Travelling a new state or country can be a daunting experience for solo travellers. Let us remove the stresses of a self driving holiday and host you on a fantastic small group tour package here in Tasmania. Here at Fun Tassie Tours, our itineraries are very well suited to solo travellers and we average 2-3 solo travellers each week.
With a maximum of 15 guests there is great opportunity to meet new people & create friendships without the overwhelm of a large crowd. We also guarantee to never fill any of our tour vehicles to capacity, instead choose to leave roughly 1/4 of available seats empty, purely to ensure guest comfort and space to move around. Our small group Tassie tours provide a safe and inclusive environment. With smaller groups we can offer a more personalised service where your host for the week can actually engage with the guests, enjoy conversation and answer questions along the way.
All attractions planned for the tour packages are optional, so guests can choose to partake in as much or as little of the walks & activities as they feel appropriate. This can be discussed with your host at the time and we are well versed in providing options for alternate or augmented walks etc to suit in these cases. We can also cater for any specific dietary needs while on tour.
Below are our 3 most popular tour packages for solo travellers here in Tasmania. They all offer slightly different experiences and are of different durations - depending on how much time you have available.
All 3 Tassie tours are great options for the solo traveller. Contact us anytime to discuss your Tasmania holiday, we are happy to arrange a phone conversation to answer questions, discuss ideas and ensure you make the most of your travel experience!
]]>Tasmania is a fantastic holiday destination. It’s small enough to avoid long driving distances, a close flight from other capital cities in Australia and can provide a rich and diverse travel experience for any small group tour in a relatively short time frame. We have found that organising an extended travel package can be a daunting task for extended family & friend groups - especially groups with smaller children. Some of the main reasons why we think Private or Chartered Tours are great options are addressed below:
Fun Tassie Tours generally requires a minimum of 6 guests to proceed with private tour bookings without additional surcharges. However, depending on the month of intended travel and the amount of notice given, each chartered itinerary package is designed and assessed individually. We would love to help you plan a Tasmania holiday package for your group of extended family or friends, contact us anytime to discuss!
]]>At Fun Tassie Tours we will often include a visit to the fantastic Mole Creek Caves located about 1hr west of Launceston in the Meander Valley. It is a beautiful region with many places to explore including the arts community of Deloraine, historic small towns, the Walls of Jerusalem National park, Alum cliffs, Trowunna wildlife park and Mole Creek Caves.
The limestone cave network in the area is extensive and has been explored and detailed in the pages of history since the early 1820’s. There are more than 200 caves and sinkholes in the area that were developed during the Gondwana period 500 million years ago. Limestone deposits formed from coral reefs are the result of the accumulation of microscopic marine organisms after they die. Most of the caves were then hollowed through erosion of the limestone by acidic water leaching down from the surface.
Evidence found in the cave systems indicates the occupation of Aboriginal people prior to and during the last ice age and provides clues about their lifestyle. Aboriginal people were living in caves in south-west Tasmania as long as 40 000 years ago and in the Mole Creek region almost as long.
The main tourist cave, Marakoopa Cave, was first discovered in 1906 by 2 teenage boys who kept it secret for several years before telling the adults. Marakoopa, from the Aboriginal word meaning “handsome”, has two underground streams, some large open passages, glittering flowstone and dramatic stalagmites. It is home to the largest glow worm display in Australia and houses a number of threatened species including the endemic and gigantic Tasmanian cave spider.
Another path in the Marakoopa cave leads up over 350 steps to the sensational Cathedral. This is a large open area with outstanding acoustics. Local church groups would travel up to the Cathedral and sing hymns, while in recent times musicians have used the cave to make recordings.
King Solomon’s Cave was found by two men chasing an unlucky wallaby who fell down a hole into the cave. In the early tourist days you needed to climb down a ladder to gain entrance to the cave. The original oil burner that illuminated the cave is still there. King Solomon’s Cave is well named as it sparkles in the light at every turn. It features a variety of magnificent calcite crystal formations including the amazing Helictite. Helictites are perhaps the most delicate of cave formations. They grow in random directions and King Solomon's Cave has plenty of fantastic examples.
We love taking our guests to Mole Creek Caves and usually explore the River Cave which is the only cave in Tasmania with a Glow Worm chamber. A cool 9°C all year round, a light jacket is advised. It’s an easy walk with only a handful of stairs, making it accessible for most guests and is fully guided by trained National Parks staff. A great tourist stop when travelling from Launceston to Cradle Mountain, at Fun Tassie Tours we try to include this on many of our great tour itineraries.
]]>Thinking about a Tasmanian holiday but not keen on the stresses of self-driving? A Fun Tassie Tours fully guided tour package could be a great option. Let us handle the organising, logistics and driving whilst you relax and enjoy the amazing scenery, food, wine and hospitality of our great state.
Our most popular itinerary is the 7 Day Tour in Circle offering departs weekly from Hobart between the months of September-May. This is a fantastic overview of Tasmania’s best natural scenery, short walking trails, culture, animals, food, wine, and more. Providing a diverse touring experience is our highest priority - each day is unique and we keep guests interested by spreading out iconic attractions over the course of the week. Guests can expect to see: Tasmanian native animals, waterfalls, coastal lookouts, highland forests, art galleries, historically significant convict sites, limestone show caves, wineries, and much more! We will illuminate & enhance your experience by providing informed commentary, personal stories, and local insight into the places we visit.
Covering the island in an anti-clockwise loop, we also see the constantly changing landscapes and the stark contrast of Tasmania’s flora - particularly when moving across the island east-west. The Bay of Fires (for example) can feel like an entirely different state when compared to the moss-covered, enchanted forest walks of Cradle Mountain.
Tassie's natural scenery is often the #1 attraction for visiting guests and this tour does not disappoint. Those keen on taking memorable travel photos will have plenty of opportunity at iconic destinations such as Mt Wellington summit, Port Arthur & the Tasman Peninsula, the Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair, Mt Field National Park, and many more. We plan our days to move swiftly enough to include many of these stunning locations, yet slow enough to enjoy the views, absorb the ambience and capture the feeling of a relaxing holiday!
We have carefully chosen a selection of Tasmania's short, scenic walks meeting criteria to ensure guests of all physical abilities can participate. Our group walks are generally on decent quality pathways (no mud!), avoid large staircases and are no more than about 40min in length at a very leisurely pace. Many can be found on Tasmania’s official 60 Great Short Walks list. There is definitely nothing in this itinerary that could be considered hiking or trekking - regular shoes are fine for any of these group activities. We have found for the majority of guests that it’s generally a more enjoyable experience to plan 3 or 4 shorter walks showcasing different features & scenery than tackle 1 longer, extended walk where there is no option for an early finish. This is also a great way to ensure regular activity spread throughout each day and avoid any long, lengthy driving stints.
Food & fresh produce have become a major drawcard for visitors to Tasmania, and sampling a wide variety of the island's best is always a focus. Fun Tassie Tours includes free tastings of wine, chocolate, cheese, oysters and honey. Guests can enjoy samples while we share the stories of these products and how they are uniquely produced in Tasmania. Our packages include all breakfasts & lunches, meaning no time is wasted during the touring hours searching for suitable places to eat! We have chosen award winning wineries like Bangor & Puddleduck, hidden gems like 41° South Salmon Farm and a selection of others at scenic locations such as Lake St Clair, where a post lunch stroll can be taken by the group.
The size of a touring party can greatly impact the dynamic of the group, how guests interact and socialise and the overall experience for our guests. Fun Tassie Tours generally cap our weekly tours at 12 guests maximum on a 17 seater luxury Iveco vehicle. This ensures plenty of space, spare seats to move around and window seats for nearly everyone. Our vehicles are fitted with leather seats and overhead storage racks to ensure you are not crowded with carry-on baggage & jackets. We find that smaller groups allow us to maintain a leisurely pace without ever rushing. We also find both our guides & guests can connect, enjoy conversation and form friendships without feeling overwhelmed by large numbers. This has been highlighted many times over the years in online reviews posted by our guests.
On this tour package guests can expect a fellow group of travellers typically between the ages of 40-70yrs. Although given the carefully selected attractions & activities, this tour is really suitable for travellers of any age – Yes even solo travellers and families. Whilst this 7 Day Tour in Circle has been our staple itinerary for some seasons, we do offer both shortened and extended Multi-Day options that include some or all of the above, along with other iconic Tasmanian destinations.
So for travellers interested in sampling some of Tassie’s best, this package could be for you! Contact Fun Tassie Tours directly anytime to discuss ideas and options to find your perfect multi-day itinerary.
]]>Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania's premier natural & scenic destinations, located inside the UNESCO World Heritage area. The mountain is a photographers paradise due to its striking shape and beautiful appearance. Standing proudly above the majestic Dove Lake it is 1545m above sea level and on a clear, still day the summit can sometimes perfectly reflect off the surface of Dove Lake providing a stunning photo opportunity. There are many scenic walks of varying degrees of difficulty in Cradle Mountain area. At Fun Tassie Tours we like to choose a selection of the most enchanting and unique walks for our weekly visits. Our Top 5 favourites are listed below:
1) The Enchanted Walk. This easy 25min loop meanders along side and and crosses Pencil Pine Creek. The creek bank is lined with ancient Myrtle trees covered in all kinds of moss, lichen and fungi, creating a prehistoric atmosphere. The sound of the stream is incredibly soothing, even meditative and Platypus can often be seen moving up and down the waterway. Definitely one of our favourites.
