16 Day Tasmanian Discovery Small Group Solo Travellers Tour

• 1 Day 1: Hobart (D)

  On arrival at the Hobart Airport be greeted by your Tasmanian Coach Captain and welcomed aboard our luxury 5-star touring coach. Enroute to our hotel we travel to nearby Rosny Lookout for panoramic views of Hobart set against the majestic backdrop of the Wellington Range. Then it’s across the Tasman Bridge to Hobart City and a short tour of historic Battery Point, Salamanca Place, and the vibrant waterfront before checking into our accommodation.

  A Welcome Dinner will take place this evening at the hotel.

  Accommodation: Ibis Styles Hobart or similar (1 night)
  Please check with Reservations in regards to transfer time prior to booking flights.

• 2 Day 2: Hobart - Strahan (B D)

  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. Next a lunch break (own expense) at Derwent Bridge followed by a short walk into the delightful Nelson Falls.

  Crossing Lake Burbury we descend through the ghost towns of Linda and Gormanston to the copper mining town of Queenstown. After a short tour, travel to Strahan, situated on the magnificent Macquarie Harbour.

  Discover the village and wharf area where one of the few remaining Huon pine sawmills still processes logs felled in the rainforests of western Tasmania and has its history with the ‘piners’ who gathered this beautiful timber, much prized for boat building.

  We check into our accommodation and freshen up before we meet for dinner.
  Accommodation: Strahan Village or similar (2 nights)

• 3 Day 3: Strahan (B L D)

  Today after breakfast we will discover the Tarkine Wilderness area. Unlike many places in the world, the Tarkine remains as a hidden treasure and a forgotten wilderness. This expanse of uninterrupted 477,000 hectares of Tarkine wilderness is the largest single track of temperate rainforest in Australia and holds ancient relics of both plants and animals dating back millennia, and unique habitats not found anywhere else.

  We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at a pristine location before this afternoon returning to explore the historic village of Stanley nestling at the foot of an ancient volcanic core known as ‘The Nut’. We tour past Highfield, the historical headquarters of the early Van Diemen’s Land Co. and explore the quaint town with its terraces and chairlift access to the top of The Nut (ride is optional and own expense).

  Back at our accommodation, we enjoy dinner together.

  Accommodation: Strahan Village or similar

• 4 Day 4: Strahan - Stanley (B L D)

  Departing from Strahan after breakfast, our journey takes us through the rugged west coast, steeped in mining history. As we travel past Tullah, nestled by the serene Lake Rosebery, we continue northward. The route leads through lush rainforests, mineral-rich mountains, and the picturesque Vale of Belvoir.

  Crossing alpine cattle country, we arrive at the iconic Cradle Mountain National Park. Explore the park with a guided bus 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.

  Afterward, recharge with a delightful meal at the charming Cradle Mountain Hotel. There will also be time to immerse yourself in Tasmania’s culture at the Wilderness Gallery. Learn about the first nation’s people, geography, flora, fauna, and early explorers. With eight exhibition spaces and a fantastic gift shop, there’s something for
  everyone.

  We will now wind our way to the town of Sheffield to admire the evocative outdoor art gallery of impressive murals.

  Continue on through fertile agricultural land to the quaint seaside town of Stanley in the far North West, where stunning views await. Arriving at out accommodation we’ll check in and then come together for dinner.

  Accommodation: Stanley Seaview Inn or similar (2 Nights)

• 5 Day 5: Stanley (B L D)

  Today after breakfaster we will discover the Tarkine Wilderness area. Unlike many places in the world the Tarkine remains as a hidden treasure and a forgotten wilderness. This expanse of uninterrupted 477,000 hectares of Tarkine wilderness is the largest single track of temperate rainforest in Australia and holds ancient relics of both plants and animals dating back millennia, and unique habitats not found anywhere else.

  We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at a pristine location before this afternoon returning to explore the historic village of Stanley nestling at the foot of an ancient volcanic core known as ‘The Nut’. We tour past Highfield, historical headquarters of the early Van Diemen’s Land Co. and explore the quaint town with its terraces and chairlift access to
  the top of The Nut (ride is optional and own expense). Back at our accommodation we enjoy dinner together.

  Accommodation: Stanley Seaview Inn or similar

• 6 Day 6: Strahan - Launceston (B L D)

  Following breakfast we travel back along the coast to the picturesque coastal town of Penguin. Be sure to have a photo taken with the giant penguin and enjoy morning tea (own expense) at one of the many café/bakeries.

  We will then travel the Bass Highway to Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for a delicious lunch.

  Afterwards, we continue on through the town of Deloraine and onto the Western Tiers Distillery at Westbury for a short stop enroute to Launceston. We arrive at our hotel and check in before coming together for this evening’s dinner.

  Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor or similar (3 nights)

• 7 Day 7: Launceston (B L D)

  This morning after breakfast visit the World Heritage Woolmers Estate, wander around, and soak up the essence of 19th-century Tasmanian life on a once-working farm estate, and admire their outstanding Rose Garden which represents one of the finest collections of historic roses in the Southern Hemisphere.

  Next, we travel to the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company. Enjoy the garden before sampling their gourmet BBQ lunch together with the range of sauces and preserves.

  After lunch, visit the nearby village of Evandale, a hidden gem of beautifully preserved historic buildings. Its streets are lined with late-Georgian and early Victorian architecture and we will have time for a walk in the main street.

  Upon returning to the hotel mid-afternoon, take some time to relax with some retail therapy or a walk to the nearby city park complete with John Hart Conservatory, duck pond, and Macaque monkey enclosure. Tonight we meet and go out to a local restaurant for dinner.

  Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor or similar

• 8 Day 8: Launceston (B D)

  After breakfast this morning we visit the beautiful Cataract Gorge with it’s cliff-side gardens, peacocks, suspension footbridge and one of the longest single-span chairlifts in the world (ride is optional and at own expense).

  The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore Launceston further before we come together for dinner at a local restaurant.

  Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor or similar

• 9 Day 9: Launceston - St Helens (B D)

  This morning we board the coach after breakfast and tour the picturesque Tamar Valley as we travel to the mine and heritage centre in the gold mining town of Beaconsfield. Cross the unique A-frame Batman Bridge and tour the northeast to the coastal town of Bridport for a lunch stop (own expense). We then travel through agricultural Scottsdale, Branxholm and the former tin-mining centre of Derby.

  Next visit Legerwood and view the War Memorial Tree Carvings, honouring the fallen soldiers of the region.

  We then drive through the myrtle rain forest of Weldborough Pass before descending to the East Coast at St. Helens and our accommodation for the night. Check-in, freshen up and meet for dinner in the hotel.

  Accommodation: Hotel Panorama or similar (1 night)

• 10 Day 10: St Helens - Bicheno (B D)

  This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we start the day visiting Binalong Bay, situated on the edge of the Bay of Fires. Stroll along one of the clean white beaches and admire the clear azure seas with granite rocks splashed in orange lichen from the lookout.

  After time to explore and a lunch stop (own expense) at St Helens, we travel the Great Eastern Drive beside the Tasman Sea, stopping off at East Coast Nature World to meet a Tasmanian devil and other unique Australian animals.

  We will then continue to the east coast town of Bicheno to tour the Gulch Fishing Harbour and view the natural wonder of the Blowhole before checking in to our accommodation.

  This evening after dinner, there is the option to enjoy a guided penguin tour (at additional expense). Please note, due to the time of year, it is the “off-season” where penguin numbers are minimal. During that time penguins are usually out at sea fishing or hiding themselves away as they moult. If you are still interested in doing this, you will need to advise reservations at the time of making your tour booking.

  Accommodation: Beachfront Bicheno or similar (1 night)

• 11 Day 11: Bicheno - Port Arthur (B L D)

  We depart Bicheno this morning after breakfast and pay a visit to the pristine Freycinet Peninsula and National Park. Spend some time exploring the Visitor Centre and wandering Richardson’s Beach for views of the pink granite Hazards mountain range. We enjoy lunch at Freycinet Lodge and then take in the remarkable coastal views at Cape Tourville lookout.

