TASMANIA TEMPTER

We are transferred from our home address in the
greater Auckland area (within 25k radius of the city centre) and taken to Auckland airport for our flight to Hobart. On arrival be greeted by our
Tasmanian Coach Captain and welcomed aboard our touring coach. Travel to nearby Rosny Lookout for panoramic views of Hobart set against the majestic backdrop of the Wellington Range. Cross the Tasman Bridge to Hobart City and tour historic Battery Point, Salamanca Place and the vibrant waterfront before settling into accommodation for the next
three nights at Wrest Point Casino.

Enjoy breakfast at the Boardwalk Bistro overlooking the beautiful Derwent River. Then board the coach to travel via Sorell Causeway and
Midway Point for our full day tour to the 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. Enjoy a guided walking tour, a Harbour Cruise, access to the Visitor Centre and Interpretation Gallery as well as more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored gardens and houses. On the way back to Hobart enjoy a visit to the magnificent geological features Tasman Arch and the Devils Kitchen that have been carved out bythe Tasman Sea. Dinner tonight at Wrest Point Casino.

First, we visit the historical Mount Nelson Signal Station, a site which holds prime position in the hills above Hobart, boasting panoramic views
over Hobart city, the River Derwent and, on a clear day, down to Bruny Island and out to Storm Bay. Next, we tour the historic village of Richmond. Walk across Australia’s oldest bridge, built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825, visit the cemetery of Australia’s oldest existing
Catholic Church, St John the Evangelist, and browse through the many delightful craft shops, galleries and cafes. We have time to explore this
delightful historic Georgian village before returning to our accommodation for free time before dinner.

The tour will depart Hobart this morning and follow the Prosser River valley through Cambridge and Buckland to the beautiful East Coast. Scenic highlights include stunning Maria Island views and The Hazards Peaks of Freycinet National Park. There is an opportunity to admire the unusual convict built Spiky Bridge, before passing through the seaside village of Swansea. Then, it’s on to the fishing and holiday village of Bicheno, viewing the ‘Gulch’ fishing harbour and having lunch (own
expense). Our next stop is East Coast Natureworld, the perfect place to experience Tasmania’s unique wildlife, including Tasmanian devils. East Coast Natureworld sits amongst 150 acres of natural coastal bushland and lagoons at Bicheno. Enjoy a guided tour and feed the friendly kangaroos. From Bicheno, the tour will follow the scenic coastal Tasman Highway to Scamander to stay the night and have dinner at The Scamander Beach Resort.

After breakfast, we continue North along the coastal Tasman Highway through the East Coast town of Saint Helens and across North East Tasmania. Tour the  myrtle rain forest of Weldborough Pass and on to visit Legerwood. View the War Memorial Tree Carvings,  honouring the fallen soldiers of the region. Enjoy lunch of your choice at Scottsdale and travel through to the City of Launceston. Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest City and is located on the Tamar River. Enjoy the remaining afternoon exploring city park or relaxing at the hotel before dinner. Accommodation for the next two nights is at The Hotel Grand Chancellor.

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This morning, we explore Launceston’s 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 take a cruise on the beautiful Tamar River through the river front precinct of Kings Wharf, Seaport and the Cataract Gorge. Back on dry land, explore the Tamar Valley, Australia’s longest navigable tidal estuary, meandering 58 kilometers through the heart of cool climate vineyards, orchards and hamlets to its mouth at historic George Town, Australia’s third oldest settlement. Enjoy lunch at The River Café at Beauty Point before visiting the Beaconsfield Mine & 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 rock-fall and mine disaster and   miraculous rescue. Return to the hotel for a free night and dinner of your choice.

