12 Day Fully Escorted Tour to Tasmania

Our tour commences today with a transfer from Hamilton to our accommodation near Auckland International Airport. We dine together this evening at our hotel. 

Accommodation: Novotel Auckland Airport – 1 night

This morning, we make our way to Auckland International Airport to check in for our flight to Hobart. After checking in, we will have some time in the Strata Lounge to enjoy light refreshments before boarding our flight to Hobart. Upon arrival in Hobart and after completing entry formalities, we meet our local driver and transfer to the city with an orientation tour to introduce us to Hobart – one of the most picturesque cities in Australia. Founded in 1804 and set between the towering peak of Mount Wellington and the Derwent River, Hobart is Australia’s second oldest capital and everywhere we go, the past steps out to meet us. Mid-afternoon we’ll arrive at our hotel which is situated 10 minutes south of central Hobart. This evening, we dine together as a group. 

Accommodation:  Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Hobart – 3 nights  

Our day commences with further sightseeing around Hobart including a visit to the Mount Wellington or Mount Nelson lookout (weather permitting) for sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscape. Next, we visit the World Heritage listed Cascades Female Factory, that tells the story of the displacement, mistreatment and forced migration of convict women and girls. From 1828 to 1856 approximately 7,000 convict women spent time at the Cascades Female Factory, each with their own story to tell. On the Convict Women’s Tour, our tour guide will provide insights of the Female Factory, the convict system of punishment and reform and offer a glimpse of what convict life was like for the thousands of women transported to Van Diemen’s Land. After some free time to purchase lunch, we head to MONA – The Museum of Old and New Art. Mona is Australia’s largest privately owned museum and gallery and features an extraordinary (and sometimes controversial) collection of ancient, modern and contemporary art. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Following breakfast, we head to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (pronounced “Bon-a-rong” – Aboriginal meaning “Native Companion”). Bonorong was established in 1981 as a sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife and is Tasmania’s most popular wildlife park. Here we get the chance to see some of Tasmania’s unusual animals – the most famous of course being the Tasmanian Devil. One of the highlights each Saturday in Hobart is the Salamanca Markets where hundreds of stallholders set up along the elm tree-lined street, drawing large crowds. With so many sellers, the list of items we can find here is endless with many local crafts, jewellery, fashion and food stalls to look through. We’ll enjoy time here at leisure to explore the markets and purchase lunch. Our final visit for the afternoon is at the Mawsons Hut Replica Museum. This outstanding small museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the everyday experiences of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) team, who departed from Hobart in 1911 then endured two winters living and working in the windiest place on Earth; Antarctica, the true home of the blizzard. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner this evening is at your own expense – the Wrest Point Casino has five different restaurants on-site.  

A full day of exploration awaits us as we journey to Strahan, firstly stopping at Curringa Farm, a property covering 750 acres of rolling hills and country views. Tim and Jane Parsons are sixth generation farmers in the Derwent Valley of Tasmania. They and their staff extend the best of country hospitality as we enjoy a visit and morning tea. We then continue to Derwent Bridge where we stop for lunch (own cost) and visit to the Wall in the Wilderness. The “wall” is a beautifully carved art piece, depicting the hardship and perseverance of the people in the Central Highlands.

This afternoon, we drive through the pristine wilderness of the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park through some of the state’s most spectacular lakes and mountain areas before the steep drive into Queenstown, a town which was established because of the discovery of gold. Queenstown is surrounded by mountains, once covered in vegetation, but which are now strangely bare and stained purple/ grey by the sulphur fumes from mining processes. Bushfires and logging, combined with heavy rain which washed the soil away, have stripped many of the hills of vegetation and created Queenstown’s famous “moonscape”. From Queenstown we continue on to Strahan arriving late in the afternoon. Dinner is included this evening. 

Accommodation: Strahan Village Hotel – 2 nights 

This morning, we embark on a spectacular cruise across the tranquil waters of Macquarie Harbour, venturing around 12 kilometres up the majestic Gordon River — a journey into the heart of Tasmania’s breathtaking wilderness. We will see Huon Pine trees that are thousands of years old. In fact, the age of an ancient tree recently discovered has put it at 10,000 years and, if verified, it will be recognised as the oldest on earth. At Heritage Landing, we have the opportunity to step ashore to see these and other trees of the dense forest close up. We will also come across the remains of the three-storey jail house on Sarah Island and take a first-hand view of the only entrance to Macquarie Harbour, known as Hells Gates. A delicious lunch is served on board, making this a truly memorable day on the water. We return to Strahan by mid-afternoon for some free time to spend around the main wharf and the Esplanade before returning to our accommodation. This evening is at your leisure.

