LATEST UPDATE: **There are still places available on this tour. Contact us for an itinerary**
If Tasmania is on your must-do list, this journey offers the ideal introduction to the island state. Combining spectacular landscapes with exposure to rich convict history and gourmet artisan produce, it takes you to unforgettable locations and ensures memorable encounters. Visit magnificent Russell Falls, the Gordon River, Cradle Mountain, the Tarkine Wilderness and Freycinet National Park, and step back in time at Port Arthur and in Hobart.
Thursday 31 October 2019
Depart Auckland International Airport
Arrive Hobart
You will be transferred to your accommodation in Hobart
Hotel: Wrest Point Hotel, Hobart. D
Friday 01 November 2019
Today kick off your spectacular trip around Tasmania. Start with a tour to view the capital’s city sights. Hear about the first settlers, see original sandstone buildings still bearing the signature markings from the original convict labourers and visit the Botanic Gardens, see Battery Point and the original customs building, Constitution Dock, Brooke St Pier and more. Visit Mt. Nelson for amazing views over Hobart and the Derwent River. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Wrest Point Hotel, Hobart. D
Saturday 02 November 2019
Enjoy 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 and 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.
Hotel: Wrest Point Hotel, Hobart. B
Sunday 03 November 2019
Journey west to magnificent Mt. Field National Park to see picturesque Russell Falls. Breath in the fresh moist air on a stroll to the tiered falls through luscious green rainforest.
Stop in at the Curringa Farm that gives visitors a taste of life on a working sheep farm. See sheep shearing, working farm dogs, fluffy chickens, farm tour, forest walk and yummy morning tea.
Later take the winding journey to Lake St. Clair and the Wall in the Wilderness, a fascinating sculpture that artist Greg Duncan has hand-carved, depicting a series of scenes that commemorate those who have shaped the area’s past and present.
Continue along the rainforest bordered road of World Heritage protected Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park through eerie Queenstown to coastal Strahan. Enjoy views of Macquarie Harbour from your hotel perched on the hillside.
Hotel: Strahan Village, Strahan. BD
Monday 04 November 2019
Strahan to Cradle Mountain
A spectacular Gordon River Cruise, where the wilderness comes to the water’s edge, is the highlight of today. You’ll be awestruck by the beauty of the dark waters, stained amber by buttongrass tannins, reflecting the untouched wilderness. Stop at Sarah Island for insight into Tasmania’s lesser known convict history, the Macquarie Harbour Penal Settlement. See Hell’s Gate and Heritage Landing, site of the 2,000 year old Huon Pine.
Pass the towns of Rosebery and Tullah as you travel to your hotel on the
boundary of sensational Cradle Mountain National Park.
Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel
Hotel: Cradle Mountain Hotel. BLD
Tuesday 05 November 2019
Cradle Mountain
This morning it’s time to explore the inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park on a guided tour.
Stop in at the Devils at Cradle.
For the more adventurous, take a little more time to stretch your legs and meander back to the visitors centre through the wild ancient forests and alpine heathlands on the purpose-built boardwalk. You may spot Bennetts wallabies, echidnas and pademelons grazing along the way. For a more challenging hike, head to Marion’s Lookout and return via Wombat Pool.
Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Did you know that Tasmanian whisky distillation was outlawed in 1838 and remained so for 154 years until the creation of a new law in 1992? This morning you’ll visit Hellyers Road Distillery for a guided walk through the working distillery to be shown the ingredients and processes that deliver one of the finest single malt whiskys in the world.
Next up visit Sheffield, town of the murals before heading on to sample the delights on offer at the award winning Ashgrove Cheese Factory.
Hotel: Cradle Mountain Hotel. BD
Wednesday 06 November 2019
Cradle Mountain – Launceston
Did you know that Tasmanian whisky distillation was outlawed in 1838 and remained so for 154 years until the creation of a new law in 1992? This morning you’ll visit Hellyers Road Distillery for a guided walk through the working distillery to be shown the ingredients and processes that deliver one of the finest single malt whiskys in the world.
Next up visit Sheffield, town of the murals before heading on to sample the delights on offer at the award winning Ashgrove Cheese Factory.
Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Best Western Plus, Launceston. BD
Thursday 07 November 2019
Launceston
This morning you’ll visit Cataract Gorge before you take a scenic country drive through the Tamar Valley’s rolling hills.
Following this enjoy at Josef Chromy Wines a delicious lunch.The views from the surrounding vineyards and lakes provide an idyllic location to enjoy tasting some of the estate-grown cool climate wines and tucking in to some fresh local Tasmanian produce. This afternoon is free for you to relax or explore on your own. You may like to take an optional cruise on the Tamar River or even wander through town (At own expense).
Tonight dinner will be at your own leisure.
Hotel: Best Western Plus, Launceston. BLD
Friday 08 November 2019
Launceston – Freycinet
Bridestowe Lavender Estate is your first stop today. Bridestowe has been growing lavender since 1922 when a London perfumer planted lavender seeds from the French Alps on his family estate which he named after his wife’s birthplace in England. Try some of Bridestowe’s lavender products and treat yourself to their famous lavender ice-cream!
Later make a stop at the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees, planted in honour of fallen WWI soldiers. After your lunch time stop at St Helens, follow the picturesque East Coast south to Bicheno
Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Beachfront at Bicheno. BD
Saturday 09 November 2019
Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
Today experience the exquisite beauty of Wineglass Bay on a four hour lunch cruise of the Freycinet Peninsula. The cruise will take you from the gentle shores of Coles Bay along the Freycinet coast beneath towering pink granite cliffs to one of the world’s best beaches.
Anchored at Wineglass Bay, you’ll have the chance to absorb the beaty of the National Park and enjoy a gourmet Ploughman’s lunch.
Tonight dinner will be at your own leisure
Hotel: Beachfront at Bicheno. BL
Sunday 10 October
Bicheno – Hobart
Journey to historic Ross, considered the finest nineteenth century village in Australia.You must treat yourself to the self-proclaimed best scallop pie in Tasmania from one of the town’s two local bakeries, or if you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, visit the town’s other bakery for their famous vanilla slice!
As you travel south through rich pastoral land towards Hobart, Anne Kernke custodian of Shene Estate welcomes you where you’re treated to a walking tour through the property’s stunning original buildings including the barn and stables, both a true reflection of early Australian architecture and the colonial era. Anne will also invite you in to her private family home where you’ll see an incredible collection of fine wares and admire intricate ceilings and original decor. Afterwards, sit down to a morning tea with a selection of home baked goodies.
This afternoon will be at your own leisure.
Hotel: Wrest Point Hotel, Hobart. B
Monday 11 October
Port Arthur
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. You’ll have time to wander the site at your leisure before you leave.
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.
This evening celebrate your holiday with your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner in one of Hobart’s best restaurants!
Hotel: Wrest Point Hotel, Hobart. BD
Tuesday 12 October
Today you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight home.
Depart Hobart
Arrive Auckland International Airport
Premium and Business Class may not be available on all flights
Airfare Upgrades subject to availability: Premium Economy price on request or Business price on request
Give Pete or Nikki a call on