Great Expeditions - Personal & Guided Tasmania Day Tours

Great Expeditions - Personal & Guided Tasmania Day Tours

Great Expeditions - Personal & Guided Tasmania Day Tours
5
Multi-day ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursPrivate ToursFood ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Great Expeditions is a Tasmanian based tour company that offers unique and memorable tours introducing you to producers, products and story tellers at the source. Immersing our guests with the small local producers offer a diversity in the range of experiences that Tasmania has to offer. Going beyond expectations to delight guests senses with a premium product, is what we love to do. We keep the groups small to offer personalised service and offer full flexibility as per guest requirements with all our tours. Take only memories, leave only footprints and journey with us on a Great Expedition.
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles100 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
7
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1

Cheriezz
Singapore, Singapore11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2014 • Family
Great Expeditions, the best private guide that I've ever engaged!

I went to Tasmania on a family trip of 6 traveling with my parents, thus a trusted guide was very important. Just like what the reviews here (TripAdvisor) have stated, Great Expeditions has awesome guides that you won't go wrong with them.

Our guide was Patrick who has diverse expertise in food, wine, trees, flora, fauna, rocks etc., and very knowledgeable in Tasmania's history. This is the first time that I've acquired an in-depth history and culture of a place through a guide without the need to read up wikipedia. Not only was it a splendid trip that all my family members, including my parents, enjoyed, we learned a lot about Tasmania through Patrick.

Booking with Patrick was easy via email and he always replies fast. I simply emailed him the places we wanted to visit and he planned the full itinerary and booked all the required tickets/tours for our 4 days tour. He even brought us to a couple of quiet and beautiful beaches that probably only locals know.

Importantly, he is a very experienced and safe driver who knows the Tas road so well that a GPS is totally redundant to him.

The highlight of our trip was when he brought his own dive gear, dove into the rough sea and caught the biggest abalone that we've ever seen.

Simply because I mentioned that my family loves seafood, he proposed for a dive abalone trip if we were keen. Of course we went ahead!! It was the first time that we ever tasted a fresh abalone right from the sea, and there are no words to describe how fresh and tasty it was!!

-----------------------------------

We focused our Tas trip in the Southern and Eastern areas that included:

Mt Field National Park, Russell Falls - for the first time we didn't get to walk trough trees and flora blindly, we've learned so much from Patrick who would stop at various spots and tell us more.

Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay - simply a beauty that can't be excluded in anyone's itinerary.

Curringa Farm (stayed one night) - Patrick drove us to the farm after a morning tour and picked us up the next day for afternoon tour.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary - Patrick knows the staff so we had a special session arranged with one of the expert keepers who introduced us to the Wombat, Koala, Tas Devils etc. Kangaroos roamed freely around the park and we were each given a pack of snacks to feed them.

Bicheno Penguin Tour - This tour starts at about 8pm during summer. We saw a number of cute penguins and they walked past our feet to their nest. It was amazing that we can see them so close, and one of them even pecked onto my shoes when trying to find his way home.

The whole tour finished later than 11pm, and we had Patrick to drive us back to Hobart (about 3 hrs drive). Driving at night is a challenge as it is the time that animals are active and may dash out onto the road at anytime.

Not only is Patrick a very experienced and safe driver, he is very sharp in spotting any animal "crossing the road" and was able to brake smoothly on time to avoid running over them, and his braking was so smooth that my family members who had fallen asleep didn't even know he had braked.

Mt Wellington - it wasn't included in our original itinerary and was only requested the day before. Patrick was very kind to bring us up the mountain in the evening even he was already late for his son's birthday dinner.

Richmond - best pies, Barilla Bay - best oysters, that we had tasted in Tas. Can't go wrong with Patrick's food choice, who was a chef in his own restaurant for many years.

Wicked Cheese, Kate's Berry Farm, Freycinet Marine Farm - These places are popular for a good reason. Special cheese and chocolates, fresh berries and oysters!!

