Tasmania in Autumn

Day 1 – Thursday 15^th April 21 SPIRIT OF TASMANIA – DEVONPORT (D)

Welcome aboard our luxury coach for an enjoyable tour of Tasmania, with all of its spectacular autumn colour.  We make our way to Melbourne where we board the Spirit of Tasmania at Station Pier Terminal for our 7.30pm departure. Dinner will be served onboard during the cruise.  We recommend taking a small overnight bag on board as all other luggage will stay on the coach.  

OVERNIGHT: SPIRIT OF TASMANIA - Port Hole Cabins on a Twin Share Basis, all with private facilities.

DAY 2 -Friday 16^th  WOOLMERS ESTATE – HISTORIC ROSS - Hobart (B,D)

The Spirit of Tasmania arrives into Devonport at 6.00am.  We enjoy breakfast here before we make our way through the tiny town of Spreyton and onto Sheffield, a small village renowned for the beautiful murals displayed throughout the town. We make our way to Woolmers Estate, circa 1817, a time capsule of Australian colonial history.   Travel to Historic Ross, see one of the oldest and most beautiful bridges in Australia and time to discover some of the National Trust buildings. We then visit the township of Oatlands which has the largest collection of sandstone buildings in Australia, making our way to Tasmania’s capital – Hobart taking in some superb views of the city before settling in for the Next Three Nights at the Wrest Point Casino. 

DAY 3 – Saturday 17^th CITY SIGHTS SALAMANCA MARKET (B,D)

This morning we travel to Richmond where we see the historic Richmond Bridge, the oldest in Australia. We return to Hobart and enjoy a town tour taking in the Old World Charm of Hobart, the City sights including Constitution Dock, Battery Point and the Botanical Gardens with time to explore the World Famous Salamanca Markets, set in the beautiful and historic surrounds.  This afternoon is free for you to relax or meet with friends.  Tonights dinner is at the Motel.

DAY 4 - Sunday 18^th PORT ARTHUR (B,D)

An early start this morning as we make our way to Eaglehawk Neck where we visit the Tessellated Pavement, Doo Town, Blowhole, Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman's Arch.  Then it’s back to the days of our convict past as we visit the Port Arthur historic settlement. Enjoy a guided walking tour and a cruise with time to explore. On our return journey we visit the Port Arthur Lavender Farm for afternoon tea before returning to Hobart after a memorable day of sightseeing.     

DAY 5 – Monday 19^th  WILDERNESS REGION – QUEENSTOWN (B,D)

This morning we farewell Hobart and follow the Derwent River, New Norfolk then onto the impressive Russell Falls located in the Mt Field National Park. We continue our journey passing the giant Hydro Power Station at Tarraleah and Derwent Bridge on our way to Lake St. Clare National Park. Here we enjoy lunch and a chance to explore “The Wall”, which features lifelike sculptures carved from Huon Pine. We travel into the World Heritage Wilderness Region with its raw beauty to arouse us as we cross the Franklin River and onto Queenstown for a total contrast as vegetation suddenly diminishes.  We explore the town before we settle in for the Next Two Nights at the Chancellor Inn, Queenstown.         

DAY 6 – Tuesday 20th GORDON RIVER CRUISE - STRAHAN (B,L,D)

An exciting day awaits as we join World Heritage Cruises at Strahan for a spectacular cruise across the Macquarie Harbour with lunch included. We cruise towards Hell's Gates - the mouth of the harbour.   We go ashore Sarah Island, where Marcus Clark's well-known story "For the term of his Natural Life" originated, and then continue along the placid Gordon River.  The cruiser makes a brief stop at Heritage Landing for a chance to take a wilderness walk.  We see the natural beauty of dense rainforest and the 2000 Year Old Huon Pine.  Enjoy some free time in Strahan to explore the shops before returning to Queenstown.   

DAY 7 - Wednesday 21st  CRADLE MOUNTAIN - STANLEY (B,D)

We depart Queenstown and step back into time as we visit the Zeehan Pioneer Museum. We make our way to the beautiful World Heritage Area of Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park.  We visit the incredible Information Centre that will open your eyes to this wild and beautiful part of our country.  It boasts a series of impressive displays of the geography, flora and fauna.  We also visit Dove Lake, with Cradle Mountain as its backdrop, which is equally impressive and a perfect shot for the keen photographer. Learn about Austrian born Gustav Weindorfer’s vision for Cradle Mountain “This must be a National Park for the people for all time. It is magnificent and people must know about it and enjoy it”. We also make time to visit Devils @ Cradle and both view, and learn, about the Tasmanian Devil, once found all over Australia but can now only be found in Tasmania. Leaving this wilderness region we make our way to Stanley to relax for the Night at the Seaview Inn Motel.  

DAY 8 - Thursday 22nd  Burnie – Devonport - Spirit Of Tasmania (B,D)

This morning after breakfast we visit The Nut’ also discovering Highfield House. Enjoy a chairlift ride to the top of the ‘Nut’ (at own expense) to capture the superb coastal sights. Then its off to Burnie and visit the informative information centre. We make our way to Hellyers Distillery for a visit and taste. We then travel along the scenic coast road via Penguin to Devonport for dinner before we board the Spirit of Tasmania for our Overnight journey to Melbourne.

DAY 9 – Friday 23rd SPIRIT OF TASMANIA - MELBOURNE – HOME (B)

A chance to enjoy the views across Port Phillip Bay this morning as the Spirit of Tasmania berths at Station Pier, Port Melbourne.  We rejoin our coach and head for home with a breakfast stop en-route. Time for morning tea, farewells and to reflect on all the magnificent Highlights of Tasmania.

Price Per Person Twin Share: $3,280
Single Room Option Motel & Boat: $755