2) Kynvet Falls Walk. A 30min return walk on narrow yet sturdy, raised boardwalk. This walk has a few more steps than the others but still very manageable for most guests. Mostly under the forest canopy this spot has an ambience from a childrens fairly tale book with glistening green moss at every turn. As the entrance to this walk is slightly hidden it often has less people than some other walks in the area. An absolute gem and also a favourite evening dinner spot for the local wombats.
3) Pencil Pine Waterfall Walk. A very leisurely 15min loop on good boardwalk with no stairs. This walk showcases more of the forest and ancient trees within Cradle Mountain National Park. Pencil Pine trees 1500 years old line the route along with Pepperberry, Celery Top Pine and others. The stunning Pencil Pine waterfall is viewed from an elevated platform and is particularly spectacular after rain. This one is great in all weather, wheelchair accessible and not to be missed.
4) Glacier Rock Walk. Leaving from the fantastic new viewing shelter at Dove Lake this short walk takes guests around the water to another relatively new viewing spot at Glacier Rock. A relaxed 40min return walk, this option has far less stairs than the more celebrated walk to The Boat Shed, yet offers very similar and breathtaking scenery. There are some steps to the final ascent at Glacier Rock, but views abound on the entirety of the walk so these may be skipped by those choosing not to proceed up to the lookout platform. This walk offers uninterrupted viewing and photo opportunities of Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain summit with the most leisurely efforts.
5) Waldheim Forest Walk. This hidden jewel is tucked behind the Waldheim Chalet and is often missed by guests. The shuttle busses do not visit Waldheim Chalet however, at Fun Tassie Tours we make the deliberate effort never to miss this beautiful spot and usually partake in the 15min forest stroll. Once again under quite thick canopy this forest ramble is memorable in any weather, showcasing ancient King Billy Pine tree’s thousands of years old and found nowhere else on earth. In Autumn it also provides an up close look at the Fagus, offering a spectacular display or yellow, orange & red leaves. This is Australia’s only native, deciduous tree and for a short period each year splashes colours not often associated with Australian landscapes.
All 5 of the above mentioned walks are on good quality boardwalks or pathways with minimal stairs, little or no mud and are generally quite accessible for people of all physical abilities, even those with walking aids. With the exception of Glacier Rock which is quite exposed to the elements, the others are all relatively sheltered so enjoyable even in wet weather.
There are many other stunning walks to select from in Cradle Mountain area and it was difficult keeping this list to just 5. Others walks range from 30min up to 3 hours or even multi-day adventures and are fantastic options for those with more time or who are chasing a physically challenging experience. For our planned tours though we generally like to offer a selection of shorter walks, highlighting different scenic areas and plants for a rounded & enjoyable Cradle Mountain experience in a short time frame.
Happy walking!
I know, I know.... What??
Very few have heard of them and even fewer have seen them in their natural habitat. Occupying just 2 small areas in the calm waters of Fredrick Henry Bay near Hobart, live the Red Handfish. They are one of the rarest and most endangered fish in the world. It is estimated that the wild population across these 2 areas is no more than 100. In the past, sightings of the fish have been made around Port Arthur (where they were first sighted in the 1800’s) and up the east coast, but none have been found in these locations in recent years.
There are 14 varieties of Handfish, 11 of which are found in Tasmanian waters with 3 being critically endangered, including the Red Handfish. The preferred habitat is sandy – rocky reefs that have sea grass and seaweed. They “walk” around using specially modified front fins searching for small crustaceans and worms to feeds on. When these fish were first observed it looked like they were walking around on their hands, thus the name - Handfish.
They are very small, only 5-10cm long and are partly camouflaged, easily blending into the environment except for the bright flashes of red along the body. Handfish are a type of anglerfish. The most well known anglerfish is the deep sea predator depicted in the kids movie Finding Nemo, that uses a small fluorescent light to attract prey. Unlike many anglerfish however, the Red Handfish does not use its front filament or illicium to attract prey.
The main conservation issue confronting the Handfish of Tasmania is the reduced abundance and distribution of sea grass and algae that it attaches eggs to when spawning. This is due to habitat destruction and the introduction of the northern Pacific sea star. There has also been an increase in the number of native sea urchins due to reduced numbers of lobster. Both introduced sea stars and native urchins feed on the spawning material. Habitat for Handfish is also usually found close to urban environments which are impacted by increased siltation, boat anchoring, warming waters and pollution.
There are many marine species in Tasmania that are endangered due the way we have transformed their habitat. Due to the small size and difficulty finding and researching these creatures, little is really known about the true numbers and condition of populations. For those interested, you can check out online and donate to the Handfish Conservation Project to help these little creatures battle against possible extinction through various conservation projects and captive breeding programs.
At Fun Tassie Tours we always try to incorporate some learning experiences into our tour and increase the public awareness on conservation issues like this one and many others.
Come and immerse yourself in the unique and awe inspiring Northwest of Tasmania - a region often neglected by visitors to our island. Featuring sojourns to the world famous Table Cape Tulip Farm and several other impressive gardens, Cradle Mountain, spectacular Bass Strait beaches, eclectic natural landscapes, the Arthur River and the peerless rainforests of the Tarkine. Our ‘Spring & Tulips Special’ will ensure an escape to calm the mind and refresh the soul. Suitable for singles, couples and guests of all physical abilities.
The feature of the itinerary is the Table Cape Tulip Farm in full bloom where the entire property is illuminated by rows and rows of technicolour tulips. Tulips flower only one month each year, creating in a vivid display of Spring vibrance and joy. Over 110 years ago the family run farm cleared and settled this magnificent property (an extinct volcanic vent) with 180m cliffs all around overlooking the waters of Bass Strait. It wasn’t until 1984 that the first tulips were imported from Holland and the dazzling, yearly spectacle of the tulip bloom began.
Tulips originated in the mountains of the Central Asia and became popular in Turkey from 1000AD. The 16th century Ottoman Empire Sultans loved the flowers and the tulip became a symbol of power and wealth. Laws were passed making it illegal to sell the prestigious bulbs outside of the capital. Sultans began wearing a tulip on their turban and the word “tulip” is derived from the Persian word for turban.
After gifting some bulbs to visiting ambassadors, tulips eventually found their way to the Dutch Republic in 1593. Over the next 4 centuries the Dutch grew and hybridised the tulip which today has over 3000 varieties. It has become one of the most famous plants in the world. Flowers range in size, arrangement and colour, with the only exception being there is no true blue or black. We are blessed in Tasmania to view some of the best tulips in the world, Table Cape tulips are of such a high quality that they are exported back to the Netherlands! Don’t miss an opportunity to come and wander through grounds of this superb property, home to the largest tulip fields in the Southern Hemisphere.
Another highlight of this tour (often overlooked in travel itineraries) is my personal favourite location in Tasmania - the far northwest coastline. Marketed as the “End of the World”, the region screams of the wild, raw power of nature. Vast ocean swells are driven by the winds of the roaring forties over the longest uninterrupted expanse of ocean on Earth. We view this from a fantastic raised platform atop the craggily, jagged west-coast shoreline. Breath in the freshest air on the planet while witnessing the primal brutality of incessant winds and mammoth swells smashing into the wild, untamed coastline. This is a spectacle not easily forgotten.
Choose your highlight when you tour of one of the most amazing regions in Tasmania and be prepared to be awed by landscapes, scenery and locations during a truly unique 10 day vacation. Even if you have been to Tasmania before, the Northwest coast during the Tulip blooming period is a once a year and a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. Contact Fun Tassie Tours for more information and itinerary details.
Walking out onto the viewing deck at Binalong Bay, it is easy to see why the region known as the Bay of Fires is one of the premier places to visit in all of Tasmania. On the platform you are treated to spectacular views of the bay and the northeast coastline stretching away into the distance.
Moving 50 metres up the hill you find yourself standing upon a great granite boulder staring out to the vastness of the Tasman Sea. From this spot you may be lucky enough to see the majestic Humpback and Southern right whales glide by during the annual whale migration to northern waters. The coastline is studded with small lagoons with crystal clear waters enticing visitors to take a quick dip to fully experience such a wondrous place.
Just 20 metres west of the viewing platform is the prettiest little tidal lagoon you will ever see. Perfect for families to spend a summer day splashing around in waters no more than a metre deep. The lagoon is surrounded by granite boulders covered in lichen with orange and yellow hues making the views both unique and delightfully picturesque. Small fish swim in the shallow waters, crabs scurry around the edge of the waters and the various coastal plants and sea kelp gently sway to the rhythm of the swell and tide.
Whenever we visit this beautiful place, the viewing platform and picturesque lagoons are always followed by a leisurely stroll along Binalong Bay Beach. After a short walk down two dozen rocky steps used to access the beach we step out onto the beach itself. Fine white sands abound in this region of Tasmania because of the high quartz content in the large granite boulders. Walking along the beach on a clear sunny day the waters transition over hundreds of metres from a light aqua blue to the deep blue of the ocean bringing to mind the coastal landscapes of Pacific islands or the Caribbean.