This morning, we will head to Devils @ Cradle, a dedicated conservation sanctuary focused on Tasmania’s most iconic native animal, the Tasmanian Devil. During our visit, we’ll gain insights into their unique life cycle and the challenges they face in the wild today. From here it is not far to the Cradle Mountain National Park to enjoy lunch at the Cradle Mountain Hotel before joining the Cradle Mountain National Park Explorer tour which includes Waldheim and Dove Lake, both offering breathtaking views and an introduction to the park’s alpine environment. In the late afternoon we travel to the north coast of Tasmania, arriving in Devonport where we check into our overnight accommodation. Dinner this evening is at our accommodation.

Accommodation: Gateway Hotel by Nightcap Plus, Devonport – 1 night 

We start the day with sightseeing in and around the Devonport area and visit the Bass Strait Maritime Centre. The centre showcases the regions nautical heritage, as well as the infamous stretch of water between mainland Australia and Tasmania known as “Bass Strait”. For lunch we call into the Anvers Chocolate Factory just outside Devonport where you can enjoy a bite to eat and perhaps indulge in some of their renowned handcrafted chocolates. In the afternoon, we travel to Brickendon Estate, one of Tasmania’s oldest farming properties. The farm has been continuously operated and lived on by the direct family descendants, now in their seventh generation. The property has a stunning rural landscape, magnificent heritage hardens, amazing collection of convict-constructed buildings, and an array of family memorabilia that offers a deep insight into Tasmania’s past. From here it’s a short drive into Launceston where we check into our hotel. Nestled at the meeting point of the North and South Esk Rivers, Launceston is Tasmania’s second-largest city and one of Australia’s oldest. With its elegant Victorian architecture, vibrant food scene, and picturesque parks, the city offers a blend of heritage charm and modern flair. We dine tonight in the hotel restaurant.

Accommodation: Quality Hotel Colonial, Launceston – 2 nights 

Our Launceston touring commences with Tamar River Cruises aboard the Lady Launceston to explore the Old Launceston Seaport before cruising to Kings Wharf viewing historic vessels and Launceston’s delightful riverfront precinct. The highlight of the experience is cruising into the spectacular Cataract Gorge as we engage the Lady Launceston’s unique and silent electric drive, offering a peaceful and memorable experience. Following our cruise we reboard our coach and head out of Launceston to the Bridestowe Lavender Farm. Lunch is included on arrival then we take a tour of the farm, one of the world’s largest single commercial lavender farms, producing the finest quality lavender flowers and lavender oil. This afternoon we take a scenic drive through the Tamar Valley Wine Region and then follow the Tamar River back to Launceston. This evening is at leisure for you to dine at your choice of dining establishments. 

Leaving Hobart, we travel to Tasmania’s East Coast and arrive in the small town of Bicheno for our morning break. From here we enter the Freycinet National Park, one of Tasmania’s most breathtaking natural treasures. Jutting out into the Tasman Sea on the island’s east coast, the park is renowned for its dramatic granite peaks, secluded bays, and white-sand beaches. We head to the Cape Tourville Lighthouse to enjoy the spectacular views across Lemon Rock and the Freycinet Peninsula. We stop for lunch today in the coastal village of Coles Bay, enjoying views of the Freycinet Peninsula. This afternoon, our journey continues along the scenic east coast, travelling through Swansea and Triabunna before arriving in the charming seaside town of Orford. 

Accommodation: East Coaster Resort, Orford – 1 night 

This morning, we arrive at the Port Arthur Historic Site, a powerful and poignant window into Australia’s convict past. Once a notorious penal settlement, Port Arthur housed up to 12,000 prisoners in harsh and isolated conditions. Despite the natural beauty of the Tasman Peninsula, it’s easy to imagine the bleak lives endured here. Our visit begins at the Visitor Centre, followed some free time walking through the evocative ruins of the settlement. We then enjoy a scenic harbour cruise, offering a new perspective on the site’s dramatic setting. In the afternoon, we make our way back to Hobart, via historic township of Richmond. With its well-preserved colonial buildings now home to galleries, craft shops and cafés, Richmond offers a glimpse into Tasmania’s early European history. A highlight is the convict-built Richmond Bridge, the oldest stone bridge still in use in Australia. We return to Hobart in the late afternoon and come together to share a memorable farewell dinner at the Point Revolving Restaurant, with panoramic views over the city and beyond. 

Accommodation:  Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Hobart – 1 night 

Breakfast will be served in the hotel restaurant. We transfer by private coach to Hobart Airport to check in for our direct return flight to Auckland, arriving early evening.