Tasmania 13 Day Premium Tour

Tasmania 13 Day Premium Tour

This 13 Day 12 Night Package encompasses everything that a curious traveller could want to explore in Tasmania from the comfort of our private coach bus. Your host Robert has parcelled together 20 years of experience exploring Tasmania and arranged an itinerary that truly reflects and showcases the diversity of Tasmania’s attractions. An anti-clockwise loop of the island, we move fast enough to sample dozens of the most scenic locations yet slow enough to relax and enjoy a ‘holiday paced’ tour. On 3 occasions we stay at our accommodation for multiple nights, meaning you won’t need to pack and unpack those bags daily. This 13 Day experience will truly leave an amazing and lasting impression.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dinner, meet & greet in Hobart CBD

Stop At: ibis Styles Hobart, 173 Macquarie St, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
Meet your guide & host for the next 13 days - Robert Wilson and take the opportunity to meet your fellow travelling companions. Dinner & drinks this evening is included in your tour package. You will also receive a travel portfolio with itineraries, maps and other interesting information relating to your tour.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Dinner: Dinner & drinks at The IBIS Styles Hotel in Hobart CBD. A great way to meet your touring host and companions.
Accommodation included: IBIS Styles Hobart CBD.

Day 2: 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:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Gourmet lunch including FREE wine tastings at a beautiful winery in the Coal Valley.
Accommodation included: Overnight right on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Port Arthur Motor Inn.

Day 3: 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: Beachfront Hotel Bicheno

Day 4: 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, 18356A Tasman Hwy, Bicheno TAS 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. 3 minutes walk from 10+ local restaurants. This will be our lodgings for 2 nights.

Day 5: Launceston & the Tamar Valley

Stop At: Brady's Lookout, Rosevears, Tasmania Australia
Stunning views of the Tamar River and surrounding farmland.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Platypus House, 200 Flinders St, Beauty Point, Tasmania 7270 Australia
A fully guided 1 hour tour to see the elusive Platypus close up. Watch them feed through the glass tanks as they swim and forage for food. We will also sit with and hand feed the resident Echidnas as they wander around our feet and possibly between our legs!
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Stop At: Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre, West St, Beaconsfield, Tasmania 7270 Australia
Another fully guided tour of the famous Beaconsfield Gold mine. Learn about its rich history right up until its closure in 2006 following a major & tragic accident that has seen the mine closed down forever.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: The Low Head Lighthouse, Low Head, Tasmania Australia
A trip up to the very scenic park at the Low Head Lighthouse is our afternoon activity. Also a fantastic scenic spot for tea & coffee.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Paterson Monument, 8 Paterson Cres, George Town, Tasmania 7253 Australia
We visit another fantastic tree carving site with a nautical theme depicting whales, penguins and sailors. Learn about early European settlement in the northern part of Tasmania.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Batman Bridge, Batman Highway, Sidmouth, Tasmania Australia
We will cross the Tamar River on the very unique & distinctive looking Batman Bridge, named after one of our early settlers. Naturally a photo stop is in order.
Duration: 5 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Best Western Plus Launceston CBD

Day 6: 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: 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 buffet, gourmet, hot breakfast at the Best Western Plus.
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at the 4-Star rated, beautiful Cradle Mountain Hotel

Day 7: Cradle Mountain - Strahan

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 the lovely Strahan Village on the edge of Macquarie Harbour.

Day 8: Gordon River Cruise

Stop At: World Heritage Cruises, 18 Esplanade, Strahan TAS 7468, Australia
Today we enjoy a 6hr day trip on the Gordon River Cruise boat on the upper deck 'premium class'. The vessel will take us to Sarah Island where the convicts once built Huon Pine boats, through the mouth of Macquarie Harbour and finally up the iconic Gordon River where we will lunch on board. Take in pristine wilderness surrounds and crystal reflections in the water. This is one of Tasmania's premier tourism attractions.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: The Ship That Never Was, Strahan Visitor Centre Amphitheatre The Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania 7468 Australia
This is an optional extra for our afternoon's entertainment. Australia's oldest continually running play performed in a lovely, small theatre right on the water in Strahan Village.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Today we have buffet lunch aboard the Harbour Master deep inside the world heritage area of the Gordon River.
Accommodation included: West Coaster Hotel Queenstown.