The area was named the Bay of Fires by the British navigator and explorer Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773, when he noticed numerous camp fires along the coast. Some speculate that it may have also been the orange lichen all over the rocks that inspired Furneaux’s naming of the area. Whalers and sealers began using Georges Bay as early as the 1820’s and many miners descended on the area (and eventually stayed) in the 1870’s when tin was discovered.
The area around the main town of St Helens was known to Aboriginal people as "kunnara kunna", meaning "easy walking place". Fire was used by the indigenous people to sculpt the land for ease of travel, hunting, gathering and creating parkland like landscapes. I can imagine the beauty of the region would have been even more spectacular during the thousands of years the aboriginal people lived here. One can only wonder at the lives lived here over millennia by local Aboriginal people.
There is an abundance of endemic wildlife including birds, corals and a rich diverse marine environment made abundant by local offshore reefs. Aboriginal people would hunt and gather food from these in small boats and canoes. Forester kangaroos are prolific, as are Pademelons and Bennetts wallabies, all of which are best spotted at dawn or sunset. Echidnas can often be seen ambling about during the day. Tasmanian devils are in the area and scavenge at night. In spring and summer the heathlands abound in wildflowers, and the park is visited by approximately 100 species of birds.
Other places of interest in the region include the Serpentarium in St Helens for snake and reptile lovers where you can handle a python and see many different reptile species. There are also excellent fishing charters available in the estuary, offshore reefs or deep water sports fishing for marlin. Cultural tours operate in the region including Wukalina walk, a 4-day cultural experience owned, operated and guided by local indigenous people. The experience traverses the 13,899 hectare Bay of Fires conservation area and up its highest point - Mt William at 215 metres. The local guides point out bush food, useful plants, aboriginal history and areas of cultural significance. Lease 65 is a large oyster farm in Georges Bay where pacific oysters are grown and are sold direct to the public - an opportunity we never pass up for our oyster loving guests.
Travelling the east coast of Tasmania would never be truly complete without a spending some time taking in the sites of Binalong Bay in the glorious Bay of Fires. At Fun Tassie Tours we aim to show a sample of its most colourful and intimate locations, providing our guests with fantastic memories & photo opportunities.
]]>The Tasmanian Pepperberry or Tasmannia lanceolota is a native shrub that thrives on the slopes and gullies of cool, temperate forested areas. It can be found in the highlands of Victoria, NSW and all across Tasmania at altitudes of 300-1400m. When colonial botanist Robert Brown named the plant in 1804 it was the first time the name “Tasmania” had been used. The next occasion was on a map in 1808.
Side Note:
By the 1820’s the name Tasmania was in common use however, it was not until 1856 that the state was officially renamed Tasmania. This change was welcomed by most to help counter the poor reputation of Van Diemen’s Land.
Brown reported the pepperberry was “highly aromatic but with and exceedingly bitter and pungent taste”. Having tasted the berry myself I would have to disagree. The first thing I noticed was the fiery pepper taste which lasts a good 2-3 minutes, then tappers of quickly to leave a fresh mild pepper taste. I tried the berry fresh off the plant, whereas Brown may have been describing the dried pepper or even the leaves which are also edible. They can be used fresh as an ingredient or garnish or dried, milled and used as a spice in soups, stews, flour mixes and condiments.
A single tree at five years old should sustainably produce at least 3kg of fresh pepper leaf or 1.5kg of fresh berries per year. Leaves of the mountain pepper plant are best harvested between February and when they begin flowering in about late September. Berries are generally ready for harvest from March to May.
The plant has very high antibacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties with the leaves being highest in antioxidant levels, 3 times as concentrated as blueberries. The strong antimicrobial activity of the leaves suppresses food spoilage organisms and thus can be used for preserving foods. Mountain pepper leaf contains high concentrations of Vitamin E, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron and lutein. It is also sometimes used to assist in the slow absorption of glucose from the stomach, promoting the stabilisation of blood sugar levels.
The plant has a long history of medicinal use in traditional medicine and Aboriginal culture. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory and as an aid for arthritis. Aboriginal people suffering from sore gums and toothaches would crush the berries in water to make a paste and apply the paste to the infected area. It has also been used to treat skin disorders, venereal diseases, colic and stomach aches. Despite its medicinal properties the berry was likely most commonly used in Aboriginal cuisine as a food flavouring.
The production of pepperberry is still a relatively small and developing market. The market demand is currently met by a combination of ‘wild harvest’ (up to 90% with licence from State Forests) and from cultivated plantations. 60% of the berry harvest is exported to place like Germany France and Switzerland. It also exported to Japan to flavour Wasabi.
Most visitors to Tasmania will be able to see pepperberry if they go to Cradle Mountain. Take the Pencil Pine walk and look for the distinctive red stems and aromatic dark green leaves on a shrub only 1-4 metres tall. Another option is to visit the pepperberry and garlic farm at Lorrina, just south of Cradle Mountain and take home some one of their amazing & delicious pepperberry products.
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Did you know that Fairy Penguin poo sparkles? This is due to small undigested fish scales and is just one of the many fascinating characteristics of this delightful little creature. On our tours up the east coast of Tasmania we stay overnight in the small coastal town of Bicheno. Just on dark, with a red filtered light, we take our guests down to the beach to spot the procession of Penguins coming ashore for a night of rest. We generally expect to see at least one and often several coming home to the safety of their burrows. In the height of breeding season we may be treated to a spotting of several dozen.
The Fairy Penguins are the only Penguins to breed on Tasmania and its many islands. There is an estimated population of 110000-190000 breeding pairs with the vast majority making their homes on the islands around Tasmania. Living an average of 10-15 years and growing to about 30cm tall the little penguins spend all day hunting small school fish, squid and krill. They take shallow, short dives between 10 and 30 metres while avoiding seals, sharks and sea eagles that prey on them. The Fairy Penguin is the smallest of the 17 Penguin species and have as many as 10,000 slate-blue/black feathers with a white chin and chest.
The breeding season usually begins in Winter. Breeding pairs often care for 2 chicks at a time and can breed 2-3 times per season. Fairy Penguins mate for life and both parents take turns incubating the eggs which hatch after about 35 days. Chicks grow quickly and can be heard screaming at dusk, awaiting their parents return with food after a long day fishing. Young Penguins are ready for the sea at about 8 weeks old. The Fairy Penguin has an annual moult which takes about 15 days. They do not go out to sea during this time as they have temporarily lost their waterproofing. Instead they remain in their burrows and do not eat until the moulting period is past.
Threats to the population of Fairy Penguins include loss of suitable habitat and introduced predators like domestic dogs and cats. The residents of Bicheno take this threat seriously and are assiduous in ensuring their pets are kept indoors from dusk to dawn. Other human activity also poses a threat to Penguin populations; Gill nets can drown Fairy Penguins and human rubbish such as plastic may be swallowed or become stuck around the neck, chocking the penguin. Oil spills whilst rare are not only toxic when ingested but damage their natural insulation, allowing water to get past the Penguin's normally water proof feathers. When this happens the Penguins can freeze to death in cold water.
Fairy Penguins are protected wildlife. It is illegal to catch, attempt to catch or otherwise harass them. Offences are taken seriously. The Parks & Wildlife department in Tasmania are always looking to improve the living and environmental conditions for Tasmania’s population of Fairy Penguins.
When attempting to spot the Penguins you will need to remain quiet and keep movement to a minimum. They have excellent vision and easily spot movement, especially if they see you outlined or silhouetted against the evening sky. They may consider you a threat and not move until they feel safe. Only dim torches emitting a red light (red cellophane over the lens is OK) should be used to spot them and never toward the water or directly at the Penguins. Flash cameras should not be used on the beach. Often the best places to view Penguins are behind the beach where they feel more secure. Again, only use red light. Take care driving in any area the Penguins inhabit as they will likely be crossing the roads around dusk to get to their burrows. Enjoy any sightings you have of this cute little creature.
]]>Tasmania has had its fair share of interesting characters, from the utterly detestable and infamous to the resourceful and visionary. Matthew Brady could probably be best described as unique. Born in Manchester in 1799 he was only 21 when sentenced to 7 years transportation to Van Diemens Land. Little is known about his early life but it is thought he was a gentlemen’s servant or groom on account of his obvious education. Brady was convicted of stealing a basket along with butter, bacon, sugar and rice. Some reports suggest he was convicted of being a forger as well.
In the Sydney colony, Brady was assigned as a servant for some free settlers. His first criminal act in NSW was for 'neglect of duty' for which he received 25 lashes. From the very beginning he loathed being a convict and absconded from work details regularly. He also tried to escape back to England by hiding aboard returning ships on multiple occasions. All told he tried to escape or refused work on 10 recorded occasions, receiving 350 lashes in total before being sent to Sarah Island on the remote west coast of Van Diemens Land. This harsh, new penal station was established in 1821 and was reserved for secondary offenders and desperate prisoners, it was said there was no hope of escape from Sarah Island.
In 1824 Brady and 13 others escaped in a small boat and sailed for some weeks to reach Hobart. For the next 2 years they roamed the Island as bushrangers. During this time Brady and his gang robbed homesteads, soldiers and fought numerous running battles with government troops and private settlers. He was sometimes known as "Gentleman Brady" due to him being quite courteous with those he robbed, unfailingly polite to women and swiftly retributive towards any of his gang who behaved otherwise.
