7 Day Tasmania in Circle January 2023 FTIC7S

Itinerary

• 1 Arrive 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 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 (1270 m) 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 of Tassie’s best 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 of 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 and the Tasman Cruise (B L)

  Our day begins with a 3.5 hour fully guided tour around the Port Arthur Historic Site. Explore many of Port Arthur’s original and most iconic buildings and ruins as we stroll the expansive site. Learn about the early convicts and the role they played in Tasmania’s history. Hear stories of the Port Arthur timber industry, Point Puer (the juvenile boys prison), the Isle of the Dead graveyard, the main penitentiary building, and more. Lunch today will be at the lovely Port Arthur Lavender Farm with the flowers in full January bloom!

  Next, we have a real treat in store – an unforgettable 3-hour wilderness cruise along the spectacular coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck off the Tasman Peninsula. The cruise travels
  beneath the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere at Cape Pillar, explores waterfalls, rock formations, archways, and deep-sea caves. The Tasman National Park is home to a variety of wildlife including hundreds of seals, migrating whales, and abundant sea birds in their thousands. At any time of year, you are likely to see the feeding frenzy of diving gannets, albatross, and sea eagles wheeling on the wind, cliff-nesting cormorants, and peregrine falcons, or a pod of playful dolphins surfing the bow wave of the boat. This breathtaking fast boat adventure is one of the best tourist attractions in southern Tasmania and is an experience guests will remember & treasure for a lifetime. On completion of the days activities, we will take the short, meandering drive back to our cosy lodgings on the edge of the Port Arthur Historic Site.

  Accommodation: Port Arthur Motor Inn or similar 

• 4 Port Arthur to Launceston (B L)

  This morning we take a scenic drive off the Tasman peninsula to continue our journey northward. One last photo stop at the beautifully crafted bronze statue depicting the savage dogs of the infamous Eaglehawk Neck dog line. Next, we continue on to the historic township of Richmond. 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 and certainly one of Tasmania’s most elegant… a great place for a mid-morning tea & coffee break.

  Visit the multi-award-winning Bonorong 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. See wombats and hand-feed kangaroos, geese, and ducks – this is a wonderful and interactive morning.

  Then enjoy journeying north up the Midlands HWY, a stunning drive through rolling countryside with fields of many different & colourful crops, grazing livestock, and mountainous terrain in the background.

  At Oatlands, we can see Australia’s best collection of convict period sandstone buildings with over 90 old structures on display in the main street. Stroll into the lovely Callington Mill complex to see the imposing windmill granary still in full operational use. This is also a great spot for lunch and an opportunity for those inclined to taste some fantastic Tasmanian Whiskey & Gin at the newly opened Callington Mill Distillery. This stunning new facility uses local and mostly organic produce to produce high-quality Tasmanian spirits. At the township of Ross to see the stunning Ross Bridge – one of the prettiest in the state. Then the carved memorial trees at Campbelltown are a fantastic tribute to the early convicts of the area who toiled in constructing the famous Red Bridge. This evening we arrive in Launceston CBD for our lodgings right by the main city restaurant strip.

  Accommodation: Best Western Launceston CBD 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’a 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 we stay at the acclaimed and beautiful 4 Star Cradle Mountain Hotel.

  Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel or similar 

• 6 Cradle Mountain - Queenstown (B L D)

  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 photographer’s 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. En route to Strahan we pass through beautiful Lake Rosebery, old mining towns such as Zeehan, and view the Southern Ocean from one of the best lookout points on the west coast – how far can you see – perhaps Argentina? This is some of the freshest air on Earth.

  Arriving in the historic settlement of Strahan we see the historical train station at Regatta Point, visit an old though still operational sawmill, and the award-winning Woodcraft Centre with beautifully designed woodworks on display. Continue on to our evenings lodgings at the infamous west coast township of Queenstown where an evening meal will be provided in Queenstown.

