Tasmania In Spring

Day 1

Home - Hobart
Following our flight into Hobart, we will be met by our Coach Captain who will take us to Rosny Lookout offering panoramic views of Hobart against the majestic backdrop of the Wellington Range. Later, settle into our centrally located accommodation for the next three nights.

Day 2

Salamanca Market - Richmond Village
Saturday morning in Hobart means the famous Salamanca open-air markets are on. Be swept up in a sea of colour, creativity and culinary delights where more than 300 stalls fill the street selling art, craft and other hand-made goodies. Next is the picturesque and historic village of Richmond. Walk across Australia's oldest bridge, built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825 and browse through the many delightful craft shops, galleries and cafes in town. Travel back to Hobart for some free time before dinner at The Drunken Admiral Restaurant.

Day 3

Tasman Peninsula - Port Arthur - Lavender Farm
Today we travel to the stunning Tasman Peninsula to explore the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Included is a guided walking tour, a short harbour cruise, access to the Visitor Centre and Interpretation Gallery as well as more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored gardens and houses. As we travel back to Hobart, visit the Tasmanian Lavender Company and take in the ocean views while enjoying fresh Tasmanian produce in the lavender-inspired café. Next, visit the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry and stop to marvel at the geological formations of the Tasman's Arch and Devils Kitchen, before returning to Hobart.

Day 4

Hobart - Tarraleah - Wall in the Wilderness - Strahan
Today we follow the Derwent Valley to historic New Norfolk. Climb the Central Plateau through highland trout-lakes country to Tarraleah, an early Hydro-electric Scheme town. Enjoy lunch before continuing on to "The Wall in The Wilderness", an extraordinary work of art being carved out of Huon pine telling the story of Tasmania's Central Highlands. Next, experience the wonders of Gondwanaland during a short rainforest walk to Nelson Falls before arriving into Strahan, a harbour-side village set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Day 5

Gordon River, Sarah Island & Hell's Gates - The Ship that Never Was Play
After breakfast, cruise across the vast, mirrorlike waters of Macquarie Harbour. Surrounded by misty hills and ancient forests, the sense of isolation and wonder begins to take hold. 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. After this incredible adventure, enjoy free time to relax or explore the charming village of Strahan. This evening, see the "The Ship that Never Was", a play that tells the dramatic and hilarious true story of The Great Escape from Sarah Island.

Day 6

Strahan - Tullah - Devils - Cradle Mountain
Departing Strahan, our journey takes us through the rugged west coast, steeped in mining history. Travel past the historic mining town of Zeehan and Tullah, nestled by the serene Lake Rosebery, before arriving at the iconic Cradle Mountain National Park. Explore the park on a guided tour to Dove Lake, nestled at the foot of the majestic Cradle Mountain. We'll also visit Waldheim, the forest home of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer before lunch at the Cradle Mountain Hotel. Later, stop at Devils@Cradle, a world-class conservation sanctuary for a guided tour. During our visit, we'll meet the mysterious Tasmanian Devil, a creature both feared and misunderstood, and learn how conservationists here are working tirelessly to ensure its future. You'll also encounter the Eastern Quoll and the Spotted-tail Quoll, both equally elusive and essential to Tasmania's ecosystem.

Day 7

Cradle Mountain - Table Cape Tulip Farm - Distillery Tour - Penguin - Devonport
After breakfast, our journey takes us through mountains and button grass plains to the fertile soils and agricultural land of the north west coast. See the beautiful colours on display at Table Cape Tulip Farm with hectares of tulips in bloom. There is also an impressive indoor display featuring floral arrangements, souvenirs, an art gallery, potted tulips, cut flowers and information on growing bulbs. After lunch visit Hellyers Road Distillery at Burnie - Australia's most awarded distillery, for a guided tour and tasting. Continue on to the picturesque coastal town of Penguin where you can pose for a photo with The Big Penguin, and this evening, settle into our overnight accommodation in Devonport.

Day 8

Devonport - Chocolate - Cheese - Raspberry Farm - Cataract Gorge - Launceston
Today, our first stop is Anvers Chocolate Factory who use 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. We then make our way to Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door where you can watch the cheesemakers in action and learn about Ashgrove's unique cheesemaking philosophy in the interpretation centre. Enjoy some time in the river side town of Deloraine and see the Yarns Artworks in Silk display at the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre. Next, visit Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for a delicious lunch before arriving in Launceston for a visit to Cataract Gorge 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).

Day 9

Seahorse World - Beaconsfield - Josef Chromy Vineyard - Woolmers Estate
Today we travel through the beautiful Tamar Valley to Beauty Point, for a visit to Seahorse World. Discover the lifecycle of the mysterious seahorse and enjoy the rare chance to hold one gently in your palm. Next, stop at 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 mine disaster and miraculous rescue. Continue on to Josef Chromy Estate for a grazing platter lunch overlooking the century-old garden and lakeside vineyard. This afternoon, visit the World Heritage Woolmers Estate and National Rose Garden. This property shows a fascinating reflection of colonial life in Tasmania with the Rose Garden displaying one of the finest collections of historic roses in the southern hemisphere.

Day 10

Launceston - East Coast - Freycinet - Hobart
This morning, we leave Launceston and travel the Heritage Highway to Campbell Town. Continue on to Coles Bay and the magnificent Freycinet Peninsula enjoying lunch at the stunning Freycinet Lodge. After lunch, visit Cape Tourville for spectacular views over the Southern Ocean and along the East Coast. We then follow the Tasman Highway, stopping at an icon among Tasmania's wineries - Devil's Corner Cellar Door. Enjoy this beautiful location featuring views across to the Hazards peaks and a tasting if you choose (own expense). This afternoon, follow the Prosser River valley through Buckland and Cambridge to cross the picturesque Derwent River into Hobart.

Day 11

Mt Nelson - Huon Valley - Apple Shed
Today we take in the panoramic views of the city and estuary from Mt Nelson before travelling along the Derwent River. Stop at Crawleighwood Garden, a wonderful 2 hectare garden nestled in the picturesque hills of Cygnet. Enjoy a garden tour and morning tea before making our way to Huonville and the apple orchards of the Huon Valley. Immerse yourself in the authentic essence of Tasmania's apple history at Willie Smith's Apple Shed, where four generations of apple farmers have tended the orchard. Discover the freshest flavours the Huon Valley has to offer including the famous apple pie and a cider of course! Travel back to Hobart for some free time before a memorable farewell banquet dinner.

Day 12

Hobart - Home
After breakfast, visit the sheltered, landscaped grounds of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens which holds historic plant collections and a large number of significant trees, many dating from the nineteenth century. We then make our way to the airport, to board our flight home, and on arrival, your transfers will be arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner