Itinerary

Day 1. Thur. Currie, Sea Elephant Bay, Grassy (D)

On arrival into King Island enjoy a short tour of the township of Currie. Late this afternoon, visit Naracoopa and the wide beaches of Sea Elephant Bay. Then journey to the island’s eastern side to the old mining town of Grassy. This evening, savour a delicious dinner featuring King Island gourmet produce. As dusk approaches, travel to Grassy Harbour and watch for fairy penguins as they travel from the surf to their burrows to feed their chicks.
Two Night Stay: King Island, The Gem Motel. (Rooms contain basic facilities.)

Day 2. Fri. Full Day Tour, Cape Wickham Lighthouse, Whistler Point, Cheese Factory (CB,L,D)

Travel to the north of the island and enter Lavinia State Reserve, home to a popular surfing spot and Pennys Lagoon, a rare suspended lake formation. Stop at Cape Wickham Lighthouse, the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere which still guards the entrance to the Strait. On a clear day, you may even be able to see the Victorian coast, over 80 kilometres away. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way. This afternoon, admire the spectacular views over Christmas and New Year Islands from Whistler Point. Enjoy a refreshing beach stroll to Yellow Rock and pass by the remains of the paddle-steamer Shannon, wrecked in 1906. Stop in at King Island Cheese Factory to watch a presentation on the art of cheese making and the processes involved. Afterwards, take the opportunity to sample and buy a selection of tasty brie and cheddar cheeses available.

Day 3. Sat. Kelp Factory, Netherby, Grassy Museum, Launceston (CB,D)

See Australia’s only kelp factory, then visit British Admiral Beach, the wreck site of the Netherby. Discover other shipwreck trails at King Island Historical Museum. Fly from King Island via Melbourne to Launceston (airfares own expense). This evening, enjoy complimentary pre-dinner Welcome Drinks followed by a Welcome Dinner and get to know your fellow travellers and Travelmarvel crew in Launceston.
Accommodation: Launceston, Sandors on the Park. Stay in guaranteed City Park View rooms.

Day 4. Sun. Freycinet National Park, Natureworld, Swansea, Tasmanian Crayfish Dinner (BD)

Visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Dec.-Jan.) and then traverse Weldborough Pass, before stopping at East Coast Natureworld. Join a guided walk along Richardsons Beach at Coles Bay. Tonight enjoy a delicious Crayfish Dinner in Swansea.
Accommodation: Swansea, Waterloo Inn.

Day 5. Mon. Ross, Richmond, Tasman Peninsula, Eaglehawk Neck, Port Arthur (BD)

Journey inland to Campbell Town and Ross. Then travel south to the charming Richmond village before proceeding through the town of Sorell to Eaglehawk Neck. We then stay overnight in Port Arthur.
Accommodation: Port Arthur, Fox and Hounds Inn.

Day 6. Tues. Port Arthur Historic Site,Harbour Cruise, Hobart, Mt Nelson, Historical Evening Play (BD)

Visit the Port Arthur Historic Site and take a guided tour through the chapel and penitentiary ruins. In Hobart journey to the top of Mt Nelson and tonight enjoy a performance about historical figure Lady Jane Franklin who lived in the colony between 1837-43.
Accommodation: Hobart, Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel (2 nights)

Day 7. Wed. Cadbury Chocolate Factory,Salamanca Place, Botanical Gardens (B)

Take a guided tour through the Cadbury Chocolate Factory. Explore Salamanca Place and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. This evening is free for you to discover the culinary delights of Hobart for yourself.

Day 8. Thur. Derwent Valley, New Norfolk, Mt Field National Park, Lake St Clair (BD)

Visit Australia’s oldest pub and Tasmania’s oldest church. Enter picturesque Mt Field National Park and stop to view the famous Russell Falls. Experience the natural beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park before staying the night in Strahan.
Accommodation: Strahan, Strahan Village Hilltop.

Day 9. Fri. Strahan, Gordon River Wilderness Cruise with Lunch, Sarah Island Tour (BLD)

Cruise the tranquil Macquarie Harbour and World Heritage Gordon River. Enter the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and see a 2,000 year old Huon pine before heading for Cradle Mountain.
Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Chateau.

Day 10. Sat. Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Sheffield, Stanley and The Nut (BD)

Tour Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and then travel to Waldheim Chalet. Journey to the fishing village of Stanley, set in the shadow of The Nut.
Accommodation: Smithton, Tall Timbers Hotel.

Day 11. Sun. Ashgrove Cheese Factory Tour, Great Lakes Plateau, Farewell Dinner (BD)

Tour Ashgrove Cheese Factory before heading to the Great Lakes Plateau. Enjoy farewell dinner and drinks tonight in Launceston.
Accommodation: Launceston, Sandors on the Park.

Day 12. Mon. Cataract Gorge, Tamar River Cruise, Woolmers Estate, Home (B)

Visit beautiful Cataract Gorge and take a morning cruise along the Tamar River. Then head out to Woolmers Estate and its beautiful rose garden before rejoining the coach for a transfer back to the airport.

Departure Dates

TXKI

2008: Sept. 18; Oct. 2, 9, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27; Dec. 11, 25.
2009: Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26; Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26; Apr. 2, 9, 16, 30.

*Seniors Card holders and Aust./NZ Pensioners deduct $30 pp.

Key

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