13 Day Tasmanian Grandeur (twin share room)

Tour Details

Operator

Groups Tasmania

Destinations

Hobart, Barilla Bay, Bicheno, Tasmania, Launceston, Deloraine, Cradle Mountain, Devonport, Port Arthur, Huonville, Sheffield, Stanley, Ulverstone, Burnie, Latrobe, Tamar Valley, West Coast Tasmania, Strahan, Richmond, Derwent Valley, Derwent River, New Norfolk, Mt Field, Mt Wellington, Salamanca Market, Dunally, Devil's Kitchen and Huon Valley

Departs From

Launceston

Tour Description

13 Day Tasmanian Grandeur
3 departure options: 11 November 2008, 10 February 2009 & 10 March 2009
Cost of tour: AUD$2899.00 per person twin share, AUD$3919.00 for a single room

Day 1 Arrival in Launceston (HD)
Your tour begins! Meet your experienced Tasmanian coach captain at reception at 2.00pm and board the comfortable coach for an afternoon visiting some of the sights of Launceston. Situated in the Tamar Valley, Launceston is a city of contrasts, blending history and scenery with a reputation for quality food and wine. This afternoon a tour of the city gives you the opportunity to see some of the graceful Victorian architecture.
• Cataract Gorge, Launceston. An expansive reserve minutes from the city centre, your coach will drop you off at Kings Bridge so you can stroll the walk way along the Cataract Gorge to the First Basin. Here the gardens filled with tree rhododendrons, spacious lawns and fern glades. Peacocks add to the colour. Cross the waters of the First Basin on the chairlift (own expense) that has the longest single span in the Southern Hemisphere or walk around the First Basin via the Alexandra Suspension Bridge. Your coach will meet you at the First Basin entrance.
• Dr Harry’s Hobby Farm, Launceston. Dr Harry’s Hobby Farm is situated in Relbia just outside Tasmania’s northern city of Launceston. For six years this was the home of the popular television show ‘Harry’s Practice.’ The farm boasts an ever expanding collection of animals including horses, Siamese and Burmese cats, Rex rabbits, guinea pigs, coloured sheep and their lambs. There are also dogs including Scarlet, Dr. Harry’s border collie. Wilma the pet pig can usually be found up to her elbows in mud. You can touch and feel all the babies in our animal nursery. After the guided tour you will enjoy dinner in the ‘Clucky Chook’ Café overlooking the scenic lake.

Stay: Olde Tudor Motor Inn, Launceston (2 nights)

Day 2 Tamar Valley (B D)
Today you visit the picturesque Tamar Valley. The Tamar River is Australia’s longest navigable tidal estuary, being 76km long with widths that vary from 400 metres to 4km’s. The scenery is a moving postcard; the fertile valley being home to a variety of orchards, berry farms and wineries.
• Batman Bridge. A uniquely shaped bridge crossing the Tamar River, it is named after John Batman who founded the city of Melbourne.
• The Grubb Shaft Gold and Heritage Museum, Beaconsfield. The Museum is located within two restored heritage buildings on the site of the 19th century Tasmanian Gold Mine. The rich Tasman reef was discovered here in 1877, and until its closure in 1914, the mine produced gold worth AUD450 million in today’s value. The Museum features an extensive collection of mining memorabilia, artifacts and machinery. Explore the Grubb Shaft Mine; see the iron smelter, water wheel and working model of the mine's dewatering pump, one of the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. You can also visit the miner's cottage, local store and the old Flowery Gully School.
The Grubb Shaft Gold and Heritage Museum is adjacent to the Beaconsfield Gold Mine, which you can see from a viewing platform. This is the site where, in April 2006, a rock fall trapped three miners one kilometre underground. Miner Larry Knight was tragically killed, and the subsequent rescue of Brant Webb and Todd Russell, who remained trapped for 14 days, became known worldwide as the ‘Great Escape’.
• Moores Hill Estate Vineyard. Moores Hill Estate Vineyard was established in 1997 on the gentle slopes of the Tamar Valley in Northern Tasmania. The area is characterized by a cool climate, loamy soils and long ripening periods which are ideal conditions for high quality grapes and wines with distinctive flavours. The first grape harvest was in December 1999 with the first wine bottled in 2000. A fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay being produced. 2002 has seen the addition of a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a Reisling.
• Brady’s Lookout. Matthew Brady was an infamous bushranger and from this vantage point, would spy on unsuspecting victims on the river below. A scenic spot for the photographers.
• Grindelwald. Nestled atop a hill 15 minutes north of Launceston, this village captures the architecture and way of life of Switzerland. Visit the speciality shops, with the Chocolate Shop a favourite

Day 3 Fingal Valley (B D)
Leaving Launceston today you visit some attractions to satisfy both gourmet and history lovers, before travelling through the Fingal Valley, towards the sunny east coast.
• Woolmer’s Estate, Longford. This privately owned historical estate has been owned by the Archer family since 1816 and is a genuine example of living history. The house features many antiques, silverware and paintings. Woolmer’s walled garden was established by Thomas Archer in the 1840s, and is now being restored by the Woolmer’s Historical Foundation, replanting suitable trees, shrubs, roses and perennials. Also on sight is the National Rose Garden of Tasmania. This 2 hectare garden provides visitors with a unique journey through the evolution of the rose. It represents one of the finest collections of historic roses in the southern hemisphere.
• Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company, Evandale. Situated near historic Evandale on the banks of the South Esk River you will find the production and tasting centre of the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company. Using only the finest Tasmanian produce, Julie Barbour and her staff create a widely acclaimed range of sauces, relishes, chutneys and gift packs.
• Historic Village of Evandale. Evandale is a Georgian Village south of Launceston, best known for its 19th century buildings and relatively untouched streetscape. The region was discovered in 1811 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie but the town was not settled until 1816. It was named after George William Evans, a painter and surveyor, and was home to John Kelly, whose son was the bushranger Ned Kelly.

Stay: Scamander Beach Resort, Scamander or Beachfront Resort, Bicheno (1 night)

Day 4 East Coast (B D)
Leaving your motel this morning travel along the picturesque coastline to Bicheno where you will enjoy a visit to a local wildlife park. From here journey down the scenic east coast to the township of Richmond before making your way to the state’s capital, Hobart.
• East Coast Natureworld, Bicheno. Surrounded by 30,000 hectares of National Forestry Parkland, breathtaking white sandy beaches and a ‘Sunshine Coast’ climate East Coast Natureworld is Tasmania’s premier natural Wildlife Park. Join the ‘Pelican Express’ for a guided tour full of running commentary and a Pelican and Wildfowl feeding. There is also a walk through the aviaries and a chance to view the Devils and cuddle a Wombat.
• Buckland Church, Buckland. In the church of St John the Baptist in Buckland, there is a stained glass window depicting the life of John the Baptist and is said to date from the 14th century. The story is that the window came originally from the Battle Abbey in England. When Oliver Cromwell was sacking the Abbeys in the 14th century the window was hidden before it could be destroyed. Two centuries later Lord Robert Cecil, then secretary of state for the colonies, gave it to Dean J.H Fosc, Buckland's Rectory. It is now set into the East wall of the church. The church was built in 1846. The Old Post Office was built at the same time and about the same time as the Old Shop House. There have been 30 Reverends at the Buckland church up to 1994.
• Richmond. See Australia’s oldest freestone bridge, Australia’s oldest Catholic Church as well as many specialty shops that line the narrow streets of this historic village (the lolly shop is a favourite).

Stay: Wrest Point Hotel, Hobart (4 nights)

Day 5 Hobart (B)
This morning explore the famous Salamanca Market as you enjoy some free time to shop and explore for yourself what Hobart has to offer. This afternoon visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens for a walk around these picturesque and beautifully designed gardens. Tonight dinner is at your own expense. You may choose to stay at Wrest Point or experience one of Hobart’s many fine restaurants.
• Salamanca Market, Hobart. Every Saturday morning the Salamanca district is taken over by throngs of stalls offering assorted goods and crafts. Truly a draw card that is inviting to locals and visitors alike.
• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hobart. These gardens were established on slopes beside the River Derwent in 1818. Now in the 13.5 hectare site there are 6500 species and varieties of plants, including the largest public conifer collection in the southern hemisphere. There are more than 400 Tasmanian plant species on display, Peter Cundall's vegie patch, a stunning conservatory and a Japanese garden. Beds of annuals provide a changing display four times a year - in late September the Tasmanian Tulip Festival is held in the gardens. The Arthur Wall, near the main gate, could be internally heated so that exotic trees and plants could be grown for the kitchen garden. Although it's many years since the fires have been lit, the wall retains the suns warmth for days. Now it supports flowering creepers. Near the wall is a traditional herb garden. A new attraction is the sub Antarctic plant house featuring plants from Macquarie Island. Although 330,000 people a year visit the gardens, the impression of peace and solitude, not crowds, is the one that remains with the visitor. At the Botanical Discovery Centre are interactive displays that include information of the rich and diverse Tasmanian flora, including their distribution and how to propagate them.

