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Launceston is Australia’s third oldest city situated some 200kms
from Hobart. There is so much to see and do in this beautiful city
renowned for it’s fine food and wine.
Our city
tour will highlight many of the city’s architectural and heritage
buildings as we make our way to the Gorge Reserve. Here
you will be able to view the magnificent gardens or take a ride on
the Basin Chairlift (optional extra), the longest single span
chairlift ride in the world providing unsurpassed views of the
natural beauty of the Gorge and Launceston, renowned for its gardens
and parks. Dinner and accommodation at Balmoral on York. |
DAY TWO
We depart our accommodation for a journey down the Heritage
Highway and then head towards the East Coast to take in the
breathtaking views of the coastline with its pristine beaches and
rugged rock formations. At the township of Bicheno we visit the Blow
Hole and view the fishing area of the gulch. Then on to Swansea, a
charming seaside town steeped in history.
As we continue our journey down the East Coast we will arrive at
the seaside town of Orford before following the Prosser River until
we meet the Tassie Devil at Zoo Doo. If we escape we move on to
Hobart Midcity Hotel for 3 nights stay.
DAY THREE
Today we see the biggest tree in Australia and the longest tree
walk. Enroute we pass through historically preserved Sullivans Cove,
Salamanca and Wrest Point Casino (first casino in Australia).
Wandering the picturesque drive with the Derwent River in view
through to the Huon Valley, the home of the Tasmanian apple
industry, we pass through Huonville and Franklin. This is the home
of the Wooden Boat Centre where old traditional skills of wooden
boatbuilding are taught to a new generation of craftspeople from
around the world.
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We stop at the Geeveston
Forest and Heritage Centre, where we can experience the history
of Tasmanian forests, admire a collection of antique woodworking
machinery, watch a local wood turner display his craft and
marvel at a large range of other local crafts. This is the ideal
opportunity to purchase that unique Tasmanian gift.
We then travel to the Tahune Airwalk where our exclusive
Forestry Guide will provide us with an interesting educational
commentary, including the world’s longest known treetop walk.
View the uniquely Tasmanian timbers and awe at this remarkable
engineering feat.
A hearty barbeque is enjoyed
at the Celery Top Pine Walk. We then say goodbye to our Forestry
Guide and continue to Mt. Wellington (weather permitting) for a
magnificent view of Tasmania’s Capital City. Free night to
explore your choices for dinner.
DAY FOUR
We then board our “Tasmanian Retreat Tours” coach for a Convict
Experience Day. We cross over the Pittwater Causeway to Sorell
and Dunalley before crossing Eaglehawk Neck and enter Tasman
Peninsula, an ideal location for a penal settlement.
After visiting the Blowhole, Devil’s Kitchen, Tasman Arch and
Doo Town we arrive at the Port Arthur Historic Site allowing us
time to look over the excellent Interpretation Centre. We then
take a guided tour around the site, ruins and gardens including
the fully restored and furnished houses, followed by a harbour
cruise past the Isle of the Dead and the Boys Prison. We leave
Port Arthur for Richmond, reputedly the best preserved Georgian
village in Australia with Australia’s oldest gaol, oldest
bridge, oldest Catholic church, primary school and Post Office -
all a legacy of Australia’s colonial past. Rejoining our coach
we leave Richmond for a relaxing journey back to Hobart,
stopping on the way at Rosny Lookout to gain another view of
Hobart and the magnificent Mount Wellington backdrop before
arriving back at our evening accommodation. Tonight is a special
Convict Dinner night
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DAY FIVE
It’s a chocoholics morning with a visit to Cadbury’s chocolate
factory. After all those chocolates it is now time to bid
farewell to Hobart and follow the Derwent River to New Norfolk,
a town often compared to that of “Kent” in England.
We travel on to Mt. Field National Park to view Tasmania’s best
known waterfalls, Russell Falls.
Then it’s on to Tarraleah where we view the massive Power
Station and we continue our wilderness journey to Derwent Bridge
in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. Here we see The Wall in the
Wilderness.
After this unique experience it is on to the township of
Queenstown, a town that is literally carved out of the
mountains.
Silver Hills Motel is our accommodation for 2 nights with dinner
and breakfast.
DAY SIX
Today you can experience the West Coast Heritage Steam Train for
a unique experience through the heart of Dubbil Barril and the
King River or a cruise on the Gordon River and Hells Gate
adventure before returning to Queenstown.
DAY SEVEN
Cradle Mountain National Park this is our first stop morning.
Wander in the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre before joining our
shuttle into Dove Lake with a local guide. We then leave the
wilderness for Sheffield, the famous town of murals.
Travelling on to Devonport where your journey ends. |
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