6 Day Scenic Tasmania Small Group Tour FSG6

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

• 1 Arrival in Launceston (D)

  Arrive today and travel into Launceston city at your leisure. Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is booked and waiting at a perfectly located inner city hotel, 2 minute’s walk from the main restaurant strip. A hosted, 2-course welcome dinner is included in your package this evening. 

  Before leaving the Peninsula (and much to everyone’s delight) we stop at the boutique Federation Chocolate factory for a sampling of fresh, handmade chocolates. The flavours change depending on the season and the produce available! We return to Hobart for our stay in comfortable and very central city lodgings.

  Launceston hotel is available to check in from 2pm.

  Group dinner will start at approximately 5:30pm.

• 2 The Tamar Valley (B, L)

  No need to check out this morning as we will return to Launceston for a second night. Today we explore the landscape north of Launceston in and around the beautiful and very famous Tamar Valley region. Well known for being the food basket of Tasmania, this is our premier wine & produce region and makes for a stunning day’s touring. We begin with a stop at the very scenic Brady’s Lookout with sweeping views in both directions up & down the Tamar River. Then continue to the ever-delightful Beauty Point where guests have a choice to visit either the fantastic Seahorse World or Platypus House. Either of these fully guided 1-hour tours will see you up close and personal with unusual creatures many guests never see in the wild. 

  Next is an exploration of the infamous Beaconsfield Gold Mine & Heritage Centre. Embark on a historical journey as you learn about the significance of this site in Tasmanian history and the dramatic collapse of the mine in 2006 which led to one of the most publicised rescue missions in Australian history.  

  Time for lunch on the banks of the Tamar River at one of the many charming restaurants in the area. In the afternoon we will visit a local winery for a spot of wine tasting before a scenic drive across the striking Batman Bridge, through the lovely countryside in the direction of the north coast.

  Our afternoon activities include a visit to George Town & Low Head, home to some amazing tree carvings by renowned artist Eddie Freeman. Behold the magnificent north coast and Bass Strait from the Low Head Historic Lighthouse site. Afternoon tea & coffee will be shared at a local scenic location before returning for a second restful evening in the comfort of our Launceston CBD hotel.

• 3 The Midlands to Hobart (B, L)

  First up we have a guided tour of Australia’s 3rd oldest city – Launceston. Enjoy a morning stroll at the lovely Cataract Gorge, a fantastic urban wilderness only minutes from the CBD and the jewel in  Launceston’s crown. 

  Also visit City Park to see the lovely manicured gardens, the John Hart Conservatory, and the ever-entertaining Japanese Macaque Monkeys going about their daily activities in the enclosure of the park. A driving tour around town will take in some of the most iconic old buildings and structures including the Penny Royal complex, the King Bridge, the Post office, and the Holy Trinity Anglican Church among others. 

  Heading south today out of town we stop at the township of Evandale for a short exploration before a delicious lunch. Then journey south down the Midlands HWY, a stunning drive through rolling countryside with fields of many different & colourful crops, grazing livestock, and mountainous terrain in the background. A short stop in Campbelltown is first before spending time discovering the township of Ross. See the beautiful old Uniting Church and the stunning Ross Bridge – one of the prettiest in the state. Ross also has the best Merino Wool museum in Tasmania including plenty of interactive opportunities to touch and feel Tasmania’s best. Drive through Oatlands to see perhaps Australia’s best collection of convict period sandstone buildings with over 90 old structures on display in the main street. 

  A scenic drive further south will have us make an afternoon visit to the beautifully kept 1800s sandstone building, now renowned as the Old Kempton Distillery. This stunning facility uses local and mostly organic produce to make high-quality Tasmanian spirits. Spend time here soaking up the atmosphere. Limited whiskey tastings and a platter of gourmet, local produce is included in your package. From here a drive into Hobart will have us arrive at our luxurious 4-star accommodation for the next 3 nights – the Movenpick Hobart.