  Accommodation: Queenstown Motor Lodge or similar 

• 7 Queenstown - Hobart (B L)

  Queenstown is an old mining town reflecting past glory and surrounded by colourful, mineral-rich mountains. Start the day by seeing off the Wilderness steam engine for its trip across to Strahan. We will take in panoramic views over Queenstown from the Iron Blow lookout at the top of Mt Lyell before a lovely rainforest drive right through the World Heritage Franklin-Gordon National Park. Take a stroll into possibly Tasmania’s most photogenic waterfall – Nelson Falls, the 30-minute return walk is one of the west coasts best. We then travel through picturesque valleys and mountains, pristine forests, cross wild rivers before winding our way up Mt Arrowsmith to the geographical center of Tasmania. Button grass plains, Eucalyptus forests, majestic mountains, and spectacular lakes are in every direction here. Turn at Derwent Bridge to see Lake St Clair – Australia’s deepest freshwater lake and the inception of the mighty Derwent River. Next up is lunch at one of the state’s premiers cultural experiences – The Wall, an amazing ongoing work by artist Greg Duncan, depicting stories of Tasmanian history hand-carved in Huon pine – our most famous timber.

  Following lunch, we have a close-up look at Tasmania’s Hydro-Electric Power scheme in the township of Tarraleah, before pushing further east into the Derwent Valley. A mid-afternoon coffee stop is in order at Lake Meadowbank before detouring into Mt Field National Park to visit the delightful 3 tier, Russell Falls. Our final drive leg wanders alongside the Derwent River bringing us back to Hobart for the conclusion of our adventures. Drop off at your nominated CBD Hotel at approximately 6 pm.

Additional Information

COVID Vaccination Requirements

As of December 15th 2021 all guests are to be double vaccinated for COVID-19 to participate in these guided tour packages. Venues visited may also ask for proof of double vaccination. This is in line with State Government border entry requirements for tourists. Note we are happy to discuss medical or other exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccination policy.

Accommodation Pick Up and Drop Off

Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at any Hobart or Launceston CBD Hotel, depending on which location 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

Most 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 or border restrictions due to COVID-19 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.

We have taken this measure to ensure that guests can book with the confidence they will be treated fairly in the event of another COVID-19 outbreak leading to border or travel restrictions. In this event guests will be entitled to the full credit or refund of their booking regardless of how soon it occurs to their departure date. Some additional information regarding COVID-19 cancellations is available on our FAQ’s page or feel free to contact us directly for more information and clarity on this policy.

The below cancellation policy table outlines our required notice periods under normal circumstances for non-COVID related cancellations.

Standard Cancellation Policy
Notice in Days Refund Email To Advise of Cancellation
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

Even though I had previously visited Tasmania I discovered lots more to see. The itinerary had variety along with comfortable accommodation and good food accompanied by informative commentary. I enjoyed the history, wine and food tastings and walks in the spectacular National Parks and along the beach. Morgan always ensured there was an alternate activity for those unable to walk too far. He was helpful at all times in many different ways. Well Done! Gaye McKay

The scenery was spectacular, and the places we visited were very interesting, from lakes and mountains to seahorses. Roberts knowledge of everything was much appreciated, as was the afternoon tea and biscuits! The food was great as was the company of the other travellers. This is a tour for singles or couples who like something a bit different. Definitely recommended. Pam W

Attended the 6 day group tour with Robert as our guide. I had been to Hobart several times and wanted to see more of Tasmania without having to do all of the homework and planning. This was a wonderful trip that touched on areas like Cradle Mountain, Launceston, and small mining towns on the west coast. The planning and schedule was seamlessly run and chosen accommodation was very comfortable. The real value for me on the tour was being able to enjoy my surroundings without having my head stuck in a map and it was also fun to travel with others as I am normally a solo traveller. Also, it was quite obvious how much enthusiasm and knowledge Robert had for the different areas. His introduction to the various places we visited always put us in very good stead with the owners and operators of the different establishments. Would thoroughly recommend this tour for anyone who likes to see a lot but wants a break from planning it all themselves. I’ve had plenty of experience planning itineraries for myself and this was a much more enjoyable and less stressful way to enjoy my holiday 🙂 Laura Santiago

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.