Day 6 Tasman Peninsula (B HD)
After a morning exploring the spectacular coastal formations of the Tasman Peninsula, visit the historic penal settlement of Port Arthur. Learn of the atrocities that took place here over 200 years ago. A highlight on tour prior to your return to Hobart will be a visit to the Barilla Bay Oyster Farm. Partake in a guided tour of the farm before enjoying dinner in the award winning restaurant.
• Port Arthur Historic Site. A guided tour will take you around the ruined buildings featuring over 30 buildings including the Asylum, Separate or Model Prison, Penitentiary, Church, Guard Tower, Hospital as well as many cottages. Listen to the guides tell of atrocities to convicts in the attempt to break their spirit, which sent many insane. Read of the petty offences committed resulting in transportation from England. Rumours abound of ghosts, so keep the camera handy just in case.
• Port Arthur Harbour Cruise. The 20 minute harbour cruise offers a unique interpretation including an introduction to the ship building at Port Arthur, the boy’s prison of Point Puer, the Isle of the Dead and a magnificent coastline which remains unmatched.
• Tasman Peninsula Coastal Features. Joined to Tasmania by a narrow isthmus, this peninsula was selected as the site for a penal settlement due to being able to guard it easily. The sheer cliffs, as seen at the Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, combined with the violent currents shown at the Blow Hole, meant little chance of escape via the sea. Rumours of shark filled waters also discouraged convicts to swim for freedom. Soldiers and fierce mastiff dogs guarded the narrow isthmus.
• Barilla Bay, Hobart. Barilla Bay Oysters are grown and harvested in Australia’s premium shellfish growing environment, the cold clean Southern Ocean waters of South East Tasmania. The delicate taste and texture of Barilla Bay Oysters, reflect the natural quality of the water in which they are grown. Our expert tour guides will show you how we grow oysters from working in the tiny spat to full maturity. They will also explain the importance of tides, Tasmania's clean green environment, the weather and how we process and package our oysters to ensure their freshness. At the conclusion of the tour enjoy dinner in Barilla Bay’s award winning restaurant.

Day 7 Huon Valley (B D)
This morning visit one of Hobart’s grand old houses, Runnymede. Then travel south through the Huon Valley, once home to the State’s thriving apple industry and wind you way back to Hobart via the picturesque villages of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Conclude the day with a visit to the top of Mt Wellington for majestic views over the city below.
• Runnymede, Hobart. Runnymede is an elegant colonial house situated in New Town just north of Hobart city. It is located in a lovely garden that overlooks New Town Bay on the River Derwent. It was built around 1836 for Robert Pitcairn, the first lawyer to qualify in the colony and a leading campaigner against the transportation of convicts from Britain. He named the house Cairn Lodge. When Captain Charles Bayley bought the house in 1864 he named it Runnymede after his favourite ship. The Bayley family lived in the house for the next 100 years. The National Trust has restored and furnished the house to its original elegance.
• D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Follow the meandering coastline through to Cygnet and the small towns that freckle the Huon Valley and D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Glimpse sails and spinnakers of cruising yachts, hard-working fishing boats and salmon farmers in their in runabouts.
• Grandvewe Cheeses, Peppermint Bay. Grandvewe Sheep Farm Cheesery sits in the lush Huon Valley south of Peppermint Bay. The Cheesery makes seven different types of sheep cheeses and nine types of cow's milk cheeses along with sheep yoghurts, in season. The cheeses can only be purchased in our farm shop, and are reminiscent of classic European style cheeses.
• Mt.Wellington. Overlooking Hobart, the Derwent Valley to the north and Huon Valley to the south is Mt.Wellington. On a clear day you can even see the Tasman Peninsula to the southeast and Maria Island on the east coast. Venture to the summit with the afternoon sun shining on the city below for a great photographic opportunity.

