10 Day Tasmania - Spring & Tulips Special

10 Day Spring & Tulips Special

Highlights

• A delicious 2 course welcome meal on the opening night of your tour package. 
• Guided tour of Launceston City including a stroll through the delightful Cataract Gorge. 
• Stop at the Melita Honey Farm to sample over 40 flavours of local honey including Tasmania’s signature honey - Leatherwood. 
• Lunch at a local Salmon farm hidden in the forest of the Meander Valley.
• 45 min guided tour of the fully operational 41º South Salmon Farm. 
• Visit Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary to see all of Tasmania’s native animals up-close, including an interactive Devil feeding experience.
• Visit Cradle Mountain with spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife.
• Visit Sheffield - the ‘Township of Murals’
• Guided afternoon tour of Woolnorth Wind Farm & Cape Grim cattle property.
• Guided walks through stunning Rocky Cape NP.
• Cruise the remote Arthur River in the Tarkine area on a wonderful half day adventure.
• A guided experience taking in the most scenic and carefully selected walks, scenery and lookout locations of the Tarkine Conservation area.
• Ascend The Nut at Stanley for wonderful, panoramic views over Tasmania’s north coast and the Bass Straight. 
• Visit the world famous Table Cape Tulip Farm in prime tulip season!!!
• Wander the Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens again in prime Spring season. 
• A 1 hour Tamar River cruise from Launceston City.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Woolmers Estate & Rose Garden.
• Enjoy 5 nights at luxurious 4-star lodgings as part of your tour package.
• Fully accredited and experienced local guides.

Inclusions

• 9 nights accommodation at very comfortable lodgings rated 3.5 - 4 star.
• 9 x breakfasts and 8 x lunches provided. 
• 2 x two course evening meals provided including an opening night dinner on arrival in Launceston city. 
• Bottled water provided on tour. 
• Tea, coffee & biscuits stops included FREE at selected, scenic locations.
• All attraction fees including Arthur River cruise, The Nut chairlift in Stanley and Woolworth Wind Farm tour. 
• All other entry fees and National Parks passes provided.
• The only additional expenses incurred are 7 x evening meals & any spending money.

*We reserve the right to alter tour itineraries without notice due to climatic conditions and other circumstances outside our control. 

This 10 Day 9 Night package is a 1 Departure Only - Spring Special itinerary  with a strong focus on some acclaimed seasonal attractions. Table Cape Tulip farm, Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens and the Woolmers Estate Rose Garden happen bloom together for a few short weeks each year and we have them all covered. 

On 5 occasions we overnight at 4-star lodgings giving this itinerary a real sense of relaxation and luxury to compliment our daily activities. This 10 Day experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts, travellers looking for a refreshing holiday experience or those who have perhaps visited Tasmania before, but not in the appropriate season to experience these attractions. Suitable for guests of all ages and physical abilities, we hope you enjoy our Spring package.

Arrive in Launceston City at your leisure today. Our tour package will begin with a hosted 2 course meal at a lovely inner city restaurant. Your hosts will provide comprehensive tour itineraries along with a personalised map graphically depicting your 10-day journey covering approximately 1100kms. Tonight we stay at the Best Western PLUS, an easy walking distance to the city mall area of Launceston.

Day 2 – Launceston City to Cradle Mountain 

Today we spend the morning exploring downtown Launceston - Australia’s 3rd oldest capital city behind Sydney & Hobart. We see the King Bridge, City Park, inside the beautiful old Heritage listed Post Office and of course take a 40 minute stroll through a jewel in the city - Cataract Gorge Reserve. 

Soon after we head westward into the Meander Valley which is an absolutely stunning farming and pastural area. Try locally made ice-cream and honey tastings of more than 40 flavours at the renowned Melita Honey Farm in Chudleigh. Learn about Tasmania’s oldest and biggest Leatherwood Honey producer R. Stephens Honey as we pass through Mole Creek. Our lunch stop today is a true gem hidden in the forest at 41º Degrees South Salmon Farm. Take a guided stroll around the property to learn how this family operation produces Atlantic Salmon in an eco-friendly and sustainable fashion. A great opportunity to understand more about where our food comes from and how it can be produced in a responsible  manner. 

A trip to Tasmania would not be complete without seeing the Tassie Devils up close and personal. Visit the Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about this amazing little animal and its recent struggles for survival. Enjoy an interactive feeding experience with the park keepers and see wombats, quolls, pademelons, wallabies, bandicoots and more. From here we snake our way up onto the central highlands plateau to Cradle Mountain National Park. Tonight we check-in for a 2-night stay at the acclaimed and beautiful, 4 Star Cradle Mountain Hotel.

