Tasmania

Tuesday 09 March

Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand and fly directly to Hobart. On arrival enjoy a city sights tour including a trip up Mt Wellington if weather allows. Welcome Dinner tonight. 

Founded in 1804, Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia after Sydney and the second-deepest natural port in the world. It hosts the finish of the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race, nestled beneath the impressive Mt Wellington, and retains much of its Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Wednesday 10 March

After breakfast, travel to the former penal settlement of Port Arthur with buildings and harsh stories of the mid-1800s. Take a tour of the township with a private guide and a boat trip out to the Isle of the Dead. Dinner at the hotel tonight. 

Thursday 11 March

Your day begins with a scenic drive to Mt Field National Park and onto Derwent Bridge to visit the Wall in the Wilderness and lunch at the local hotel. Continue on to the picturesque village of Strahan where your accommodation for three nights overlooks Macquarie Harbour.

The Wall in the Wilderness is a timber sculpture depicting the history, hardship and perseverance of the Central Highland people and pays homage to those who settled and protected the area.

Friday 12 March

Today’s highlight is a half-day train journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway through rainforests, gorges and up the rack and pinion cog system to the Rinadeena Saddle.

Saturday 13 March

After breakfast enjoy a Gordon River Cruise across Macquarie Harbour and up the river through the Tasmanian wilderness. 

Sunday 14 March

A full day’s scenic drive to Smithton with stops along the way including a tour into Lake St Clair National Park to see Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain. Lunch at Peppers Tavern before continuing on to Smithton.

Monday 15 March

After breakfast, enjoy a half day tour to the north-west corner of the island including Woolnorth and nearby Cape Grim – reportedly home of the cleanest air and purest beef in the world. This afternoon a visit to Stanley to see the famous ‘Nut’. 

Tuesday 16 March

This morning a drive along the scenic northern coast before lunch in the coastal town of  Ulverstone. An afternoon stop in Devonport to visit the local Maritime Museum, before arriving in Launceston.

Wednesday 17 March

Your day tour of Launceston begins with a visit to the Beaconsfield mine and Heritage Centre, scene of a mine collapse in 2006 from which most of the men were rescued. Continue to Cataract Gorge, a natural wilderness basin with wildlife, gardens and the longest single span chairlift in the world! Return to the hotel with the rest of the afternoon free.

Launceston – Tasmania’s second major city is set on the confluence of the North and South Esk Rivers which then become the Tamar River. With its colonial and Victorian architecture and history, culture, nature, food and wine, the city is a major attraction for many visitors.

Thursday 18 March

Today travel east via Legerwood to see the impressive wood carvings and the Pyengana Cheese Factory for a tour and tasting. Then head south at St Helens and follow the scenic coast to Freycinet National Park. Enjoy this special environment with a two-night stay in the award-winning Freycinet Lodge.

Friday 19 March

Enjoy a scenic tour of the Freycinet Peninsular, including Cape Tourville and the option to take a Wineglass Bay cruise - highly recommend. Return to your hotel for dinner.

Optional Wineglass Bay Cruise   AUD$325 per person (estimate). Wineglass Bay Cruises is a 4½ hour cruise of the waterways surrounding Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay on Tasmania’s East Coast. Includes a sumptuous lunch paired with regional wines.

Saturday 20 March

This morning travel on to Hobart and arrive early this afternoon with time to explore the waterfront at your leisure.

Sunday 21 March

Today travel north of Hobart for Curringa Farm. A working farm tour awaits with a sheep shearing demonstration, an escorted forest walk and an in depth conversation about crops and land care. Plus a mouthwatering BBQ lunch.

Monday 22 March

Today is a free day to explore the city centre. Why not experience MONA ( Museum of Old and New Art) which is world renowned or take in some last minute shopping. Farewell dinner tonight.

Tuesday 23 March

A morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Auckland.