Day 8 West Coast (B HD)
Say goodbye to Hobart, and travel to Strahan on Tasmania’s rugged west coast, visiting waterfalls and works of art on the way. For those that wish to take up the optional activity of the West Coast Wilderness Railway you will be in for the experience of a life time as you wind your way down to Strahan through this proclaimed World Heritage Area. Dinner tonight is a seafood buffet fresh from the days catch.
• The Wall in the Wilderness. Said to be the most ambitious art project undertaken is Australia for many years, “The Wall” is a series of story panels sculpted predominately in timber, depicting the history, hardship and perseverance of the people of the Central Highlands. Thought to take 10 years to complete the Wall will eventually consist of 100 panels each 3 metres high and 1metre wide.
• Nelson Falls. With the rainfall extremely high on the West Coast the waterfalls are spectacular.

Optional: West Coast Wilderness Railway
Now one of Tasmania’s premier attractions, this restored 1896 rack and pinion railway will travel through one of the world’s last pristine wilderness areas, crossing 40 bridges and wild rivers. This 35km journey from Queenstown to Strahan will pass through historic settlements and abandoned camps as well as over 200m up the 1:16 rack gradient.

Stay: Strahan Village, Strahan (2 nights)

Day 9 Gordon River (B HD)
This morning you can relax in your room or get out and explore Strahan at your own leisure. This afternoon board your state of the art catamaran as you cruise across the harbour and travel up the famous Gordon River. As the cruise does not return to approximately 8:00pm you will enjoy your dinner this evening whilst on the Gordon River with the evening sun setting in the distance.
• Gordon River Cruise, Strahan. The vessel departs Strahan and passes through Hell’s Gates, the entrance to Macquarie Harbour, then visits a trout and salmon farm enroute to Sarah Island, Tasmania’s first convict settlement, where a stopover allows for you to explore the history of the ruins. The travel up the Gordon River to Heritage Landing where you can enjoy a short walk on through rainforest.

Day 10 Cradle Mountain (B L D)
The destination today is Devonport. On the way you will visit one of Tasmania’s best know National Parks as well as the town of murals.
• The Wilderness Gallery, Cradle Mountain Chateau. Photographing wild places needs a mix of physical toughness, extraordinary skill and emotional sensitivity. See the captivating results in the Wilderness Gallery, Tasmania’s purpose built showcase for environmental photography. These beautiful and dramatic images from photographers based in Australia and around the world will excite your imagination, lift your spirits and expand your horizon. Enjoy lunch at Cradle Mountain Chateau.
• Cradle Mountain National Park. The northern entrance to the Cradle Mountain - Lake St.Clair National Park, the Department of Parks and Wildlife has an interpretation centre which depicts the flora, fauna and history of the region. Then it is on smaller coaches with an informative guide to transfer to Dove Lake from where on a clear day you can see Cradle Mountain.
A short walk around the shores finds you at the little hut known as ‘the boat house’, and then on your way back down from the lake call into to see Waldheim Hut, the original home for Austrian explorer Gustav Weindorfer who began the movement that eventually led to the region being included in the World Heritage Listing.
• Sheffield. The town of murals. See how talented local artists have used the proud old buildings as their canvases to tell the history of the Kentish District. Arts and crafts are also among the important activities in the area and galleries and studios display high quality hand weaving, leatherwork and pottery.

Stay: Gateway Motor Inn, Devonport (1 night)