Day 3 – Cradle Mountain National Park 

Start the day with a full buffet, hot and cold banquet breakfast at Cradle Mountain Hotel. Today we allocate the entire day to exploring this wondrous park and some of the many fantastic walking tracks. Begin with fully guided walks at The Enchanted Walk and Pencil Pine Waterfall. Along the way learn about some of the oldest and rarest  trees in the world. 

Visit the old “Waldheim Chalet” of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer, whos efforts helped make Cradle Mountain world famous and bring public attention to this photographers paradise. Take a short drive into Dove Lake for breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain. 

This afternoon there are many walks to choose from depending on your level of fitness & ambition. The Dove Lake circuit is a manageable 3 hour loop providing stunning views the entire way around. Several iconic lookout points include the Glacier Rock platform and the old Boat Shed. For those inclined, slightly easier walking options are sections of the Cradle Valley Boardwalk from Snake Hill, or a stunning section of the famous Overland Track from Dove lake to Ronnie Creek. There are many great walking options to choose from today, all of them offering a rare opportunity to take in this pristine wilderness at your desired pace.

Day 4 – Sheffield, Devonport and Ulverstone 

Before leaving Cradle Mountain this morning we have one final guided walk through the tangled, moss covered forest to Kynvet falls. This feels like a magical fairy land with ancient Myrtle trees covered in all kinds of colourful mosses, lichens and fungi. 

Visit Sheffield and stroll the ‘township of murals’ to see dozens of paintings on every available space. Our personal favourite being the giant depiction of Gustav Weindorfer accompanied by many of the local animals, keeping warm by the fire in his Cradle Mountain chalet - Waldheim. Shortly after leaving Sheffield stop at Devils Gate Dam which is used as part of the Tasmanian Hydroelectric Power scheme. Learn about this huge engineering project and how it provides 90% of Tasmania’s energy needs in a sustainable & renewable fashion. 

Our afternoon drive takes us to where the Mersey River meets the Bass Strait at the city of Devonport. A monument called ‘The Spirit of the Sea’ marks this nautically significant area and a lovely boardwalk stroll  can be had along this famed northern coastline. Wander up to the Mersey Bluff lighthouse overlooking the infamous Bass Strait and enjoy your 1st look at Tassie’s northern most landscape. Drive by Lyons House to see where the former Prime Minister of Australia (Joseph Lyons) once resided. We continue in a North-West direction to the township of Ulverstone for tonights lodgings.

Day 5 – The rugged North Coast, Woolnorth Wind Farm & Cape Grim

The Bass Highway is surely one of the prettiest major highways in Australia as it snakes its way along Tassie’s north coast. In parts we are travelling right on the waters edge, passing through  the lovely towns of Penguin & Burnie on our way to Rocky Cape National Park. Exposed, rugged, ancient and stunningly beautiful this National Park juts out into Bass Straight and is regularly subjected to Tasmania’s most inclement weather. Hopefully though, the sun will be shining today and we can enjoy some energising walks into this geologically wondrous park. 

In the afternoon we have planned a real local insight into an incredibly unique corner of Tasmania. The very far north-west corner of our state is a large and acclaimed cattle farming property called Woolnorth. This is one of the locations where the acclaimed Cape Grim Beef is raised & grazed. They also have Tasmania’s largest operating wind farm with 62 turbines, contributing approximately 7% of Tasmania’s total energy needs.  

Our guided farm tour experience takes us right to the base of these giant turbines and to the very edge of the imposing west coast cliffs & coastline. Feel the wind whipping from 10 000km of uninterrupted ocean. As public access onto the farm is restricted, the best and only way to experience this area is by guided tour. Tonight we check-in to the 4-star Tall Timbers hotel for a 3 night stay. Included in your package is a hosted, delicious, 2-course evening meal.

Day 6 – Arthur River Cruise & the ‘Edge of the World’

This morning we once again venture into the Tarkine area for a truly unique west coast experience - the Arthur River Cruise. Passing through Marrawah and the Arthur Pieman Conservation Area we cross the Arthur River Bridge, venturing deep into the Tarkine for close-up look. Our half day boat journey ferries into some of our most remote regions accessible by water. Enjoy entertaining commentary and spot native wildlife along the way. Lunch will be served at a scenic location up river where we can enjoy the pristine surroundings. 

In the afternoon we stop at a breath taking location called ‘The Edge of the World’ - Tasmania’s western most point. See the beautiful bay and surrounding coastline of this less frequented tourist area. Overnight again in the luxurious Tall Timbers Hotel in Smithton. 

