itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Hobart
You don’t have to venture far from your hotel to find inspiration in Hobart, Tasmania’s cool little capital. Whether you’re exploring the harbour precinct with its oh-so-tasty seafood restaurants, browsing one of the city’s applauded galleries, or easing into your Tasmania tour by kicking back in a hidden wine bar, there city doesn’t disappoint. Save room for dinner hero-ing local produce, enjoyed in the company of your fellow adventure-seekers and soon-to-be best friends. Accommodation Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. Included Meals. Dinner
Day 2: Salamanca Market & Hobart Surrounds
Your morning excursions delve deep into many of the things that make Hobart great: from the Mt. Nelson Lookout, offering dizzying views over the city and Derwent River; to historic Battery Point and the Cascade Brewery. End the tour at the leafy Botanical Gardens spotlighting endemic plants, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. From alpaca throws to woodwork, gin to garden-fresh vegetables, Salamanca Market is like creative Tasmania in a bustling snapshot. Grab yourself a coffee before navigating more than 300 stalls, wedged alongside the Salamanca precinct’s historic sandstone warehouses. Accommodation Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. Included Meals. Breakfast
Day 3: Hobart – Strahan
From waterfalls to lakes to ancient moonscapes, today is a journey of contrasts. Not to mention blissful moments of soul revival. Exhale amid the tangle of forest that drapes Mt. Field National Park, where tiered Russell Falls casts a veil of mist over the flora. Forget your worries at mirror-like Lake St. Clair, the deepest natural lake in Australia. Sigh as you skirt the World Heritage-protected Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Then revel in the serenity of Strahan on the wild West Coast of the island. Did you know you’re overlooking Macquarie Harbour, which is a whopping seven times the size of Sydney Harbour? Accommodation Strahan Village. Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Strahan – Cradle Mountain
No day that involves a cruise is a bad day. Even better if it’s the deep, dark waters of the far-flung Tassie’s Gordon River. Soak up the silence of this untouched wilderness area on your Gordon River cruise en route to Sarah Island, the state’s oldest convict settlement. Today, the island’s haunting ruins have been reclaimed by nature, enveloped by forest and twisting vines. Your commute toward immense Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park sees you travel through tiny mining towns scattered amongst the mountainous wild terrain. Rest up – Cradle Mountain awaits. Accommodation Cradle Mountain Hotel. Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Cradle Mountain Sightseeing
Spend the day in Cradle Mountain. At the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain is all moss-covered ancient rainforest and deep river gorges, snow-tipped peaks, wild alpine moorlands and glacial lakes – case in point Dove Lake, where you may spot Bennetts wallabies, echidnas and pademelons grazing. Pause at Waldheim Chalet, once the home of Gustav and Kate Weindorfer, a passionate husband-and-wife team who played a pivotal role in the park’s formation and protection. Being here, you can understand their vision: this pocket of paradise is like a salve for the soul, at once humbling and inspiring. Accommodation Cradle Mountain Hotel. Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Experiences
Animal Nightspotting – Cradle Mountain at dusk is the best time to see the many nocturnal mammals and marsupials in their native habitat. Join us on a 2 hour tour as we go spotlighting for wallabies, wombats, possums and maybe even a devil. $64pp
Tasmanian Devils After Dark Feeding Tour – Don’t miss an amazing night with the Tasmanian devil! This Devil Feeding tour is a unique experience. Enjoy a short film and a summary of the conservation work taking place, followed by an outside tour among a large breeding group of Tasmanian devils where the guide will enter the enclosures and feed a number of these animals while interpreting their behaviour and answering any questions you may have. $38pp
Tasmanian Devil Entry and 45 Minute Tour – One of the experienced keepers will lead you through the sanctuary and provide you with a thorough insight into the operation of a working sanctuary, and explain the importance of various conservation programmes in which they are involved for these unique and threatened animals. $25pp
Day 6: Cradle Mountain – Launceston
Tasmania has its fair share of award-winning gin and whisky distilleries, as well as small boutique breweries. Among them is a seaside tap house found in the petite town of Penguin. If there’s a place with a cuter name, we’re yet to locate it on a map. Sit back and enjoy a tasting paddle of local brew while taking in the views overlooking glorious Bass Strait. Continue your palate expansion at Mount Gnomon Farm. Farmer Guy Robertson is as passionate about his orchard as he is the cider he makes. Sip your way through a paddock-to-plate lunch. Continue to quirky Sheffield, the ‘Town of Murals’ and through the Meander Valley to Launceston. Accommodation Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston. Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Launceston Sightseeing
