Itinerary

Day 1 Tue. Launceston, Freedom of
Choice Touring, Welcome Dinner.

On arrival into Launceston be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Explore Cataract Gorge, a unique natural rock formation, then choose to visit Platypus House, Seahorse World or Grubb Shaft Gold & Heritage Museum in Beaconsfield. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers at our Welcome Drinks and Dinner.
Stay: Launceston, Hotel Grand Chancellor. D

Day 2 Wed. Bicheno, Freycinet National
Park.

In lavender flowering season (Dec.-Jan.), visit Bridestowe Lavender Farm to admire the purple-hued fields. Continue to Bicheno and East Coast Natureworld to learn about Australia’s native animals, and see Delilah, APT’s sponsored Tasmanian Devil. In Freycinet National Park, take a walk along Cape Tourville, admiring the stunning east coast scenery. Later, arrive at Freycinet Lodge, an eco-friendly hotel with a waterfront location on the Freycinet Peninsula.
Stay: Freycinet Lodge, situated within picturesque Freycinet National Park. BD

Day 3 Thur. Wineglass Bay Cruise, Richmond, Port Arthur, Crayfeast.

Cruise to Wineglass Bay and enjoy the spectacular surrounds recognised as one of the
world’s top ten beaches. On board be joined by
Rastus the dolphin spotting dog and learn about
a timeline of multicultural history. Sample some
of Tasmania’s finest cheeses and champagne sourced locally and served at anchor in Wineglass Bay. This afternoon travel through Swansea and on to the historic town of Richmond to see the convict-built bridge and the quaint Georgian village buildings. View the Tasman Peninsula’s spectacular natural wonders on the way to Port Arthur, then this evening savour a local speciality – a delicious Tasmanian crayfish dinner, exclusive to APT.
Stay: Port Arthur, Comfort Inn, the only hotel
in the historic site overlooking the ruins. BD

Day 4 Fri. Port Arthur Historic
Site, Hobart, Freedom of Choice Touring,
Dine Around Dinner.

At Port Arthur Historic Site, witness the penal colony ruins, explore the chilling prison facilities and cruise on Mason Cove around the Isle of the Dead. Take the opportunity to play the ‘Lottery of Life’ game or stroll around the colourful gardens. Wander around Salamanca Place before selecting a visit to Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory, an afternoon high tea at Hadley’s or a guided historical walking tour of Hobart. Tonight, dine at The Cove, The Drunken Admiral or enjoy a light dinner and paddle along the shoreline of historic Battery Point to Salamanca and the docks.

Two Night Stay: Hobart, Hotel
Grand Chancellor, Harbour View Rooms. BD

Day 5 Sat. Free time at Salamanca Market, Tahune AirWalk.

With a nineteenth century sandstone village backdrop, wander through over three hundred stalls featuring local produce, arts and crafts at Salamanca Market. This afternoon travel to picturesque Huon Valley and join a guided walk among the tree tops on the Tahune AirWalk. Return to Hobart to ascend Mt Nelson for fabulous panoramic views.

Day 6 Sun. Russell Falls, World
Heritage Lake St Clair, West Coast
Wilderness Railway.

Follow the Derwent Valley to Mt Field National Park, where a short walk brings us to stunning Russell Falls. Stroll through a mixed rainforest of swamp gums, dogwood, musk and myrtle. From here, enter the awe-inspiring forests of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area to Lake St Clair. Admire views of the nation’s deepest lake before continuing to Queenstown. Join the restored West Coast Wilderness Railway for a ride through the forest. Tonight, enjoy views over Strahan’s beautiful harbour while savouring a delicious buffet meal.

Two Night Stay: Strahan,
Strahan Village Harbour View Deluxe Rooms. BD

Day 7 Mon. World Heritage
Wilderness, Gordon River Cruise, Dine
Around Dinner.

Explore breathtaking World Heritage wilderness aboard the Lady Jane Franklin II. Cruise along the mighty Gordon River with guaranteed window seating and enjoy a full buffet lunch. Stop at Heritage Landing for a walk through ancient rainforest and a visit to the penal colony of Sarah Island. In the afternoon, return to Strahan and take your own time to explore this
picturesque town. Tonight, choose to dine at either View 42º, Hamer’s Hotel or The Fish Café, then perhaps take in a local pantomime based on a convict’s escape from Sarah Island
(own expense). BLD

Day 8 Tue. Dove Lake, Cradle
Mountain, Freedom of Choice Touring.

Journey to Cradle Mountain and explore Dove Lake with a local guide. View the jagged contours of Cradle Mountain and visit Waldheim
Chalet, a forest home built in 1912. This afternoon, perhaps sample Tasmania’s finest wines and cheeses; take a guided Enchanted Walk; join a Night Wildlife Spotlight Tour in search of native animals (limited availability) or
pamper yourself at the Waldheim Alpine Spa.

Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge, Pencil Pine Cabins, with views over the surrounding landscape. BD

Day 9 Wed. The Nut, Woolnorth, Cape
Grim, Smithton.

Visit the far north-west reaches of Tasmania and see The Nut at Stanley. Tour Woolnorth, the state’s largest wind farm, perched high on the windswept cliffs of a rugged but majestic coastline. At nearby Cape Grim, breathe in the cleanest air in the world, then arrive at the dairy and vegetable growing area of Smithton. Stay: Smithton, Tall Timbers Hotel. BD

Day 10 Thur. Sheffield Murals, Ashgrove
Cheese Factory, Woolmers Estate.

Explore Devonport, one of the oceanic gateways to Tasmania, then continue on to Sheffield, a quaint town where over 30 murals have been painted on the buildings’ walls. This afternoon, sample more gourmet secrets with a tour of Ashgrove Cheese Factory where traditional recipes and techniques produce superior handmade cheeses. Later, take a guided tour of historic Woolmers Estate and stroll through the National Rose Garden. Enjoy a free evening in Launceston to explore the local cuisine.

Tour Code: RT12 Dates

2008 Sept. 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec. 2, 23.
2009 Jan. 6, 13, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24; Apr. 7, 14, 28; May 5; Sept. 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20; Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec. 1, 15, 22.

Seniors Card Holders and Aust./NZ Pensioners deduct $30 per person.

Shaded Dates Subtract $125 per person.

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

Autumn leaves departures from Mar.-May 2009
Prices (A$) Land Content. Fully inclusive of all sightseeing, National Parks and entrance fees, cruises, meals as specified and accommodation.

Key

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