Itinerary
Day 1: Hobart - Port Arthur
Stop At: Constitution Dock, Hobart, Tasmania 7000 Australia
Start the day with a stroll around Constitution Dock area. Take in the See the Mawsons Hut replica museum, the statues immortalising the first ever expedition to the south pole, the replica of our famous convict carrying vessel the May Queen and possibly even a hungry fur seal who has made his way into the dock area for breakfast from one of the many floating seafood restaurants. We will also see the stunning backdrop of Mt wellington behind the city.
Duration: 25 minutes
Pass By: Arthur Circus Park, Runnymeade St, Hobart, Tasmania 7004 Australia
Pass through the famous Salamanca area en route to a scenic drive through one of our oldest suburbs Battery Point. We will trip around Arthur Circus park with its cute, original cottages and learn of its history and Governor George Arthur whom the circle was named after. We will see many heritage listed home and amazing gardens as we wind through the narrow streets.
Pass By: Cascades Female Factory Historic Site, 16 Degraves St South Hobart, Hobart, Tasmania 7004 Australia
A slow drive by as we explain the significance of our largest female correctional facility. Learn of the struggles our early female convicts faced as we view the imposing external perimeter.
Stop At: Cascade Brewery, 140 Cascade Rd, Hobart, Tasmania 7004 Australia
One of the cities most notable and striking buildings we will stop at the Cascade brewery for some great photos and stories of the brewing industry in Tasmania.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mount Wellington, Pinnacle Road, Hobart, Tasmania Australia
Ascend right to the summit of the imposing Mt Wellington 1275m high. Sweeping, panoramic views are in every direction as we take in what is one of the worlds naturally beautiful cities.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Tasman Bridge, Tasman Highway, Hobart, Tasmania 2004 Australia
Cross the Tasman Bridge as we head over to the Eastern Shore on our way to the east coast.
Stop At: Puddleduck Vineyard, 992 Richmond Rd, Richmond, Clarence, Tasmania 7025 Australia
Lunch today will be at the Puddleduck vineyard where a platter of gourmet local produce will be served - some of the freshest ingredients in Hobart. Enjoy FREE wine tastings to compliment our meal.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Stop At: Richmond Bridge, Bridge Street, Richmond, Clarence, Tasmania 2004 Australia
Australia's oldest bridge still currently in use, built by the convicts in 1823. It is certainly the most lovely bridge on the island of Tasmania.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Denison Canal, Dunalley, Tasmania Australia
See the Denison Canal built in the very early 1900's as a shortcut for passing merchant & trade vessels en route to Hobart. Another great photo opportunity. Learn about the significance of the Tasman Peninsula in our fight to save the iconic Tasmanian Devil from the spread of a fatal disease.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Pirates Bay/Eaglehawk Neck, Southeast Tasmania, Tasmania Australia
An afternoon tea & coffee break is in order at the stunning lookout above Pirates Bay.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Tessellated Pavement, 380 Pirates Bay Dr, Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania 7179 Australia
Walk onto and explore the worlds best example of a tessellated pavement - a series of cracks in the rock forming unusual patterns on the waters edge.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: 16/20 Tasman Arch Rd, Eaglehawk Neck TAS 7179, Australia
We see the 90m high naturally occurring Tasman's Arch and walk over the arch to yet another stunning lookout viewing the coastal cliffs behind. We will explain the formation of these geological features and how they have occurred over millions of years.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Devils Kitchen, 31 Tasmans Arch Rd, Eaglehawk Neck TAS 7179, Australia
Another stunning lookout on the Tasman Peninsula.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Port Arthur Lavender Farm, 6555 Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur TAS 7182, Australia
See the lovely pink, purple & French lavender at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm. They have an amazing gift shop with many lavender products made onsite along with yummy food, coffee & snacks.
Duration: 15 minutes
Meals included:
• Lunch: A gourmet sample platter of local produce will be served including FREE wine tastings of 5 different wines.
Accommodation included: Overnight at on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage site at Port Arthur Motor Inn on the Tasman Peninsula.
Day 2: Port Arthur - Bicheno
Stop At: Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, Tasmania 7182 Australia
Enjoy a personally guided 3hr tour around this lovely site. We will explore many buildings, learn about the history of Port Arthur and convict transportation to Tasmania, and have many scenic vantage points. Also enjoy a 30 minute harbour cruise to view the site as incoming convicts would have.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Federation Artisan Chocolate - Port Arthur, 2 South Street, Taranna, Tasmania 7180 Australia
A popular stop is next up at Federation Chocolates. These chocolates are all hand made on site and naturally samples are available for tasting.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Maria Island National Park, Tasmania Australia
We will pass by the glorious Maria Island and take in the coastal views from Raspin's Beach in Orford. Learn of the convict settlement here and how the island now has one of the healthiest Devil populations in the state.
