13 Day True Tassie Small Group Tour

Hobart - Richmond - Port Arthur 

You will be collected from your hotel and set off for the summit of Mt Wellington (1270m) boasting spectacular views in all directions. A short exploration around Australia’s 2nd oldest capital city of Hobart, including stops at Constitution Dock & the Cascade Brewery. A short stop off at the boutique Federation Chocolate factory is a must to taste what delicious and unusual flavours are available. Lunch with wine tastings at a positively charming vineyard in the Coal Valley region before proceeding to the beautiful township of Richmond. This impeccable historic settlement boasts the country’s oldest bridge still in use, the lovely convict built, sandstone arch construction of the Richmond Bridge. Then on to the Tasman Peninsula for more spectacular coastline of the Tasman National Park. From its towering sea cliffs, we look over Pirates Bay, Tasman’s Arch, the Devils Kitchen and the amazing Tessellated Pavements. See the infamous dog line at Eaglehawk Neck and photograph the colourful fields of the Port Arthur Lavender Farm before overnighting right on the cusp of the Port Arthur Historic site.

Accommodation: Port Arthur Motor Inn or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Port Arthur - Bicheno

Spend several hours being personally guided through the most interesting buildings and attractions of the Port Arthur World Heritage Site. Learn about Point Puer, Isle of the Dead and the history of convicts in Tasmania before taking a harbour cruise to view the site in panorama as incoming convicts must have.

From here we head north to take in the sights of Tasmania’s east coast. Stop for a wander on Raspins beach with views across the passage to the beautiful Maria Island. See the quirky Spikey Bridge and enjoy coffee & snacks at Spikey Beach with panoramic views across Coles Bay to the Freycinet Peninsula. Lunch today is at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm. Arriving at our accommodation in Bicheno, an optional & free penguin tour is available in the evening.

Accommodation: Beach Front at Bicheno or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Bicheno - Bay of Fires - Launceston 

Bask in the morning sunshine while witnessing the amazing blowhole on the rocky coast of Bicheno. Spend time at the award-winning East Coast Nature World wildlife park where we watch the iconic Tasmanian Devils feeding. Learn about this incredible little animal’s struggle for survival while petting wombats and hand feeding wallabies, kangaroos & Cape Barron geese.

Next up is Tasmania’s most scenic coastal road with breathtaking views of the east coast Bay of Fires. Dip your feet while walking along one of Tassie’s best beaches – Binalong Bay. Visit a working oyster farm, sample cheeses at the award winning Pyengana dairy and enjoy afternoon tea & coffee at the highly emotive Legerwood memorial trees. Proceed through an ancient Myrtle rainforest and the renowned Tamar Valley region before arriving in Launceston for our first of 2 evenings in town.

Accommodation: Best Western Plus Launceston or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Launceston & Surrounds 

Let’s slow the pace down just a little as we explore the landscape north of Launceston around the beautiful Tamar River. Beginning with a morning tour of the famous Beaconsfield Gold Mine & Heritage Centre. Embark on an historical journey as you learn about the significance of this site in Tasmanian history and the dramatic collapse of the mine in 2006 which led to one of the most publicised rescue missions in Australian history.

Lunch will be on the banks of the Tamar River at the ever-delightful Beauty Point where after we will take a short stroll to explore the wonders of either the acclaimed Seahorse World or Platypus House.

Our afternoon activities include a scenic drive up to George Town & Low Head, home of some amazing tree carvings by renowned artist Eddie Freeman with tea & coffee at the Low Head Historic Lighthouse site. A second restful evening in the comfort of our Launceston CBD Best Western Hotel will end our days touring.

Accommodation: Best Western Plus Launceston or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Launceston - Cradle Mountain 

A short drive through downtown Launceston before enjoying a morning stroll at the lovely Cataract Gorge, a fantastic urban wilderness only minutes from the CBD. Heading west out of Tasmania’s biggest northern city we visit the heritage listed R. Stephens honey factory in Mole Creek – Tassie’s largest & oldest honey producer. Here we will take a guided tour through the working factory which includes FREE tastings of Tasmania’s famous Leatherwood honey.