Prepare for goosebumps – Cataract Gorge is humbling. How many cities can claim they have such a lush expanse of bushland and Victorian gardens within walking distance of the CBD? Take the chairlift across the gorge (own expense) or wander at your leisure. Next, step back in time at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Brickendon Estate, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, with a unique guided convict farm village tour provided by a member of the Archer family, the original owners of the estate. This is followed by a light lunch and a cuppa in the grounds of this historic village. By the time you reach Josef Chromy Vineyard, you’ll have worked up a thirst. We’ve got you covered, with a glass of one of the state’s finest cool-climate wines. It’s no secret that Tasmania produces some of the best food in Australia – it’s a combination of the clean air and water, lush landscapes, verdant soils, and talented growers and makers. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city. Accommodation Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston. Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Experience
Tamar River Cataract Gorge 50 Minutes Cruise – Explore the Old Launceston Seaport before cruising to Kings Wharf viewing historic vessels and Launceston’s delightful riverfront precinct. The highlight of the experience is then cruising into the spectacular Cataract Gorge as we engage the Lady Launceston’s unique and silent electric drive. View the sheer cliffs and cascades from your comfortable seat with unobstructed views on our multi award winning 1890’s style vessel. Enjoy the skippers captivating commentary on the history of this fascinating area. $40pp
Day 8: Launceston – Bicheno
You’ll smell Bridestowe Estate well before you arrive – this lavender farm welcomes with soothing aromas (did you know that lavender is a soporific?) and addictive flavours in the form of lavender ice-cream or perhaps a spoon of honey from the half-a-million bees that graze the floral fields. Moving moments await at Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees, a series of trees carved with sculptures as a homage to fallen WWI soldiers. It’s a poignant reminder just how lucky we are today, to have Tasmania’s scene-stealing landscapes to gaze over. Be sure to head out tonight to catch a glimpse of the little penguins that call Bicheno home. Accommodation Diamond Island Beach Resort. Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
There’s a reason this part of Tasmania takes home top honours for its beaches – they were made for postcards. The brilliant blue ocean follows you through Cape Tourville’s virgin eucalypt forests, with dramatic coastline as far as the eye can see. Soak in the beauty of the breathtaking Freycinet Peninsula on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that contributes to the preservation of its wildlife. Your boat will cruise past granite mountains, towering pink cliffs of the Hazards range, beaches fringed by dense bush, as you graze on a tasty Ploughman’s lunch while taking in the serenity of stunning Wineglass Bay. Accommodation Eastcoaster Tasmania. Included Meals. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Triabunna – Sorell
This morning, the GPS is set for the historic township of Richmond; explore the convict-built gaol and bridge or browse the quaint boutique shops. Next, join us for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Risdon Cove. Kipli Takara (meaning food walk) is an immersive experience where you’re invited to walk the culturally rich landscape with palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) guides across this abundant natural pantry. Taste the seasonal native bush tucker and get a first-hand glimpse into how palawa continue to enjoy cultural foods and undertake culturally-centred land management across lutruwita/Tasmania. This experience includes a unique tasting of local, native flavours. Now, want to disconnect from technology, and reconnect with Mother Nature? You’ve come to the right place. To the northeast of Hobart in the atmospheric town of Sorell, Iron Creek Bay Farm comes with seclusion and style to spare. This is your base for the night, and what calming treasures await. This working farm features a range of design-driven accommodation, all enveloped by 70 hectares of orchards growing cherries, apricots, apples and grapes. You’re invited to pick fruits during your stay, whether on your own or during a guided tour – while you wander the grounds, you’ll likely meet resident geese, turkeys, ducks, chickens, sheep, alpacas, horses and white-bellied sea eagles. The food here heroes Tassie produce in all its glory. It doesn’t get any fresher than this. Accommodation Iron Creek Bay Farm. Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Port Arthur Historic Site
While the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site has a grim convict history, you wouldn’t know it today – the countryside is all rolling green fields and ocean views, best glimpsed on a Port Arthur guided tour with an in-the-know historian. The secrets they can tell… Today you will cruise around the Isle of the Dead, glimpse rugged sea cliffs from Pirate’s Bay Lookout, and marvel at Tasman’s Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole. Tonight is at your leisure in Hobart – we can recommend any number of stellar restaurants and wine bars. There’s no shortage in Tasmania’s cool little capital. Accommodation Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. Included Meals Breakfast
Day 12: Hobart Free Time
