Itinerary
Day 1 Sun: Arrive Launceston
Your Tour Director will meet you at Launceston Airport and transfer you to
the hotel. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of Launceston and see
the quaint Swiss Village of Grindelwald. Cross the Batman Bridge to George
Town and explore the National Trust building, The Grove. Tonight enjoy a
welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston.
Day 2 Mon: Freycinet
This morning we visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm and admire the beautiful
blooms (early December to early February). Enjoy the lush rainforest scenery
and views of Weldborough Pass enroute to St Helen's. This afternoon we
discover the beautiful East Coast and experience picturesque Freycinet
National Park on a Ranger guided walk along the boardwalk. Stay tonight in
the small seaside resort of Orford.
Accommodation: Eastcoaster Resort, Orford. (B)
Day 3 Tue: Richmond
This morning we visit the Bonorong Wildlife Park to see native animals
including the Tasmanian Devil. Continue on to the charming historic village
of Richmond, which boasts Australia's oldest bridge, built in 1823. We also
take in the scenery of the Tasman Peninsula and overnight in historic Port
Arthur.
Accommodation: Chancellor Inn, Port Arthur, 2 nights. (B)
Day 4 Wed: Port Arthur
Explore the grounds and ruins of the Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia's
most infamous prison during the convict era, on a guided walking tour
followed by a cruise around the eerie Isle of the Dead. This afternoon visit
the spectacular natural coastal formations of Tasman's Arch, Devil's Kitchen
and The Blowhole. Tonight why not take an optional lantern lit Ghost Tour of
Port Arthur? (B)
Day 5 Thu: Hobart
Departing Port Arthur this morning we cross the narrow Eaglehawk Neck on our
way to Hobart. Enjoy a guided tour of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory and
taste the delicious produce. (Factory tours are not always available - a
visit to the Sorell Fruit Farm is offered on these occasions). On arrival in
Hobart your afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, 2 nights. (B)
Day 6 Fri: Huon Valley
We begin our day with an orientation tour of Hobart and visit the Botanic
Gardens, Battery Point, Salamanca Place and Constitution Dock, before
travelling to the summit of Mt. Nelson for magnificent views over the city
and the Derwent River. We also enjoy views of the Huon Valley's rolling
green hills; visit the Tahune Forest AirWalk, a spectacular treetops walkway
and observe a wood turner at work at the Forest and Heritage Centre in
Geeveston. (B)
Day 7 Sat: Russell Falls
Our highlights today include the scenery of the Derwent Valley and New
Norfolk; spectacular Russell Falls and the Mt. Field National Park Visitor
Centre; beautiful Lake St. Clair; the wild mountain landscapes of the Cradle
Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park and views of the Franklin River. We
overnight in the charming village of Strahan.
Accommodation: The Strahan Village, Strahan, 2 nights. (B)
Day 8 Sun: Gordon River Cruise
This morning is at leisure to relax, explore or enjoy an optional activity.
Perhaps take a ride from Queenstown to Strahan on the West Coast Wilderness
Railway. Board your cruise this afternoon and cross Macquarie Harbour into
the reflective waters of the Gordon River. Discover the ruins of the brutal
penal colony on Sarah Island, see Hell's Gates and enjoy a delicious buffet
dinner. (B) (HD)
Day 9 Mon: Cradle Mountain
Pass through the mining town of Rosebery and into Cradle Mountain National
Park where we view idyllic Dove Lake and the jagged peaks of Cradle
Mountain. Overnight at Cradle Mountain Chateau, the region's newest hotel,
and perhaps explore the adjacent Australian National Wilderness and
Landscape Gallery.
Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Chateau. (B)
Day 10 Tue: The Nut - Stanley
Today we wind through the rainforest surrounding Hellyer Gorge State Reserve
and visit the picturesque fishing village of Stanley and the massive
promontory known as The Nut. We also take a leisurely stroll through the
pretty Allendale Gardens.
Accommodation: Tall Timbers Hotel, Smithton. (B)
Day 11 Wed: Sheffield
The northwest coast provides a scenic background to our touring this
morning. We pass through the seaside towns of Penguin and Ulverstone and
visit Sheffield, often called the 'town of murals' due to the colourful wall
paintings that adorn the town's buildings. Later, we stop at the Ashgrove
Farm Cheese Factory to sample the delicious products and learn about the
production process.
In Deloraine meet your Aboriginal host for the Jahadi Aboriginal Experience.
You will be welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony, followed by a
dance performance and the chance to sample damper, bush tucker and billy
tea. We overnight in Launceston.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston. (B)
Day 12 Thu: Depart Launceston
After breakfast today we visit Cataract Gorge with its beautiful parks and
gardens. Afterwards you will be transferred to Launceston Airport to meet
your onward flight. (B)
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