After a relaxed start to the day, we will head west from Launceston along the Tasmanian Tasting Trail. Our first stop is at Ashgrove Cheese where you can sample some of their award-winning products. Watch the cheesemakers in action and learn about Ashgrove’s unique cheesemaking philosophy in the interpretation centre. If you’re simply craving pure Tasmanian air, head      outside to meet the happiest cows in the world. Then on to enjoy a sweet treat. Anvers Chocolate Factory uses fresh Tasmanian cream and butter, single origin chocolate, fruits, nuts and liqueurs to craft their       hand-made chocolate truffles, chocolate oranges,    fudges and pralines. Owner and head chocolatier Igor Van Gerwen shares the know-how learned in his     birthplace of Belgium from this 1930s lodge set amongst 2.5 hectares of mature tree gardens in Latrobe. 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. Lunch is at Hellyers Road Distillery on the North West Coast at Burnie. Discover the art of Whisky making    during the informative distillery tour. After a delightful day of tasting, relax on the coach as we head to our final destination for the day, stunning Stanley. Dinner and accommodation for the next two nights is at the Stanley Seaview Inn.

Today learn about the fascinating history of the Van Diemens Land Co. with a visit to its original property “Woolnorth Farm”, situated on the far North West tip of Tasmania. Admire the views over the outer islands from Cape Grim and breathe the purest air in the world! Visit the roaring 40’s wind farm before  travelling back to the historic village of Stanley, nestling at the foot of an ancient volcanic core known as ‘The Nut’. Enjoy lunch at your choice of local cafes, and time in Stanley, a location used for filming the movie The Light Between Oceans. Explore the quaint town with its terraces and chairlift access to the top of The Nut (ride is optional and own expense). There is also a short but very steep walk to the top for any energetic members of the group.

Following breakfast, we leave Stanley and travel to the rugged West Coast. We head South through rainforest and mineral rich mountains, crossing the Vale of Belvoir and alpine cattle country to reach the iconic Cradle Mountain National Park. 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. Enjoy lunch at Cradle Mountain Hotel and the opportunity to visit the Wilderness Gallery. The tour continues deeper into the West Coast past Tullah which is located on the shores of peaceful Lake Rosebery to our destination Queenstown. This historic mining town offers a glimpse into the past and the present of the west coast, with its rugged landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. Dinner and accommodation for the next two nights is at the Gold Rush Inn.

This morning we cruise the incomparable Gordon   River into the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness and the edge of World Heritage. Enjoy comfortable main deck window seating on board the extraordinary vessel, Harbour Master II. Step ashore Sarah Island for a guided tour of one of the harshest penal settlements in Australia. Follow the Gordon River through UNESCO World Heritage Rainforest, featuring ancient Huon pine, sassafras and myrtle forests and explore the   wilderness board-walk at Heritage Landing. 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 opportunity to explore the village including the Visitor Centre and Huon pine sawmill, before returning to Queenstown.

Departing Queenstown this morning, we travel through the ghost towns of Linda and Gormanston and cross Lake Burbury, and take a short walk to the delightful Nelson Falls. Next, a visit to The Wall in the Wilderness, a fascinating, one of a kind masterpiece of art. The Wall is a work in progress depicting the history of the region beautifully carved in stretch of Tasmanian timbers. We take a break at Derwent Bridge for lunch before  following the Lyell Highway through trout lakes, mountains, gorges and the Wild Rivers National Park. Passing through Tarraleah Gorge, you’ll be fascinated by the site of early hydro-electric installations. Our final wilderness delight is a visit to the iconic Russell Falls at the Mount Field National Park. The coach will then    travel to Hobart for our final two nights at Wrest Point Casino.

A relaxed day around the city of Hobart includes a tour of historic Battery Point, Salamanca Place, Constitution Docks and the waterfront. As it is Saturday morning, take the opportunity to explore the famous Salamanca open-air Market with its bustle and buskers, colour and excitement. Afterwards, you may choose to shop and explore the city or, enjoy some quiet moments in  Hobart’s Royal Botanical Gardens, vibrant with spring colours and blooms. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore as you wish. Our final dinner for the tour is at a lovely local restaurant.

Today we farewell Hobart as we are transferred to the airport for our flight home. On arrival back in Auckland we will be transferred back to our home addresses or on to our domestic flights.