Day 1 Launceston

Today you will be picked up from the airport or from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport. Today we enjoy a tour of Launceston including a visit to the historic Woolmers Estate located south of the city at Longford. Later this afternoon we return to Launceston and check-in to the Country Club Tasmania for our overnight stay. Enjoy a welcome dinner to mark the beginning of your wilderness experience of Tasmania.

Day 2 Launceston - Sheffield - Smithton

Departing Launceston this morning we journey west to the small township of Sheffield, known for its fascinating murals which have been painted on the town's walls. After some morning tea we continue on through the towns of Devonport and Burnie before arriving at Stanley, home to "The Nut". Later this afternoon we arrive at Smithton where we overnight at the Tall Timbers Hotel.

Day 3 Woolnorth - Cradle Mountain

Tasmania's most fertile dairying and vegetable growing area is found around Smithton. It is also home to the Woolnorth Wind Farm. Today we take a fully guided tour of Woolnorth which includes the Roaring 40's Wind Farm, rugged Cape Grim and the Directors Lodge. After some lunch we depart Smithton and journey south to the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. We spend 2 nights in the park at the luxurious Cradle Mountain Lodge. Tonight we wine and dine in the Highland Restaurant, recognized as one of Tasmania's premiere dining experiences.

Day 4 Cradle Mountain Exploring

After a sumptuous mountain breakfast we begin our day exploring this magnificent area. First up this morning is a 30 minute guided walk amongst the area's unique alpine flora and fauna (walk is of easy nature). Next we visit the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre followed by a drive up to Dove Lake. On the way we take a look through the Waldheim Chalet, a replica of the original Waldheim Chalet built by Gustav and Kate Weindorfer in 1912. Waldheim Chalet was used as a guest lodge up until 1974. After a fire the lodge was damaged beyond repair and was demolished. This replica was built in 1976 using the same local materials. We return to the lodge later this afternoon to sample some of Tasmania's finest wines and cheeses and tonight we again dine in the Highland Restaurant. This evening an optional guided wildlife night spotting tour is available late this evening (please enquire for further details and availability).

Day 5 Zeehan - West Coast Wilderness Railway - Strahan

This morning we bid farewell to Cradle Mountain and begin our drive south to Rosebery and then onto Zeehan. Here we take a look through the local Pioneer Museum before continuing onto the smelting village of Queenstown for lunch.

Through the boom years of west coast mining, steam locomotives hauled a fortune in pure copper from the Mt. Lyell Mine, through the rugged King River Gorge and down to the Macquarie Harbour in Strahan. From 1896 to 1963 steam billowed through the rainforest as the German designed ABT railway dragged the train, cog by cog, up the steep 1:16 slope. Now, after 40 years, the West Coast Railway is up and running again. The 35km journey passes through one of the world's last pristine wilderness areas and crosses 40 bridges.

We catch the magnificently restored West Coast Wilderness Railway to arrive into Strahan village late this afternoon. We spend the next two nights at the Strahan Village Inn.

Day 6 Strahan - Gordon River Cruise

Today we enjoy a 4 hour cruise on the scenic Gordon River. Travel aboard the modern and comfortable 'Lady Jane' cruise boat (with up-graded window reclining seats) and enjoy two guided shore excursions, including Heritage Landing which is home to ancient Huon pines over 2,000 years old. We return to Strahan Village later this afternoon for a wander around town at your own leisure.

Day 7 Russell Falls - Hobart

Departing Strahan early this morning we trek back to Queenstown and then through the scenic Franklin-Gordon Wild-Rivers National Park to Lake St Clair. Lake St Clair is 190m/620 feet deep and was scooped out by glaciers 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Here we take a look through the award winning Visitor Information Centre before heading on to Hobart. En route we visit the Styx Valley, home to the world's tallest hardwood trees. Some of these giants are 25 storey's high and have a base up to 5m wide. We also stop off at spectacular Russell Falls before arriving at Wrest Point Hotel and Casino for our 2 night stay in Hobart. Enjoy the best harbour views in Tasmania from your executive rooms.

Day 8 Hobart - Geeveston - Tahune Air Walk

Departing the hotel this morning early, we head south through the Huon Valley to the Tahune Air Walk. Here we take a spectacular guided walk over pristine streams and forest on a suspended tree top board walk. We return to Geeveston for lunch and a visit to the informative Forest and Heritage Centre. Later this afternoon we trek back to Hobart, on the way taking a drive up to scenic Mt. Nelson for a photo opportunity. We also enjoy a city sights tour around Hobart including Sandy Bay, Battery Point, Salamanca, Constitution Dock and central Hobart. Our last activity today is either a visit to the Cascade Brewery or a visit to the stunning Hobart Botanical Gardens.

Day 9 Port Arthur and Historical Site Tour

This morning we pass through historic Richmond, home to Australia's oldest bridge built in 1823 by early convicts. Later this morning we visit the Port Arthur Historical Reserve (included but optional) for an informative tour and boat cruise. This afternoon we journey north along the Tasman Highway to the Freycinet National Park. We spend the next 2 nights at the Freycinet Lodge, located on Great Oyster Bay. The Lodge itself is one of Tasmania's premiere environmentally friendly resorts.

Day 10 Freycinet National Park - Wineglass Bay Cruise

This morning we enjoy a half day cruise to Wineglass Bay, home to one of the Top 10 rated beaches in the world. En route explore the rugged coastline of towering pink granite cliffs plunging into the Tasman Sea while your experienced crew interprets a time line of multicultural history. Anchor in Wineglass Bay and enjoy some freshly shucked oysters and a glass of premium Tasmanian champagne before returning later this morning.

This afternoon can be spent at your leisure. Enjoy dinner this evening in the Bay Restaurant with the sun setting over Great Oyster Bay.

Day 11 St. Helens - Cole Bay - Launceston

This morning we depart the Freycinet Peninsula and head further north along the Tasman Highway to Bicheno. This small sea side village was established as a whaling centre in 1803 and was originally known as Waubs Boat Harbour.

Later today we continue on through to St. Helens where we stop for lunch before driving into St. Columba Falls. Here we enjoy an easy walk through the cool temperate rainforest to one of the highest waterfalls in Tasmania.

We arrive into Launceston late this afternoon and check-in to Country Club Tasmania for our final night together. This evening enjoy a complimentary drink in celebration of our tour around the Apple Isle!

Day 12 Launceston - Home

This morning we visit Cataract Gorge Reserve located in the heart of Launceston before being transferred to the airport for your morning flights home. Bon Voyage!