10 Days Grand Tasman

itinerary

Day 1. Launceston, Seahorse World, Beaconsfield

As Australia’s third oldest city, Launceston maintains a strong connection to its colonial and convict heritage through its old buildings and streetscapes. On arrival, we journey to Beauty Point and visit Seahorse World, before learning about the region’s gold mining history at the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre. Following Welcome Drinks this evening, fresh Tasmanian produce awaits at our Welcome Diinner. Stay: Mercure Hotel Launceston (D)

Day 2. East Coast Natureworld, Freycinet National Park

This morning, journey through the wine-growing area of northern Tasmania. During flowering season, visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Dec.-Jan.). We visit East Coast Natureworld and there meet Delilah, APT’s sponsored Tasmanian Devil. Then admire breathtaking vistas on a drive along Tasmania’s eastern coastline to Coles Bay in Freycinet National Park. Here, a local guide joins us to share their expert knowledge of the region as we walk along Richardson’s Beach. Stay: Swansea, Waterloo Inn (BD)

Day 3. Richmond, Eaglehawk Neck, Port Arthur

Visit the Georgian village of Richmond, home to the famous convict-built Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge still in use in Australia. Continue south to Port Arthur, where we stop at a lookout on the narrow peninsula of Eaglehawk Neck and take in dramatic scenes of Tasmania’s rugged southern coastline, including the Blowhole and Devil’s Kitchen. Stay: Port Arthur, Fox and Hounds Inn (BD)

Day 4. Port Arthur Historic Site, Harbour Cruise, Hobart

Port Arthur was 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 and get a feel for what life must have been like for the convicts here during the early part of the 19th century. Tour through the chapel and penitentiary ruins before joining the Marana for a cruise around the Isle of the Dead. Departing Port Arthur, we travel to the pretty capital city of Hobart. Stay: Two Nights: Hobart, Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel, situated in the heart of Hobart (BD)

Day 5. Hobart

Nestling the shores of the Derwent River, the historic city of Hobart is akin to a living museum. Wander through Salamanca Place, and stroll past warehouses date back to the 1830s, warm sandstone buildings reflect the colonial architecture of a bygone era. Constitution dock provides the perfect setting for a meal, while watching the boats come and go from the harbour. Following a guided city tour, today is yours at leisure to fully appreciate this beautiful city. (B)

Bruny Island Adventure Cruise Option
Join a full day tour including a cruise to the rugged coastline of southern Tasmania. For further details, please enquire at time of booking. Replaces Day 5 touring, must be pre-booked. Additional charge. Contct Us for details.

Day 6. Russell Falls, Lake St Clair

Framed by lush vegetation, three-tiered Russell Falls is the jewel in the crown of Mount Field National Park. After a short walk through the fresh mountain air of Tasmania’s wilderness to see the famed falls, our journey takes us to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Here, we stop to marvel at the pristine wilderness on the shores of Lake St Clair. Following a drive through Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed wilderness we arrive in quaint seaside town of Strahan, on Macquarie Harbour. Stay: Strahan Village Hilltop (BD)

Day 7. Strahan, Gordon River Cruise, Sarah Island Tour

The Gordon River is the heart of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Discover this pristine region with a cruise aboard the Lady Jane Franklin II, which includes a delicious onboard lunch. We cruise to the former penal colony of Sarah Island, before returning past Hell’s Gate to Strahan. Later we continue to Cradle Mountain. Stay: Cradle Mountain Chateau, luxury in the wilderness (BLD)

Day 8. Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Sheffield, Stanley and The Nut

Beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is 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, our journey takes us through Sheffield, the town of murals, to the fishing village of Stanley, set in the shadow of The Nut – a striking rocky outcrop. Stay: Smithton, Tall Timbers Hotel (BD)

Day 9. Ashgrove Cheese Factory, Great Lakes Plateau, Farewell Dinner

Tantalise your taste buds with a tour of the Ashgrove Cheese Factory. Journey to the Great Lakes Plateau and take in pretty vistas from the shores of the Great Lake. We arrive in Launceston this afternoon in time for our Farewell Dinner. Stay: Launceston, Mercure Hotel (BD)

Day 10. Cataract Gorge, Tamar River Cruise, Woolmers Estate, Depart Launceston

Located close to the heart of Launceston, Cataract Gorge is the perfect place to start the final day of our tour through Tasmania. Admire Kings Bridge, framing the gorge, originally floated into place in 1867. Following a cruise on the Tamar River and a visit to Woolmers Estate, where there’s time to admire the National Rose Garden, we transfer to the airport for our onward flight. (B)

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