ITINERARY:

Day 1: ARRIVE HOBART
Arrive Hobart and make your way to your apartment hotel for next 7 nights. Hobart, capital of Australia's island state of Tasmania, sits on the River Derwent. At its fashionable Salamanca Place, old sandstone warehouses host galleries and cafes. Nearby is Battery Point, a historic district with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages. The city's backdrop is 1,270m-high Mount Wellington, with sweeping views, plus hiking and cycling trails.

Day 2: HOBART DAY TOUR.
This is truly the ultimate tour to ensure you see as much of Hobart and surrounds in one day as possible. We travel up to the summit of Mt Wellington, where the views over Hobart and beyond are breathtaking. Travelling back down, we start a comprehensive tour with a local guide through the streets of Hobart, stopping at places like the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Female Factory and Rosny Hill Lookout. In the afternoon meet the furry little Tasmanian Devils as well as many other Australian animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. We will have approximately 1 hour at Richmond and 1 hour at Bonorong.

Day 3: HUON VALLEY DAY TOUR.
Walk the tree tops of pristine forest at Tahune Forest Airwalk having travelled the Huon River Valley, a region of tended fields, superb forest clad rivers and fishing villages set by picturesque inlets. Pass through quaint villages and roadside stalls selling the freshest fruit on the way to the wilderness that is the Huon Valley. Trek through the treetops of the lush forest over the Huon River where the lookout at the end is truly breathtaking. If you dare there are also suspension bridges over the Picton and Huon Rivers to cross. After your rainforest walk, quench your thirst with some of Australia's finest ciders at Willie Smith's located in the Apple Shed – a museum dedicated to Tasmania's rich apple farming culture.

Day 4: RUSSELL FALLS DAY TOUR
Heading north-west from Hobart along the beautiful Derwent Valley, enjoy sights of native birds and quaint towns. Travel through dense rainforest fern glades and experience the stunning Russell Falls located in the Mt Field National Park. Take a stroll beneath the huge fronds of the forest canopy before time for lunch (own expense) at the Waterfalls Cafe and return journey to Hobart alongside the Derwent River crossing Bowen Bridge overlooking the Incat catamaran manufacturing firm. There may be an opportunity to purchase fresh raspberries from roadside stalls (seasonal). Overnight: Hobart

Day 5: FREE DAY HOBART
Today is a free day to explore Hobart at leisure.

Day 6: PORT ARTHUR
Your day trip to Port Arthur Historic Site starts with the drive from Hobart, crossing the Tasman Bridge to leave the city and head to the Tasman Peninsula. Sights you see along the way include Pitwater Causeway, the Forestier Peninsula, Eaglehawk Neck, and Norfolk Bay. Take a drive through the historic town of Richmond (Oct-Apr) and make a short photo stop at the famous convict-built Richmond Bridge. Continue to drive through the Tasman Peninsula and observe the beautiful coastal scenery of natural bushland and native Australian. When you arrive at Port Arthur you have ample time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on a guided walking tour of this former seaside penal colony, once home to the most serious criminals of the time, where more than 30 restored buildings and ruins are available to explore. See sites like the penitentiary, a former granary and flour mill, the separate prison, the Commandant’s House and the church, and learn about the history of the settlement, which dates back to the 1830s, and the brutal living conditions for the convicts via interpretive and interactive presentations. Then set off on a harbour cruise on Carnarvon Bay to admire the natural beauty of this somber World Heritage–listed site. From the water, admire the scenery of Tasman National Park with its rugged coastline, see the Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, and circle around the Isle of the Dead. Lunch is not included but can be purchased at Port Cafe, at the entrance to the Port Arthur Visitor Center, or at Felons, a sit-down restaurant. Both offer a selection of sandwiches, hot food, and drinks. Your day trip ends with the return drive to Hobart.

