12 Days Grand Splendours of Tasmania

itinerary

Day 1. Mon – Arrive Launceston

Our flight arrives into Launceston then we head out to Cataract Gorge to take a ride on the world’s longest single span chair lift. We then check-in to our accommodation at the Tamar Valley Resort. (D)

Day 2. Tue – Beaconsfield, St Helens

Today we explore Grindelwald Swiss Village before moving on to Brady’s Lookout and on to Beaconsfield where we bring to life the past & present gold mining and the momentous events of the 2006 Anzac Day rock fall and mine rescue. Lunch at Pipers Brook Winery followed by a visit to the Legerwood Carvings, then we travel to East Tamar via the unique A-frame Batman Bridge. We continue down through Weldborough Pass to the seaside village of St Helens for an overnight stay at Tidal Waters Resort. (B,L,D)

Day 3. Wed – Ross, Richmond, Hobart

This morning we visit East Coast Nature World and get up close and personal to the Tasmanian Devil. We stop at Campbell Town to view the convict trail before heading to Ross for lunch, then onto historical Richmond. Cross the Derwent River into Hobart for a 4 night stay at the Fountainside Motel. (B,L,D)

Day 4. Thu – Huon Valley, Hobart

We travel through the picturesque Huon Valley to the Tahune Air Walk for BBQ lunch and guided walk through the tree tops. On our return enjoy the panoramic views from Mt Nelson and a visit to the Botanical Gardens before returning to our hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5. Fri – Port Arthur

Today is our visit to the infamous penal settlement of Port Arthur. Here we join a guided tour and learn how hundreds of convicts lived, worked and died under threats of the lash. Take a guided tour across Carnarvon Harbour and around the Isle of the Dead. Later this afternoon we visit the south-east coastline at Eagle Hawk Neck, namely the Blow Hole, Tasman’s Arch and Devils Kitchen. (B,L,D)

Day 6. Sat – Salamanca Markets

Saturday morning at Salamanca Place offers colourful stalls at the famous openair Salamanca Markets, where you can browse at your leisure. The rest of the day is free, perhaps a visit to the Botanic Gardens, Museum or a stroll around Battery Point – the choice is yours. (B,D)

Day 7. Sun – Derwent Valley, Queenstown

Today we follow the Derwent Valley to historic New Norfolk ‘the gem of the Derwent’. We continue on through Hamilton, before taking a step into history at “The Wall in the Wilderness”, a magnificent commemoration of Tasmania’s past. Enjoy lunch at the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel followed by a short rainforest walk to Nelson Waterfalls. We make our way further west, and the scenery changes dramatically as we head for Queenstown where we check-in at the Westcoaster Motel for a 2 night stay. (B,L,D)

Day 8. Mon – Strahan, Gordon River Cruise

This morning we make our way to the port of Strahan to cruise the mighty Gordon River in RESERVED PREMIUM SEATING. Step ashore at Heritage Landing and see the 2000 year old Huon Pine. Sail on through Hells Gates where many early ships were destroyed by severe tidal swells. Enjoy a smorgasbord lunch on board before cruising back to Strahan. Late afternoon we return to Queenstown via the West Coast Wilderness Railway. (B,L,D)

Day 9. Tue – Cradle Mountain, Smithton

First we visit Cradle Mountain National Park to join a guided tour of pioneer Gustav Weindorffer’s Chalet and Dove Lake. Enjoy lunch at Cradle Mountain Chateau, then visit the Wilderness and Landscape Photograph Gallery. After lunch we head north travelling through the towns of Wynyard and Burnie to Smithton for our overnight stay. Overnight Tall Timbers Motel. (B,L,D)

Day 10. Wed – Stanley, Devonport

We make our way to the historic village of Stanley, nestled at the foot of The Nut, here we take a ride on the chairlift to the top of the Nut before continuing east via Table Cape, Wynyard, stopping at Burnie for lunch at the Hellyers Road Whisky Distillery. We continue on via the scenic coastal route travelling via Penguin through deer and tulip farms, and some of Australia’s richest agricultural country. A quick visit to Anvers Chocolate factory before moving on to Devonport where we check-in to the Gateway Quality Hotel for an overnight stay. (B,MT,L,D)

Day 11. Thu – Railton, Sheffield, Launceston

We discover the topiary town of Railton then on to Sheffield, the town of murals. Our next stop is Chudleigh Honey Farm to discover the tastes, flavours and textures of honey before moving on to Deloraine to break for lunch. Our afternoon takes us to The Folk Museum and Yarns Artwork in Silk before heading to Launceston to check-in at the Mercure Hotel, Launceston for our last night together. (B,L,D)

Day 12. Fri – Flight Home

Part-take in a guided tour of Woolmer’s Estate and view the National Rose Garden before heading to the airport for our flights home. (B)

B = Hot & Continental Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner

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