Tasmanian Wonders

Your Tasmanian holiday begins with an afternoon tour of Hobart. You’ll see historic Battery Point, Salamanca Place, the Botanic Gardens, Constitution Dock, the destination of yachts participating in the Sydney to Hobart race each year, and Mt. Nelson, which affords panoramic views over Australia’s southernmost city. Enjoy the company of your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening at a Welcome Reception and dinner.

This morning, you’ll head west to New Norfolk and magnificent Mt. Field National Park. Here, you'll take a walk through lush rainforest to the many-tiered cascade of picturesque Russell Falls. Then enjoy the scenic drive to iconic Lake St. Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia, and continue through the rainforest to the coastal town of Strahan. Nestled on the shores of massive Macquarie Harbour, Strahan is the gateway to the World Heritage listed Franklin- Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Today's highlight experience is a lunch cruise on the Gordon River. You’ll be awestruck by the beauty of the dark waters. Stained amber by buttongrass tannins, they reflect the untouched wilderness that surrounds them. Stop at Sarah Island for an insight into a relic of Tasmania’s lesser-known convict history, the Macquarie Harbour Penal Settlement. See Hells Gates, the treacherous entrance to the harbour, and Heritage Landing, site of a 2,000-year-old Huon Pine. Travel through the mining towns of Rosebery and Tullah on your way to your hotel. After dinner tonight, you may choose to do an optional experience animal night spotting tour or perhaps take advantage of a rare opportunity to see Tasmanian Devils feeding after dark.

This morning, marvel at the inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park. Join your Travel Director for a guided walk by Dove Lake, where you may spot Bennetts wallabies, echidnas and pademelons along the way. Travel on through rolling green hills to Table Cape for spectacular views of Bass Strait. Picturesque Stanley is in your sights as you head west. Enjoy views of the sheer-sided Stanley bluff known as ‘The Nut’ and take some time to explore. Your destination is Smithton.

Travel along the picturesque northwest coast visiting townships such as Burnie and Penguin where you’ll stop for morning tea and get a chance to wander around the shops and beachfront. Continue on to Ulverstone before heading inland to Sheffield, home to over 60 murals depicting the area’s rich history. You’ll learn about dairy production methods and indulge in a cheese tasting at the award-winning Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm on your way to Launceston, Tasmania’s ‘northern capital’.

This morning, visit the unique natural formation of the Cataract Gorge, home to the longest single-span chairlift in the world, followed by an orientation tour of the city. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, exploring all that Launceston has to offer. Consider an optional experience on a Cataract Gorge River Cruise or a half day Tamar Valley Winery tour. Alternatively, why not stay local with a visit to the Art Gallery or the historic Tramway Museum?

Bridestowe Lavender Estate, producer of highquality lavender since 1922, is your first stop. Later, visit the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees site, then follow the picturesque east coast to Bicheno. This evening you might like to take an optional experience to see Bicheno’s wild penguins as they emerge from the ocean (seasonal).

Today, experience the grandeur of Freycinet National Park, taking a guided walk to the lookout at Cape Tourville that affords astonishing views across brilliant blue water, verdant forest and golden beaches. On your way to Hobart, you’ll travel through Swansea and Orford and make a lunch stop in historic Richmond. The village is famous for its elegant Georgian architecture, with beautiful heritage buildings dating to the 1820s now housing galleries, tea shops, craft boutiques and museums.

Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site today, taking a cruise around the Isle of the Dead and a fascinating guided walk of the remains of Port Arthur’s infamous convict prison. There will be time for you to wander the site at your leisure. On the drive back to Hobart, see the amazing natural rock formations of the craggy Tasman Arch, the Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole. This evening, mingle with your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner in one of Hobart’s popular restaurants.

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.