The most infamous exploit by Brady and his gang was when they held up the entire town of Sorell. Catching the garrison off guard, they easily overpowered them and locked them up in their own goal. The gang then proceeded door to door in the town taking everything of value they could find. Shortly after, Governor Arthur offered a reward of 25 pounds for the capture of Brady. Over the next year (and many more robberies later) that reward increased to 300 pounds. Brady responded by posting his own notice of reward for Governor Arthur which read;
"It has caused Matthew Brady much concern that such a person known as Sir George Arthur is at large. Twenty gallons of rum will be given to any person that will deliver his person unto me."
— 'M. BRADY.'
His gang members were extremely loyal. One member (who Brady kicked out for trying to rape a woman) was captured by authorities but refused to betray the gang despite being sentenced to hanging. Brady’s reputation as a man who used violence only in self-defence is supported by a host of stories. Eventually, gang members left, or were killed off until only a few remained. It was in fact a new member to the gang, a convict named Cowan, who finally betrayed Brady for the reward and the overturning of his conviction.
At Brady’s trial, the court was crowded with sympathising ladies. While he was in prison, his admirers sent him flowers, food and fan letters. Petition after petition was received by the Governor to seek a reprieve from hanging. On May 4, 1826 along with 3 others, Brady was hanged in Hobart. On his way to the gallows, women threw flowers at him. Matthew bowed to the sobbing crowd, then accepted his fate.
One of his hideouts is now known as Brady's Lookout, and is a popular picnic area with sweeping views over the Tamar River. There is another known hide-out at Notley Hills Gorge, with a lovely bush walk and an information board about Brady. Both sites are just 10-20km north of Launceston and well worth a stop. There were many bushrangers in the early 1800’s in Tasmania, including some who were known cannibals. Matthew Brady stood out as someone who simply could not suffer being a convict and probably saw his life of crime as his only other option.
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Unless you live in Antarctica, Tasmania is the arguably the best place in the Southern Hemisphere to witness this elusive and ethereal light show. All you need for a sighting is a broad horizon, away from artificial light and good timing.
The suns behaviour dictates the timing of the Aurora. Space weather maps, long range forecasts and other prediction tools can help, but we can only be relatively certain of a display 3 days out. Even then you need the right climatic and atmospheric conditions, low cloud cover and the moon to be in its darker phases.
The Auroras Australis occurs when charged particles burst from the sun, creating solar winds which then interact with Earths’ atmosphere. These solar winds are drawn towards the North and South poles, when they make contact with our atmosphere the reaction causes stunning displays of light in the sky. The colours depend on what gas molecules are being “excited” by impacts from the fast moving electrons of the solar winds. Impacts of electrons on oxygen emit greenish-yellow or even red lights depending how much energy is produced. Nitrogen impacts create a blue light.
When you Google pictures of both the Southern and Northern lights you will see images of the sky filled with rich greens, vivid blues and wild swirls of reds and purples. Often this is not what the naked eye can see. To the naked eye, most Aurora could be mistaken for a wispy cloud. It’s not until you do a long exposure with the camera that the colours are often revealed.
Winter is usually the best time to witness the Southern Aurora. In November 2020 a spectacular light display was seen across the island including in the suburbs of Hobart. Some of the best places to see an Aurora are Bruny Island, Satellite Island (you will need to rent the entire small island next to Bruny – maximum 12 guests), Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair and the Central Highlands.
The Aurora Australis Tasmania Facebook group has an active community of more than 100,000 people, while the Aurora Australis Tasmania Alert NOW page delivers on-the-spot reports of Aurora sightings. If you are coming to Tasmania check out the likelihood of an Aurora during your visit and plan to be in a low light environment for the best possible display.
An additional note from Robert:
We very regularly have guests enquire about an Aurora sightseeing trip. Unfortunately the Southern Aurora are unpredictable enough that it is not really feasible for visiting tourists to plan tours around. The lights usually occur very late when most star gazers have given up and gone to bed. Annoyingly for us they also seem to like the very chilly nights!
Tasmania is not actually as far south as most visiting tourists imagine. Hobart at 42.88° south is still closer to the equator than we are to the South Pole. For this reason the Southern Aurora are not as spectacular or as common compared to the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The Borealis are often viewed from locations much closer to the Earth’s Pole which make them more frequent and predictable. For example Tromso, in Norway is regularly quoted as a premier tourist location to view the Northern Lights spectacle. At 69.9° North, Tromso is approximately 3000km closer to the Pole of the Earth compared to Hobart.
We would usually summarise by saying that in order to witness the Southern Aurora in Tasmania you will need to be extremely dedicated, extremely lucky or both!
]]>Tasmania's pulp and paper industry to thrive needs a guaranteed supply of water, electricity and suitable, cheap raw material. With abundant water, hydro power and millions of hectares of forests, Tasmania is well placed for such an industry. Early hardwood timbers were not as profitable as pulping material. Advances in technology changed this and Tasmania’s pulp & paper industry began to flourish from the late 1920’s.
Large forest ‘concessions’ to ensure continuous and consistent supply were needed to induce industry interests. This is the primary reason many places in the world do not have pulp and paper industries - an unwillingness to allocate large expanses of forest resources for the cheapest price possible. Tasmania had already established a concession system for forest produce without much public opposition and saw only benefit for the state in embracing the new industry.
The first concessions were issued in 1924, by 1940 the size of the operations began to worry the Conservator of forests. The pulp and fuelwood requirements of the new industry represented almost half the total timber cut on all Crown lands in Tasmania. In the 1950’s pulping materials were being sourced from areas of saw milling concessions to keep up with demand. Concessions from almost 1 million hectares of forests, totalling hundreds of thousands of tonnes of material had been given out to the pulp and paper industry by the 1960’s. This does not include private land that was also being harvested for both saw logs and pulp material.
An industry exporting woodchips to Japan developed in the 1970’s. The government at the time felt it would be good to transform ‘stagnant’ forests (ie old growth) into continuously productive stands of forests. Economic crisis of the 1970’s also contributed to these decisions as Tasmania was struggling economically, with high unemployment. On crown land during the 1970’s, the local pulp harvest expanded from 450,000 to 600,000 tonnes. The export industry from state forests went from nil to 1 million tonnes, on private land this number increased from 300,000 to 1.4 million tonnes. Concessions offered to the industry were from 18 to 80 years in duration. 60% of all logs felled were sent overseas as woodchips. Only 193 people per million tonnes of resources were employed for processing in woodchip mills, whereas 7000 people could have been employed in paper production. Obviously quick profits with the least amount of investment was most attractive at the time.
The effects of the woodchip industry, relatively low economic returns and the environmental controversy surrounding it are detailed in the reports of the inquiry into Woodchips and the Environment by the Senate Standing Committee. A massive volume of evidence was presented including The Vanishing Forests by the Environmental Law Reform Group of the University of Tasmania and The Fight for the Forests by R. and V. Routley, among many others. Needless to say there is far too much information for one blog to cover. Numerous cases of mismanagement, corruption and unsustainable practices unlike any other state in Australia were detailed and were largely ignored by the Government.
Today in the Styx Valley in Tasmania’s south-west, the world’s last great unprotected stands of old-growth Eucalyptus regnans are still being clear felled and burnt. Over 85% of Tasmania’s old-growth regnans forests are gone, it is estimated that fewer than 13000 hectares of these trees remain in their old-growth form. Up to 6000 ha are scheduled to be logged and most will end up as pulp for paper production. This is just one region in the state where questions are still being raised on the wisdom of clear felling and allocating forests thousands of years old for wood chipping.
Old growth and high conservation value areas were and are still being lost to the export woodchip industry, leading to the extinction and near extinction of many flora and fauna species endemic to Tasmania. Outside the protected areas, specialty timbers like Myrtle, Celery Top Pine, King Billy Pine, Leatherwood, Sassafras and even Huon Pine are often just left on the ground and burnt. These tree species (often many centuries old) are slowly being lost to the export woodchip industry. Some of these timbers are extremely rare and hold a high economic value. Many even in the timber industry are deeply concerned about the management and loss of these specialty timbers.
There are claims and counter claims as to the wisdom of converting Tasmania's forest into woodchips, but many feel so much has been lost, for so little, to benefit so few. If not for the woodchip export industry of the last 60 years, what kind of forests would we have now and what potential would it have? On the flip side, what would the economic outcomes for Tasmania have been without it? We will never know. At the very least, what’s left should probably be managed much better than it has been.
Hops belong to the Cannabinaceae family, which also happens to include Cannabis (hemp and marijuana). The plant grows like a vine and the buds that form are used in beer making. The Hops fields are distinctive as they are grown on a trellis system. They grow from spring through to harvest in Late summer. Harvest time was a big employer that provided thousands with seasonal income. Today the harvest is carried out with machines and drying of the Hop buds is a scientific process.
Hops were first planted in Australia as early as 1803. With perfect growing conditions and plentiful fresh water, Tasmanian brewers had some fantastic natural advantages - beer is 90% water after all. During the early settlements, beer was also given favour by the authorities in an attempt to reduce the consumption of spirits like rum and whiskey. This culminated in the ban on distilleries in 1839.