• 4 Hobart & the Coal Valley (B, L)

  This morning our exploration through town sees us take in the Hobart waterfront and Battery Point areas while viewing many of Hobart’s oldest convict-built structures. A great and slightly unusual morning activity is a visit to the Hobart Historic Shot Tower. not offered on any of our other itinerary packages this venue is a lovely 15-minute scenic drive from Hobart city, winding around the bay. 

  Built in 1870 it is the world’s tallest circular sandstone tower and offers stunning 360 views from the top. Originally designed to produce ammunition – a mix of lead, arsenic, and other metals were dropped from the top and formed a perfect, hardened sphere by the time they hit the water at the bottom. Today guests can ascend the 300 wooden steps and learn the history of this building on the climb up! The Shot Tower is also a great opportunity to enjoy a morning Devonshire Tea included in your package.

  Next, we head to the summit of Mt Wellington (1271m) boasting spectacular panoramic views in every direction. For those travelling in the colder months, we might be lucky enough to summit amongst drifts of white snow lining the road. Meander into the Coal River Valley, one of Tasmania’s premier wine regions. Naturally, we will lunch at a family-operated winery, sampling some of Tassie’s best wine & local produce. Our chosen vineyard today does not export wine to any restaurants or liquor stores anywhere in the country including Hobart, which is why we enjoy providing a local experience for our guests.

  After a lunch stop at the very newly relocated Federation Chocolate factory to sample some delicious handmade chocolates before continuing onto the historic & very pleasant township of Richmond. Discover this beautiful village with its manicured gardens and walking track meandering alongside the Coal River. See the beautiful stone arch construction of the Richmond Bridge, built by the convicts in 1823 this is Australia’s oldest bridge still in operation.

  One final afternoon activity is a guided tour at the newly opened and very unusual Tunnel Hill mushroom facility. Not regularly frequented by tourists this old abandoned railway tunnel has been converted to grow many exotic mushroom varieties.

• 5 The Derwent Valley (B, L)

  A scenic drive will take us into the Derwent Valley today to visit one of the most frequented National Parks in Tasmania – Mt Field NP. Stop in New Norfolk – the gateway into the Derwent Valley for a morning tea, coffee & snacks break on the edge of the Derwent River. Mt Field National Park is the location of the state’s very iconic waterfall – Russell Falls. The large 3-tier falls are quite a sight to see especially after the Winter & Spring rains and is easily accessible for guests of all physical abilities.

  The optional 40-60min walk features some of the most beautiful trees on the island. Giant Eucalyptus trees 300+ years old are as big as you will find in Tasmania. Tree ferns standing 6+ meters high dating hundred of years also line the pathway giving this walk a prehistoric and enchanted feel. Keep your eyes open for the many pademelons and other creatures that are very regularly seen along the pathway. There will be 2 walking options this morning, guests can choose their adventure depending on how adventurous and energetic they feel. 

  We will stop at the Westerway Raspberry Farm (in season) to sample some local varieties of berries before another scenic drive back through the Derwent Valley past cherry farms, rolling pasture, hops fields, and many scenic vistas. Returning to  New Norfolk another local lookout gives us a fantastic view over ‘The Valley of Love’ and possibly its most picturesque farm at Fenton Forest lookout. 

  Next, we head to one of the newer restaurants in the region for a fantastic lunch overlooking the mighty Derwent River. In 2022 the Derwent Estate Winery opened its brand new restaurant on the grounds of the vineyard called The Shed. Your 2-course lunch will include a glass of beer or wine. 

  Heading back into Hobart, Friday afternoon is a perfect opportunity to visit the very iconic Cascade Brewery for a responsible session of beer tastings. On a sunny day, the beer garden is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the state’s most famous brews with views of Mt Wellington in the background. Heading into Hobart City you will be delivered to your accommodations at the luxurious 4-star Movenpick Hotel around 5 pm. Friday night in Hobart city awaits plenty of entertainment options for those who enjoy the city nightlife. 