There’s something about Tasmania’s capital that encourages life in the slow lane. Perhaps it’s the calming watery outlook. Maybe the art-filled streets. Definitely the forest-clad mountain backdrop. You’ll quickly fall into step, on this day to spend as you will. Perhaps add on a Bruny Island Cruise to spot playful fur seals and ogle Australia’s highest sea cliffs? Or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Apple Isle on a scenic flight down to the great Southwest? (Both own expense). Or get your cultural fix with a visit to the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery. Celebrate Tasmania with your travel mates at dinner at a popular Hobart restaurant. Accommodation Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Experiences
Bruny Island Cruise – Pre tour or post tour – Cruise alongside some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags and drift up close to listen to the awesome ‘Breathing Rock’. Enter deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and ‘The Monument’ and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. Join in the search for the abundant coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. The highly trained interpretive guides love what they do. *Please Note: This tour returns to Hobart at approximately 5.30pm. In order to partake on the last day of your tour, you will need to have post tour accommodation booked or an outbound flight that departs after 8.00pm approximately. $275pp
Bruny Island Traveller – Pre tour or post tour – Savour a delicious al fresco morning tea and a cellar door lunch of specialty local produce including Bruny Island Cheese, oysters, salmon, wine, bread and berries – all grown, made or harvested on Bruny. At The Neck, see the narrow isthmus stretch away south in graceful curves. Enjoy short walks in the South Bruny National Park and see white wallabies, native wildlife and birds in their natural habitat. Hear the stories of the people who have shaped Bruny Island, from the whalers who used to camp at Adventure Bay, to the lighthouse keepers and their families who braved difficult conditions to keep the light burning at Cape Bruny. *Please Note: This optional experience can be reserved at the time of your trip booking. $275pp
Mt Wellington Tour – On this half day tour, pass through various eco systems as we ascend the spectacular kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Look out for the massive rock formation known as the Organ Pipes Crowned by alpine vegetation, and dusted by snow in winter. Visitors will be mesmerized by the dramatic setting and breathtaking views of Hobart from the summit. $60pp
Mt. Wellington Tour & Cascade Female Factory – On this half day tour, pass through various eco systems as we ascend the spectacular kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Look out for the massive rock formation known as the Organ Pipes. Visitors will be mesmerized by the dramatic setting and breathtaking views of Hobart from the summit as they enjoy 2 short guided walks. On descent, take a self-guided audio tour of the World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory where you’ll learn about the forced migration of convict women and girls – *Please note: In order to partake in this experience you will need to ensure your flight departs after 2.00pm on the final day of tour or have post accommodation booked. $88pp
Iron Pot & Derwent River 2.5 hour Cruise – Iron Pot Cruises is a 2½ hour cruise exploring the renowned waterways that influence Hobart’s lifestyle. Visit Australia’s oldest lighthouse, circumnavigate Betsey Island and discover the city’s rich maritime past and fascinating history. $145pp
Wineglass and Wildlife – Scenic Flight with Maria Island Stopover and Lunch – Soar high over Freycinet National Park, home to dramatic pink granite mountains, secluded bays, crystal clear waters and pristine white beaches. Tasmania’s most iconic white sand beach – Wineglass Bay – is the highlight of this scenic tour. The aerial view is truly spectacular and an unforgettable experience. Flying south, touch down at stunning Maria Island. Famous for its abundance of wildlife, Maria Island is home to rare and endangered species like the swift parrot and Cape Barron goose, wombats, kangaroos and of course, the Tasmanian Devil. We enjoy an hour-and-a-half on the island, including time for a sumptuous gourmet lunch with local Tasmanian seafood and wine, before returning to Hobart by air. $499pp
Hobart Walking Tour – History, People and Places – Hobart’s waterfront was where it all started for Europeans in Tasmania. This 2 hour walking tour follows the waterfront from the historic Henry Jones IXL jam factory to Australia’s only Georgian corner, and on to beautiful Salamanca, taking in the wonders of a convict-built city, with well-preserved Georgian and Victorian architecture. You’ll cover the story of the birth of a new British colony, and the growth of a lovely city, recalling the good, the bad and the scandalous characters that set the tone for the early days of Hobart. See and hear about stories of endurance, business empires, tycoons, adventurers, convicts, women, mothers, villains and heroes. Discover the marvellous legacy left by the resilience of our convict and free-settler ancestors. $38pp
Day 13: Farewell from Hobart
If you can still count all the delicious things you have eaten and drunk, and all the epic things you have seen and done, two weeks down the track, we commend you. Now’s the time to re-live them with friends and family back at home. Included Meals Breakfast
Optional Experiences
A range of quality Optional Excursions are available during your holiday. The experiences can be booked on tour through your Travel Director. Please enquire for details.
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