Tasmania Discovery for Solos

Enjoy the breakfast this morning before we depart Hobart, following the Derwent Valley through hop fields and hills to historic New Norfolk. Climbing the Central Plateau through highland trout-lakes country takes us to Tarraleah Gorge site of an early Hydro-electric Power Station. We’ll then visit “The Wall in The Wilderness”, an extraordinary work of art telling the story of Tasmania’s Central Highlands which has been carved out of Tasmania’s famous Huon pine. Enter the Wild Rivers National Park and experience the wonders of Gondwanaland during a short rainforest walk to Nelson Waterfalls. Observe the altered landscape of bare, colourful hills as we cross Lake Burbury and descend through the ghost towns of the Chamouni Valley to the copper mining town of Queenstown. After a short town tour we continue to our overnight accommodation at Strahan Village. Check in to your hill-top harbour view room and freshen up before we meet for dinner.

Accommodation: Strahan Village or similar (2 nights)

Today we embark on a full day cruise of the incomparable Gordon River into the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness and the edge of World Heritage. Cross vast Macquarie Harbour past Sarah Island, the worst convict settlement of all, to follow the Gordon through stands of ancient Huon pine, sassafras and myrtle rainforest to step ashore for a wilderness board-walk at Heritage Landing. We voyage to Hell’s Gates, the aptly named harbour entrance where many early ships were destroyed by ferocious ocean swells. On return to Strahan there will be time to explore the village including the visitor centre and Huon pine saw mill before we return to our accommodation. Dinner this evening will be at our hotel.

After breakfast this morning we begin to traverse the Reid Volcanics for views of the Tyndal range and Lake Plimsoll in the Henty Anthony Valley en route to Tullah. We continue north through rainforest and mineral rich mountains, crossing the Vale of Belvior and alpine cattle country to reach Cradle Mountain National Park. Enjoy lunch at Cradle Mountain Hotel then board the shuttle bus to Dove Lake at the foot of the crags of Cradle Mountain and visit Waldheim, forest home of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer. We will visit the Wilderness Gallery before continuing along the highway through mountains and button grass plains to the north west coast. Stopping to spend time in the town of Sheffield, we can admire the wonderful out-door art gallery of impressive murals before we continue to Launceston. This evening we will enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston or similar (2 Nights)

This morning we will explore Launceston’s city centre and the magnificent 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). We will visit the historic village of Evandale, home of the National Penny-farthing Championships and visit the Gourmet Sauce Company where we have an amazing BBQ lunch and garden visit. Upon returning to the hotel, midafternoon, take some free time to relax with a bit of retail therapy before we meet for dinner.

This morning we check out of our hotel, after breakfast, and tour the picturesque Tamar Valley to the Mine & Heritage Centre in the gold mining town of Beaconsfield, site of the mine disaster and miraculous rescue. Cross the unique A-frame Batman Bridge and tour the north east through agricultural Scottsdale, Branxholm and former tin-mining centre of Derby. Visit Legerwood and view the War Memorial Tree Carvings, honouring the fallen soldiers of the region. We drive through the myrtle rain forest of Weldborough Pass before descending to the East Coast at St. Helens and our overnight accommodation overlooking Georges Bay. We’ll check in and have time to freshen up before meeting for dinner.

Accommodation: Panorama St Helens or similar (1 night)

Travel this morning beside the Tasman Sea, stopping off at the East Coast Nature World to meet a Tasmanian devil and ride the ‘Pelican Express’ Continuing to the east coast resort town of Bicheno we tour the Gulch Fishing Harbour and view the Blowhole before taking in the magnificent views of Great Oyster Bay, encompassing Maria Island and the rugged Freycinet Peninsula. Following the Tasman Highway, pass through Swansea and pause at the convict built, enigmatic Spiky Bridge. We continue along and follow the Prosser River valley through Buckland and Cambridge to cross the picturesque Derwent River into the city of Hobart. Upon arrival to our hotel we’ll check in, freshen up and meet for this evening’s dinner.

Accommodation: Old Woolstore Hobart or similar (3 nights)

This morning after breakfast we will travel via Sorell Causeway and Midway Point for our full day tour to Tasman Peninsula. Take in magnificent views from the look-out above picturesque Eaglehawk Neck and Pirates Bay before continuing to the Port Arthur Convict Settlement. Within the 40 hectares of landscaped grounds lies a rich history of Australia’s convict past. Included in the entry 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, restored gardens and houses; explore as you wish before departing the historic site to tour beside Norfolk and Frederick Henry Bays back to Hobart. We will meet for dinner early evening.

As it is Saturday morning, after breakfast we will take the opportunity to explore the famous Salamanca open-air Market with its bustle and buskers, colour and excitement. The remainder of the day is free to relax and visit some of Hobart’s wonderful attractions at your own pace. Your tour host will give the group some ideas of what options are available. This evening we will come together for dinner and share our day’s adventures at our Farewell Dinner.

This morning, enjoy breakfast before we check out and board the coach for some more sightseeing. Take in the panoramic views of the city and estuary from Mt Nelson and visit the sheltered, landscaped grounds of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens which holds historic plant collections and a large number of significant trees, any dating from the nineteenth century. Enjoy an early lunch at a local cafe before mid to late afternoon* we will travel the short distance to the Hobart Airport where we say goodbye and board our flights home.

*Please check with reservations for transfer time prior to booking flights