Tasmania - March

Tuesday 17 March

Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand and fly directly to Hobart. On arrival enjoy a city sights tour including a trip up Mt Wellington if weather allows. Welcome dinner tonight. 

Founded in 1804, Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia after Sydney and the second-deepest natural port in the world. It hosts the finish of the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race, nestled beneath the impressive Mt Wellington, and retains much of its Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Wednesday 18 March

After breakfast, we travel to the former penal settlement of Port Arthur with buildings and harsh stories of the mid-1800s. Take a tour of the township with a private guide and a boat trip out to the Isle of the Dead. Dinner at the hotel tonight. 

Thursday 19 March

Today we travel north of Hobart for Curringa Farm. A working farm tour awaits with a sheep shearing demonstration, an escorted forest walk and an in depth conversation about crops and land care. Plus a mouthwatering BBQ lunch.

Friday 20 March

After breakfast, we take a scenic drive to Coles Bay in Freycinet National Park. Enjoy this special environment before a two-night stay in award-winning Freycinet Lodge set in the wilderness park.

Saturday 21 March

Our scenic tour of the Freycinet Peninsular includes Cape Tourville and beautiful Wineglass Bay lookout for the energetic ones. Return to our lodge for dinner and overnight. 

Optional Wine Glass Bay Cruise Estimate AUD$315 per person - Wineglass Bay Cruises is a 4½ hour cruise of the waterways surrounding Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay on Tasmania’s East Coast. Includes a sumptuous lunch paired with regional wines.

Sunday 22 March

Our route today takes us north, following the coastal route to St Helens. We then turn west and travel to Pyengana Cheese Factory for a tour and tasting before arriving at Legerwood to see the impressive wood carvings. We continue onto Launceston for a two-night stay.

Launceston – Tasmania’s second major city is set on the confluence of the North and South Esk Rivers which then become the Tamar River. With its colonial and Victorian architecture and history, culture, nature, food and wine, the city is a major attraction for many visitors.

Monday 23 March

Our day tour of Launceston begins with a visit to the Beaconsfield mine and Heritage Centre, scene of a mine collapse in 2006 from which most of the men were rescued. Continue to Cataract Gorge, a natural wilderness basin with wildlife, gardens and the longest single span chairlift in the world! Return to the hotel with the rest of the afternoon free.

Tuesday 24 March

This morning a scenic drive to Devonport to visit the local Maritime Museum before lunch in the coastal town of Bernie. Continue along the scenic coast to see the famous “nut”, before arriving in Smithton.

Wednesday 25 March

After breakfast we have a full day tour to the north-west corner of the island including Woolnorth and nearby Cape Grim – reportedly home of the cleanest air and purest beef in the world.

Thursday 26 March

A full day’s scenic drive to Strahan with stops along the way including a tour into Lake St Clair National Park to see Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain. Lunch at Peppers Tavern before continuing to the picturesque village of Strahan where our accommodation for three nights overlooks Macquarie Harbour.

Friday 27 March

Today’s highlight is a half-day train journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway through rainforests, gorges and alongside rivers from coastal Strahan. 

Saturday 28 March

After breakfast enjoy a Gordon River Cruise across Macquarie Harbour and up the river through the Tasmanian wilderness. Return to Strahan.

Sunday 29 March

Our coach journey begins with a scenic drive to Derwent Bridge to visit the Wall in the Wilderness and lunch at the local hotel. Continue on visiting Mt Field National Park on the way to Hobart. 

The Wall in the Wilderness – a timber sculpture depicting the history, hardship and perseverance of the Central Highland people and paying homage to those who settled and protected the area  

Monday 30 March

Today a free day to explore the City Centre. Why not experience MONA ( Museum of Old and New Art ) which is world renowned or take a walk along the vibrant water front. Farewell dinner tonight.

Tuesday 31 March

A morning transfer to the airport for our Air New Zealand flight to Auckland.