Hops as a crop was encouraged and was grown at Port Arthur, Maria island and other convict settlements. In 1846 this practice was ceased as commercial hops growers could not compete with crops grown with convict labour. Many growing areas in Tasmania has been trialled over the centuries with successful ventures in the Northeast and Southern regions but it was the Derwent Valley that proved most conducive to Hops.
In the Derwent Valley there are still some Oast houses that visitors can see. These large houses were specifically designed to dry/roasts the hops in preparation for making beer. The Hops would be stacked 30-40cm deep on a drying floor, 5-6 feet from a furnace placed directly below. They would be dried for 9hrs then turned and dried for another 3. Drying was a skilful trade, too much drying changed the colour whereas under dried hops sweated in the bags and were ruined. Hops were then put in a cooling room for several weeks after drying. Once dried, hops can last several years.
Hops prevents the beer from becoming sour, helps beer retain its head of froth and provides beer’s aroma, bitterness and taste. It was also a versatile plant because young shoots could be eaten like Asparagus and it will dye wool yellow. A strong cloth can also be also made from the stalks.
Travelling around the Derwent Valley from Spring to Autumn, you will see the Hops crops in full bloom. You might also see some beautiful Oast houses, the most outstanding being the Kingsholme property just outside of Ellendale, with their distinctive vernacular architecture. Various historic, communal kilns that were used for drying the product can also be found around the region. It is well worth the time to look around the Derwent Valley and New Norfolk area, see the Hops fields and some of the historic relics generated by this important Derwent valley agricultural crop.
This photo is of an incredibly rare White Echidna that we spotted in the wild recently on our tour just near Cradle Mountain. At Fun Tassie Tours we are always looking for unique experiences on the run and this was too good an opportunity to miss! He was foraging for food off the side of the HWY. I have never before seen a white Echidna in all my travels of Tasmania, nor have I met another person who has - so this was a real treat. The black eyes suggest this animal is probably not an albino although we cannot be completely sure. More likely just some kind of genetic change leading to its striking white colour!
Apart from being one of the cutest looking creatures on earth, the Echidna has some amazing and interesting adaptations that have allowed it to survive for thousands of years. The most obvious and well known adaptation is its defensive spines. When threatened the animal will curl into a ball and wait for the predator to give up and leave. It has a tongue up top 17cm long that it uses to catch termites by moving in and out up to 100 times per minutes. The tongue is sticky and can be stiffened, enabling it to penetrate wood and soil and has an ability to avoid getting splinters while foraging in logs - factors behind this remarkable ability are still unknown by science.
One of the more important abilities the Echidna possesses is to enter states of torpor when needed. During winter hibernation body temperatures can fall to as low as 4 degrees. During these periods an Echidna will breathe only once every 3 minutes and slow the heart rate from a usual 50-60 beats to just 4-9 per minute. They are also able to live in low oxygen, high carbon dioxide environments when digging or living underground.
Echidnas have no sweat glands and seek shelter underground in hot conditions. The snout has a bony labyrinth that has a refrigerator effect and helps to trap water from being expelled. Eating copious amounts of termites, mostly made of water, and licking the morning dew from plants allow the Echidna to maintain hydration. Surprisingly, the Echidna is also a good swimmer and will use its snout like a snorkel.
Mating is a fascinating dance between the female and male suiters. Up to 10 males will follow the female, foraging and resting together for as long as 4 weeks until only one remains or the female eventually chooses to mate. The female will only mate once during the breeding season and will produce only one egg laid directly into its pouch. When it hatches the baby Echidna - called a Puggle - feeds on its mothers milk and will be kicked out at around 3 months because of its rapidly developing spines.
After 6 months the new Echidna is left to look after itself. They can roam and forage over as much as 190ha. They generally live for around 10 years but in captivity can reach as much as 50. The amazing and endearing Tasmanian Short Beaked Echidna is one of our endemic species and is well worth the effort of trying to see while also supporting the volunteer based wildlife parks in Tasmania.
Any person arriving in Tasmania via Hobart really should plan for a short day trip to historic Richmond. It is located about 24km northeast of Hobart in the Coal River Valley region. The district was explored weeks after the establishment of the first British settlement in 1803. Finding deposits of coal and fertile soils suitable for farming, the area was developed as a pioneering district. Land grants were released as early as 1808 and the successful farming of wheat followed. By 1815 a flour mill had been built to process the wheat and the district soon became known as the “Granary of Australia”.
The district boomed and attracted free settlers with publicans, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, saddlers and tanners setting up businesses. This sparked Richmond’s growth from village to town. When Port Arthur became the dominant police district during the mid 1800’s, Richmond continued to thrive as an important agricultural area and transit point between Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula where Port Arthur was located.
This all ended after the 1872 opening of the Sorrel Causeway, which went from east to west, bypassing Richmond. Shorn of its strategic importance, Richmond remoulded itself back into a small rural community, albeit one that is today keen to show its colonial heritage.
Richmond boasts over 50 historic buildings with 45 dating back to Georgian times and listed on the National Estate. These include Australia’s oldest intact goal, Anglican and Catholic Churches and the oldest (continually in use) and largest stone span bridge in Australia, all made with convict labour.
The goal and the bridge were constructed in the 1820’s when the region was transformed into a police district by Governor George Arthur. He appointed magistrates to Richmond to oversee penal discipline. At the time Richmond was the 3rd largest town in Van Diemen’s Land. The Goal was in use until 1928 and housed some infamous Tasmanian convicts such as the bushranger Martin Cash and Ikey Solomon, the London pawnbroker who was the model for Fagin in Oliver Twist. It is open to the public and is packed with historical information and stories about the days of its operation and can be toured at ones own leisure.
The main street has many businesses, antique stores and tourist attractions including the Goal and the Old Hobart Town model village. With galleries, museums, cafes, historical landmarks and many wineries close by it is a must see for anyone touring the Hobart region.
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Fun Tassie Tours provides the top 8 Tasmania Tours in 2021 with our most popular ones selling quickly for the post-covid 2021-22 seasons. This year we have a very special new 6 day Tasmania tour for the foodies at heart. On the 6 Day Tasmania Gourmet Tour we enjoy the gastronomic highlights that Tasmania is famous for, from sampling wine, boutique beer and chocolate, visiting a micro brewery and dining at the Agrarian Kitchen Eatery in the Derwent Valley. This tour is ideally suited for Australians wanting a weeks get-away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sensibly put, who wouldn't want to be chauffeured around Tasmania eating and drinking for a week in Tasmania's pristine wilderness? :) Needless to say we have had many enquiries relating to this brand new tour in 2021.
We now have two of the best premium tours of Tasmania with the inclusive 13 Day tour of Tasmania. This tour provides the best possible experience with travellers touring in our Yutong Coach across Tassie. The 13 day tour is our most comprehensive tour available for people wanting to experience all of the fantastic places that wild Tasmania offers. It covers everything that our two 6 day tours provide however it also includes a tour of the mighty Strathgordon Dam, a visit to a winery in the Coal Valley and exclusive options of a full day experience on the magnificent Bruny Island or for a truly cultural experience visit MONA Museum of Old and New Art, Our Premium tour includes 3-nights accommodation at the magnificent Ibis Styles hotel in Hobart CBD within a total of 13 days touring. All breakfasts & lunches are provided along with a Gordon River cruise and West Coast Wilderness Train experience. Select one of our well reviewed Tasmania tours for 2021:
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Fun Tassie Tours visit and include a personalised guided tour of the amazing Wall in the Wilderness & is a highlight of the 3 day west coast Tasmanian tour and also the full 6 day Tasmania tour in circle.
From the moment you stop in the car park in front of this gallery you realise you are in for something special, from the impressive building nestled in the native snow gum forest with the cast iron eagle sentinel adjacent to the door (this was cast from the original wood carving by the artist) to leaving, this is a wondrous experience.
This remarkable ongoing work, by Greg Duncan in huge 3 meter high huon pine panels depicting the history of the Tasmanian Highlands housed in a magnificent purpose built gallery (nearly 100m long). This is a ten year project and when finished will exhibit. At first you may think this wonder is out of place being in the tiny central highland town of Derwent Bridge, locate near the exact centre of Tasmania, but as Greg explains “ I just want to be the history of the area into the light. There were mistakes and successes in our past. If I am trying to say anything it is that we must learn from the past, both good and bad, in order to move into a better future. I want the Wall Tasmania to be an educational as well as an artist experience.”
As most of Tasmanian’s power is generated by hydro, which has been in use since the late 1890’s, it seems fitting that Greg has devoted space to the Hydro Electric Scheme a marvel of engineering and foresight, producing the cleanest power available. Starting with the first panel depicting the visionary who first envisaged the scheme followed by the surveyor, the mapper, the pegger and then the laborers and finally the water pipe. The hydro story is told in amazing carved detail.
The forestry industry is also brought to life in a fantastic life size carving featuring 3 draught horses and forestry workers pulling a log from the forest. You only have to check out the detail in the men’s arms and hands to realise this is the work of genius. The Wall Tasmania is simply amazing!
Greg goes on to tell how man has impacted on the wild life of Tasmania with a section devoted to the extinction of the Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) with a series of panels on the hunt and one depicting an extract from the archive of the earlier governments tiger bounty register, giving the number and bounties paid to one early highland family (total of 77 tigers) there are also tribute panels to other extinct and endangered species.
