Deal

Welcome to Tasmania! Arriving in Hobart, the island’s capital, you’ll immediately be struck by the vibrant culture, trendy food scene and the towering Mt. Wellington perched high above the city.

Meeting up with the tour group at the hotel at 2.30pm, you’ll have a quick briefing to find out more about what you can expect over the next 14 days. Your first adventure then takes you to the top of Mt. Wellington for incredible 360-degree views of Hobart and beyond. Be warned – the weather conditions can change quickly at the top so make sure you’re prepared for anything. Along the way, you’ll also get to see some of the highlights in the surrounding areas.

This evening you’ll get to know each other better with a welcome dinner, bonding over a delicious meal of fresh Tasmanian produce.

Hobart really comes alive on a Saturday morning thanks to the bustling Salamanca Market. One of Australia’s most vibrant and loved markets, you’ll be wowed by colourful stalls, music, locally made arts and crafts, tasty food and top-notch coffee. You’ll have some free time here to make your way through the stalls and perhaps purchase a souvenir or two.

After, you travel to Russell Falls. From the Visitor Centre, it’s just a short walk through the vibrant green forest to Russell Falls.

After a short 20-minute ferry ride south of Hobart, you’ll arrive on the island, which is technically two separate landmasses joined together by a long, sandy isthmus known as ‘The Neck’. You’ll spend the rest of the day taking in the pristine surrounds, including towering cliffs overlooking sandy beaches, endangered plants and animals, and enjoying a lovely lunch.

On the Tasman Peninsula, we’ll visit Port Arthur. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict settlement tells the tale of Australia’s confronting colonial history, where you’ll see impressive ruins and learn about its checkered past, all while taking in the beautiful backdrop of dense forest and a surprisingly picturesque harbour. You’ll feel the isolation experienced by the convicts and discover the history of the early Australian Penal system on a walking tour and harbour cruise.

Making our way to Bicheno, you’ll have the chance to take in more of the stunning scenery of the Tasman Peninsula, with photo stops at some impressive natural rock formations including the Devil’s Kitchen, Tasman Arch, Tessellated Pavement and the Remarkable Caves.

Today you’ll spend the day taking in the beautiful sights of Freycinet National Park and the surrounding area on a cruise. You’ll take in remarkably white beaches, the towering pink granite peaks of the Hazards range, wildlife on the banks of the remote Schouten Island and many hidden caves, blowholes and waterfalls, all while learning more about the rich indigenous and colonial history of the area. Back on land, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the highlights further on foot.

This evening, you’ll find out what it’s like to live in the beautiful and remote town of Bicheno over a barbecue dinner with some of the locals.

As you make your way to Launceston today you will travel via St Helens, home to the Bay of Fires region.

Before arriving in Launceston, you head slightly further north and visit Bridestowe Lavender Estate, originally established in 1921 by London perfumer CK Denny. The lavender is generally in bloom from December to February, but even if you don’t get to see the purple fields in all their glory, you will still be able to learn about the useful and healing properties of lavender.

Embarking on a cruise, you’ll have a chance to explore Cataract Gorge, as well as the old and new facets of Launceston’s Seaport precinct. You’ll cruise to Kings Wharf where you can view historic vessels and heritage properties, but the highlight is, of course, cruising past the sheer cliffs and cascades in the gorge, while hearing from the skipper about the fascinating history of the area.

In the afternoon you’ll travel to the nearby Tamar Valley. Here you’ll get to visit one of the many wineries and enjoy a tasting of their products.

The journey to Smithton takes you along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, where you’ll stop at The Cherry Shed and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm to sample some of their products.

You’ll also pass through Sheffield, affectionately known as the ‘Town of Murals’, thanks to the more than 100 paintings that coat the walls of the buildings.

You continue to the town of Smithton where you’ll check into your hotel.

Today you will explore The Tarkine, with your tour taking you through the forest, all the way to the ‘Edge of the World’, Gardiner’s Point! Here you’ll visit the lookout before heading to the township of Stanley to take a closer look at The Nut, a sheer sided bluff.

From the base of The Nut, you will ride a chairlift up to the top, which offers breathtaking views of the historical and picturesque coastal village of Stanley.

Arriving in Cradle Mountain, the rest of the day is at leisure to unwind in this truly breathtaking location.

Before departing the National Park, you visit remarkable Dove Lake at the bottom of Cradle Mountain. Surrounded by a 6 kilometre board walk, you’ll have some time to stroll along and stop for fabulous photo opportunities on the way.

Making your way to Strahan, you’ll pass by spectacular lakes, mountains and towns.

Departing in the morning, you’ll get to experience climbing one of the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest rail tracks, using the unique power of the rack and pinion system. Along the way, you’ll stop at historic stations and your guide will tell you stories of the pioneers who lived and worked in these remote landscapes.

Enjoy a relaxing day as you cruise along the famous Gordon River. You travel to Hells Gate, the notoriously shallow and dangerous channel between the Macquarie Harbour and the Great Southern Ocean. You’ll also see Sarah Island, which was established as a penal settlement in the Macquarie Harbour in 1821. Today, the ruins offer a moving reminder about the bleak reality of convict life, particularly when you compare it to the incredible beauty of the surrounding area.

You return to Hobart in the evening and enjoy a group farewell dinner – the perfect way to reminisce and reflect on your time in Tasmania.