Make your own way to Hobart for an early afternoon check-in to the centrally located hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure to experience some of the many highlights of Hobart.
We suggest you arrive into Hobart in the morning and visit the Salamanca Markets (only 500m walk away from your accommodation). This is only possible if your departure date falls on a Saturday. Salamanca Market is located on Hobart's waterfront and is one of Australia’s largest and most vibrant outdoor markets. Each Saturday from 8.30 am to 3 pm more than 300 stalls pop-up along historic Salamanca Place to showcase arts, crafts, jewellery, fresh food and produce, collectables and homewares.
Check-in is available from 2:00pm. If you are intending to arrive earlier, please advise the hotel before your arrival date. Luggage storage is limited, so they will try their best to have a room ready for you as soon as possible (subject to availability).
Please note: Salamanca Markets will only be possible for departure dates that fall on a a Saturday.
Today is free at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Hobart.
Overnight: St Ives Apartments, HobartMeet in your hotel reception at 8am where you will meet your tour leader and depart Hobart. Head south east to the Tasman Peninsula, home to the famed Port Arthur historic site, as well as a host of natural wonders. Port Arthur Historic Site is a special place of vivid history, cultural heritage and stories so compelling, you’ll want to hear them again and again. It’s a place of global significance – one of the 11 places that make up the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites. And it’s one of Australia’s favourite tourist destinations. Enjoy an easy walk around the grounds on a guided tour, followed by a 30 minute cruise out on the harbour. We will then have lunch in a café (at own expense) and then visit some of the stunning coastal sites. Once we have had our fill of the Tasman, it is just over an hour's ride to the accommodation for the night in the lovely Orford area.
Please note: The Port Arthur Historic Site is a fully vaccinated site, which means that all staff, contractors, volunteers and visitors must provide proof of vaccination and wear facemasks unless there is demonstrated medical exemption
From one famous Tasmanian national park to another! After breakfast, continue up the coast, to Freycinet National Park and its jewel, Wineglass bay. The 1-2hr return walk up to the look out is well worth the effort. There is a reason Wineglass bay is on just about every Tasmania postcard. After our visit to Freycinet National Park, we will enjoy a lunch break (own expense) at a local cafe and enjoy some leisure time exploring the town or coastline of Bicheno. From Bicheno, we drive up the scenic coastline (about an hour) to St Helen's, the resting point for the evening.
Overnight: Panorama Hotel, St HelensThe highlights keep coming today with a morning visit to the Bay of Fires. Enjoy a stroll around the aptly named Gardens close to Binalong Bay, checking out some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Australia. Deep red rocks and aquamarine waters, this is a stunning place which we can leisurely explore for a few hours. After lunch (not included), it is a few hours drive through to Sheffield.
In the 1980s Sheffield was a typical small Tasmanian country town in the doldrums of rural decline. But then some astute townsfolk came up with an idea that had been applied to the small town of Chemainus in Canada, with some surprising and wonderful results. The plan was to paint large murals on walls around town, depicting scenes from the district’s pioneer days. Sheffield is now a veritable outdoor art gallery, with more than 80 large-scale murals, a number that grows each year through the town's annual mural-painting festival.
Today, we will pack ourselves some lunch, and then head off for a full day exploring one of the most impressive National Parks in Australia. About 1 hours drive from Sheffield, with it's jagged peaks, lush greenery and abundant wildlife, Cradle Mountain has attracted tourists for all of Tasmania's history. The walk around Dove Lake is 6km long or takes 3-4 hours, undulating through alpine button-grass moorland, magnificent rainforest and alpine heathland. There are some short, steep sections with uneven steps to get the blood moving, so be sure to pack some sturdy walking shoes and clothes appropriate for walking, and a backpack to carry lunch and a water bottle. There are a number of short, easy walks in the area too, should you prefer a more casual walking day.
After exploring as much of the park as we can, there will be the opportunity to visit [email protected] (entrance fee not included) - A world class wildlife conservation facility, where you can see Tasmanian Devils and the closely related Spotted-tail and Eastern Quolls. These critters are almost impossible to spot in the wild so it is a great opportunity to see them up close. Return to Sheffield in the evening.
For those not interested in seeing the Tassie Devils up close, the alternative is to grab yourself a wine and sit by the fire at the iconic Cradle Mountain Lodge or take a stroll through the Enchanted Forest.
Please note, the itinerary may vary considerably depending on driving and weather conditions around Cradle Mountain, especially in winter.
The fun is not over! Yesterday was all about nature, and today is all about indulgence. We will make our way to Launceston through the Tamar Valley to check out the region's famous wineries (1 tasting included) and local producers along with some general sightseeing along the way. Roll into Launceston in the afternoon and check in for our final night in Tasmania.
Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor, LauncestonThis morning take the opportunity to explore the Harvest Launceston Community Market at leisure which is conveniently located across the road from the hotel accommodation.
Each Saturday an asphalt city car park is transformed into a vibrant award winning community farmers’ market that brings locals into town to shop for fresh produce, catch up with friends and neighbours and support the local economy. Harvest Launceston is also often featured on the “must do” list for visitors to the State. The Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market was established to bring the world’s best produce from the producer to the people. In essence, Harvest Launceston creates a sense of place from a barren car park to a hub of social exchange that has become a vital asset to local communities.
After exploring the market in your own time, return to the hotel for check out and make your own onwards travel plans.
Please note: Extra night accommodation in Launceston is available for customers who wish to extend their stay. Please see the important information section for further details.
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