Day 7: BRUNY ISLAND CRUISE & DAY TOUR.
We begin our journey with a guided bus tour from Hobart waterfront enjoying views of the Derwent River and D'Entrecasteaux Channel to Kettering. Upon arrival at the charming boating village of Kettering, we drive into the ferry for the crossing to Bruny Island. Enjoy island scenery as we travel to Adventure Bay to savour a delicious morning tea. Board a custom-designed yellow boat, ideal for the conditions of the coast of Southern Tasmania. Embrace the power of the ocean and look up at the awesome dolerite sea cliffs, among the highest in the Southern Hemisphere. Glide past sea stacks and go into deep sea caves. Drift up close to the amazing "Breathing Rock". Keep an eye out for wildlife such as dolphins and migrating whales. See Friar Rocks – home to over a thousand Australian Fur Seals and sea bird nesting areas. Look for abundant wildlife such as Albatross, Sea Eagles, Shearwaters, Gannets and Cormorants. After an exhilarating time on the ocean, return to Adventure Bay to enjoy lunch before we journey back to Hobart with memories of a great day in Tasmania's wilderness.

Day 8: TOUR FROM HOBART TO LAUNCESTON.
We depart Hobart heading east then following the coastline north. We travel through the seaside towns of Orford and Swansea as we make our way to Freycinet National Park. Freycinet is one of Tasmania’s first National Parks, famous for its rich and stunning coastal landscapes.
Pink Granite Mountains form the backdrop for secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife and amazing walking trails. As we enter the Freycinet area we have a brief stop at the Freycinet Marine Farm for anyone interested in the local oysters’ fresh from the surrounding pristine waters.

We walk as a group to the Wineglass Bay Lookout; this is a moderate uphill walk of around 60 minutes. Once at the top you are rewarded with that world-famous view of Wineglass Bay and the surrounding Freycinet National Park. Enjoy the moment, take in the views, and let our tour guides help you with those sought-after photographs. The walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout is one of the Great Short Walks of Tasmania and requires good mobility and adequate fitness. It is 1.3 km uphill, before returning downhill. From the Lookout you have the option to return to the start of the walk with our tour guide, or for the keen hikers you can choose to spend the rest of your time completing the walk down to Wineglass Bay beach. Wineglass Bay Beach return walk – This is a 2.5 hr return walk and moderate fitness is required. Our tour has ample time for you to do the full walk to Wineglass Bay Beach and return. Once on the beach you can enjoy your lunch in this stunning setting, head into the water for a swim, or wander along the white sands. This is one of the most rewarding walks in Tasmania in a truly stunning location. If you prefer to walk to the Lookout and return, this is the shorter walking option, then we return from the Lookout with our Tour Guide and explore other areas of Freycinet National Park. Visit Honeymoon Bay, Cape Tourville Lighthouse & Great Short Walk & Sleepy Bay.

We re-group ready for the onward journey to Launceston. While still on the East Coast we make a final stop for the day, where you can refresh and refuel in a friendly and relaxed location. Try the local hand-crafted Ice creams or perhaps a famous Tasmanian Scallop Pie! Then it is onwards into Launceston arriving around 6.30pm.

Day 9: HALF DAY LAUNCESTON WALKING TOUR.
This is our most popular guided walk behind the scenes in Launceston – 'Prince's to the Park Tour' that will take you on an easy walk of our great little city. On this behind the scenes journey you will discover: The intriguing back alleys and laneways of Launceston. Incredible characters, such as Dicky White and Dr Pugh, of Launceston's history, Notable and significant buildings of Launceston, 'Little Doors and Windows' street art that are the creation of Launceston's own 'Banksy', the enigmatic Lord Scabar, The fascinating history of live theatre and cinema in Launceston, And find out the answer to the question 'Who were the bugs?'.

Day 10: CATARACT GORGE CRUISE
Today’s cruise tour includes afternoon tea, live commentary, on-board wine and beer tasting, fruit selection and unlimited tea and coffee. Cruise into the magical Cataract Gorge and through Launceston’s riverfront district.