-----------------------------------

So glad we made the right choice engaging Great Expeditions as our guide.
We were able to see the best of Tasmania, Thanks to Patrick.

I definitely recommend Great Expeditions to anyone who needs a private guide in Tasmania.
Written June 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Carol B
Boston160 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Patrick was a friendly, knowledgable and accommodating guide. He went out of his way to make sure our day with him was enjoyable and informative. The all day Port Arthur tour was a good mix of that historic site as well as scenic stops along the way to view natural bridges, blow holes and dramatic cliffs. The Port Arthur tour included a docent guided tour and a cruise around the Isle of the Dead.
Written October 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cat15
Toronto, Canada107 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2013 • Couples
We arrived in Hobart from a cruise shipand had pre-arranged this tour with Samuel before we left Canada. It was a perfect day with a very knowledgable guide. If you go to Tasmania consider this tour!!
Written February 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tands09
Rockhampton, Australia10 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Friends
After reading all these great reviews, I decided to book the sunset tour of Mt Wellington. The tour is great value, too bad we didn't get to go! Patrick "forgot" we were booked in for that day. Extremely unprofessional. Incredibly disappointing as it's the only sunset tour. He assured us we would make it for sunset but the overall experience was ruined. Got a refund the next morning.
Written March 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BoilerMakerBob
Greenwood, IN1,160 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2012 • Friends
When we booked our cruise on Holland America's MS Oosterdam, we knew the likelihood we'd ever be "down under" again was very low. So we looked at the shore excursions with an eye toward experiencing as much as possible.
But the shore excursions offered by the ship were a) very expensive, and b) limited to just one area of interest.
So I got on Tripadvisor.com to see what was available.
I chose Great Expeditions based on the high ratings and on the itinerary they offered.
We were met at the pier, just as stated in emails, and met Sam McClennan. He very quickly and professionally settled the account using a portable credit card reader and introduced us to our guide for the day, Hania. Hania is an energetic young woman and was a delightful guide.
Our itinerary began with a trip up Mt Wellington or as it is known in Hobart as "the mountain."
The weather was not with us however and our view of the harbor was sketchy at best. Hania anticipated the wind and cold weather we would encounter at the summit and offered arctic jackets for all.
Our next stop was the Bonorong Wildlife Park, a private operation where most of the animals are rescued and brought to them. A complete list of animals would be impossible but we saw many exotic birds, wallabies, Tasmanian Devils, emus, koalas, and many others. We got to hand feed some brown kangaroos!
At our request, we stopped at Wicked Cheese and liked it so well, we bought cheese, wine, etc for a picnic lunch. Hania then took us to a picnic site next to the oldest bridge in Australia (just outside Richmond Village) where she produced a picnic basket complete with table cloth, wine glasses, etc!
Our final stop was at the Cascade Brewery. We didn't tour the brewery. Instead, we accompanied "Louisa Reagan" on her walk. Two talented actors recreate the poignant story of Louisa. As we walked through the beautiful gardens of the brewery, we stopped every 150 feet or so and watched another chapter unfold. While the female actor consistently portrayed Louisa, her male counterpart shifted roles from constable, to judge, to sea captain, to prison guard, to physician as the part of the story demanded. Louisa was convicted and sentenced to 7 years in the women's prison in VanDieman's Island, as Tasmania was known then. Once in VanDieman;s Island, she was housed in the Women's Factory, the ruins of which still exist.
Through all of this, Hania held our umbrellas (which she had produced magically from the back of her vehicle!) and kept us aware of the time - we did not want to miss the ship and told her we'd like to be back at least 1/2 hour early!
Hania was the quintessential hostess, anticipating and adjusting according to our needs and wishes.
If we return to Hobart, would we book with Great Expeditions again? Absolutely! In a "New York Minute!" And we'd see if Hania was available.
Written November 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DaveFales
Wilmington, NC46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2012 • Friends
We had read the great reviews, but Sam was already booked up for Jan 31, 2012. He went out of his way to arrange an alternative plan so we could still see Mt. Fields, Russell Falls and Bonorong. Travelling with another couple on the Diamond Princess, we were over five hours late getting in due to weather on the Tasman Sea. Our friends had warned Sam by cell phone and he was waiting for us at the appointed spot at 1:30PM.

