Itinerary Details

Day 1

(PD, Motel) Fly to Hobart. On arrival we are met by our coach and transported to our Motel.

Day 2

(CB, MD, Motel) A whole day trip to Port Arthur to hear and see the dreadful history of Australia’s most infamous prison. The Port Arthur penal settlement began life as a small timber station in 1830. Port Arthur quickly grew in importance within the penal system of the colonies. The initial decade of settlement saw a penal station hacked from the bush, and the first manufactories – such as ship building, shoemaking, smithing, timber and brick making – established. In the 1840s the convict population reached over 1100. Note: Entry to Port Arthur included.

Day 3

(CB, Motel) Hobart, a wonderful day touring the city, Richmond, Mt Wellington (weather permitting), Botanical Gardens, Bonorong wildlife park to see the Tasmanian Devil, the Tasmanian Maritime Museum. In the afternoon we stroll around historical Hobart CBD at your leisure for dinner on the wharf. Note: Maritime Museum and Wildlife Park included.

Day 4

(CB, MD, Motel) Off to the West Coast, via New Norfolk and very impressive Russell Falls and along the mountain roads to “The Wall in the Wilderness” a grand artwork by local wood artist Greg Duncan. Past Lake St Clair then on to the spectacular bald hills of Queenstown. The vegetation killed by acid rain emitted from the copper smelters of earlier times. Note: Wall entry included.

Day 5

(CB, PL, MD, Motel) To Strahan for a wonderful cruise on the Gordon River, one of the most beautiful rivers in Australia. We venture deep into the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area to share with you, the ancient rainforest, mysterious history and colourful characters of Tasmania’s west coast. Enjoy lunch on board before alighting to walk through the forest. Returning to Macquarie Harbour and Strahan. Note: Boat cruise included.

Day 6

(CB, MD, Motel) Up the West Coast to Rosebery, beautiful Hellyer Gorge and on the North Coast to Stanley, a most unusual feature “The Nut” where there is a chairlift. Along the North Coast to Burnie for two nights at Devonport.

Day 7

(CB, MD, Motel) Climbing high into the mountains to view Cradle Mountain from the picturesque Dove Lake, explore the diverse vegetation at around 1500m above sea level. Back down the range we stop in on some of the local produce around Sheffield on the way to return to Devonport.

Day 8

(CB, RD, Motel) Over to the fabulous little town of Beaconsfield and a visit to the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre. Reaching the Tamar River at Beauty Point to visit the Platypus House and Seahorse World on the pier. Then south along the Tamar River to Launceston taking in the unique “Swiss Village” on the way. Note: Mine, Seahorse & Platypus entries included.

Day 9

(CB, RD, Motel) Through the forest reaching the East Coast and Tasman Sea at Bicheno. To Coles Bay and overlooking Mount Amos and the Freycinet National Park. Walk through the park to the lookout over stunning Wineglass Bay. Later a visit to Perth and back to Launceston for dinner at the Country Club.

Day 10

(CB) We tour Launceston and Cataract Gorge and continue to explore the Tamar Valley including the rolling fields of lavender (in season). In the afternoon fly home having fallen in love with Tasmania.