Head north past Tamar Island, historical buildings: St Mathias Church and the Rosevears Pub. Experience the variety of life as we cruise past charming riverfront communities, vineyards and farms, to historical Rosevears and Windemere districts. This fascinating collection of history, fauna and people at work, rest and play makes an absorbing narrative which will touch, intrigue and inspire. The best vantage point to view the Tamar Valley.

Day 11: CRADLE MOUNTAIN DAY TOUR
Spend a full day awakening your senses through the majesty of Cradle Mountain National Park on this guided tour from Launceston. Travel deep into the Tasmanian forest and explore the wildlife, waterfalls and glacial lakes soaring above the sparkling Dove Lake plateau.
Begin your day with a scenic drive along the green pastures of Launceston, then pass the picturesque villages of Carrick, Hagley, Westbury and Deloraine. Spot the collection of small mountain bluffs known as the Great Western Tiers just before you reach Sheffield. Watch for the multitude of murals depicting the area’s history and scenery.
Continue your journey through mountainous terrain and dense forest as you reach the Cradle Mountain National Park. Visit the visitor centre for an appreciation of the park and spot some wombats, potoroos and wallabies along the way. Stroll along the Enchanted Forest Walk and marvel at the lush green forest and the gorgeous Pencil Pine Falls. While here, take in the stunning view of the park reigning over picturesque Dove Lake.
Walk around and enjoy the lake and its surroundings before travelling to Waldheim Chalet—a replica of the park founder’s home that served as a guest chalet until 1974. Conclude your trip with a stop at Ashgrove Farm. Learn how cheese is made and sample several Tasmanian varieties produced on the premises, including their award-winning cloth-matured cheddar.

Day 12: BAY OF FIRES DAY TOUR
Tasmania’s east coast is fast becoming renown around the world for its fluffy pure white sands and crystal-clear azure blue waters. Granite rocky outcrops covered with orange lichen jut out into the ocean to separate a large collection of hidden away beaches. No crowds, just relaxing peaceful locations that offer you a chance to reflect on how wonderful Mother Nature is. This is the Bay Of Fires.

On your way to the Bay Of Fires visit Bridestowe Lavender Farm for views of the lavender paddocks and the Myrtle Rainforest Walk on the Welborough Pass for a short walk through moss covered trees and ferns. At the Bay Of Fires we call into Binalong Bay for a beach experience on Tasmania's white east coast sand, then Harbour Point to view the granite rocks covered with orange lichens, then a beach walk along the remote Taylor’s Beach. After your beach experience, sample fresh oysters straight from the farm, view fishing boats in St. Helens, before heading south to the St Mary’s Pass where we head inland to pass through the contrasting grazing lands of the Fingal Valley and Northern Midlands. Lunch at own expense.

Day 13: TARMAR VALLEY FOOD & WINE TOUR.
On this tour voyage, we will take you to some of the Tamar Valley’s most prestigious vineyards and cellar doors, where you will have the opportunity to taste the delicious award-winning, cool-climate wines that have made the region famous. You will have the option to taste Whisky, Cider and Gin. Along the way you will be entertained with the stories of the origins of Tasmania, the Tamar Valley and the history of the iconic people who shaped the Valley. The tour kicks off with a complimentary coffee or tea at the Hillwood Berry Farm where you can purchase some of their delicious produce. Then we visit vineyards where you can taste award winning wines and sparkling, have a cheese platter and later on the tour a magnificent food platter with a wine of your choice. Weekend tours have the option to visit a Craft Beer Brewery for a tasting too. You will leave the Valley with more than a few tastes to remember, you will have a story to tell friends and family. It ends off with another complimentary coffee or tea at the beautiful Tamar Ridge Cellar door.

Day 14: DEPART LAUNCESTON
Your tour concludes today as you check out of your hotel and catch a taxi to the airport home for flights home.

Please note: The day by day descriptions published are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, road conditions, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard.