11 Days Best of Tasmania

itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hobart

Transfer from Hobart Airport to your hotel for check-in, and then you’ll take an afternoon tour of Hobart. Your orientation tour takes in Battery Point, Salamanca Place, the Botanic Gardens and Constitution Dock. The last stop is Mt. Nelson for views overlooking Hobart. Tonight you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at the hotel for a Welcome Reception at the Onyx Bar, with its fabulous views over the Derwent River, followed by dinner. Hotel: Wrest Point, Hobart. (D)

Day 2: Hobart – Strahan

This morning you’ll head west to New Norfolk and the magnificent Mt. Field National Park, Tasmania’s oldest, and location of the spectacular three-tiered Russell Falls. Later, take the winding journey up to Lake St. Clair – amazing vistas await you. This afternoon visit the Wall in the Wilderness, a fascinating sculpture where artist Greg Duncan has hand-carved a series of scenes into a collection of panels commemorating those who have shaped the area’s past and present. Back down to Queenstown, along the rainforest bordered road of World Heritage protected Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, to coastal Strahan. Hotel: Strahan Village, Strahan, 2 nights. (B, D)

Day 3: Gordon River Cruise

Start the day with the Gordon River Cruise, where the wilderness comes to the water’s edge. You’ll be awestruck by the beauty of the dark waters reflecting the untouched wilderness. Stop at Sarah Island and discover the ruins of the brutal penal colony. See Hell’s Gate and Heritage Landing, site of the 2,000 year old Huon Pine. This afternoon simply relax, explore the fishing village of Strahan or maybe visit the Huon Pine Museum. (B,L)

Day 4: Srahan – Cradle Mountain

Discover the mining and Hydro Electric towns of Rosebery and Tullah, as you travel to Cradle Mountain National Park. We’ll take you up to Waldheim and Dove Lake to see Cradle Mountain. The afternoon is yours. Explore the Australian National Wilderness and Landscape Gallery or just marvel at the view and breathe in the fresh air. Hotel: Cradle Mountain Chateau, Cradle Mountain. (B,D)

Day 5: Cradle Mountain – Launceston

Departing Cradle Mountain this morning you’ll head to Sheffield, where history and art merge to create an entire town of murals. You’ll then head to Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory for a presentation on cheese making and some delicious product tasting. Continue to Tasmania’s ‘northern capital’, Launceston. Hotel: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston, 2 nights. (B,D)

Day 6: Launceston Sights

This morning you’ll discover the Tamar Valley and the Swiss village of Grindelwald. Later, visit
the Tasmania Zoo to view the Tasmanian Devil and other native animals. You’re invited to
lunch at Josef Chromy Wines. The views from the surrounding vineyards and lakes provide
an idyllic location to enjoy tasting some of the estate-grown wines followed by Tasmania’s fresh
local produce for lunch. (B,L)

Day 7: Launceston – Bicheno

This morning visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm. Continue on to see the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees in honour of fallen WWI soldiers, the old mining town of Derby then drive through the lush myrtle rainforest at Weldborough Pass. You’ll visit seaside town St. Helens at lunchtime. Hotel: Beachfront at Bicheno, 2 nights. (B,D)

Day 8: Freycinet National Park

Experience the exquisite beauty of Wineglass Bay on a four hour cruise of the Freycinet Peninsula with a local guide. The cruise will take you from the gentle shores of Coles Bay along the Freycinet coast to one of the world’s best beaches. Later, experience breathtaking Freycinet National Park, with its pink granite mountains, coastal dunes and dry eucalypt forests. A guided walk with a National Park Ranger unveils astonishing views. Cape Tourville Lookout will amaze. (B,D)

Day 9: Hobart

Journey to historic Ross, considered to be the finest nineteenth century village in Australia. Visit the exquisite Ross Bridge with its 186 carvings depicting Celtic symbols, flora, fauna and notable personalities of the day. As you travel south towards Hobart you’ll stop at Shene Estate, a reflection of early Australian architecture and the colonial era. A walking tour of this iconic property with a local expert is followed by High Tea. Then it’s on to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). MONA is Australia’s largest privately funded museum with its mix of ancient, modern and contemporary art. Hotel: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, 2 nights. (B)

Day 10: Port Arthur

Cross the 100 year old Denison Canal and make your way along the impressive treelined coast. En route to Port Arthur cross Eaglehawk Neck to the Tasman Peninsula to feast your eyes on the amazing vistas of Tasman’s Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole. Enjoy a fascinating guided walk of Port Arthur Historic Site and infamous convict prison and a cruise around the Isle of the Dead. View the rugged sea cliffs from Pirate’s Bay Lookout on your return to Hobart. This evening celebrate a wonderful trip with your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner. (B,FD)

Day 11: Depart Hobart

Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Hobart Airport for your onward flight. (B)

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