Sam introduced us to his friend (who by agreement remains anonymous) and we headed out for our 8-hour adventure. Our guide was personable, knowledgeable and a perfect fit for our group of four in our 60s. On the fly, with our approval, he arranged a special side tour in Hobart after we returned to the city about 7:30PM. (Note to Sam: it merits consideration for future itineraries with the right groups.)

We had told our guide that we hoped to pick up some Tasman wines to try, so he took us to a store near the dock as the wrap up of an excellent adventure. He dropped us at the dock about 9:30PM. We were impressed that he stayed with us that long.

Sam and his unnamed guide both rate 5+

Side note: most of the Princess shore excursions were cancelled because of timing, so we felt fortunate that we had taken the chance to set up a trip on our own. Sam's flexible approach made it happen.
Written February 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travelbug14s
Australia57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2014 • Family
Recently my family of 4 travelled to Tasmania and were blessed to have Patrick as our tour guide.
Patrick was very flexible and accommodating. He tailored the tour to suit our interests despite this being a group tour (as there was no one else travelling with us). Boy were we lucky, as some of the places that he brought us to were simply breathe-taking - one of which being Table Cape with the beautiful blooming tulips and colourful landscape! We were fortunate to have a full 5-day of great weather to enjoy the amazing sceneries of Tasmania. This was complimented with Patrick's diverse knowledge about the local produce, agriculture, his culinary knowledge and many more interesting information he provided. Patrick was also very passionate about his job and has wide knowledge about the places we visited. He was always punctual and was a careful and steady driver. It has been a joy having him as our guide. Thank you Patrick, for giving us such beautiful memories of Tasmania.
Written October 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

edmund_chia
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2014 • Friends
Started out with free and easy in Hobart and travelled with Patrick to Bicheno, Bruny Island, Cradle Mountain, Sheffield, Launceston. He is very very knowledgeable with all the happenings in Tasmania, the history, the agriculture, the geology, the flora and the fauna of the land. Having a botanical background myself, it was a pleasant surprise to find out how very conversant he was about the flora of the region. He knew the people and the places and knew lots about wine appreciation, wine making, cheese making, oysters, and he is very well travelled himself. Notably, he was very accommodating in helping us get a last minute change in of lodging in Cradle mountain. Like other reviewers here, he was not overbearing in sharing everything he knew. But it's a plus if you are interested in the culinary experiences in Tasmania, flora and fauna or even the geological history of Tasmania!

In short, you won't regret engaging Patrick!
Written October 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bxbats86
Sydney, Australia259 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2014 • Couples
My partner and I had a day out with Patrick our guide, who took us to 6 wineries and a cheese factory and the Richmond Bridge. As well as being VERY well educated in the art of wine drinking, he was able to give us information about Tassie, where to eat and drink in places other than Hobart. He wasn't overbearing as a guide and there was no obligation to buy anything either!

It was a great day out! Wish we could have stayed longer.

Thanks for having us Patrick!

Kind Regards
Bec and Brett
Written July 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bertrand2011
Los Angeles, CA14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2014 • Friends
We booked our tour for a party of 4 with Great Expedition Tours of Hobart. Stephen was our tour guide. We visited Mt. Wellingtion, Bonorong Wildlife Santuary, Richmond Village, and the visit to "Her Story." Booking with this company was easy and efficient and they met us at the dock on time. Stephen was an outstanding guide, very knowledgeable and fun. I would highly recommend this tour company and ask for Stephen!
Thanks again
Bill and Laurel Bertrand
Written March 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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