Itinerary

Day 1. Sat. Arrive Launceston, Tamar Valley Wine Route, St Helens.

Be met by your friendly Driver Guide on arrival in Launceston and begin your Gourmet Wanderer journey along the Tamar Valley wine route, renowned for cool climate wines. Stop and sample pinot noir and riesling at Pipers Brook and taste premium sparkling wine at Jansz Wine Room, then make your way to Apsley Myrtle Forest to join a short walk along Myrtle Creek through untouched wilderness. After arriving in St Helens, get to know fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner and Drinks hosted at Tidal Waters Resort.
Stay: Tidal Waters Resort, St Helens. Set amid natural lagoons and landscaped gardens.

Day 2. Sun. Binalong Bay, Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay Lookout.

Leaving St Helens, the adventure begins along the back tracks of Binalong Bay. Absorb the amazing views over the Bay of Fires, voted as one of the best beaches in Tasmania. Travel down the east coast to Freycinet National Park. After an easy walk along Cape Tourville’s boardwalks join a more active guided walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout. Take in the whiteness of the pristine beach, a sharp contrast to the dark green hues of the bush surrounding it. Spend some free time strolling along Richardson’s Beach adjacent to Freycinet Lodge, overlooking Great Oyster Bay. Today you can choose to upgrade to either a twilight sea kayak paddle or a 4WD adventure to Bluestone Bay. After an active day, tonight enjoy a well-deserved gourmet barbecue feast featuring local produce overlooking the bay at sunset (weather permitting).
Stay: APT HIGHLIGHT! Freycinet Lodge, located within picturesque Freycinet National Park.

Day 3. Mon. Richmond, Hobart, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dine Around Dinner. (B,D)

Step back in time and discover the heritage towns of Richmond and Ross, where convict-built buildings and historic bridges still stand. On arrival in Hobart enjoy Freedom of Choice Touring. Let your local guide show you historical Hobart by foot, indulge your sweet tooth during a tour of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, or discover the Royal Botanic Gardens on a walking tour. Tonight choose from a range of dining options at the Wrest Point Hotel. Experience views over Hobart at The Point Revolving Restaurant, sample a wood fire pizza at Pier One or dine traditionally at The Loft Bistro.
Two Night Stay: Wrest Point Hotel, Hobart. Enjoy amazing views of the Derwent River from your Tower Harbour View Room.

Day 4. Tue. Tasman Island Eco-Adventure Cruise, Port Arthur, Hobart. (B,D)

Adventure is on the agenda today, with an eco-adventure cruise from Eaglehawk Neck. Board a custom-built boat tailor made to navigate the ever-changing waters off south-east Tasmania. See the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, wildlife including seals at Cathedral Rock or maybe even migrating Humpbacks or Southern Right whales. See slender dolerite spires, deep sea caves and the sheer crags of Tasman Island. The wild and remote coastline is brought to life by an interpretive guide who makes the experience fun, entertaining and informative. Port Arthur Historic Site is the next destination and a local guide will point out the well-preserved ruins built with convict labour, impressive architecture and chilling prison facilities. You’ll also have the opportunity to cruise around the Isle of the Dead. The evening is spent at leisure in Hobart.

Day 5. Wed. Russell Falls, Lake St Clair, Strahan, Crayfish Feast. (B, D)

Walk through a majestic rainforest to beautiful Russell Falls in Mt Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s most treasured sites. For an interactive experience with Tasmania’s wildlife visit Something Wild. See friendly wombats and maybe even a platypus in the wild. Move on to stunning glacier-carved Lake St Clair, part of the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, before journeying to Strahan on the west coast. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous crayfish dinner at View 42º restaurant, exclusive to APT.
Stay: APT EXCLUSIVE! Strahan Village Harbour View Deluxe Rooms. Enjoy views over pristine Macquarie Harbour.

Day 6. Thur. Gordon River Cruise, Cradle Mountain. (B,L,D)

Step aboard the Lady Jane Franklin II and glide over the deep waters of the Gordon River. Absorb the beauty of the untouched wilderness, which was awarded World Heritage status when public outcry prevented the region being drowned by the damming of the Franklin River. Take a rainforest walk at Heritage Landing to see ancient Huon pines. Explore the penal settlement ruins at Sarah Island Historic Site, in the remote regions of Macquarie Harbour, for a harsh insight into the reality of convict life. APT UPGRADE! Captain’s Premier Deck Upgrade to the Captain’s Premier Deck for luxury sightseeing. Sample gourmet delights and relax in a wide, comfortable armchair overlooking the bow of the boat. Benefit from the knowledge of a dedicated nature guide and enjoy access to exclusive deck space. Additional charge
Two Night Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge, in individual Pencil Pine Cabins.

Day 7. Fri. Cradle Mountain, Freedom of Choice Touring. (B,D)

Take a guided tour of the National Park and view Cradle Mountain from tranquil Dove Lake. Enjoy the freedom to choose how you spend your afternoon from here. Choose from activities such as a wine and cheese tasting, join the guided Enchanted Walk, relax with a gourmet picnic hamper, see native animals on the Night Wildlife Spotlight Tour (limited availability), or indulge with a treatment at Waldheim Alpine Spa. Later perhaps walk the boardwalk around Dove Lake or explore the alpine landscapes on a number of walks from Cradle Mountain Lodge. Tonight, dine on delicious Tasmanian produce in the Lodge’s fine surrounds then enjoy an informative slide presentation on Cradle Mountain and its flora and fauna.

Day 8. Sat. Marakoopa Cave, Alum Cliffs, Sheffield, Raspberry Farm, Launceston.

Journey to sparkling Marakoopa Creek, and follow the Fern Glade Rainforest Walk. Tour the highly decorated Marakoopa Cave with its two streams running and large glow worm display, looking like stars on a very clear night. Afterwards enjoy a quiet country stroll to a forest lookout perched high above the Mersey River as it flows beneath the Alum Cliffs. Look out for Aboriginal interpretation along the way. From here, continue on to Sheffield where you will have some free time to explore this town, famous for its streetscape murals. This afternoon visit Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm in Elizabeth Town to sample and purchase the variety of jams, sauces and syrups available. Afterwards your tour concludes in Launceston and a transfer to the airport is included.

Note: The Gourmet Wanderer includes a dedicated Tour Director and Coach Captain on every departure.

2008/9 Departures

TGW8:

2008 Jan. 12, 19, 26; Feb. 9, 16, 23; Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22; Apr. 5, 12, 19; Nov. 1, 15, 29; Dec. 13, 27.
2009 Jan. 10, 17, 24; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21; Apr. 4, 11, 18.

TGW4:

2008 Jan. 2, 16, 23, 30; Feb. 13, 20, 27; Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26; Apr. 9, 16, 23; Nov. 5, 19; Dec. 3, 17, 31.
2009 Jan. 14, 21, 28; Feb. 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 8, 15, 22.

Includes all sightseeing, entrance fees, cruise and meals as specified, accommodation and Tour Director.

Finest Dining – Includes 15 Meals 7 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) & 6 dinners (D)

Seniors Card Holders and Aust./NZ Pensioners deduct $30 per person (TGW8), $15 per person (TGW5/TGW4). For booking after May 2008, please enquire for details. Itinerary, price and inclusions are subject to change.

Key

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