2024 “Treasures of Tasmania” departing 7 February “SOLD OUT”

Depart Brisbane (or other capital cities) for Hobart.  On arrival transfer to our hotel located at Battery Point.  We will start with a City & Mt Wellington tour and in the after enjoy an orientation walk  before our ‘Welcome Dinner’ tonight.

Today we set out to explore the Huon Valley and the Tahune Airwalk.  This stunning treetop walkway gives you a bird’s-eye view of the forest as you walk 20m above the forest floor. The stunning climax is a steel viewing point cantilevered nearly 50m above the ground, and overlooking the river. On our return to Hobart we will visit The World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory which tells the story of the displacement, mistreatment and forced migration of convict women and girls, and their contribution to colonisation throughout the history of colonial Australia to the present day.

After breakfast we travel to the Tasman Peninsula and visit Port Arthur for an in-depth tour of the site and buildings where between 1830 and 1877, about 12,500 convicts served sentences at what is now the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site.  After this we continue on to the natural geological attractions of Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen.

Today is yours to explore or take it easy as you wish.  The famous ‘Salamanca Market’ is open from 8.30am to 3pm for you to explore at your leisure along with a stroll around the harbour.  If the history of Antarctica is of interest to you, don’t miss Mawsons Hut Museum down by the harbour or you might take the ‘Hop on, Hop off Bus’ and explore outside the city centre to The Botanical Gardens, Wrest Point Casino and/or Cascades Brewery.

Prepare to enjoy a beautiful full day tour today to Bruny Island with a cruise and lunch included. Nature and nurture meet on Bruny Island, where dramatic landscapes are matched by great produce.  The island’s local produce is as refreshing as its beaches, cliffs and wildlife, with Bruny producers specialising in oysters, cheese, honey, whisky and chocolate.  Return to Hobart and overnight.

Today we travel by road to Strahan via Richmond, the intact colonial-era town which has more than 50 Georgian buildings, many meticulously restored and operating as cafes, restaurants, galleries and accommodation.  Our next stop is Derwent Bridge and The Wall in the Wilderness.  The beautifully carved works in Huon pine depict the history, hardship and perseverance of the people in the Central Highlands and pay homage to the individuals who settled and protected the area.

Enjoy a fabulous day cruising on the Gordon River with lunch included.  Step aboard and glide through the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Experience the untouched rainforest, rugged history and fascinating characters of Tasmania’s west coast.  Dinner tonight is included on our return to Strahan.

We farewell Strahan and travel to Queenstown where we’ll enjoy the West Coast Wilderness Railway Rack and Gorge Tour.

Today our journey takes us to Stanley and we visit The Nut taking the cable car to the top for fantastic views of the historic town of Stanley and the surrounds.

We travel today along the Northern Coastline of Tasmania making our way to Burnie.  At dusk we take a short walk to the Penguin Observation Centre and watch as they come in to roost for the night.

We depart Burnie this morning for our highlight destination today, Cradle Mountain, where you visit the famous Dove Lake and can walk the 6km circuit for epic views of the mountain.  Lunch is included today before we drive to the quaint town of Sheffield, famous for it’s murals for a short visit before heading on to Devonport for our overnight stay and to reflect on the beauty of Cradle Mountain.

As we make our way towards St Helens today we will indulge in some culinary delights along the way stopping at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for lunch at your own expense and the Ashgrove Cheese Factory before arriving at St Helens overlooking Georges Bay to explore the natural beauty of Tasmania’s spectacular north-east coast.

Today we explore the sites on the East Coast including Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park.  We continue on to Launceston stopping at one of the prettiest towns in Tasmania along the way, Ross with it’s beautiful bridge and historic sites.  Dinner is included tonight.

A day to catch your breath and enjoy your beautiful surrounds.  City Park is not far from our hotel and the beautiful Holy Trinity Anglican Church is straight across the road. Launceston, or ‘Lonnie’ as known by the locals, is Tasmania’s second-largest city packed full of heritage, art galleries and museums. Surrounded by fabulous food and wine areas, the city offers a perfect combination of local delights to discover.

Much to see today as we first of all visit Beauty Point before continuing on to the mining town of Beaconsfield and then Bridestowe Lavender Farm.  In Beaconsfield we’ll visit the Mine & Heritage Centre with its collection of experiences that allow you to enjoy and appreciate the history of Beaconsfield and the Tamar Valley.  Bridestowe Lavender Farm was established in the early 1920’s and their oil is equal in quality to French lavender oil and free of camphor making it much sought after around the world.

Another highlight today as we visit the imposing Cataract Gorge where we’ll enjoy morning tea overlooking the powering waters of the gorge.  A free afternoon before meeting for your included dinner tonight.

We farewell ‘Lonnie’ today and return to Hobart for the final day of our tour.  A free afternoon to explore the port city.  We’ll gather this evening for our last meal together before departing for home tomorrow.

Time this morning for some last minute retail therapy at the Salamanca Market before our flight home after exploring the beautiful ‘Apple Isle’.