TASMANIA SPRINGTIME TEMPTER

We are transferred from our home address in the greater Auckland area (within 25k radius of the city centre) and taken to Auckland airport for our flight to Hobart. On arrival be greeted by our Tasmanian Coach Captain and welcomed aboard our touring coach. Enroute to our hotel visit Rosny Lookout for panoramic views of Hobart set against the majestic backdrop of the Wellington Range. Then cross the Tasman Bridge to Hobart City and tour historic Battery Point, Salamanca Place and the vibrant waterfront before settling into Deluxe Tower accommodation at the iconic Wrest Point Casino. Today is Melbourne Cup Day so pop on your fascinator and join the group at the Boardwalk Bar to watch the race that stops the nation followed by dinner.

Enjoy breakfast at the Boardwalk Bistro overlooking the beautiful Derwent River. Then board the coach to travel to the Tasman Peninsula. Stop at Eaglehawk Lookout, the perfect way to grab a bird’s eye view of the stunning coastline below, where sweeping views over Pirates Bay and the rugged cliffs set the tone for a day rich in history and natural beauty. Your destination is the Port Arthur Historic Site, one of Australia’s most significant convict-era landmarks.
Set across 40 hectares of beautifully maintained grounds, this World Heritage-listed site offers a deep dive into Australia’s early colonial past. Explore more than 30 historic buildings and ruins, stroll through restored gardens, and gain insight into life in the 1800s with a guided walking tour, immersive Harbour Cruise, and time at the Visitor Centre and Interpretation Gallery. On the way back to Hobart enjoy a visit to the magnificent geological features Tasman Arch and the Devils Kitchen that have been carved out by the Tasman Sea. Tonight’s Dinner is at Wrest Point Casino’s Longhorn Smokehouse. Enjoy a feast of Master Smokers Platters served family style.

First, we visit the historical Mount Nelson Signal Station, a site which holds prime position in the hills above Hobart, boasting panoramic views over Hobart city, the River Derwent and, on a clear day, down to Bruny Island and out to Storm Bay. Next, we tour to the historic village of Richmond. Walk across Australia’s oldest bridge, built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825. Visit the cemetery of Australia’s oldest existing Catholic Church, St John the Evangelist, and browse through the many delightful craft shops, galleries and cafes in this delightful historic Georgian village. After leaving Richmond, we travel a short distance to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where you’ll meet and learn about animals including wombats, echidnas, quolls and Tasmanian devils. The sanctuary is not a zoo: its primary goal is to rescue, rehabilitate and release healthy animals back in the wild. In the afternoon, we return to our accommodation for free time before a Banquet Dinner at Wrest Point’s Kwan Ho Restaurant.

Today we depart Hobart and cross the Derwent River, travelling east through the Prosser River Valley. Enjoy morning tea (own expense) at Triabunna wharf, gateway to Maria Island National Park. Next, we travel via the enigmatic, convict built Spiky Bridge and beside the blue waters of the Tasman Sea to the coastal town of Swansea. We now continue to picturesque Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park with its jagged pink granite peaks, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. After lunch at the stunning Freycinet Lodge, enjoy the magnificent coastal views during the easy walk at Cape Tourville to the lighthouse. Leaving Freycinet, we continue through the fishing and holiday village of Bicheno, following the scenic coastal Tasman Highway to Scamander to stay the night and have dinner at The Scamander Beach Resort.

After breakfast, we continue north along the coastal Tasman Highway through the East Coast town of St Helens to our first stop of the day at The Bay of Fires. Take a short walk to the beach to see the turquoise blue sea and stunning white sand beach. Next, we pass through the myrtle rain forest of Weldborough Pass and on to visit Legerwood. View the War Memorial Tree Carvings, honouring the fallen soldiers of the region. Enjoy lunch (own choice and expense) at the agricultural town of Scottsdale and travel through to the City of Launceston. Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest City and is located on the Tamar River. Enjoy the remaining afternoon exploring Launceston City Park, if you wish or relaxing at the hotel before dinner. Accommodation for the next two nights is at The Hotel Grand Chancellor.

This morning, we cruise on the beautiful Tamar River and explore the old and new facets of Launceston’s Seaport precinct today. Departing from Home Point, learn about the history of Launceston’s Seaport, Kings Wharf, heritage properties and of course the spectacular Cataract Gorge. See the gorge from the perspective of the water and enjoy a unique experience on-board the 1890’s replica Lady Launceston. Back on dry land, we experience the Tamar Valley, Australia’s longest navigable tidal estuary, meandering 58 kilometres through the heart of cool climate vineyards, orchards and hamlets to its mouth at historic George Town, Australia’s third oldest settlement. Enjoy lunch before visiting the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre. Enjoy a guided tour to explore and bring to life the extraordinary worlds of past and present gold mining, ambitious engineering feats, industrial and social heritage, and the events of the 2006 Anzac Day rock-fall and mine disaster and miraculous rescue. After returning to Launceston, we visit the magnificent Cataract Gorge Reserve with its cliff-side gardens, peacocks, pools, suspension foot bridge and one of the longest single span chairlifts in the world (ride is optional and own expense). This evening’s dinner will be your own choice (and expense).

