Port Arthur – Freycinet National Park

Depart Port Arthur this morning and journey north along the Tasman Highway. We pass through the historic towns of Orford and then Swansea, the oldest seaside town on Tasmania’s East Coast. This afternoon we continue on to the Freycinet Peninsula and Freycinet National Park and enjoy a visit to the Cape Tourville lighthouse. Admire the spectacular views of the beaches and the Tasman Sea. We then check-in to the Freycinet Lodge, one of Tasmania’s premier environmentally friendly resorts located on Great Oyster Bay. Enjoy dinner this evening in the Bay Restaurant.

Wineglass Bay Cruise - Launceston

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 sparkling wine. After our cruise we depart the Freycinet Peninsula and head northwest to the 19th century village of Campbelltown, located on the Midland Highway en-route to Launceston. We arrive in Launceston late this afternoon for our overnight stay at the Country Club Tasmania. Enjoy dinner this evening in the award winning Terrace Restaurant.
 

Launceston – Woolmers Estate - Smithton

After breakfast we enjoy a town tour of Launceston and a visit to the historic Woolmers Estate, located south of the city at Longford. Later this morning we continue on to Devonport and join the coastal road, travelling through Ulverstone, Penguin and Burnie before arriving at Stanley, home to “The Nut”. The town was once the administrative centre for the Van Diemen's Land Company, a royal charter company formed in 1824 during the reign of King George IV. After a chairlift ride to the top of ‘the Nut’ we depart for Smithton, where we overnight at the Tall Timbers Hotel. 

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 lunch we depart Smithton and journey south to the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park. We spend the next 2 nights at the luxurious Cradle Mountain Lodge.

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 accommodation this afternoon to sample some of Tasmania’s finest wines and cheeses and tonight we again dine in the hotel restaurant. This evening an optional guided night wildlife spotting tour is available. (Please enquire for further details and availability).
 

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 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.

This afternoon we catch the magnificently restored West Coast Wilderness Railway to Strahan, arriving late afternoon. We spend the next 2 nights at the Strahan Village Inn.

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.
 

Lake St Clair - Russell Falls - Hobart

Departing Strahan early this morning we head through the scenic Franklin-Gordon Wild-Rivers National Park to Lake St Clair. Lake St Clair is 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 a visit to the ‘Wall in the Wilderness’ an exquisite work in progress by artist Greg Duncan. The ‘Wall’ is being carved from three-metre high wooden panels. The carved panels will tell the history of the harsh Central Highlands region, beginning with the indigenous people, then to the pioneering timber harvesters, pastoralists, miners and Hydro workers. When completed ‘The Wall’ will be 100 metres long.

After lunch we continue heading towards Hobart, stopping off at spectacular Russell Falls en route. We arrive at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart late this afternoon for our 3 night stay in harbour view rooms.
 

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 a visit to the stunning Hobart Botanical Gardens.

Bruny Island Cruise

This morning we enjoy a day tour to Bruny Island, featuring a sensational 3 hour eco-adventure cruise. This cruise has been rated as one of the Top 100 trips in the world! Board your custom built speed boat and travel along Bruny Island’s rugged southern Tasmanian coastline to spot the island’s abundant sea and coastal wildlife, such as seals, dolphins, albatross and other seabirds. Sit at the bottom of Bruny Island’s towering sea cliffs and be surrounded by 1000’s of seals. Keep an eye out for dolphins surfing on the bow wave of the boat! 

Early this afternoon we return to Adventure Bay and enjoy some lunch. We then travel to Roberts Point to board the ferry back over to the mainland.

Tonight we enjoy our final dinner together at Mures Upper Deck restaurant on the waterfront and celebrate an unforgettable journey around Tasmania.

Hobart - Home

This morning travel to the historic town of Richmond, home to Australia’s oldest bridge built in 1823 by early convicts. After a tour around town we head to the airport for your return flights home. Flights are required to depart after midday. Bon Voyage!