One of the most moving exhibits, has to be the story dedicated to the early pioneers. The scene with the woman and young son placing a flower on the grave of her husband has brought a tear to many an eye. He has not only captured the grief and sorrow in her face, but also in evidence is the strength and determination to carry on. The family belongings are all packed in the cart, harnessed to the horse with the milk cow tied on behind. Just look at the detail in her face and hands, absolutely amazing in their reality. This is entirely the work of one man who has devoted nearly 10 years to creating (and self funding) this national treasure in the making.
I have been fortunate enough to have watched this project evolve from the start in 2005 and have even had the pleasure of assisting in the gallery as a guide. With this background and past experience I look forward to personally showing you around and explaining this incredible work of art. It is no wonder the name Michelangelo is often mentioned after visiting this amazing gallery. For more information you can contact me or visit – www.thewalltasmania.com – The Wall Tasmania.
]]>We offer a comprehensive Tasmania Tour, 6 Days covering the eastern Tasmania coastline and scenic Cradle Mountain. This 6 day tour provides a fantastic taste of some of the best places this little island has to offer. Designed to fit into one week this tour is a great option for those that want to visit the more populated east coast Tasmania along with the 2 biggest cities in Tasmania, Hobart & Launceston. The tour covers approximately 1150 km exploring many of Tasmania’s premier attractions. We move fast enough to provide a fantastic overview of the island, yet slow enough to enjoy the sights! This Tasmanian holiday and tour is designed to conclude on Friday evening leaving the weekend free to explore at your leisure. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels this is truly an amazing, small group tour experience.
Fun Tassie Tours have available 7 of the best Tasmania holidays offered with guided Tasmania Tours including breakfast, lunches and park entry fees. Visit more of Tasmania with one of the most recommended and knowledgeable Tasmania tour companies. Majority (120) 5 star reviews on Trip Advisor along with all 5 star reviews on Google reviews. Whether it's a 3 day Tasmania tour or an extended premium 13 day tour of Tasmania we have a wide variety of Tasmania tours available suiting holiday makers from across the globe. We cater for different travel budgets and provide affordable inclusive tours. We Visit many locations within Tasmania including Hobart, Port Arthur, The Bay of Fires, The Wall In The Wilderness, Bicheno, Oyster, Lavender and honey farms, Launceston, the Western Wilderness including the majestic Dove Lake and iconic Cradle Mountain. We have regular stops for photographs & also to get up and close with the variety of native wildlife (Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Bird life). There are refreshments while we visit unique historic attractions. Our Tasmanian Holidays and Tour packages cater for older travellers, singles and people who like a small group tour environment and more personalised Tasmanian experience. Your Safety comes first while being guided through wild rainforest and natural regions of Tasmania. Robert and Morgan Wilson have a lifelong knowledge of Tasmania, are fully accredited tour guides and provide you with insights into Tasmania's history, it's underlying natural beauty while educating tourists (via microphone) within the tour bus, coach and when arriving at world heritage listed sites. Our Tassie Holidays include:
Tasmania Tour Photos
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Seven of the best Tasmania tours 2020 as rated on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews. Breakfast, lunches, accommodation & park entries included. View breathtaking Tasmanian scenery, Australian flora and fauna visiting the historic, world heritage listed sites with smaller and longer premium tours. Suites older travellers and people from all countries. Local expert tour guides with a lifelong knowledge of Tasmania and its rich Australian history. Tour Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, The Bay Of Fires, scenic east and west coast Tasmania. Visit the most beautiful parts across the whole of Tasmania.
Tasmania Tour Itinerary
Tour Inclusions
Tasmania Tour Itinerary
The stunning panoramic views from Mt Wellington Summit.
Visit a winery in one of Tasmania’s most famous wine regions the Coal Valley.
Fully guided tour of Australia most famous culturally historic site - Port Arthur.
25min Harbour Cruise of Port Arthur aboard the the spacious catamaran vessel Warana.
Tasmania’s east coast and the incredible Bay of Fires.
Visit the award winning Nature World for an interactive experience with Tasmania’s native
animals including the Tasmanian Devil.
Sampling some of the best & freshest food and wine in all of Australia.
Stroll through the lovely grounds of Cataract Gorge in Launceston.
Fully guided tour at the unique Marakoopa show Caves, includes viewing some of the best Glow Worms in Australia.
Majestic Cradle Mountain and its stunning highland scenery.
Evening animal spotting adventure in Cradle Mountain including Wallabies, Pademelons and our
favourite the Wombats!
The rugged west coast - where many travellers never venture.
The Wall in the Wilderness art Gallery in Derwent Bridge.
Tasmania’s most photographed waterfall - the 3 tiered Russell Falls.
Fully accredited and experienced local guides.
A suggested Sunday itinerary for those looking for further attractions while on the island would be a Bruny Island day trip leaving from Hobart CBD or a ferry ride up the Derwent River to spend the day at the famous Museum of Old & New MONA.
Tour Inclusions
5 nights accommodation
All breakfasts and lunches provided
Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at any Hobart CBD Hotel.
1 x BBQ Banquet evening meal provided at Cradle Mountain
All accommodations provided 3.5-4 star rated.
All attractions, entry fee’s and National Parks passes provided.
The only additional expenses incurred are 4 x evening meals & and any spending money.
Tasmania Tour Itinerary
The stunning panoramic views from Mt Wellington Summit.
Visit a winery in one of Tasmania’s most famous wine regions - the Coal Valley.
Exploration of the 2 biggest cities on the island - Hobart & Launceston.
Fully guided tour of Australia most famous culturally historic site - Port Arthur.
25min Harbour Cruise of Port Arthur aboard the the spacious catamaran vessel Warana.
Tasmania’s east coast and the incredible Bay of Fires.
Visit the award winning Nature World for an interactive experience with Tasmania’s native
animals including the Tasmanian Devil.
Sampling some of the best & freshest food and wine in all of Australia.
Stroll through the lovely grounds of Cataract Gorge in Launceston.
Fully accredited and experienced local guides.
A suggested Sunday itinerary for those looking for further attractions while on the island would be
a boat cruise up the Tamar River or a visit to one of the many Tamar Valley wineries.
Tour Inclusions
3 nights accommodation.
All breakfasts and lunches provided.
All accommodations provided 3.5-4 star rated.
Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at any Hobart & Launceston CBD Hotel.
All attractions, entry fee’s and National Parks passes provided.
The only additional expenses incurred are 3 x evening meals & and any spending money.
Sampling some of the best & freshest food and wine in all of Australia.
Stroll through the lovely grounds of Cataract Gorge in Launceston.
Fully guided tour at the unique Marakoopa show Caves, including viewing some of the best Glow
Worms in Australia.
Majestic Cradle Mountain and its stunning highland scenery.
Come wild animal spotting at dusk in Cradle Mountain - how many wombats will you see?
Stand on the jetty over water at the acclaimed Lake St Claire
The Wall in the Wilderness art Gallery in Derwent Bridge.
Tasmania’s most photographed waterfall - the 3 tiered Russell Falls.
Fully accredited and experienced local guides.
A suggested Sunday itinerary for those looking for further attractions while on the island would be
a Bruny Island day trip leaving from Hobart CBD or a ferry ride up the Derwent River to spend the day at the famous Museum of Old & New MONA.
Tour Inclusions
2 nights accomodation at 3.5 to 4 star lodgings.
All breakfasts and lunches provided
Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at any Hobart & Launceston CBD Hotel.
1 x BBQ Banquet evening meal provided at Cradle Mountain
All attractions, entry fee’s and National Parks passes provided.
The only additional expenses incurred are 1 x evening meal & and any spending money.
*We reserve the right to alter tour itineraries without notice due to climatic conditions and other circumstances outside our control.
2 nights accomodation
All breakfasts and lunches provided
Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at any Hobart CBD Hotel.
All accommodations provided 3.5-4 star rated.
All attractions, entry fee’s and National Parks passes provided.
The only additional expenses incurred are 2 x evening meals & and any spending money.
At Fun Tassie Tours we have regular itinerary offerings that are well suited to seniors and guests over 50 years. For most of our packages, guests could expect a fellow group of travellers typically between the ages of 40-70yrs. There are several very good reasons as to why our Tasmanian tours appeal to a slightly older clientele:
Reduced driving stints - We have very deliberately refined our routes over many years to eliminate long driving stints and include regular stops. The longest drive we plan is about 75min however this is rare, most drives are usually planned to be 45min or less. This allows guests to have regular bathrooms stops if required, stretch, move & remain limber throughout the tour. Every afternoon we find a scenic location for tea, coffee & snacks - to us it never quite feels like a holiday without a good tea break!
Easy walks - We have carefully chosen a selection of short, scenic and easy walks to ensure senior guests of all physical abilities can participate - yes even those with a walking aid! Our group walks are generally on good quality pathways (i.e. no mud!), avoid large staircases, and are no more than about 40min in length at a very leisurely pace. Many can be found on Tasmania’s official 60 Great Short Walks list. We usually avoid anything that could be considered hiking or trekking and regular shoes are fine for any walks we undertake. We have found for most guests over 50, it’s generally better to plan 3 or 4 shorter walks showcasing different features & scenery than tackle 1 longer, extended walk where there is no option for an early finish.