Stop At: Spiky Bridge, Tasman Highway A3, Swansea, Tasmania 7190 Australia
This is one of Tasmania's most quirky and unusual bridges with its unexplained rows of spiky rocks. Built by the convicts in the 1840's. Next we will head across the HWY to the hidden little Spiky Beach for our afternoon coffee break with a stunning view of Coles Bay and Freycinet Peninsula.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Cape Tourville Lighthouse, Freycinet, Tasmania Australia
Our next stop is possibly the best vantage point anywhere on the east coast at the Cape Tourville Lighthouse. See for miles in every direction and view into our most famous beach 'Wineglass Bay' off in the distance. We might even spot a pod of migrating Pilot whales, dolphins or even a Sea Eagle.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Bicheno Blowhole, Bicheno, Tasmania Australia
Tonight we go on a fully guided Penguin spotting adventure on the rocks just by the famous Bicheno Blowhole. Watch these little creatures waddle ashore completely in the wild from only meters away.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at the Beachfront Hotel in Bicheno
Day 3: Bicheno - Launceston
Stop At: Bicheno Blowhole, Bicheno, Tasmania Australia
Start the day with another quick visit to the local Blowhole to see this great coast feature during the daylight. It might be spurting water 25+ feet into the air.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: East Coast Natureworld, 18356 Tasman Hwy, Bicheno, Tasmania 7215 Australia
This morning is a fully guided tour of the acclaimed East Coast Nature World. It is an animal sanctuary housing most Tasmania native animals that have either been rescued from the wild or bred onsite. We will witness the entertaining hand feeding of Tasmanian Devils with one of the handlers.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay, Break O'Day, Tasmania Australia
After lunch is an exploration of the stunning Bay of Fires with its pure white sand, ice blue water and flaming red & orange rocks that make this stretch of coastline one of the most photogenic areas in Australia. You can dip your feet as we wander along the main beach.
Duration: 35 minutes
Stop At: Lease 65, 444 Binalong Bay Rd, St Helens TAS 7216, Australia
Lease 65 is an Oyster farm just outside St Helens. We will provide a 15min guided tour of the working facility and farming operation before sampling some of the freshest oysters you will ever taste.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Pyengana Dairy, St Columba Falls Road, Pyengana, Break O'Day, Tasmania 7216 Australia
Cheese tasting at the multi award winning Pyengana Dairy is next. We will also see and explain in detail the inner workings of the fully automated robotic dairy out back.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Blue Tier Forest Reserve, Weldborough, Break O'Day, Tasmania Australia
A scenic drive through this temperate rainforest area with its giant Myrtle trees and Man Ferns.
Stop At: Legerwood Memorial Tree Carvings, Main Road, Legerwood, Tasmania 7263 Australia
Our regular afternoon coffee break at on of the most unique war memorials in Australia. Carved using nothing but chainsaws these trees tell stories of the local men who gave their lives in The Great War.
Duration: 20 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Best Western Plus Launceston CBD. Only 3 minutes walk from 10+ local restaurants.
Day 4: Launceston - Cradle Mountain
Stop At: Cataract Gorge Reserve, Launceston, Tasmania Australia
Start the day with a stroll through the jewel in Launceston City - Cataract Gorge. We will very likely see wallabies, Pademelons & Peacocks on our scenic circuit walk. For those that prefer a chairlift ride across the gorge is possible for $15.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Alexandra Suspension Bridge, Cataract Gorge, Launceston, Tasmania Australia
Walk across this very old and charming suspension bridge spanning the South Esk River.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Penny Royal Adventures, 1 Bridge Rd, Launceston, Tasmania 7250 Australia
See the lovely stonework of the Penny Royal complex and its beautifully restored windmill out the back.
Stop At: The Town Clock, Cameron St, Launceston, Tasmania 7250 Australia
One of Launceston's most iconic buildings. take a look inside to see great stone work, locally made red bricks, timber carvings and stain glass windows.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: City Park, 45-55 Tamar St, Launceston TAS 7250, Australia
Stroll through the lovely City Park. Here we can see the ever entertaining enclosure of Japanese Macaque Monkeys and some colourful flower displays in the John Hart Conservatory.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: 41 South Tasmania (Salmon-Ginseng Farm), 323 Montana Rd, Deloraine/Red Hills TAS 7304, Australia
Today we lunch at the secluded 41 Degree South Salmon farm. Lunch includes alcoholic beverages and some Free samples of the hot smoked salmon, rillettes, ginseng spice mix and leatherwood honey.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Melita Honey Farm, 39 Sorell St, Chudleigh, Tasmania 7304 Australia
Free samples of over 40 different honey flavours! Great home made products are also available including ice-cream, mead, nougat, lollies and a range of beauty products. A great place to shop for some take home gifts.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Mole Creek Caves, 330 Mayberry Rd, Mole Creek, Tasmania 7304 Australia
Also known as Marakoopa Caves. We take a fully guided 1 hour tour through a cave boasting beautiful displays of stalactites, stalagmites, straws, flow stones and many other crystal formations. Suitable for people of all physical abilities this cave also houses Tasmania'a only population of resident Glow Worms! We will warm up post tour with our afternoon coffee and snacks break.