Next enjoy a private tour of the spectacular Marakoopa Caves with their 250-million-year-old crystal formations, the only show caves in Tasmania boasting resident glow worms! Travelling up onto the central highlands we will reach the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Come for a short animal spotting jaunt in the evening before relaxing at the acclaimed 4-Star Cradle Mountain Hotel.

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Cradle Mountain - Strahan 

Visit the divine Dove Lake at the foot of Cradle Mountain – a photographer’s paradise. Take in the stunning views of this iconic space from several angles as we complete a short walk to Glacier Rock. Wonders abound strolling through the mossy forests of the Enchanted Walk and the mesmerising cascades of Pencil Pine waterfall. Visit the old ‘Waldheim Chalet’ of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer – the father of this wondrous park.

After a delicious lunch we make our way on to Strahan via the meandering forest highways of the west coast. View the Southern Ocean from the best lookout point on the West Coast and see as far as you can imagine – perhaps Argentina? Your lungs will thank you as you inhale possibly the cleanest air on Earth. Arrive at Tasmania’s most westerly town for some afternoon relaxation and accommodation in Strahan.

Accommodation: Strahan Village or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Strahan - Queenstown 

Spend the morning enjoying one of the most scenic and unique tourist attractions in Australia – the Gordon River Cruise. Aboard the famous ‘Harbour Master’ in upper deck Gold Class luxury, your 6-hour cruise will include stunning views of Hells Gates and Macquarie Harbour, Sarah Island, the salmon farms and of course the jewel in the crown – the Gordon River World Heritage area itself. The cruise will also include a freshly prepared buffet lunch meal onboard the vessel.

Our afternoon plan will see us visit the Morrison Sawmill for a close-up look at Tasmania’s most famous timber – Huon Pine. Followed by some further exploring in Strahan village before heading to Queenstown for the evenings accommodation. Tonight includes evening meal in Queenstown.

Accommodation: Goldrush Queenstown or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Queenstown 

Don’t bother checking out of your hotel as we will enjoy a lovely day of scenery before relaxing back in the same accommodations for a second night. Today we journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway – a journey back in time on Tasmania’s west coast aboard the fully restored original steam train.

Departing from Queenstown we travel premium ‘Wilderness’class and will be welcomed onboard with complimentary sparkling wine and canapés. The half-day journey heads deep into the heart of the west coast on the steep sections of the track where the famous ‘rack n pinion’ line is found. Sit back in comfort as we cross more than a dozen bridges while listening to your guide bring stories of the railway and its resilient people to life. Enjoy the beautiful sights of the King River waterway, this is truly one of Tasmania’s premier experiences. This afternoon we offer an optional tour to Lake Margaret and the Lake Margaret Power Station. This privately guided tour offers a close-up look at the turbines & infrastructure that has been in continuous operation since 1918.

For those looking for further afternoon activities perhaps a short trek to Spion Kopf lookout above Queenstown or possibly an evening drink & movie at the classic old Empire Hotel & Paragon Theatre?

Accommodation: Goldrush Queenstown or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Queenstown - Tarraleah

Take in the wondrous views from the Iron Blow lookout above Queenstown. The cantilever platform allows panoramic viewing over the colourful surrounds. Lake Burbury boat ramp is another scenic opportunity to photograph the surrounding mountains before we head into the World Heritage area for a morning stroll through thick forest to the imperial Nelson Falls – beautiful any time of year.

A little further along we stroll the bank of the infamous Franklin River. The waterway at the centre of huge controversy and a major conservation effort in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Take time to wander the 35minute loop which showcases some of the prettiest scenery and plant species in Tasmania. After lunch at the famous Lake St Clair lodge we stroll down to the jetty to take in Australia's deepest natural, freshwater lake  at nearly 200m deep and surrounded by numerous stunning mountain peaks. Next we stop at a true gem in Australian Art – The Wall in the Wilderness.  Learn about the history and significance of the 100m long Huon Pine carvings by artist Greg Duncan and enjoy lunch in unique surroundings. This is legitimately one of the most incredible privately owned art galleries in Australia. 