• 6 Salamanca Markets, Hobart (B)

  The world-famous Salamanca markets are held every Saturday and we wouldn’t want to miss them. After an included breakfast explore the market at your own leisure and sample the abundance of street foods. Wander the rows of market stalls displaying woodwork, arts & craft, fresh produce, coffee, wine, cooked foods and more. This is Tasmania’s most famous market and operates every Saturday for the entire year. Salamanca has a well preserved collection of convict built, sandstone buildings connected by narrow laneways, staircases and interesting little spaces to explore.

  In addition to the markets, Salamanca area has fantastic art galleries, cafes and retail stores. You are free to discover the markets & surrounds at your leisure… perhaps a wander across the dock area or up into the quaint suburb of Battery Point?

  This officially concludes your 6-Day Scenic Tasmania adventure. We are sure you will have gained a real taste and appreciation for this great little island. Thank you for joining us. Hotel check-out is by 11 am. For those interested in additional activities and sightseeing, luggage can be stored in the hotel reception luggage room at no additional charge. Additional nights at the Movenpick Hotel can be organised pre/post tour upon request, ensuring you are kept in the same room as included in your tour package. 

  For those looking to extend their touring or in search of afternoon attractions, below are a few ideas you may wish to consider:

  • Sunday morning Farm Gate Market on Bathurst Street.
  • Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery on Davey St opposite Constitution Dock (free entry).
  • A Cascade Brewery tour ($30 approx)
  • Visit Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum
  • Mona
  • Bruny Island Day Trip
  • Port Arthur Day Trip
  • Hobart Scenic Flight
  • Tahune Airwalk & Hastings Cave Day Trip
  • Maria Island Day Trip 

*We reserve the right to alter tour itineraries without notice. This may be due to climatic conditions, unexpected changes to some attraction post-COVID or other circumstances outside our control. A very suitable, alternative itinerary option will always be arranged in this event.

All dates listed are guaranteed departures with a minimum of only 2 guests. Please contact us to check the status of your planned travel date or if you wish to travel outside the dates listed.

Additional Information

Carbon Offest – Green Initiative Program

Our commitment for 2022/23 season is to plant 1 tree for every guest we host in Tasmania.

COVID Vaccination Requirements

Guests are no longer required to be COVID vaccinated to participate in our guided itinerary packages. The decision to relax our mandatory vaccination policy is not necessarily reflective of our views on COVID-19 vaccinations, but simply falls in line with the removal of state border entry requirements – which have also been relaxed in recent months. We reserve the right to again alter this policy in the future if circumstances are necessary but at the current time, all guests are welcome to book and participate regardless of their vaccination status. Note: International guests this may be irrelevant as proof of double vaccination status is still required to enter the country.

Accommodation Pick Up and Drop Off

Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at any Hobart or Launceston CBD Hotel, depending on which location the tour starts and finishes. The pickup are usually between 8.30-9.15 am. The time of pick up will be confirmed closer to departure depending on where other guests are staying. The Central Business District (CBD) is generally considered to be within a few blocks or a couple of minutes’ drive from the Hobart city mall.

Airport Transfers

Airport drop-off can be arranged in advance but will incur an airport drop-off fee of $60.

For those guests who are concluding their tours in Hobart, an Airport drop-off can be arranged in advance but will incur an airport drop-off fee of $60. Please book flights departing no earlier than 8.30pm as we cannot guarantee arriving in time in the event of delays outside our control.

Airport drop-off are not offered for our 13 Day itinerary or any itineraries that conclude in Launceston city. We recommend taxi ‘s in these scenarios.

Accommodation Pre or Post Tour Options in Hobart or Launceston

We can book you into the Movenpick Hotel Hobart or the Best Western Launceston Hotel where your tour starts.  If you would like to book your own, many guests choose to stay in Hobart at The Alabama Hotel, St Ives Apartments, RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel, ibis Styles Hobart, Salamanca Suites or The Henry Jones Art Hotel.

