tasmania

Welcome to Hobart! Enjoy a leisurely start to your tour by having a wander around the picturesque Constitution Dock at your doorstep or take a stroll along the Derwent River before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers this afternoon for a Welcome Reception followed by delicious meal at Tasman Restaurant.

Wake up today to the sights, sounds, flavours, colour and action of Salamanca Market. Explore the market stalls, wander through the historic sandstone warehouses discovering innovative Tasmanian arts and crafts as you delight in the taste and aroma of freshly baked goods and local produce, meeting the friendly people who make or grow what they sell. Take a moment to sit back and relax at one of Salamanca's cafes and watch the world pass you by with cooling ale or locally produced cider in hand. This afternoon it’s all aboard for a city sights tour of Tassie’s capital. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens, then visit historic Battery Point, and Cascade Brewery before driving up to Mt. Nelson Lookout for panoramic views over the city.

Journey west to magnificent Mt. Field National Park to see picturesque Russell Falls. Breath in the fresh moist air when you join your Travel Director for a stroll to the tiered falls through luscious green rainforest. Later take the winding journey to picturesque Lake St. Clair, Australia’s deepest lake. Continuing along the rainforest bordered road of World Heritage protected Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, you’ll pass through the moonscape of the mining town of Queenstown before your final stop today at the seaside township of Strahan. Enjoy views of magnificent Macquarie Harbour, seven times the size of Sydney Harbour, from your hotel perched on the hillside.

A highlight today is your cruise on the Gordon River. Be awestruck by the dark waters, stained amber by Button-grass tannins, which reflect the untouched wilderness. Stop at Sarah Island for an insight into a relic of Tasmania’s convict history, and see Hells Gates, the notoriously treacherous entrance to the harbour. This afternoon pass through the mining towns of Rosebery and Tullah as you travel to your hotel on the boundary of sensational Cradle Mountain National Park.

This morning you’ll marvel at the inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park. Join your Travel Director for a visit to the Waldheim Chalet for insight into the early history of the Cradle Mountain area. Later, take a guided walk by Dove Lake. You may spot Bennett’s wallabies, echidnas and pademelons grazing along the way.

After breakfast, take a walk with a local expert through the Hellyers Road Whisky Distillery in Burnie. You’ll then make your way east to Mount Gnomon Farm hidden high in the hills overlooking the picturesque township of Penguin. Here you will enjoy a Be My Guest lunch by host and passionate farmer, Guy Robertson who will show you around his garden and property. Continue to quirky Sheffield, the ‘Town of Murals’, before travelling through the Meander Valley to Launceston.

Immerse yourself in Launceston’s magnificent Cataract Gorge where you’ll be struck by the beauty of this wilderness so close to the city centre. You may choose to take the easy walk around the First Basin and across the historic suspension bridge, or why not get a bird’s eye view on the world’s longest single span chairlift? Later, take a scenic drive through rolling hills for a delicious lunch and wine-tasting at Josef Chromy Wines. This afternoon you may like to take an optional experience cruise on the Tamar River, or just relax and explore this beautiful city at your own pace.

Visit the beautiful Bridestowe Lavender Estate this morning and treat yourself to its famous lavender ice cream. Later visit the unique Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees site. After your lunch at the seaside town of St Helens, follow the picturesque East Coast south to Freycinet National Park for your accommodation for the next two nights.

Start the day with a short drive through dry eucalypt forests to Cape Tourville for a walk that will allow you stunning views of brilliant blue water and golden beaches as far as the eye can see.  Then, experience a four-hour lunch cruise along the coast of the stunning Freycinet Peninsula. This cruise will take you from the gentle shores of Coles Bay past towering pink granite cliffs to the famous Wineglass Bay, a flawless crescent of dazzling white sand.

This morning you’ll journey west and down through the Midlands, stopping for morning tea in historic Ross, renowned for being both the finest nineteenth-century village in Australia, and for its Scallop Pies!  Heading south, you’ll stop in picturesque Oatlands for a bite to eat before making your way to the shores of the Derwent River in Hobart where you’ll immerse yourself in local Aboriginal traditions including a Welcome to Country ceremony performed by the local palawa people.  Later today, check into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Explore Port Arthur Historic Site today. Cross Eaglehawk Neck to the Tasman Peninsula and enjoy a cruise around the Isle of the Dead and a fascinating guided walk of Port Arthur's infamous convict prison. See rugged sea cliffs from Pirate’s Bay Lookout and feast your eyes on the amazing vistas of Tasman’s Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole on the drive back to Hobart. Tonight is free for you to explore at leisure.

Today is your day so feel free to explore all that Australia’s most southern capital has to offer. Why not try one of our many optional tours or speak to your Tour Director about recommendations. Perhaps a Bruny Island Cruise? Take in Australia’s highest sea cliffs, listen to the awesome Breathing Rock and feel the power of nature at the very point where the Tasman Sea meets the mighty Southern Ocean. Alternatively, take a scenic flight down to the great South West, take a tour to historic Richmond, or get your cultural fix with a visit to Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery. Most importantly, enjoy! This evening, celebrate your holiday with your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner in one of Hobart's popular restaurants

This morning after breakfast, say farewell to your new friends when your indulgent holiday comes to an end.