Itinerary

Day 1 Fri. Spirit of Tasmania Sailing

Arrive at Melbourne’s Station Pier terminal to check in for the Spirit of Tasmania journey. Watch the skyline of Melbourne disappear before exploring the many on board facilities. Tonight dine in the self-service eatery or for a night to remember dine on fine Tasmanian produce in the elegant á la carte restaurant (dinner at own expense). Explore the ship further, perhaps lounge in one of the many bars, or relax in your comfortable twin cabin. Tomorrow you will arrive in Tasmania refreshed and ready for the holiday of a lifetime.
Accommodation: Spirit of Tasmania, comfortable Twin Inside Cabin.

Day 2 Sat. Devonport, Launceston, Seahorse World, Beaconsfield, Welcome Drinks and Dinner (D)

Arrive in Devonport where you will be met and transferred to Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest city. Travel to Beauty Point and visit Seahorse World with its fascinating aquatic displays, then stop at the interactive Grubb Shaft Mine and Heritage Museum at Beaconsfield. This afternoon, take in the city sights of Launceston and this evening, enjoy pre-dinner Welcome Drinks followed by Dinner.
Accommodation: Launceston, Sandors on the Park. Stay in guaranteed City Park View rooms.

Day 3 Sun. Weldborough Pass, Freycinet National Park, East Coast Natureworld, Crayfish Dinner, Swansea (BD)

This morning, travel through the pretty winegrowing area of northern Tasmania. During flowering season, visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Dec. – Jan.). Proceed through the beautiful forested Weldborough Pass which is home to some of the oldest myrtles in Australia. Next, stop at East Coast Natureworld and meet APT’s very own Tasmanian Devil, Delilah. Later, enter beautiful Freycinet National Park. With its granite mountains, azure bays and white sandy beaches, the Freycinet Peninsula is simply breathtaking. On arrival we are joined by a Naturalist Guide for a walking tour along the shores of Richardsons Beach, Coles Bay. Tonight enjoy a delicious crayfish dinner on the east coast.
Accommodation: Swansea, Waterloo Inn.

Day 4 Mon. Ross, Richmond, Port Arthur (BD)

This morning, we journey inland to the township of Ross, with beautiful 19th century architecture. Head south to historic Richmond village and see the famous Richmond Bridge. Visit the Catholic church, the oldest of its kind still performing ceremonies in Australia. Later browse the craft and gift shops or perhaps enjoy a Devonshire tea. We then journey along the Tasman Peninsula, viewing the Tessellated Pavement, Devils Kitchen and Tasman’s Arch. Along the way see Doo Village and then continue on to Port Arthur.
Accommodation: Port Arthur, Fox and Hounds Inn

Day 5 Tue. Port Arthur Historic Site, Harbour Cruise, Hobart, Mt Nelson (BD)

At Port Arthur Historic Site, call into the Visitor Centre and play the ‘Lottery of Life’, a unique way to trace the life of a former convict. Join a guided tour through the chapel and penitentiary ruins and learn about the harsh realities of convict life in the 19th century. Later, take a cruise around the Isle of the Dead, resting place for some 2,000 convicts, guards and citizens who died during the early settlement of Port Arthur. We then travel to Hobart, home to a charming profusion of Georgian buildings, waterfront vistas and maritime heritage. Tasmania’s capital city possesses a truly rich and fascinating history. Enjoy views across the city and harbour from Mt Nelson. Tonight, enjoy a performance from Lady Jane Franklin, a famous colonial figure during her husband’s governorship between 1837-43.
Accommodation: Hobart, Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel (2 nights).

Day 6 Wed. Cadbury Chocolate Factory Tour, Salamanca Place, Royal Botanical Gardens (B)

Today tour Hobart, including a visit to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory where you can sample some delicious chocolates (seasonal closures occur, please enquire at time of booking). See Salamanca Place, a historic row of Georgian warehouses which are now home to art and craft galleries, cafés and restaurants. Visit the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the sights and experiences of Tasmania’s capital. You might like to visit the Cascade Brewery (own expense) or take the time to see many of Hobart’s other attractions.

Day 7 Thur. Mt Field National Park, Russell Falls, Lake St Clair (BD)

This morning follow the beautiful Derwent River through the Derwent Valley, passing through surrounding hop fields to New Norfolk. Featuring a significant colonial heritage, New Norfolk has been classified by the National Trust for its surviving Georgian buildings and cultural significance. Here, see Australia’s oldest pub and Tasmania’s oldest church. Enter Mt Field National Park and take a short walk to view famous cascading Russell Falls. Leaving this idyllic park, travel deep into World Heritage wilderness to Lake St Clair. Travel to the mining town of Queenstown. The hills around Queenstown provide the opportunity for some stunning photography. Stripped of timber to fuel copper smelters, rain has eroded the soil on the hills leaving purple and gold rock exposed. Continue on to the charming port town of Strahan on Macquarie Harbour. Tonight, choose to see a local play, ‘The Ship That Never Was’ on the area’s fascinating convict history (own expense).
Accommodation: Strahan, Strahan Village Hilltop.

Day 8 Fri. Strahan, Gordon River Cruise with Lunch, Heritage Landing, Sarah Island (BLD)

This morning board the luxury cruise vessel, the Lady Jane Franklin II, and cruise Macquarie Harbour and along the World Heritage-listed Gordon River. During the cruise, guides will provide informative commentary on the area’s native flora and fauna. Cruise to Sarah Island, a former penal settlement. Enter Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and at Heritage Landing walk through one of the world’s oldest rainforests. See Hell’s Gate, the entrance to the Great Southern Ocean and enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon we depart Strahan for the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park.
Accommodation: Cradle Mountain, Cradle Mountain Chateau – luxury in the wilderness.

Day 9 Sat. Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Sheffield, Stanley and The Nut (BD)

Today drop into the Visitor Information Centre and gain an insight into this part of the country. See Waldheim Chalet, built by an Austrian migrant in 1912. Continue to Dove Lake, with the rugged peaks of Cradle Mountain as its backdrop. Travel to Sheffield, the Town of Murals, where over 30 of the town’s buildings have become part of an outdoor art gallery with murals painted on their walls. Journey to Stanley, a former whaling port that lies underneath The Nut, a striking rocky formation soaring more than 150 metres from the sea. Continue to the town of Smithton.
Accommodation: Smithton, Tall Timbers Hotel.

Day 10 Sun. Ashgrove Cheese Factory, Great Lake, Launceston, Home (B)

Visit the Ashgrove Cheese Factory, makers of delicious handmade cheeses, for a tour and tasting. Journey through Deloraine and travel along the shores of the Great Lake, continuing to Launceston where we will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

Departure Dates

TX9BA

2008: Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 10, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 12, 26.
2009: Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27; Apr. 3, 10, 17; May 1;
Sept. 18; Oct. 2, 9, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 20, 27; Dec. 11, 25.

*Seniors Card holders and Aust./NZ Pensioners deduct $30 pp.
*Save $100 per person on shaded departure dates

Key

B: Breakfast Included
L: Lunch Included
D: Dinner Included