10 Days Grand Tasman

itinerary

Day 1: Sat - Launceston, Seahorse World, Beaconsfield, Welcome Dinner

Flights to arrive by 12.00pm. Travel from Launceston to Beauty Point. Visit Seahorse World and learn about these fascinating animals. Then visit the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, with its interactive displays. On the trip back to the hotel, you’ll see and learn about the city sights of Launceston through informative on-board commentary. This evening, enjoy complimentary Welcome Drinks followed by a Welcome Dinner featuring fresh Tasmanian produce. Stay: Launceston, Mercure Hotel (D)

Day 2: Sun - Weldborough Pass, East Coast Natureworld, Freycinet National Park, Swansea

This morning, continue through the winegrowing area of northern Tasmania. During flowering season, visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Dec.-Jan.). Stop at East Coast Natureworld and meet Delilah, our sponsored Tasmanian Devil. Travel along beautiful Tasmanian coastline and into Freycinet National Park. Join a guided walk along Richardsons Beach at Coles Bay. Tonight enjoy a relaxed dinner in Swansea, or perhaps choose to upgrade your dining experience to a delicious crayfish dinner (own expense, seasonality applies). Stay: Swansea, Waterloo Inn  (BD)

Day 3: Mon - Ross, Richmond, Tasman Peninsula, Eaglehawk Neck, Port Arthur

Journey inland to Campbell Town and Ross. Travel south to the charming Georgian village of Richmond and see the famous Richmond Bridge. Proceed to Eaglehawk Neck and enjoy views of the rugged coastline from Pirates Bay Lookout. Continue on to Port Arthur. Stay: Port Arthur, Fox and Hounds Inn  (BD)

Day 4: Tue - Port Arthur Historic Site, Harbour Cruise, Hobart, Mt Nelson

Port Arthur is Australia’s most notorious convict prison, having been called ‘hell on earth’ by its 12,500 convict prisoners. At the Port Arthur Historic Site, call into the Visitor Centre and play the ‘Lottery of Life’ game. Tour through the chapel and penitentiary ruins and join the Marana for a cruise around the Isle of the Dead. Then travel to Hobart, on the shores of the Derwent River. Journey to the top of Mt Nelson for panoramic views. Stay: Hobart, Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel (2 nights)  (BD)

Day 5: Wed - Hobart Sightseeing Tour, Time at Leisure to Explore the City

After breakfast, join your guide for an orientation tour of Hobart. See the city highlights including Salamanca Place. Today you will have time to explore this historical city for yourself. You may wish to join a full day tour to pristine Bruny Island (see below - must be prebooked) or take a tour to Cascade Brewery to learn about the art of brewing premium beer. Alternatively, cruise down the beautiful Derwent River on a Cadbury chocolate cruise or winery adventure. Tonight you may wish to join a ghost tour of Hobart. Your Tour Director can help with booking these experiences while on tour (own expense). (B)

Bruny Island Experience
This three hour eco-cruise aboard a custom-built speed boat is not for the faint hearted! Find yourself in awe as you sit at the bottom of towering sea cliffs, among the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. Drift up close and listen to the amazing Breathing Rock and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. You may also see an array of wildlife – dolphins, fur seals, and bird life including the albatross. Additional: AUD$165 per person. Lunch included. Conditions apply and must be pre-booked. 

Day 6: Thur - Derwent Valley, Mt Field National Park, Lake St Clair, Strahan

Leave Hobart and enter Mt Field National Park for the short walk to beautiful Russell Falls. Then enter World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and enjoy a stop on the shores of Lake St Clair. Continue travelling through Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed wilderness to the township of Strahan, on Macquarie Harbour. Tonight, you have the opportunity to see a pantomime on the area’s convict history (own expense). Stay: Strahan Village Hilltop (BD)

Day 7: Fri - Strahan, Gordon River Cruise with Lunch, Sarah Island Tour

Board the Lady Jane Franklin II for a cruise across Macquarie Harbour and Gordon River. Cruise to Sarah Island and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park for a stop at Heritage Landing. Pass by Hell’s Gate, the entrance to the Great Southern Ocean, and enjoy a delicious lunch on board before returning to dry land. Then re-board the coach and depart Strahan for Cradle Mountain. Stay: Cradle Mountain Chateau (BLD)

Day 8: Sat - Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Sheffield, Stanley and The Nut

Tour beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, home to a vast array of native alpine flora and fauna. Travel out to Waldheim Chalet and stop on the tranquil shores of Dove Lake for a magnificent perspective on the region. Later, travel via Sheffield, the town of murals, to the fishing village of Stanley, set in the shadow of The Nut – a striking rocky outcrop rising over 150 yards from the sea. Stay: Smithton, Tall Timbers Hotel (BD)

Day 9: Sun - Ashgrove Cheese Factory, Great Lakes Plateau, Farewell Dinner

Visit Ashgrove Cheese Factory for a tour and tasting. Continue to the Great Lakes Plateau and travel along the shores of the Great Lake, a popular spot for freshwater fishing. Head to Launceston for tonight’s Farewell Dinner. Stay: Launceston, Mercure Hotel  (BD)

Day 10: Mon - Cataract Gorge, Tamar River Cruise, Woolmers Estate, Depart Launceston

Visit Cataract Gorge on the edge of Launceston and wander the magnificent gardens. After this, join a morning cruise along the Tamar River. This afternoon travel to Woolmers Estate and wander through the National Rose Garden before rejoining the coach for an airport transfer. Flights to depart anytime after 4.30pm. (B)

dates & pricing