After a relaxed start to the day, we will head west from Launceston along Tasmania’s Northwest Coast. Our first stop is at Ashgrove Cheese where you may watch the cheesemakers in action and learn about Ashgrove’s unique cheesemaking philosophy in the interpretation centre. If you’re simply craving pure Tasmanian air, head outside to meet the happiest cows in the world. From cheese to a destination for a sweet treat. Anvers Chocolate Factory uses fresh Tasmanian cream and butter, single origin chocolate, fruits, nuts and liqueurs to craft their hand-made chocolate truffles, chocolate oranges, fudges and pralines. You’ll find samples to tempt you in the tasting centre, a small museum on the history of chocolate, and viewing windows to watch the confectionery staff tempering, moulding and enrobing fine chocolates. Lunch today is a delicious High Tea Style lunch at Anvers overlooking the beautiful gardens that surround. Continue to the coastal port of Burnie to visit Australia’s Most Awarded Distillery for a guided tour and tasting at Hellyers Road Distillery. After a delightful day of tasting, relax on the coach to our final destination for the day, stunning Stanley. Accommodation for the next two nights is at the Stanley Seaview Inn.

Today learn about the fascinating history of the Van Diemens Land Co. with a visit to its original property “Woolnorth Farm”, situated on the far Northwest tip of Tasmania. Admire the views over the outer islands from Cape Grim and breathe
the purest air in the world! The spectacular landscape and coastline haven’t changed since Bass and Flinders first laid eyes on it, and named Cape Grim from the sea in 1798, but the original massive merino sheep farm with convict labor
certainly has. Hear of its fascinating evolution into a wind turbine green energy farm and Australasia’s largest dairy operation and the real story of the original custodians of the region. After a delicious Morning Tea, we travel back to the historic village of Stanley, nestled at the foot of an ancient volcanic
core known as ‘The Nut’. Enjoy lunch at your choice of local cafes, and time in Stanley, a location used for filming the movie The Light Between Oceans. Explore the quaint town with its terraces and chairlift access to the top of The Nut (ride
is optional and own expense).
Dinner tonight will be followed by viewing the adorable Little Penguins of Stanley in their natural habitat

Following breakfast, we leave Stanley and travel to the rugged West Coast. We head south through rainforest and mineral rich mountains, crossing the Vale of Belvoir and alpine cattle country to reach the iconic Cradle Mountain National Park. Here, in the shadow of jagged peaks, you’ll embark on a guided tour to Dove Lake, a glacial lake that mirrors the dramatic silhouette of Cradle Mountain. Visit Waldheim Chalet, the rustic forest home of park founder Gustav Weindorfer, and hear the story of his vision to protect this natural sanctuary.
After lunch at the Cradle Mountain Hotel, there will also be time to immerse yourself in Tasmania’s culture at the Wilderness Gallery. Learn about the first nations people, geography, flora, fauna, and early explorers. With eight exhibition spaces, a cinema, and a fantastic gift shop, there’s something for everyone.
The tour continues deeper into the West Coast past Tullah which is located on the shores of peaceful Lake Rosebery, to our destination Queenstown. This historic mining town offers a glimpse into the past and the present of the West Coast, with its rugged landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. Dinner and accommodation for the next two nights is at the Gold Rush Inn.

Today is a journey into the soul of Tasmania’s West Coast. Step aboard the sleek and spacious Harbour Master II and settle into your comfortable Window Seats as you set sail across the vast, mirror-like waters of Macquarie Harbour.
Surrounded by misty hills and ancient forests, the sense of isolation and wonder begins to take hold.  Cruise deep into the UNESCO World Heritage Rainforest on the Gordon River, a sacred passageway through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Drift past primeval rainforests of Huon pine, sassafras and myrtle, some trees dating back thousands of years, and disembark at Heritage Landing for a peaceful boardwalk through this untouched wilderness.
Next, step ashore at Sarah Island, where the serenity belies its dark and turbulent past. On a captivating, guided tour, uncover the brutal realities of one of Australia’s most remote and feared convict settlements, an eerie yet fascinating
window into early colonial life. On your return voyage, pass through the infamous Hell’s Gates, the narrow and treacherous mouth of Macquarie Harbour, where ships brave fierce Southern Ocean swells.  On return to Strahan, there will be opportunity to explore the village including the Visitor Centre and Huon pine sawmill, before returning to Queenstown.

Departing Queenstown this morning, we travel through the ghost towns of Linda and Gormanston and cross Lake Burbury and take a short walk to the delightful Nelson Falls. Next, a visit to The Wall in the Wilderness, a fascinating, one-of-a-kind masterpiece of art. The Wall is a work in progress depicting the history of the region beautifully carved in Tasmanian timber.
We continue to follow the Lyell Highway through trout lakes, mountains, gorges and the Wild Rivers National Park. Passing through Tarraleah Gorge, you’ll be fascinated by the site of early hydro-electric installations. Our final wilderness delight is a visit to the iconic Russell Falls at the Mount Field National Park. The coach will then travel to Hobart for our final two nights, staying in spacious Studio Apartments at The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel.
Enjoy the central location near Constitution Dock area with a free night and dinner of your choice (and expense).

Embrace the lively energy of Saturday in Hobart, where your morning begins at the legendary Salamanca Market, a local institution and a feast for the senses. Follow the sounds of street performers and the scent of fresh produce as you wander
through over 300 bustling stalls bursting with handmade treasures, local art, fresh foods, and creative crafts. With its vibrant colours and joyful atmosphere, this is the perfect place to pick up a truly Tasmanian souvenir.
Afterwards, you may choose to shop and explore the city or, enjoy some quiet moments in Hobart’s Royal Botanical Gardens, vibrant with Autumn colours. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore as you wish. Our final dinner for the tour is at The Stockman’s Restaurant at The Old Woolstore.

Today we farewell Hobart as we are transferred to the airport for our flight home. On arrival back in Auckland we will be transferred back to our home addresses or on to our domestic flights.