Our afternoon travels will see us arrive at the old Hydro township of Tarraleah for our evenings lodgings. Now converted to a beautiful tourism venue Tarraleah Estate is one of the most unique locations we overnight at on tour. Learn about the monstrous hydro-electricity project and how it came to life back in the 1950’s. Wander the grounds to see abundant wildlife in the late afternoon and the resident Highland cattle that roam the property. In the evening dine in the very comfortable and warm Highlander restaurant.

Accommodation: Lake Pedder Lodge or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Derwent Valley 

First up this morning is a stop at the beautiful Tarraleah lookout gazing over the hydro power station down below. We then continue via a magical drive into the Derwent Valley with its meandering, rolling hills. A morning stop at Lawrenny Distillery is in order, a stunning 1800’s built house & estate on the banks of the Derwent River. For those inclined there is optional Whiskey & Gin tastings or tea, coffee and snacks for those who would simply prefer to wander the immaculate gardens. We then continue our journey our to one of Tasmania’s most frequented national parks - Mt Field NP. This is the location of the states very iconic waterfall - Russell Falls. The large 3 tier falls is quite a sight to see especially in flood and is easily accessible for guests of all physical abilities. The 40-60min walk features some of the most beautiful trees on the island. For guests after a slightly more challenging walk there will be an option to extend to see a 2nd beautiful waterfall higher up in the park. Giant Eucalyptus trees 300+ years old are as big as you will find in Tasmania. Tree ferns standing 6+ meters high dating hundred of years also line the pathway giving this walk a prehistoric and enchanted feel. Keep your eyes open for the many pademelons and other creatures that are very regularly seen along the pathway.  Another scenic drive back through the Derwent Valley is next past cherry farms, rolling pasture, hops fields and many scenic vistas. We are lunching at a fantastic winery in the Derwent Valley with their great new restaurant - The Shed. No hurry here as we enjoy a long lunch, an accompanying glass of wine will be included in your package. Simply relax and enjoy the bounty of delicious foods that will be delivered your way. Additional wine tastings onsite are also an option for those inclined. This evening we return to Hobart city.

Accommodation: Movenpick Hotel Hobart or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Hobart 

Today we journey down the beautiful Huon Valley for a wilderness experience at the acclaimed Tahune Airwalk. After being ravaged by fire in 2019 this attraction has been re-developed and is now back to its beautiful best, showcasing the pristine rivers & tranquil native forests which include some specimens of Tasmania’s most famous tree – Huon Pine. The Tahune Airwalk itself is an elevated walkway 30 meters above the forest floor, with the final cantilever section sitting at a height of 50 meters above the Huon River. It boasts spectacular views to the confluence of the Huon & Picton Rivers and beyond to the peaks of the World Heritage Area in Tasmania’s south-west. A further walk takes us deeper into the forest and offers a unique experience crossing both the Huon & Picton Rivers on swinging bridges nearly 100m meters long. Feel the rush of the water beneath your feet and take in the views & crisp air coming from up stream. Stop at the Geeveston Timber Museum to learn the story of the early settlers harvesting timber from this area. There are many great old artefact and items of equipment on display.

Finally on our return journey to Hobart we visit the famous Willie Smith’s Apple Shed with the opportunity for an afternoon snack or refreshment – we recommend trying the apple cider made from apples grown in the surrounding orchards. Enjoy another relaxing evening at the Movenpick Hotel. Being Friday there are plenty of opportunities for night time entertainment and many great Hobart city restaurants & venues close by.

Accommodation: Movenpick Hotel Hobart or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Depart Hobart 

The world-famous Salamanca markets are held every Saturday and we wouldn’t want to miss them. After a full buffet breakfast explore the market at your own leisure and sample some of the abundance of street foods. This officially concludes our most extensive and premium tour of the island. We are sure you will have enjoyed the experience of a lifetime and shaped many new friendships during our travels, taking home great memories, stories and photographs.

Make your own way to the airport for your flight.  (Transfers can be arranged for an additional $30 per person) 

Meals: Breakfast