Day 7 – The Tarkine Loop 

 A scenic drive into Tasmania’s beautiful Tarkine area is first up this morning. Not officially recognised as National Park, the Tarkine region is under constant threat from timber & mining companies seeking to exploit its natural bounty of resources. There are protests currently happening against the logging of old growth trees in the Tarkine. We would like to share with you a selection of our favourite walks and forested areas, showcasing what a unique and stunning environment we have on our doorstep.  

Explore Sumac lookout, Lake Chisholm, the Milkshake Hills forest walk and the splendid Trowutta Arch. Today will be a pre-arranged picnic lunch, enabling us to dine at a favourite scenic location along our travels. Overnight once again for a final night in the luxurious 4-star Tall Timbers Hotel in Smithton.

We begin our morning by visiting one of the most famous landmarks on Tasmania’s north coast - The Nut at Stanley. Take the chairlift in both directions to explore the plateau of The Nut, viewing Tasmania’s rugged north coast sweeping into the horizon.  

Heading back in an easterly direction we visit Boat Harbour, surely one of the prettiest beaches in Tasmania before our much anticipated visit to the world famous Table Cape Tulip Farm. For a few short weeks each year this farm puts on a display of colour like nothing else found in Australia. As it happens we will be visiting at the perfect time! Rows of technicolour tulips illuminate the property in a display of Spring vibrance and joy. This will be a true highlight of our itinerary for the week, a unique tourism experience here on the Apple Isle.  

Our guided farm tour will reveal the most vibrant areas and interesting particulars of producing tulips every colour of the rainbow. Wander the rows at your leisure, spend time, take photographs and enjoy this rare & uplifting opportunity. 

The iconic Table Cape light house is  another striking feature standing at the head of the property. It was an unwavering beacon to the sailors of yesteryear, ensuring safe passage along the imposing cliffs of northern Tassie. Take an up-close look and again make the best of the Spring photo opportunities in this beautiful setting. 

After filling our boots with Springtime vibrance we continue our journey to another stunning property just outside the northern city of Burnie. The Emu Valley Garden is a not-for-profit community project boasting an acclaimed and multi-award winning Rhododendron display. Again as luck would have it we have timed our visit with  the flush of Spring flowers, so the property will be awash with stunning Rhododendrons at every turn. Much smaller than Table Cape, wander this property at your leisure, sit, ponder and absorb the peaceful ambience. 

A wonderful afternoon drive via an alternate route to Launceston is next, a great opportunity to relax and unwind. Tonight we check-in once again to the Best Western PLUS, right in the heart of Launceston city and close walking distance to the main restaurant strip. This will be our lodgings for the final 2 nights of the tour package.

Day 9 – Tamar River Cruise and Woolmers Estate 

 A slightly slower pace for our final day of guided attractions. This morning we offer a scenic 1 hour cruise on the famous Tamar River, a great way to ease into our day. Sail under the King Bridge with its striking arch construction and up the gorge as far as boats can taxi. Next head to the UNESCO World Heritage listed, historic property of Woolmers Estate. Founded in 1817 this property once covered thousands of acres and housed hundreds of convicts during its productive  years of the 1800’s & 1900’s. 

Wander the property, learn about the Merino wool industry of the area and take a guided tour of the main residence occupied by the Thomas Archer family. Lunch will be on location in the acclaimed Homage restaurant overlooking the grounds. Finally, a meander through the award winning rose garden reveals one of the most manicured displays in Tasmania. This is a fantastic property to dawdle and explore, especially during the flush of new Spring growth.   

One final stop this afternoon is at the elegant township of Evandale, renowned for antiques and locally made artisan products. Take the opportunity to amble the main street or perhaps visit one of the cute local cafe’s for an afternoon coffee & cake. Our day will conclude back in Launceston city approximately 4.30pm.

Day 10 – Depart Launceston

A delicious buffet hot breakfast is included in your package today. With hotel check-out at 11am this concludes your 10 Day package here with us in Tasmania. Guests are free to depart Launceston city at their leisure. We are sure you will have experienced some amazing scenery, culture, history, food & wine and formed friendships with guests of our travel group along the way. It has been our pleasure to host you around this fantastic and beautiful little island. Additional nights accommodation can be organised on request for those looking to extend their stay in Launceston city.

* All dates listed for this itinerary are guaranteed departure with a minimum of only 4 guests. Please contact us to check the status of your planned travel date or if you wish to travel outside the dates listed.

** If the 4-star Cradle Mountain Hotel is unavailable we will lodge at the adjacent venue in comfortable, spacious, cabin accommodation. In this case a 2-course dinner at the Cradle Mountain Hotel will be supplied by your hosts as a bonus.