Day 11 North West (B D)
Before leaving Devonport this morning take time to visit the former residence of the only Tasmanian born Prime Minister, Joseph Lyons. From here travel up the coast stopping at some award winning gardens along the way. Tonight’s stop is in the coastal township of Wynyard.
• Home Hill, Devonport. The residence of the former Prime Minister, Joseph Lyons, and Dame Enid Lyons. Built a year after their marriage, it was their home for the majority of their lives and is filled with memorabilia depicting their personal and political past.
• Annsleigh Gardens, Burnie. Described as a garden of ideas, this beautiful award winning garden has been developed over 17 years from a bare paddock. One innovative idea follows another; fountains, wishing well, sunken garden, gazebo, bridges over reticulated network of ponds, and a miniature cottage with working waterwheel and stream. During Spring see hundreds of rhododendrons, daffodils, azaleas, camellias and blossom trees. During Summer see fuchsia, roses, perennials and annual flowers. The shades of Autumn are not to be missed.
• Creative Paper, Burnie. Creative Paper Tasmania is a vibrant community of artists and craftspeople all dedicated to the fine art of handmade paper. Creative Paper Tasmania has been based in the old east mill at Burnie since 1996, and was originally a community project to provide local young people with a new trade. Since then, the studio has developed into one of Tasmania’s most unique tourist destinations with a dedication to environmentally sound practices as well as inspiring handmade paper.
• Wonders of Wynyard Exhibition Centre, Wynyard. A visitor who walks into the Wynyard Visitor Centre can be sure of a friendly greeting. Welcoming visitors to Wynyard is the pleasant task of the Volunteers of the Wynyard Visitor Centre. Some forty residents share their enthusiasm for the beauty of the north west with the many visitors who use the service each year. The centre features local resident Francis Ransley's collection of veteran motor cars, including a 1903 Model A Ford, one of only two in existence and the equal oldest Ford in the world. It also houses the Wynyard Visitor Information Centre and Wonders of Wynyard Gallery. The gallery will feature changing exhibitions of local "wonders", including artworks and displays of regional and state significance.

Stay: Waterfront Wynyard Motor Inn, Wynyard (2 nights)

Day 12 Far North West (B D)
Leave Wynyard this morning and make your way to the far NorthWest property of ‘Woolnorth’. Enjoy a tour of the property including a visit to Cape Grim which is the far North West tip of Tasmania. This afternoon visit the township of Stanley before making your way back down the coast to Wynyard.
• Taste of Woolnorth. Start your visit at the Roaring 40’s wind farm and then go on to visit Cape Grim on Woolnorth's rugged west coast and breathe the cleanest air in the world. This is recorded at the Baseline air pollution station that is situated on the cliffs of the Cape Grim coastline.
• Stanley Nut. As you drive westwards along the north coast and approach the historic town of Stanley you’ll see The Nut, a huge flat-topped circular headland that dominates the town. Its 152 metres high, with a path and a chairlift (own expense) to the top. Up there you can take a bracing walk around the edge and enjoy the wind in your face, the sun on your back and wonderful views up and down the coast.
• Table Cape Lookout, Wynyard. Just beyond Wynyard and nudging out into the sea Table Cape is flat-topped and fertile, with flowering tulips carpeting its fields in spring. Stop at the lighthouse lookout for fantastic views all up and down the coast and out into Bass Strait.

Day 13 Wynyard to Launceston (B)
Last Day in Tassie! As you make your way back to Launceston today stop at the township of Latrobe and spend some time here visiting the many antique shops, a unique shopping and browsing experience before your last stop at the magnificent Yarns Artwork in Silk. Arrive back in Launceston to catch a mid to late afternoon flight out.
• Latrobe. Latrobe presents one of Australia’s finest heritage faces, and with that face comes a host of activities and attractions, where you live the history and love the nature. The town owes its being to the early mining and agriculture and in the mid to late 19th century as a bustling port on the banks of the Mersey River. Much of the past remains in the streetscapes of central Latrobe – 76 heritage listed buildings, 6 of which are on the Register of the National Estate. Enjoy a walk along the Sheean Walkway which starts in the main street of Latrobe, at 'Teddy Sheean Memorial', and then follows the old railway line to the River Road junction, at Bell's Parade. Sheean Walk has a number of plaques detailing the various conflicts of World War II and pays homage to those involved in the Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and Korean conflicts.
• Ashgrove Cheese Factory, Elizabeth Town. The Ashgrove Cheese Factory is a family owned and run company. Enjoy a tour of the factory and see how award-winning cheeses are made. Sample as you go.
• Yarns Artwork in Silk, Deloraine. Have a look at this community artwork before you explore the Meander Valley. Each of the four 3.5 x 4 metre panels depicts a season in the valley and its history, mountains, rivers, rural industries and lifestyle. More than 300 people worked on the project under the direction of Neicy Van Der Elst-Brown. They put in 10,000 hours of work and used 200 metres of hand dyed silk to create Yarns in embroidery, appliqué, cross-stitch, weaving, patchwork, quilting and some “hybrid” surprises.

Tour ends back in Launceston at approximately 3.30pm

• Legend; B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, HD = Highlight Dinner