Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer 2020

Depart Port Arthur this morning and travel north along the Tasman Highway. Enjoy a brief detour to explore the charming village of Richmond, home to Australia’s oldest bridge (1823). We then continue north and pass through Orford and Swansea before heading down the Freycinet Peninsula. 
This afternoon we enjoy a walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout (good level of fitness required). Take in the stunning views of the pristine bay and beach below. We then make our way to Freycinet Lodge for our overnight stay. Located on Great Oyster Bay, the lodge is one of Tasmania’s premier environmentally friendly resorts. Tonight, we dine in the Dove Restaurant. (B,L,D)

Depart for the majestic north west, travelling through Ulverstone and Burnie before arriving at Stanley, home to “The Nut”. If weather permits, we’ll take the chairlift to the top of the Nut for stunning views over Bass Strait. Also enjoy a visit to Highfield House, the original headquarters of the Van Diemen’s Land Company, a royal charter company formed in 1824 during the reign of King George IV. This afternoon we arrive in Smithton where we spend the night at Tall Timbers Hotel. (B,L,D)

Today we begin our sightseeing adventures with a visit to Waldheim Chalet, a replica of the original built by Gustav and Kate Weindorfer in 1912. The original chalet was still used as a guest lodge up until 1974, at which point it was deemed structurally unsound. The replica was built in 1976 using the same local materials. 
Later this morning we make our up to the stunning glacial-formed Dove Lake. Enjoy dramatic views of Cradle Mountain in the distance, the rugged jewel in the crown of this World Heritage Listed area. For the energetic, a 5.7 kilometre walk will take you around the lake and beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain. The track is a boardwalk for much of the way and is regarded as one of Tasmania’s premier walks. Your guides will accompany you for the walk, which also passes through a magnificent cool temperate rainforest known as the Ballroom forest. If you don’t feel up to taking part in the walk, you’ll be transferred back down to the lodge where you can relax or enjoy the ‘Enchanted Walk’, a 45-minute easy stroll amongst the area’s unique alpine flora and fauna. 
This afternoon we’ll sample some of Tasmania’s fine wines and cheeses at the Lodge. After dinner there is an optional wildlife spotting tour available (own expense). (B, L, D)

This morning we board the ‘Spirit of the Wild’ for a cruise up the Gordon River and into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. We’ll be seated on the Premier Upper Deck and enjoy two guided shore excursions, including Heritage Landing (home to ancient Huon pines over 2,000 years old) and Sarah Island, once a dreaded penal colony. We also head out to Hells Gates where the harbour meets the ocean.

After returning to Strahan mid-afternoon, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Wander through the village and perhaps call in to the Huon Pine Sawmill for a demonstration. (B, L, D)

Our destination today is the Huon Valley and pristine Southern Forests. Here we visit the highly acclaimed Tahune Air Walk, one of the region’s top attractions and an absolute must-see on any trip to Tasmania. The walk through the treetops gives spectacular views of the untouched wilderness, and culminates in a cantilever set high over the confluence of the mighty Huon and Picton Rivers. We then visit Geeveston before returning to Hobart. Hobart is a delightful city with a colourful and interesting past, and one of the best ways to experience this is to head off on a historical walking tour. Your guide will take you to various places including the Hobart Docks, Salamanca Place and the CBD with fascinating commentary and local insights. This evening we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. (B, L, D)

This morning we enjoy a visit to Mount Wellington, which rises to 4170 feet above the city below. Admire the mesmerising views of Hobart and the Derwent River from several vantage points along the boardwalk, a perfect ending to your adventure around Tasmania.
For passengers departing Hobart today, you’ll be dropped off at the airport for your return flight. Please ensure return flights are booked for after midday. For those staying on you will be dropped off at the location of your choosing. (B)