Day 9: West Coast Wilderness Railway

Stop At: West Coast Wilderness Railway (Queenstown Station), 1 Driffield St, Queenstown TAS 7467, Australia
Another of Tasmania's premier attractions, a full day adventure on the West Coast wilderness steam engine. Sit back in 'premium class' as the train crosses more than 20 bridges, scales the ingenious 'rack n pinion' section of the line on its way deep into the World Heritage park.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Lunch will be served on board the lovely old, fully restored steam engine of the Wilderness Railway.
Accommodation included: West Coaster Hotel Queenstown

Day 10: Queenstown - Strathgordon

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: King William Saddle, Lyell Highway, Derwent Bridge, Tasmania 7140 Australia
Another brief photo stop for one final view over the west coast World Heritage area with its stunning mountain scenery.
Duration: 5 minutes

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 constructed cafe and garden.
Duration: 1 hour 15 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: Mount Field National Park, 66 Lake Dobson Rd, National Park TAS 7140, Australia
We will stop here for our afternoon tea & coffee break before an amazing scenic drive into our lodgings at Strathgordon.
Duration: 15 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at the Lake Pedder Wilderness Lodge in Strathgordon.

Day 11: Strathgordon & the Derwent Valley

Stop At: Gordon Dam, Gordon River Road, Strathgordon, Tasmania 7001 Australia
We will spend the entire morning exploring this amazing, remote and naturally splendid area known as Strathgordon. Home to Tasmania's tallest dam, this one facility generates nearly 20% of our islands power. Built in 1974 and standing at 140m high we will walk across the dam wall to get amazing view over the lake & valley. An epic spot for photographs.
Duration: 3 hours

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
Accommodation included: Stay in Hobart CBD at the centrally located IBIS Styles Hotel.

Day 12: Choose of of the following 3 great options...

Stop At: Tahune Adventures, Arve Road, Geeveston, Tasmania 7116 Australia
A 600m tree top walk 30m above the forest floor with a spectacular 50m cantilever section over the Huon River. Enjoy the swinging bridges walk and feel the mighty Huon and Picton Rivers beneath your feet. The first bridge spanning the Huon is over a 100 m long with the second over 60m. This is an fully guided and amazing forest experience. We will also see many other great scenic spaces as we travel through the Huon Valley and Geeveston areas.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), 655 Main Rd Moorilla Estate, Berriedale, Glenorchy, Tasmania 7011 Australia
The infamous MONA. Go with an open mind. This is Australia’s largest private owned gallery of modern and contemporary art, all housed in a stunning building, amazing architecture and views.Enjoy the Derwent River ferry cruise to and from the museum leaving from Constitution Dock in Hobart CBD. Includes entry and lunch allowance.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Bruny Island Cruises, 1005 Adventure Bay Rd, Adventure Bay TAS 7150, Australia
For the more adventurous a full day tour of Bruny Island includes the amazing 3 hour cruise around rugged Tassie coastline. Experience the awesome power of the mighty Southern Ocean, towering cliffs and deep sea caves. Encounter the regions remarkable wildlife, keeping a close lookout for sea eagles, dolphins, seals and a variety of sea birds. Amazing photographic opportunities abound. Trip includes pickup Hobart 7.45am, scenic guided bus tour and ferry crossing to Bruny Island, morning tea, 3 hour wilderness cruise, lunch and return to Hobart around 5.30pm. This itinerary option incurs an additional $150.00 charge per person.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: A 2nd night at the IBIS Styles Hotel - Hobart CBD

Day 13: Salamanca Markets - Hobart

Stop At: Salamanca Market, Salamanca Place, Hobart, Tasmania Australia
The world-famous Salamanca markets are held every Saturday and we wouldn’t want to miss them. After a full buffet breakfast explore the market at your own leisure and sample some of the abundance of street foods. This officially concludes our most extensive and premium tour of the island. We are sure you will have enjoyed the experience of a lifetime and shaped many new friendships during our travels.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.