Small group numbers - We generally keep our groups to 12 guests or less on a luxury 17 seat vehicle. This is to ensure guest comfort and for ease of keeping our groups together, even with some moving slower than others. 12 guests also seems to be ideal for socialising without feeling overwhelmed or creating splits within our travel groups.
Dietary requirements - With notice we can cater for all specific dietary requirements on tour 100% which is an important consideration for many travellers. More information on this and other topics can be found on our FAQ's page.
Great accommodation - We choose our lodgings carefully to provide a comfortable experience for great value. Some are 4-star rated such as the Hobart Movenpick & the Cradle Mountain Hotel. Others offer a unique location and enhance your travel experience in other ways such as the lovely Tarraleah Estate or the Port Arthur Motor Inn which overlooks the ruins of Port Arthur (a World Heritage listed site) from your restaurant dinner table!
Sample style itineraries - Our itineraries are designed to offer a fantastic overview and sample Tasmania’s best without spending too long on any one particular theme or area. A great example is our 7 Day Tour in Circle itinerary, which is an ideal tour for over 50s. We have found this gives a rounded travel experience suiting most senior guests over 50, rather than focusing heavily on trekking or adventure activities for example. We keep the itineraries interesting by including great natural scenery, wildlife, settlement history, natural history, cultural attractions, food, wine, tastings, indoor activities, outdoor activities and much more. Some of the most iconic places we visit regularly on our travels are listed below:
Overall we find that the small, personalised style of our group tours is well suited to a slightly older clientele including seniors over 50 and retired travellers. Contact Morgan at Fun Tassie Tours to discuss the perfect Tasmanian tours for over 50s.
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Fun Tassie Tours have two fantastic 4 day tasmania tours available; the East Coast Tassie Tour and the West Coast Tasmania Tour. Starting with the East Coast Tour we pick you up from your hobart hotel and travel roughly 800 km up the coast of Tasmania visiting many unique and historic attractions. Initially we explore the waterfront of Hobart and move onto the Mt. Wellington summit (1270 m) where we overlook much of Hobart and the coastline of Tasmania being treated to magnificent panoramic views.
Tasmania Tours 4 Days
We duck by the Cascade Brewery (oldest in Australia) while viewing many of Australia’s oldest convict built structures. Then onto the Coal River Valley, one of Tasmania’s premier wine regions. We stop for a hearty lunch and sample the regions wine and fresh produce before travelling onto Richmond to view the Richmond Bridge. (Australia's oldest Bridge).
We then proceed to the Tasman Peninsula and view the soaring sea cliffs at Pirates Bay. Then onto the Lavender Farm & Port Arthur World Heritage historic site for a 2 1/2 hour guided tour.
We then enjoyably visit the Federation Chocolate factory to sample its many unique types of chocolate. After rolling out of the chocolate factory we venture onto Swansea a scenic east coast town and the Great Oyster Bay area.
Then at Freycinet National Park we take one of Tasmania’s best short walks to view the famous Wineglass Bay from Cape Tourville Lookout. Then it's off to the naturally occurring Blow Hole on the rocky coastline of Bicheno while also visiting Nature World Wildlife park for an interactive tour. We view the Tassie Devil, feed kangaroos and enjoy native bird life and wombats while in the nature park.
Enjoy travelling Tasmania’s coastal road with breathtaking views of the east coast en route to one of Tasmania’s premier attractions the Bay of Fires. At Binalong Bay we will walk along the pure white sandy beaches and snap photos of possibly the most colourful spot on the island.
We then visit the working oyster farm to see their farming techniques and enjoy pearl like large fresh oysters. We the meander towards Launceston stopping at Pyengana, the award winning cheese factory and dairy. We then twist our way through an ancient Myrtle Rainforest and cross the trail of the dragon, an old mining area around the town of Derby. We stop for coffee and biscuits at the memorial trees at Legerwood. They are one of Australia most unique & tasteful memorial sites. We conclude our 3 Day Tasmania Tour around 6pm in the CBD in the quaint town of Launceston.
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Simply the best Tasmania tours with Fun Tassie tours! 94% 5 Star reviews on Trip advisor our customers are provided with the best Tasmania Holiday and experience more unique parts of Tasmanian than any other tour company. Tour Tasmania with Fun Tassie Tours, a small owner operated business with full accreditation since 2004 and by the present owner myself Robert Wilson since 2013. We specialise in small group tours with average age around 30 to 70 years olds. Our tours are designed to fill the gap in Tasmanian tours and cater for the middle of the road average tourist, along with luxury Tasmanian Tours. All accommodation is in 3 ½ to 4 star ensuited motel/hotel private rooms, in good quality establishments. We travel to a wide variety of places within Tasmania and some 5 star options are simply not available. Tasmania is a remote state of Australia with many wilderness regions.
We deliver the best value for money tours in Tasmania. Our itinerary is by far the most comprehensive and all days are full of the most interesting scenic sights. Our motto is to never pass something that is worth seeing. This is one advantage of travelling in a small group tour aboard a modern, comfortable mini bus (I take maximum 11 paxs in a 14 seater), we can go to the hard to get to places and see things that the other larger vehicles cannot access. Time is also not an issue as we are the owners/drivers and not on the clock, so we don't have to rush to keep to a timetable. The maximum driving time is around 1 hour before stopping to enjoy a scenic site/historic site/toilet stop/lunch/afternoon tea/close up look at animals or just stretch our legs. You do not spend the day just looking out of the window but regularly getting out and actually enjoying closeup the wonders of Tasmania. Our tours run Spring/Summer/Autumn with each season delivering unique and spectacular scenery. The wonderful flowers of Spring, the fantastic clear days of Summer and the amazing colours of Autumn. It's most gratifying to read the wonderful 5 star reviews (over 125) posted on Tripadvisor by some of our past passengers. Their kind words and comments are very satisfying as they reassure us that Fun Tassie Tours is delivering on our promises to provide a great personalised, informative, comfortable and enjoyable tours at reasonable prices.
Bay of Fires / Freycinet National Park
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Cradle Mountain – Breath Taking Scenery & Watering Food Fare
The gastronomic highlight of my Tasmanian tour would have to be our visit to Cradle Mt, as both the evening meal and the buffet breakfast are fantastic.
The all included bbq dinner is more of a banquet than a bbq. Its not your usual sit around a smoky bbq, but an in outdoor dining experience. We use the fantastic bbq facilities supplied at our accommodation venue that include, indoor stainless steel barbeques, frigs, sinks, benches, exhaust fans, bench tables and chairs, all housed in a great stone and glass building than even has a huge double sided stone fireplace for extra comfort if the night turns cold.
I cook a variety of quality meat, that includes scotch filet steak, chicken, sausages and even kangaroo, plus onion, mushroom, hash browns. A temptive garden fresh salad completes the fare and seconds or even thirds are encouraged. Do not worry if your are not a red meat eater, as I can also do fish or veggie patties. All washed down with a glass or two of wine. This is a great social evening where we all get to know each other and enjoy good food and wine, great company in fantastic ambiance. Often there are wallabies and possums looking on through the floor to ceiling windows.
Breakfast the next morning is just as spectacular, as we dine in the luxury restaurant at the Cradle Mt. Hotel. A full buffet breakfast, that includes hot dishes like bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, sausages, beans etc plus a great variety of cold foods, fresh fruit, cereals and yoghurt and of course tea, coffee, juices and toast. This is truly an excellent way to start a day at Cradle Mt.
Article by Robert Wilson. Robert Wilson is a tour operator and tour guide for Fun Tassie Tours who has a wealth of knowledge and experience on all things Tasmania. Fun Tassie Tours provide the best Tasmania Tours for people looking for an interesting and personalised tour to the best parts of Tasmania.
Fun Tassie Tours visit Cradle Mountain, The Bay of Fires, East Coast Tasmania & West Coast Tasmania Weekly. Meals are included and travelers stay in affordable but comfortable 31/2 + star accommodation while in Tasmania.
For all Fun Tassie Tour inquiries & Tasmania Tours details please feel free to get in contact.
As part of my six day Tasmania tour, we stop at the R. Stephens Honey Factory in Mole Creek. This has been in operation since 1920 and is now in its third generation of the Stephens family. They produce over 35% of Tasmania’s honey with over 2,500 hives, their specialty is Leatherwood Honey.
After inspecting the factory, sampling the honey and learning about the leatherwood production and qualities, my group of 5 decided to stock up and purchased over 40 jars of this unique distinctive honey.
The Leatherwood Honey story starts on the west coast of Tasmania, and this is the only area in the world that the leatherwood trees grow, and as Mr. R. Stephens was an original pioneer of its harvest in 1920 they have established sites situated in the world heritage wilderness areas, the only beekeepers authorised to operate in the national park, thus insuring their honey is absolutely pure and organic. There even sites in the Teepokana wilderness where there no roads and are accessible only by rail. The semi trailers loaded with beehives are transported into the wilderness by train using the old mining railway.
The Leatherwood trees have to be 70 years old to flower and then only between late December and March, giving a very small window to collect the honey. Leatherwood honey is very distinctive in taste and aroma and once tried you are hooked as all other honey pales in taste by comparison. The health value has also been assessed to compare more than favorably with Manuka honey having similar health giving properties. The R. Stephens brand “Golden Nectar” is available through cellar door sales direct from the factory or throughout Australia in Woolworths and selected health and deli outlets. They also export worldwide, their largest customers being New York, USA.