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Stop At: Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Tasmania Australia
This evening will will go wild Wombat Spotting! Get up close and personal with these cuddly looking animals as they forage for their nightly dinner on minutes from our lodgings.
Duration: 25 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Full gourmet, buffet hot breakfast provided at our hotel.
• Lunch: Hot smoked salmaon at the quaint 41 South Salmon & Ginseng Farm.
Accommodation included: A unique lodging experience at the Cradle Mountain Cabins. See animals hoping through the forest just outside your door.
Day 5: Cradle Mountain - Queenstown
Stop At: Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Tasmania Australia
Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage park at Cradle Mountain. We will visit Dove Lake with stunning views of Cradle Mountain summit. Wadheim Chalet where the first settlers here lived, stroll along the Enchanted Walk with its ancient Myrtle trees and colourful mosses and the Pencil Pine waterfall - an easy circuit walk with many fantastic photo opportunities. This is one of the most charming parks in all Tasmania.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery, 3718 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Tasmania 7310 Australia
Stop in to see some amazing art displays that are regularly changed throughout the year. Visit the Tiger Room which tells the tragic story of our iconic - and sadly extinct - Tasmanian Tiger.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Zeehan Rock Shop, 131A Main Street Silver City Souvenirs, Zeehan, Tasmania 7469 Australia
Handle some of the most well known and striking minerals mined for in Tasmania. Colourful peacock ore, Galena, Stichtite and our state mineral emblem Crocoite.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: West Coast Heritage Centre, Zeehan, 114 Main St, Zeehan, Tasmania 7469 Australia
Learn about the mining heritage in Tasmania as we drive through the once bustling Zeehan.
Stop At: Morrisons Huon Pine Sawmill, The Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania 7468 Australia
Handle, feel and smell Huon Pine - a tree that can live up to 5000 years. Myrtle, Sassafras, Blackwood and many other timbers are also on site. Learn of the timber trade in Tasmania and how the Huon pine trees are now struggling to recover from extensive logging operations of the early 1900's.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Wilderness Woodworks Strahan, 12 Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania 7468 Australia
See the crown jewel of Tasmanian timber - Huon Pine - in some of the finest finished products available. The store smells amazing with the everlasting aroma of Huon Pine.
Duration: 10 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Full buffet, gourmet, hot breakfast at the 4-Star rated Cradle Mountain Hotel.
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at either the Queenstown Motor Lodge or the West Coaster Queenstown.
Day 6: Queenstown - Hobart
Stop At: West Coast Wilderness Railway (Queenstown Station), 1 Driffield St, Queenstown TAS 7467, Australia
Wave off the beautifully restored steam engine from the Queenstown station. We can get close enough to touch the engine and chat with the drivers. The small museum ABT museum shows some great photos and stories of the railway in its prime during the late 1800's.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Iron Blow Lookout, Gormanston, Tasmania 7466 Australia
Take in panoramic views of the Mt Lyell open cut mine, Mt Owen, Lake Burbury and west coast wilderness from the cantilever lookout platform at Iron Blow. An amazing photo location.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Nelson Falls, Lyell Highway Between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge, Queenstown, Tasmania Australia
Undoubtedly one of the prettiest waterfalls in Tasmania. A short rainforest walk will reveal this delightful waterfall surrounded by prehistoric looking, moss covered Leatherwood trees. This is a soothing experience.
Duration: 35 minutes
Pass By: Frenchmans Cap, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Derwent Bridge, Tasmania 7140 Australia
See this very distinctive and striking mountain from our lookout point in the World Heritage Park.
Stop At: Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Tasmania Australia
Visit Tasmania's largest, natural freshwater lake at Lake St. Claire. At 17km long this steep side lake is an icon and looks absolutely stunning from the boat ramp jutting out into the crystal clear waters.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: The Wall in the Wilderness, 15352 Lyell Hwy, Derwent Bridge, Tasmania 7140 Australia
A true cultural gem in Tasmania. 'The Wall' art gallery is surly one of the most original & unique displays in Australia. Carved entirely out of Huon Pine this 100m long display tells stories of the early pioneers and the hardships they faced on the island. We will also share a delicious lunch here at their newly construct cafe and garden.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: King William Saddle, Lyell Highway, Derwent Bridge, Tasmania 7140 Australia
A brief photo stop for one final view over the west coast World Heritage area with its stunning mountain scenery.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Tarraleah Power Station Lookout, Oldina Drive, Tarraleah, Tasmania Australia
Get a birds eye view of the Tasmanian Hydro infrastructure from the Tarraleah lookout. Learn how this huge engineering feat works and why the project took 25 years to complete. This hydro scheme now provides 90% of Tasmania's power and is clean, renewable energy.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park, Tasmania Australia
Our most photographed Waterfall, the majestic Russell Falls. Enjoy the easy 15min walk to view the 2 tiered falls from a spacious viewing platform. Our guided walk will help us spot some of the biggest Tree Ferns and Tasmanian Oak trees anywhere on the island. A lovely way to conclude our weeks activities.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
