Australia : Grand Tasman

Departures: September to May Duration: 9 nights Price: from £1,630

This affordable escorted tour circles Tasmania from Launceston, with a visit to Freycinet National Park and Port Arthur before continuing back to Launceston via Strahan and Cradle Mountain. You may also wish to consider the shorter 5 and 6 day tour options, which take in just the east or the west sections of the full itinerary.

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Launceston
Travel from Launceston to Beauty Point. Visit Seahorse World and learn about these fascinating animals. Then visit the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre, with its interactive displays. On the trip back to the hotel, you’ll see and learn about the city sights of Launceston through informative on-board commentary. This evening, enjoy complimentary Welcome Drinks followed by a Welcome Dinner featuring fresh Tasmanian produce.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel Launceston, located in the city centre. FD

Day 2: Launceston-Freycinet National Park-Swansea  
This morning, continue through the winegrowing area of northern Tasmania. During flowering season, visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Dec.-Jan.). Stop at East Coast Natureworld and meet Delilah, APT’s sponsored Tasmanian Devil. Travel along beautiful Tasmanian coastline and into Freycinet National Park. Join a guided walk along Richardsons Beach at Coles Bay. 
Overnight: Swansea, Waterloo Inn. B

Day 3 Swansea-Port Arthur
Travel south to the charming Georgian village of Richmond and see the famous Richmond Bridge. Proceed to Eaglehawk Neck and enjoy views of the rugged coastline from Pirates Bay Lookout. Continue on to Port Arthur.
Overnight: Port Arthur, Fox and Hounds Inn. B

Day 4: Port Arthur-Hobart
Port Arthur is Australia’s most notorious convict prison, having been called ‘hell on earth’ by its 12,500 convict prisoners. At the Port Arthur Historic Site, call into the Visitor Centre and play the ‘Lottery of Life’ game. Tour through the chapel and penitentiary ruins and join the Marana for a cruise around the Isle of the Dead. Then travel to Hobart, on the shores of the Derwent River. 
Two Night Stay: Hobart, Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel B

Day 5: Hobart 
After breakfast, join your guide for an orientation tour of Hobart, wandering through the Royal Botanical Gardens and admiring the historic buildings of Salamanca Place. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Hobart. You may wish to join a tour to pristine Bruny Island or take a tour of the Cascade Brewery to learn about the art of brewing beer (both own expense). B 

Day 6: Hobart-Strahan 
After breakfast, 6-Day guests depart the tour and 5-Day guests join the tour.
Travel to Mt Field National Park and take a short walk to see the beautiful Russell Falls. Continue into Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Lake St Clair was formed by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago and is wonderful to photograph. Continue to Strahan for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Strahan Village Hilltop B

Day 7: Strahan-Cradle Mountain
Start your day with a cruise on the World Heritage-listed Gordon River, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will explain the area’s unique flora and fauna. Visit Sarah Island, an infamous penal settlement that housed the toughest convicts. Then cruise past Hell’s Gate, a narrow passage that has claimed many ships. Enjoy lunch on board before returning to Strahan. This afternoon, rejoin your coach and head for Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Overnight: Cradle Mountain Chateau B, FL  

Day 8: Cradle Mountain-Smithton
This morning is spent exploring World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Walking through evergreen myrtles and King Billy pines, arrive at the shores of Dove Lake with its magnificent backdrop, Cradle Mountain. Later, leave the park and head via Sheffield, the Town of Murals, to Smithton.
Overnight: Tall Timbers Hotel B

Day 9: Smithton-Launceston
Visit Ashgrove Cheese Factory for a tour and tasting of their famous cheeses. Travel through Deloraine, set in the shadow of the Great Western Tiers, to the Great Lakes Plateau. Continue to the Great Lake, a popular freshwater fishing spot. You finish today’s touring in scenic Launceston. Tonight enjoy a special Farewell Drinks and Dinner party with your crew and fellow travellers.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel Launceston B, FD

Day 10: Launceston
Enjoy a trip to beautiful Cataract Gorge just outside the city of Launceston, for a stroll through the charming European-style gardens. Later board a cruise where a tour guide will highlight characteristics of the Tamar River. Visit Woolmers Estate, renowned for its famous rose garden and historical mansion. Wander around the property before heading back to Launceston, where you’ll transfer to the airport for your onward journey. B



 
 



   Call 01737 214 250    Request a quote

As destination specialists we pride ourselves on our ability to tailor-make any holiday to suit you. If you would like us to adapt or create an itinerary to your personal requirements then contact us today.

Complete booking form | Send this page to a friend | Bookmark this page

Our Favourites

Pacific Coast Experience
10 nights from £1,142

Take the ultimate self-drive adventure along Canada's west coast.

tell me more»

Our Favourites

Great Barrier Reef Cruise
4 nights from £1,180

Explore Australia's secluded tropical islands on a relaxing cruise

tell me more»

Our Favourites

Iceland Volcano Explorer
8 nights from £1,046

Explore Iceland's volcanic wonders on this exclusive self drive.

tell me more»

Our Favourites

Real New Zealand 4x4
21 nights from £1,447

Explore NZ off the beaten track on a classic 4x4 self drive adventure

tell me more»

Our Favourites

Killer Whales & Northern Lights
4 nights from £850

Take a thrilling short break combining orca watching with the aurora.

tell me more»

Our Favourites

Discovering Skane
10 nights from £1,463

Self drive around Sweden's picturesque and historic south.

tell me more»

Our Favourites

Around Spitsbergen
7 nights from £3,119

Join an adventure cruise around this high Arctic island.

tell me more»

YOUR NEXT STEP

Send us an enquiry

Request a quote

Tailor make your holiday

Or simply call us today on 01737 214 250

Our Australia Team

Australia
"Esperance has to be one of Australia's best kept secrets"
Meet the team »
Text Size: a a a