Wednesday 16 March

New Zealand - Launceston

Flight schedules permitting, tour members will be able to fly from either Auckland Wellington or Christchurch to Melbourne this morning. On arrival Melbourne, we will connect with the domestic flight to Launceston where we will be met and transferred to our hotel for a 2 night stay.

Thursday 17 March

Launceston (B,D)

This morning, we enjoy a tour of Launceston and discover the charms of this lovely city. Very close to the city centre is Cataract Gorge Reserve with its tree rhododendrons and peacocks, fern glades and spacious lawns and the longest single span chair lift in the world offering magnificent views of the gorge. We travel to Seahorse Australia at Beauty Point, the only seahorse farm of its kind in the world. We also visit the Swiss-inspired picturesque village of Grindelwald with magnificent mountain and river views.

Friday 18 March

Launceston – Bicheno (B,D)

Leaving Launceston, we travel North-East out through the green and fertile valleys to Scottsdale and the Forest Eco Centre for morning tea. We visit St Helens on Tasmania’s East Coast with the fishing fleet sitting snugly in Georges Bay before turning south to Bicheno for an overnight stay. We visit Freycinet National Park noted for its spectacular coastal scenery and join a guided tour to a Penguin Colony.

Saturday 19 March

Bicheno – Port Arthur (B,D)

We continue our journey south to the historic town of Swansea with its well preserved colonial buildings and see the Spikey Bridge built by the convicts around 1843. On down the East Coast to the fishing port of Triabunna and through the Wielanta State Forest to Eaglehawk Neck, gateway to the Tasman Peninsula. We see the natural wonders including Pirates Bay Lookout, Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen before continuing on to Port Arthur for an overnight stay.

Sunday 20 March

Port Arthur – Hobart (B,D)

This morning we tour the historic site of the penal settlement which was once home to 12,500 convicts. There is time to wander among the buildings and gardens to soak up the atmosphere and scenic beauty of this once horrific place. We take a cruise around the “Isle of the Dead”, final resting place for over 1000 people who died between 1840-1870. Leaving the peninsula, we travel to the historic National Trust-classified town of Richmond before visiting Bonorong Wildlife Park where we will see Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Quolls, Echidnas and other Australian Wildlife. Late this afternoon, we arrive into the state capital, Hobart, for a 3 night stay.

Monday 21 March

Hobart (B)

Tasmania’s capital city is an intriguing blend of heritage, lifestyle, scenery and vibrant culture. This morning, there is time for a tour of Hobart as we travel to Mt Wellington to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounds. We also visit Mt Field, Tasmania’s oldest National Park. A short walk through the ferns and the rainforest sees us at the much photographed Russell Falls. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy time in the shops or just relax and enjoy the city from our waterside hotel.

Tuesday 22 March

Hobart (B,L)

In the morning we visit the Botanic Gardens and then we board a luxury catamaran for a cruise through Hobart’s magnificent sheltered waterways to Peppermint Bay. Cruise the Derwent River and Déntrecasteaux Channel enjoying a delicious lunch on board while cruising around Bruny Island. We see an island bird sanctuary, an Atlantic salmon farm and step ashore at Peppermint Bay. A lovely relaxing day.

Wednesday 23 March

Hobart – Strahan (B,D)

A scenic spectacular today as we travel to the beautiful glacial Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake located at the southern end of Lake St Clair-Cradle Mountain National Park. We continue on our journey and join the West Coast Wilderness Railway for a wonderful 35km journey through rugged wilderness, steep gorges and rainforest from Queenstown to Strahan where we enjoy a 2 night stay.

Thursday 24 March

Strahan (B,L,D)

This morning, we board our luxury cruise vessel for the cruise across Macquarrie Harbour to Hells Gate where the harbour meets the ocean. As we cruise along the mighty Gordon River, our guide will detail the areas unique native flora and fauna. Visit Heritage Landing and view an ancient 2000 year old Huon Pine. We enjoy a superb buffet lunch on board and then explore Sarah Island, Tasmania’s first and most brutal penal settlement. Schedules permitting, we may see a local theatre group perform the dramatic and true story of escape from Sarah Island in a “Ship That Never Was”. Another great day today.

Friday 25 March

Strahan – Cradle Mountain (B,L,D)

Leaving Strahan, we journey north through the rugged wilderness of this wild and exquisite part of the country. We re-enter Lake St Clair-Cradle Mountain National Park and explore this World Heritage region, including idyllic Dove Lake and the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain. Overnight in the Cradle Mountain area. After dinner, enjoy a video presentation or sit back and relax in our rural retreat.

Saturday 26 March

Cradle Mountain – Smithton (B,L,D)

Leaving the mountain region, we travel through the patchwork farmlands of Table Cape enjoying the scenic drive to Stanley, nestled at the foot of the towering volcanic core. We visit the historic grazing property of Woolnorth which is still owned by the Van Diemans Company and is the last Royal Charter Company in the world. We visit Tasmania’s major wind farm producing electricity for the region. We stop at Cape Grim on the tip of the West Coast and sample the clean fresh air before settling in for our overnight stay at Smithton.

Sunday 27 March

Smithton – Launceston (B,D)

Leaving Smithton, we travel across the lush fertile country to Sheffield where over 30 murals decorating the town buildings depict the local history of the area. On to Elizabeth Town for a visit to the Ashgrove Cheese Factory specialising in the hand-making of the hard English style of cheeses. Our last stop of the day is at Woolmers Estate, an outstanding example of 19^th century Australian rural settlement and home to the National Rose Gardens. Then on to Launceston for a 2 night stay.

Monday 28 March

Launceston (B,L)

A leisurely day today for our final day in Tasmania. We enjoy a luncheon cruise of the Tamar River as we cruise into spectacular Cataract Gorge and travel past Tamar Island, Freshwater Point, the vineyards and under the Batman Bridge before turning for home at Devils Elbow. After the cruise, there is maybe time for a visit to the Gourmet Sauce Company which produces an astounding range of locally made treats from jams to sauces, to mustards to breads. Enjoy some great tasting from crackers to ice cream.

Tuesday 29 March

Launceston – Melbourne (B,D)

Time to farewell Tasmania today as we are transferred to the airport for the short flight to Melbourne. The rest of the day is free, time for a tour or some shopping or just a stroll in the park. This evening, we enjoy dinner together on the final night of our tour.

Wednesday 30 March

Melbourne (B)

Time to head for home as we are transferred back to the airport in time to join our flights to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch (schedules permitting).