6 Day Coast & Cradle Mt ETCM6

Itinerary

• 1 Arrival in Hobart

  Arrive today and travel into Hobart city at your leisure. Your accommodation for tonight is booked and waiting at the elegant, 4-star Movenpick Hotel centrally located and within walking distance to the cities restaurant and shopping areas.

• 2 Hobart - Port Arthur (B L)

  Pick up from the Movenpick Hotel to begin the fully guided portion of your tour package. Explore the Hobart waterfront area before heading to the summit of Mt Wellington (1270m) boasting spectacular panoramic views in every direction. Further exploration through town sees us take in the historic Female Factory & Cascade Brewery while viewing many of Australia’s oldest convict-built structures. Heading east we meander into the Coal River Valley, one of Tasmania’s premier wine regions. Naturally, we will lunch at a lovely, family-operated winery, sampling some delicious wine & local produce before continuing on to the historic township of Richmond. We will 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. Much to everyone’s delight we stop at the boutique Federation Chocolate factory just outside Richmond for some sampling of fresh, hand-made chocolates. The flavours change depending on the season and the produce available!

  It’s then on to the Tasman Peninsula for our first taste of the east coast. The Tasman National Park boasts towering sea cliffs and a wealth of cultural history as we venture south. A beautiful lookout point over Pirates Bay provides the ideal location for a scenic, mid-afternoon tea/coffee break. Learn about Eaglehawk Neck – the site of the infamous Dogline – as we cross onto the Tasman Peninsula. We then explore some of nature’s true wonders with short, scenic walks at Tasman’s Arch & Devils Kitchen. Continuing on we squeeze in a stop at the colourful Port Arthur Lavender Farm before overnighting right on the cusp of the Port Arthur World Heritage Historic Site.

  Accommodation: Port Arthur Motor Inn or similar 

• 3 Port Arthur - Bicheno (B L)

  Our day begins with a 2.5 hour fully guided tour around the Port Arthur Historic Site. Explore many of the original buildings as we learn about the early convicts and the role they played in Tasmania’s history. Learn about Point Puer (the juvenile boys prison), the Isle of the Dead graveyard, and the Port Arthur timber industry while enjoying a short, scenic harbour cruise to view the site as incoming convicts would have.

  Next, we leave the Tasman Peninsular for our journey up the very east coast of the island. At Raspins Beach we view the imposing Maria Island off the coast of Orford before stopping to see the unique convict built Spikey Bridge and the captivating coastline at Spikey Beach over tea, coffee & biscuits.

  Next up is Swansea – a beautiful East Coast town – and the Great Oyster Bay area. Arriving in Bicheno for our evening accommodations we will squeeze in one last feel-good activity by spotting the cute little Fairy Penguins arriving ashore right in Bicheno township.

  Accommodation: Beachfront Bicheno or similar 

• 4 Bicheno - Bay of Fires - Launceston (B L)

  Start the day at the amazing Blow Hole on the rocky coastline of Bicheno. Visit the multi-award-winning East Coast Nature World wildlife park to see many of our native animals and in particular – the feeding of the iconic Tasmanian Devil. Learn about this amazing animal and its recent struggle for survival. Pat wombats and hand-feed kangaroos, geese, and ducks – this is a wonderful and interactive morning.

  Enjoy travelling Tasmania’s most scenic coastal road with breathtaking views of the east coast en route to one of Tasmania’s premier attractions – the Bay of Fires. At Binalong Bay we will stroll along the pure white sandy beaches and snap photos of possibly the most colourful spot on the island. Visit a working oyster farm, see their farming techniques and enjoy the freshest possible oysters. In the afternoon we proceed towards Launceston stopping at Pyengana, the award-winning cheese factory and dairy. We then twist our way through an ancient Myrtle Rainforest and cross the trail of the dragon, an old mining area centered around the town of Derby. The carved memorial trees at Legerwood are one of Australia’s most unique & tasteful memorial sites, this will be our tea & coffee break for today before arriving in Launceston CBD for our evenings lodgings.

  Accommodation: Best Western Launceston or similar 

• 5 Launceston - Cradle Mountain (B L)

  Today we will spend the morning exploring downtown Launceston – Australia’s 3rd oldest capital city behind Sydney & Hobart. We will see the King Bridge, City Park, inside the beautiful old Heritage listed Post Office and of course, take a 40-minute stroll through a jewel in the city – Cataract Gorge Reserve.

  Soon after we head westward into the Meander Valley which is an absolutely stunning farming and pastoral area. Try locally made ice cream and honey tastings of more than 50 flavours at the renowned Melita Honey Farm in Chudleigh before learning about Tasmania’s oldest and biggest Leatherwood Honey producer R. Stephens Honey in Mole Creek. Our lunch stop today is a true gem hidden in the forest at 41º Degrees South Salmon Farm. After lunch, a truely unique attraction follows with a guided tour of the Marakoopa Caves, exhibiting limestone & crystal formations millions of years old, along with a completely natural population of resident glow worms! From here we will snake our way up onto the plateau of the central highlands to Cradle Mountain National Park to partake in some up-close Wombat & animal spotting at dusk. Tonight’s accommodation is the very comfortable, 4-star Cradle Mountain Hotel.

  Accommodation: Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain or similar 

• 6 Cradle Mountain - Launceston (B L)

  Start the day with a full buffet hot and cold banquet breakfast at Cradle Mountain Hotel. Inside the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – a photographers paradise – drive to the gorgeous Dove Lake for breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain. Take a short walk to glacier rock and then on to the appropriately named Enchanted Walk to see beautiful cascades and the Pencil Pine waterfall. Visit the old “Waldheim Cottage” of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer who made Cradle Mountain world famous. After a scrumptious lunch and viewing of the Cradle Mountain Hotel Gallery return to Launceston via the lovely town of Sheffield – the town of Murals. This is a peaceful, meandering drive through rolling green hills arriving in Launceston to conclude your 6 Day tour around 5 pm.

  Flights are not to depart earlier than 7pm. We cannot drop you to the airport, you will be dropped in Launceston CBD. Please ask about booking an additional night in Launceston.

Flight times 

• Day 1: Flight to anytime at Hobart Airport. Hotel is available from 2pm.
• Day 6: Flights to depart after 7pm from Launceston Airport.

Additional Information

Carbon Offset – Green Initiative Program
Our commitment for 2024/25 season is to plant 1 tree for every guest we host in Tasmania.

Accommodation Pick Up and Drop Off
Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at your packaged Hobart or Launceston CBD Hotel, depending on which location the tour starts and finishes. The time of pick-up will be confirmed closer to departure.

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 start and end.  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:

• Valente Mercedes Van – Licensed to carry 8, but we usually have no more than 5 guests.
• 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.

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 based 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 to get a free no-obligation 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 the 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: Your Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
Branch Address: Shop 1/80-84 William St, Bathurst NSW 2795
In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

Tour Reviews

I truly had the best time on tour with Morgan and the rest of the group. The tour was well paced and I loved that there was no pressure to do activities you didn’t want to. Morgan also was able to modify the activities to suit everyone. I had the best, best time and I will be back to Tassie soon! Rhi

Morgan is a wonderful host. We could relax knowing everything was taken care of and connect with our eclectic small group, and take in the Tasmanian landscape and service. Libby

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

  Credit Card Payments
  Credit Card Customer Payment Link copy and paste 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 the 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: Your Trip Number
  BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
  Branch Address: Shop 1/80-84 William St, Bathurst NSW 2795
  In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
  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.