Most guests choose to stay in Launceston at Art Hotel on York, Ashcroft Apartments, Waratah on York, Hideaway on George, The Florance, TWOFOURTWO Boutique Apartments or the Peppers Silo Hotel Launceston, or similar. Hotels may vary from the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.

Book your pre and post-tour accommodation here.

Travel Insurance

It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. Most claims arise from either personal or close-family illness before departure resulting in cancellation charges. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance.  Travel Insurance Quote with CoverMore.

How many Guests will be on Tour

The largest group we take in a vehicle is 15 passengers. The vehicle you will travel in depends on passenger bookings. There are 3 different size vehicles. ‘Maximum Passengers’ policy is:

• Toyota HiAce – Licensed to carry 14, no more than 11 passengers in this vehicle.
• Iveco Mini Bus Daily – Executive model. Licensed to carry 17 but we guarantee never more than 12 guests.
• Yutong Coach – Half-size coach bus. Licensed to carry 23, no more than 15 passengers in this vehicle.

Packing Suggestions

Generally, the weather over the tourist season is warm during the day and cool at night. It is recommended to pack a warm jacket for Tasmania regardless of the time of the year you are traveling.

• Digital camera or camcorder
• Walking shoes. Although most walking tracks are easy and established, good walking shoes will come in handy.
• A pair of jeans or similar, a pair of shorts in summer.
• Sunglasses, sun cream, and a hat.
• A small torch if you want to search wildlife at night at Cradle Mountain.
• A raincoat or jacket

Wi-Fi Access

Most of the accommodations offer free Wi-Fi. It may be slower than you are used to due to the remote locations. Wi-Fi may only be available when close to the reception building.

Mobile or Cell Phone Coverage  

The only cell phone network that has a reliable signal in most locations is TELSTRA network. Vodafone & Optus sim cards will usually have signal only in major cities or towns. Public phones are widely available, some have the option of payment on credit cards.

Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Please review the Terms and Conditions and Schedule of Fees prior to making a booking.

A note on COVID-19 related cancellations: If your tour departure date is cancelled/postponed or affected by State or Federal government imposed lockdowns & border restrictions you will receive a 100% credit on your tour booking. No re-booking fees will be charged. This policy will apply right up until the day of departure. Guests, however, will need to cover any price increases that may occur in the interim waiting period until their re-booking date.

If you are personally impacted by COVID within 14 days of your planned departure and cannot travel we will hold 70% of your tour fee’s in credit. A flat 30% administration fee will be applied to Covid cancellations within 14 days of departure. This is to cover unrecoverable costs from hotel & attraction bookings etc that cannot be cancelled on short notice without penalty. Please note we reserve the right to ask for certified proof of a positive COVID test in these cases.

Covid cancellations that occur more than 14 days out from your planned departure will simply fall under our standard cancellation policy which can be found in the table below.

Standard Cancellation Policy: You are required to notify of cancellation in writing. These amounts will be less any agents booking fees.
Notice in Days                  Refund baed on a business day when email to advise of cancellation is received
50+ Days Notice              80% Refund
22 – 49 Days Notice       75% Refund
10 – 21 Days Notice        50% Refund
1 – 9 Days Notice             0% Refund

As we plan our tours, food, and accommodation in advance our policy is necessary to ensure all out-of-pocket expenses are covered in the unfortunate event of a cancellation. We recommend all guests purchase travel insurance when booking tours.

Travel Insurance
As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity get a quote from Cover-More Travel Insurance.

Credit Card Payments
Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment.

Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

Direct Deposit
Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
Reference: Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
Branch Address: 171 Howick Street Bathurst NSW 2795
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

Tour Reviews

The care from the guide (Dean) and the friendships I made was just amazing! I really enjoyed the beauty of Tasmania’s wilderness and wildlife. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone. The guide was very caring and certainly knew his stuff The accommodation was luxurious and the food was great and plentiful. Sally P

I can’t rate this company and trip highly enough. No stone unturned. They have thought of everything. Dean was a fantastic host and looked after us all very well. Hoping to get on board again one day. Pippin

FAQs

• Are there concession discounts?
  Pensioners (Australia or New Zealand) and Seniors Card holders (Australia) save with our concession discounts on selected tours. Ask our friendly team which tours you can get a discount on.
• Are your tours suitable for pensioners aged 76 and 84 ?
  Yes, Tasmania tours passengers range from children to adult who are 90 years of age.
• Transfer By Public Bus In Tasmania
  There are two Public Bus companies that operate between Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and other places inside Tasmania. You can see these here: Redline Coach and Tassie Link. Redline Coach also does airport to hotel transfers.
• Do you have any tours on offer during June, July or August ?
  Due to our off season of winter, no Tasmania tours operate during the months of June, July or August. The season starts in September and ends in May each year.
• Is accommodation the night after the tour ends included in the price ?
  No, this accommodation will cost extra.
• Is accommodation the night previous to the tour departure included in the price ?
  No, this Tasmania accommodation will be an extra cost.
• Where is the meeting point for the start of tours ?
  The pick up is at the “before tour accommodation” hotel listed in the TRIP NOTES tabs of the specific tour you are looking at.
• Do I need to arrive before Day 1 of my tour ?
  Please refer to your specific tour and look in the “Trip Notes” information where it may state this: You need to arrive any time the day prior to Day 1. If this is the case we can organise airport pick up and pre tour accommodation on your behalf, this will be an extra cost.

  Other tours start late in the day on Day 1 so you can arrive that morning which will avoid the extra nights accommodation cost.

  Please refer to the “Trip Notes” information for your specific tour which will explain this further.

• How do you calculate the number of days for your Tasmania tour ?
  If you are doing a 4 day tour commencing on April 8th, the first day of the tour is and includes the 8th, plus 9th, plus 10th plus 11th and the tour ends on April 11.
• Do your tours operate over Christmas and New Year?
  Yes – this is one of our most popular and busiest times
• Are airfares from my home town included in the cost of the tours ?
  Airfares to and from Tasmania at the start and finish of your tours are extra.
• Do you have short tours that include Bruny Island ?
  No tours include a trip to Bruny Island, however many people add this on as a day trip from Hobart either before or are after their multi day tour.
• Does the price include The Spirit Of Tasmania ship fares ?
  The 11 Day Tour to Tasmania includes the Ship costs one way.
• Payment Options
  We use TravelPay to process credit cards as it is recommended by AFTA (The Australian Federation of Travel Agents) as it provides protection in the event of supplier insolvency.

  Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

  If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment. Remember that ‘TravelPay’ will appear on your credit card statement.

  Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

  Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

  Commonwealth Bank – Australian Tours and Cruises

  Reference: Trip Number

  BSB: 062-504    Account: 1066 1268

  International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees

  SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

• Should I buy travel insurance?
  Travel Insurance

  As a valued customer of Tasmania Tours, we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. Options include single trip or annual frequent travellers plan on domestic or international travel.

  Free quote for travel insurance by SureSave.

  Travel Insurance by SureSave

  SureSave is an Australian travel insurance company who specialise in providing help that’s designed for travellers. Underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyds, they are dedicated to keeping customers informed and covered through an honest and genuine approach to travel insurance.

  SureSave provides world assistance through their Sydney-based support team, including an award-winning customer contact centre, claims team and 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. All their services are in-house, so rest assured that no matter where your travels take you, you’ll have access to expert assistance from home.

  Free travel safety app with every policy When you buy a policy with us, you’ll get instant access to the free SureSave travel safety app.

  The app provides you with access to travel safety information on the go, including policy details, emergency contacts, phrasebooks and guides tailored to your trip. View a video on the SureSave app.

  Disclaimer Momentum 17 Pty Ltd, trading as Australian Tours and Cruises, ABN 18 621 028 402,is a distributor of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461. Before deciding to purchase this product, read the Product Disclosure Statement available from us. This insurance is underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s.