7 Day Tasmania in Circle Special Tour FTIC7S

Itinerary

Please note there are some itinerary variations for 2024, they are shown below for your information.

• 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 within walking distance to the city’s restaurant and shopping areas. Check-in is anytime from 2 pm onwards.

• 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’a premier wine regions. Naturally, we will lunch at a lovely, family operated winery, sampling some of Tassie’s best wine & local produce.

  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. Cross onto the Tasman Peninsula to explore some of nature’s true wonders with short, scenic walks at The Tessellated Pavement, Tasman’s Arch & Devils Kitchen. Check-in in for a 2-night stay 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. 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 and 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. Lunch will be at a beautifully restored 1840s colonial venue the Old Kempton Distillery, a great location for those inclined to sample some fantastic Tasmanian Whiskey & Gin with limited tastings included in your package.

  At Oatlands, we 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 order. At the township of Ross visit the stunning Ross Bridge – one of the prettiest in the state, and peruse the Tasmanian Wool Centre to learn about the very early and still very significant Merino Wool trade.

  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 & surrounds - 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, and City Park, inside either the beautiful old Heritage-listed Post Office or the Holy Trinity Anglican Church buildings 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 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 central highlands plateau to Cradle Mountain National Park to partake in some up close Wombat & animal spotting at dusk. Tonight we stay at the acclaimed and luxurious 4-Star Cradle Mountain Hotel.

  Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel

• 6 Cradle Mountain to 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 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. We will spend about half the day soaking up this amazing & pristine area. En route to Strahan, we pass through 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.

  Strahan is the heart of the specialty timber industry in Tasmania. Visit the old but still, operational Morrisons Saw Mill to touch & smell our most famous timbers – Huon Pine, Sassafras, Myrtle, Celery Top Pine, and others. The lovely waterfront park area or the lookout above Strahan make perfect spots for our afternoon tea & coffee break today. Arriving at our comfortable lodgings in the infamous west coast township of Queenstown, an evening meal will be provided by your hosts on the last package night of our tour.

  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. We will take in panoramic views over Queenstown from the Iron Blow lookout at the top of Mt Lyell before a lovely rainforest drives right through the World Heritage Franklin-Gordon National Park. Take a stroll into Tasmania’s very photogenic waterfall – Nelson Falls. The 30-minute return walk is one of the west coast’s best through moss-covered, temperate rainforest.

  We then travel through picturesque valleys & mountains, pristine forests and cross wild rivers before winding our way up Mt Arrowsmith to the geographical centre of Tasmania. Button grass plains, strands of unusually shaped snow gums, majestic mountains, and spectacular lakes are in every direction here. The colour palette on display, as we journey across the plateau, is really something for visitors to appreciate. Turn at Derwent Bridge to see Lake St Clair – Australia’s deepest freshwater lake and the inception of the mighty Derwent River. Lunch will be at the very comfortable lodge on the edge of Lake St Clair.

  Next up we visit a cultural highlight of Tasmania and an absolute gem hidden deep in Tasmania’s wilderness. A fantastic art gallery called The Wall is an ongoing work by artist Greg Duncan. Unassuming and hidden by forest off the main highway it is the kind of place often never heard of by visitors, but often the cultural highlight of Tasmania for many guests. This stunningly detailed, intricate work depicts many significant stories of Tasmanian history, flora, fauna & more hand carved in Huon pine – our most famous timber. This is an attraction that simply cannot be missed when travelling across the island centre. In the afternoon we have a close-up look at Tasmania’s Hydro-Electric Power scheme in the township of Tarraleah. This once bustling township was largely abandoned following the completion of the decades-long construction of our Hydro-electric infrastructure. These days it makes for a lovely tourist destination and afternoon lookout stop.

  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. This gentle 35min return walk will be our last group activity before the 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. We hope you will take home many great memories, photographs, stories and friendships from your journey with us this week. We are grateful for the opportunity to host you in Tasmania.

  A suggested Sunday itinerary for those looking for further attractions while on the island would be a Bruny Island day trip leaving from Hobart CBD or a ferry ride up the Derwent River to spend the day at the famous Museum of Old & New MONA.

Flight times 

• Day 1: Flight into Hobart Airport any time. The hotel is available from 2 pm.
• Day 7: Flights to depart after 8 pm from Hobart Airport.

Dining

• 6 Full Breakfasts
• 6 Lunches
• 1 Dinner

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

One of the highlights of this tour was the cruise boat when we saw Humpback whales 2m from the boat, many hundreds of dolphins and seals, and other extremely rare sightings like sailfish! Plus all the amazing cliffs and arches etc. This is a great tour. Alex

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.