The factory is always an interesting and educational stop on my Tasmanian tour and is followed up by visits to some of the actual beehives/sites situated in the west coast wilderness. We also see first hand the actual leatherwood trees in their natural surroundings. For more information : www.leatherwoodhoney.com.au
Article by Robert Wilson. Robert Wilson is a tour operator and tour guide for Fun Tassie Tours who has a wealth of knowledge and experience on all things Tasmania. Fun Tassie Tours provide the best Tasmania Tours for people looking for an interesting and personalised tour to the best parts of Tasmania.
Fun Tassie Tours visit Cradle Mountain, The Bay of Fires, East Coast Tasmania & West Coast Tasmania Weekly. Meals are included and travelers stay in affordable but comfortable 3.5 + star accommodation while in Tasmania.
For all Fun Tassie Tour inquiries & Tasmania Tours details please feel free to get in contact.
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One of the highlights included in my tour stopping at Cradle Mt is the chance to see the wonderful wombats that reside there. These big cuddly/furry creatures are totally wild but have been raised around human visitors for generations and hold little fear of tourists. As part of my tour, after checking into our accommodation and before my great bbq banquet, we take a drive around before dark to see and enjoy the local wildlife. Wombats, wallabies, pademelons and possums. Being in a small group it is always possible to stop and views these wonderful creatures. It is sometimes possible to walk to within one to two metres of wombats busily consuming grass for their evening meal, not at all worried by onlookers. We usually some great closeup photos.
The Tasmanian Wombats are known as common wombats and are widespread from sea level to alpine regions. A fully grown adult male can be up to 35 kgs and about 1 metre in length, the average weight is around 25 – 30 kgs. Their diet consists entirely of plants, the bulk being native grasses but shrubs, roots and bark are also consumed. The wombats are mostly nocturnal and will forage for up to 8 hours overnight, but usually start grazing before dark allowing us the opportunity to see them.
Wombats are great burrowers and can dig burrows up to 20 metres and 2 metres below ground level, some with multiple connecting tunnels and entrances. They excavate a cavity or nest and line it with sticks, leaves and grass. As they are marsupial the female has a pouch to carry her baby in, this faces backwards to prevent dirt and soil from entering when she is at work tunnelling.
The wombat has a very thick fur and a heavy cartiledge plate on its rump that protects it from preditors, if threatened, it will go to any nearby burrow or hollow log and present its attacker with a near impenetrable rear end. The natural enemies are the Tasmanian Devil, Eagles and possibly a Quall could also threaten a young wombat. Before their extinction the Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) would have been the top preditor. The biggest threat to wombats these days is loss of habitat, dogs, disease and most of all cars. Even in national park areas where the speed limit is 40 kms per hour they sometimes still get killed. The biggest danger to all wildlife is roads at night, there are advisory speed signs all over Tasmania recommending 65kms per hour dust to dawn, and if all motorists adhered to these speed limits the roadkill would be significantly reduced.
We always see wombats and other native animals on our scheduled visit on Wednesdays to Natureworld, a wonderful and informative sanctuary, but it is something special to see them in the wild on our stopover at Cradle Mt on Thursday night.
One of the highlights of my day 3 Fun Tassie tour is the devil feeding at Natureworld, the fantastic Tasmanian Native Animal Sanctuary in Bicheno on Tasmania’s east coast. These great little animals can be seen up close whilst feeding. They are part of the breeding program to help save the devils from possible extinction, due to the devil facial tumour disease, a terrible, transmittable type of cancer that has killed over 80% of Tasmanian devils.
The Tasmanian Devil is a small dog like animal with a large head, stout body and thick tail, standing about 25cm high and weighing up to 8kg for females and 11kg for males. Their thick course black fur has distinctive irregular white markings which vary from animal to animal (no two devils are the same) most markings are on the neck, shoulders and rump.
They are marsupials, which means that the female has a pouch in which she raises up to four young. She actually gives birth to around 30 to 40 live babies each the size of a grain of rice. It is then a race of the first and fittest to gain entry to her pouch and attach themselves to one of her four teats, all the others do not survive. The minute hairless babies remain in the pouch, attached to the teat feeding for about four months they then start to venture out and by six months they stay out of the pouch but remain most of the time in their burrow where the mother continues to suckle them but also begins to introduce them to meat, to supplement their diet and also help them teeth. After 12 months the mother walks out and leaves them to fend for themselves, it is estimated that only one in four ill survive to adulthood.
Devils will eat anything, dead or alive, although they prefer carrion and are seen as the bush undertakers. Feeding on a carcass they eat everything, fur, bones, innards even feathers. Their massive jaws have no trouble crunching though bone and cartlidge, in fact their biting power is up to seven times stronger than a small dog and similar to that of the spotted hyena.
The devils hearing is extremely good but their eye sight is very poor and mainly evolved to detect movement. Their sense of smell is acute allowing them to detect an animal carcass from up to 7kms away. They are loners and do not form packs, although many may feed on the same carcass and eat up to 30% of their own body weight. Although mostly nocturnal, they prefer to hunt and eat at night but also love to quietly sunbake at times during the day.
All my passengers on this Fun Tassie Tour agree that the informative visit to Natureworld to see devils along with other Tasmanian native animals, like kangaroos, wallabies, wombats etc is a great Fun Tassie experience.
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For the photographer, small group tours are definitely the way to go, as unscheduled stops are always made to admire and capture on film anything unusual, stunningly beautiful or getting up close to delightful wildlife. Something which the larger tour coaches cannot do.
I recently had the pleasure to escort Geoff and Sue around Tasmania on a 6 day Tasmania tour. I have a policy of guaranteed departure with a minimum of two passengers, so they were lucky enough to score a private tour on their own and I had no other bookings for that week.
With only small group tours we nearly always gain time on the itinerary which enables us to fit in other points of interest along the way.
Remarkable Cave at Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsular, is another not always visited site in the past, although as there is no closing time I intend to now include it as our last stop before checking into our motel. This amazing sea cave is well worth the 200 (well made) steps down to the viewing platform.
On every tour you always see something out of the ordinary, but this tour was exceptional, it seemed that everyday we were treated with fantastic surprises. For example while having lunch on Hobart’s Constitution Docks, a seal frolicked in the water beside our floating restaurant. The next day while travelling up the east coast past Miria Island we were graced with the most magnificent rainbow and it almost seemed that the fabled pot of gold was within our reach.
Whilst travelling the Lyell Highway on the west coast we rounded a corner to find a wedge tail eagle beside the road feeding on road kill.
To be able to stop and admire from just a few metres, such a majestic bird was fantastic.
We visited the picturesque Nelson Falls and whilst there another couple touring Tasmania in a caravan, turned out they were all from the same small New South Wales country town of West Wylong, and they had in fact mutual friends and knew each others families. It just goes to show what a small world it really is.
Another site not often seen from the Lyell Highway due to cloud is Frenchmen’s Cap, a mountain so called because from some angles it resembles a beret that is worn in France. There is only one spot on the highway where the mountain is sometimes visible, up the valley between the two mountains in front, and there it was in all it’s glory.
Tasmania is a stunning place to visit and with my small group tours we can take advantage of very opportunity that arises.
A Small Group Tour of Tasmania – Tasmanian experience like no other – Fun Tassie Tours.
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Hong Kong Tours Tasmania
Having received a booking for the Tasmania in Circle Tour for the end of May, which is rather late in the season, I was a bit concerned the weather might be a problem. However, we decided to take the chance as it was the only time for Gary and Tracey from Hong Kong.
The week before they arrived was cold and rain, with even snow in the mountains, however the Monday that I picked them to start the 6 day tour, was perfect, warm and sunny. Ideal conditions to enjoy the spectacular sea cliffs of the Tasman peninsular along with the rest of the stunning scenery.
Gary being a keen semi professional photographer with a great array of equipment, lenses etc, and Tracey a keen student under Garys guidance, both were anxious to capture as much of Tasmania’s stunning scenery, fantastic flora and adorable wildlife as possible. He could not believe the number of great photo opportunities just on the first day alone. Even ending with a spectacular sunset.
Day two was a repeat of the first day, with ideal conditions and numerous stops. To finish the day off we went to the Bicheno Blow Hole at dusk to see the fairy penguins coming ashore, and whilst waiting under a clear sky with a full moon we realised that there was a full lunar eclipse starting. Not only did Gary get great penguin photos but also the lunar eclipse in all stages.
As we travelled around over the 6 days everything seemed to fall into place, it could not have been better planned. Like Echidnas, roos, wombats, etc by the side of the road for close up photos, a magnificent double rainbow over the west coast, something rarely seen in Hong Kong according to Gary. The stunning image of Cradle Mt with its mirror reflection in Dove Lake was a prize photo. Even the music I played on the last day, Michael Learns To Rock, a Danish group, unheard of in Australia, but big in south east Asia, was perfect as Gary explained, it was the same music playing when he first met Tracey. It seemed that it was meant to be the perfect holiday, and it was only then on the last day, that Gary and Tracey announced that they were in fact on their honeymoon.
It is was my great pleasure to show the newly weds, the scenic highlights of Tasmania and thankful that they entrusted such an important event like their honeymoon to me.