  Departing Freycinet, travel the Great Eastern Drive via a very unique vineyard with spectacular views and the convict-built enigmatic Spiky Bridge. Travel on to the Tasman Peninsula, taking in magnificent views from Pirates Bay Lookout situated above picturesque Eagle Hawk Neck, before continuing on to Port Arthur.

  We check into our rooms and then come together again for dinner

  Accommodation: Fox and Hounds Historic Hotel or similar (2 nights)

• 12 Day 12: Port Arthur (B D)

  Today we explore Port Arthur Convict Settlement. Within the 40 hectares of landscaped grounds lies a rich history of Australia’s convict past. Included in our 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 and restored gardens and
  houses.

  Afterwards, a short drive will provide a chance to enjoy the vista of the rugged southern coastline. A short, accessible walk to the large viewing platform provides exceptional views. For the energetic, descend the 115 steps to the spectacular Remarkable Cave and view the cave from the custom-designed platform at the base.

  Later enjoy some free time to relax and freshen up for an early dinner.

  Accommodation: Fox and Hounds Historic Hotel or similar

• 13 Day 13: Port Arthur - Hobart (B D)

  Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a later departure today before we travel to the nearby Port Arthur Lavender Farm. Take time to view the visitor centre and café showcasing millennia-old uses of this fragrant flower alongside modern cuisine and a fully functioning essential oil distillery.

  The next stop is The Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry where we can indulge in all things chocolate, tasting the finest Belgian Coverture chocolate hand-forged into delicious products on site.

  We now leave the Tasman Peninsula behind and drive to the historic town of Richmond. Here we will view the spire of Australia’s oldest Catholic Church from beneath the arch of Australia’s oldest stone bridge still in use.

  Wander the streets of this delightful Georgian town and discover the arts and crafts, bakeries and tea rooms. Enjoy lunch (at own expense) and a wander around this delightful town.

  Afterwards, we travel to the city of Hobart and our centrally located accommodation. After check in there will be some time to relax, perhaps take a walk and then freshen up before we meet for dinner.

  Accommodation: The Old Woolstore or similar (3 nights)

• 14 Day 14: Huon Valley (B)

  Today we take in the panoramic views of the city and estuary from Mt Nelson before travelling along the Derwent River which broadens into the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, once a haven for sealers and whalers, now one of Hobart’s aquatic playgrounds.

  We make a stop at Crawleighwood Garden, a wonderful 2 hectare garden nestled in the picturesque hills of Cygnet. The garden features lush woodland and rainforest with an eclectic variety of plants.

  We then travel to Huonville and the apple orchards of the Huon Valley. Immerse yourself in the authentic essence of Tasmania’s apple history, where four generations of apple farmers have tended the orchard, by visiting Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. Discover the freshest flavours the Huon Valley has to offer during our lunch stop including the famous apple pie and a cider of course! (own expense)

  Returning to Hobart the remainder of the day and evening is at leisure. Your tour host will be on hand for those that would like company.

  Accommodation: The Old Woolstore or similar

• 15 Day 15: Salamanca Markets - Hobart (B D)

  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.

  This afternoon we tour Kunanyi (Mt. Wellington) (weather permitting) for panoramic views of the city and estuary. Afterwards, we will have some free time in Hobart’s city centre where you can delve into history at the Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum or Tasmanian Museum; spend time in the shopping precinct or simply relax.

  This evening, we come together and enjoy our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

  Accommodation: The Old Woolstore or similar

• 16 Day 16: Hobart (B)

  This morning, enjoy breakfast before we check out and board the coach for some more sightseeing. Take in the 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.

  Enjoy morning tea at a local cafe before mid to late afternoon we will travel the short distance to Hobart Airport where we say goodbye and board our flights home.

  Please check with Reservations in regards to transfer time prior to booking flights.

• Please confirm transfer times offered prior to booking flights

*We reserve the right to alter tour itineraries without notice due to climatic conditions and other circumstances outside our control.