Australia

Tour Code : ITTA-08, Duration : 08 Days

Highlights		Itinerary at a Glance
- Freycinet National Park. Richardson Beach, Coles Bay guided walk - Cruise around Mason Cove, Port Arthur Site and enjoy lunch on board - Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre - Cruise the Gordon River and tour fascinating Sarah Island - Explore Port Arthur historic settlement - Enjoy tastings at Ashgrove Cheese Factory - Visit historic Woolmers Estate and National Rose Garden - See historic Stanley and ‘The Nut’ - Rainforest walk, Heritage Landing - Visit Richmond, Georgian village, and Ross - Explore Bicheno’s EastCoast Natureworld - Visit Sheffield, ‘Town of Murals’ - See Leven Canyon		Day 1 : Woolmers Estate Day 2 : East Coast Natureworld Day 3 : Hobart Day 4 : Historical Richmond Day 5 : Queenstown Day 6 : Sarah Island Day 7 : Smithton Day 8 : Launceston

Day 1 : Cataract Gorge, Woolmers Estate
Arrive in Launceston (own arrangements). Welcomed on arrival by your crew for transfer to hotel. This afternoon explore Cataract Gorge and enjoy the opportunity to ride the chairlift across the deep river gorge (own expense) or wander through the exotic gardens. Later visit the historic Woolmers Estate and delightful National Rose Garden. Tonight enjoy a glass of fine Australian sparkling wine while you meet fellow travellers and then join in the special celebration dinner.

Day 2 : EastCoast Natureworld, Freycinet National Park Walk, Crayfish Dinner
Journey along the banks of the West Tamar River, crossing the unique Batman Bridge before heading through the prosperous town of Scottsdale, which services the rich agricultural and forestry region of the north east. Heading east, leave the green fertile valleys and red soil, and enter the dark forest of Derby, a once thriving tin mining region. Following the Tasman Highway enter the temperate rainforests of the Weldborough Pass. Treasured giant myrtles, over 300 years old, stand as sentinels along our route. Continuing south to the township of Bicheno we visit EastCoast Natureworld; see a Tasmanian Devil and other native flora and fauna. Joining the coastline we enter the dramatically beautiful Freycinet National Park and join a guided walk along Richardson Beach, Coles Bay. There is the chance to learn of ancient middens that have survived the original Aboriginal inhabitants of this land. Tonight enjoy a special Tasmanian crayfish dinner in Swansea (seafood buffet outside the cray season).

Day 3 : Ross, FLEXIBLE TOURING, Flexible Dining - Hobart
Pass Lake Leake on the way along the heritage trail of the Midlands, to historic Ross. See the famous Ross Bridge with its unique hand carved buttresses — one of the oldest and most beautiful bridges in Australia. Continue to Hobart where you have a choice of touring options included in your tour price. You may tour Cadbury's Chocolate Factory (factory closures apply), or enjoy a wine tour and cheese tasting at Moorilla Estate. Nestled on the Derwent River this unique vineyard also houses a Museum of Antiquities containing an unusual collection of artefacts. This afternoon visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, Battery Point and Salamanca Place. Travel to the summit of Mt Nelson; enjoy stunning views of Hobart’s yacht studded harbour and the Derwent River. Tonight enjoy the flexibility of the various dining options— choose to dine at The Cove, Drunken Admiral or Sisco’s on the Pier.
Day 4 : Historical Richmond, Port Arthur Historic Site, Lunch Cruise
Absorb the wonderful history that is an integral part of Tasmania and start with a morning visit to the old village of Richmond. Then journey through Sorell to Eaglehawk Neck, where a narrow strip of land accesses the Tasman Peninsula. Take in the rugged coastal scenery from Pirates Bay Lookout as you make your way to Port Arthur. On arrival step back into a world that existed 150 years ago; a punishing existence of time serving convicts and controlling authorities. Enjoy cruising the waters of Mason Cove and learn of the Isle of the Dead. Relax with a delicious lunch as you cruise around the cove. On your return to the settlement enjoy a guided tour through the ruins. See the church, guard tower and penitentiary set amongst an avenue of trees. Turning towards Hobart, see the Blowhole, Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman’s Arch.

Day 5 : World Heritage Lake St Clair, Queenstown - FLEXIBLE TOURING
Follow the Derwent Valley to historic New Norfolk, then tour deep into the Tasmanian interior, entering the World Heritage Wilderness Region of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Take in the breathtaking alpine scenery as we stop at the tranquil shores of Lake St Clair. Approaching Queenstown, the vegetation diminishes — the surrounding bare hills providing testimony to the destructive smelting process of years gone by. Choose to join the magnificently restored Abt Wilderness Railway and ride aboard the elegant brass and timber carriages as they travel through pristine forest scenery. Alternatively, tour the Mt Lyell Copper Mine. Tonight after a buffet meal, relax overlooking the picturesque Strahan waterfront (pictured) and enjoy a liqueur and selection of chocolates with the compliments of the local coach operator.
Day 6 : Gordon River Cruise, Sarah Island, Cradle Mountain Lodge
Enjoy a cruise on the beautiful Gordon River aboard the Lady Jane Franklin, in exclusive window seating. Stop at Heritage Landing for the chance to take a wilderness walk through the rainforest. Listen to the guide’s stories of the past, reliving the convict era as we cruise to the infamous penal colony of Sarah Island and on to Hells Gates. Visit the fascinating Pioneer Museum in Zeehan. Tonight enjoy dinner in the timber-lined Highland Restaurant before relaxing by the warmth of the fire.

Day 7 : Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Leven Canyon, ‘The Nut’, Smithton
This morning, visit the Information Centre and learn of the treasures of this wild and exquisite part of Tasmania’s high country. Experience alpine magic as you journey out to Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain. Visit Waldheim Chalet, built in 1911 as one man’s utopia. Travel north to Leven Canyon where a short walk to the lookout affords majestic views of the canyon and surrounding forest. This afternoon, journey along the scenic north west coast to Stanley, best known for its striking feature ‘The Nut’, a rocky outcrop soaring 150 metres above the sea. A chairlift to the top will reward you with spectacular coastal views (own expense). Tonight enjoy an exclusive dinner of local Tasmanian fare at Tall Timbers.

Day 8 : Tiagarra Aboriginal Museum, Sheffield, Ashgrove, Launceston
This morning, visit the Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum. Enjoy a guided tour through the fascinating displays, exploring historic Aboriginal artefacts and carvings. Continue on to Sheffield standing at the foothills of the Great Western Tiers, with Mt Roland looming as a backdrop. Enjoy free time to browse through this quaint township where over 30 spectacular life-like murals have been painted on buildings there. Visit nearby Ashgrove Cheese Factory to enjoy tastings and the chance to purchase delicious local produce before continuing to Launceston, where the tour ends, for flights departing after 4.30 pm or other arrangements.
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