11 Day Deluxe - Tasmania Western Explorer

Autumn Special - 2 Departures Only

Contact us for a last minute SPECIAL on this package!!

11 Day Deluxe - Tasmania Western Explorer

Highlights

• Hosted 2-course dinner to open your 10 Day 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. 
• Visit Sheffield - the ‘Township of Murals’
• Lunch at a local Salmon farm hidden in the forest of the Meander Valley.
• Guided walks through stunning Rocky Cape National Park.
• Guided afternoon tour of Cape Grim and the Woolnorth Windfarm facility.
• 3 full days guided experience taking in the most scenic and carefully selected walks, scenery and lookout locations of the Tarkine Conservation area.
• Enjoy a chairlift ride up The Nut at Stanley for wonderful, panoramic views over Tasmania’s north coast and the Bass Strait. 
• 3 consecutive nights in the luxurious 4-star Tall Timbers Hotel in Tasmania’s north-west. 
• Visit Table Cape and Boat Harbour. 2 stunning locations on Tassie's the northern coastline.
• Visit one of Tasmania’s most unique locations - Cradle Mountain, spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife.
• A 5-hour wilderness journey on the Arthur River Cruise.
• Enjoy a memorable 5 hour journey ‘Premium Class’ on board Tasmania’s famous functioning steam train - The West Coast Wilderness Railway.
• Scenic drive through UNESCO World Heritage area of the Wild Rivers National Park. 
• Visit one of Australia's most original, unique and tasteful art galleries – The Wall. 
• Tasmania’s most photographed waterfalls - Nelson Falls & the 3 tiered Russell Falls.
• Enjoy 6 nights at luxurious 4-star lodgings as part of your tour package.
• Fully accredited and experienced local guides.

Inclusions

• 10 nights accommodation at very comfortable lodgings rated 3.5 - 4 star.
• 10 x breakfasts and 9 x lunches provided. 
• 2 x 2-course evening meals provided on tour including a welcome dinner on the opening night. 
• Bottled water provided on tour. 
• Tea, coffee & biscuits stops included at selected, scenic locations.
• All attraction fees including the Arthur River cruise, West Coast Wilderness Train and The Wall in the Wilderness.  
• All entry fees and National Parks passes provided.
• The only additional expenses incurred are 8 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. 

Our new 11 Day Deluxe - Western Explorer package has been designed with a focus on some less frequented areas of beautiful Tasmania - centred around the western half of the island and in particular the Tarkine area. This itinerary is one of the only offerings found anywhere to spend multiple days exploring the Tarkine region by foot, coach bus and boat. A perfect option for those that have perhaps visited Tasmania before or prefer a getaway into more remote & wilderness regions. A comprehensive holiday on Tasmania’s western side, this package operates only in the beautiful season of Autumn and is suitable for guests of all ages and physical abilities.

Day 1 – Arrive Launceston

Arrive into Launceston city today at your leisure. Take a short (20min) taxi ride or shuttle bus into your inner city accommodations where check-in is anytime from 1pm. The city mall area is only a short walking distance where you can explore downtown Launceston. Tonight your hosts will provide a delicious 2-course meal with welcome drink at a great local restaurant. Comprehensive tour itineraries will be provided along with a personalised map geographically depicting your 11-day journey covering approximately 1250kms. 

Late morning we head westward into the Meander Valley which is an absolutely stunning farming and pastural area. Our lunch stop today is a true gem hidden in the forest at 41º Degrees South Salmon Farm. Try local made ice-cream and honey tastings of more than 40 flavours at the renowned Melita Honey Farm in Chudleigh before learning about Tasmania’s oldest and biggest Leatherwood Honey producer R. Stephens Honey, as we pass through Mole Creek. 

Visit Sheffield the ‘township of murals’ to see the dozens of paintings on every available space. Our personal favourite being the giant depiction of Gustav Weindorfer and many of the local animals keeping warm by the fire in his Cradle Mountain chalet - Waldheim. With the stunning Mt Roland standing proudly behind, Sheffield is also a fantastic location for our afternoon tea/coffee & snacks break. 

Our afternoon drive takes us to where the Mersey River meets the Bass Strait in the city of Devonport. A monument here called ‘The Spirit of the Sea’ marks this nautically significant area and a lovely boardwalk stroll can be had along this famed coastline. We continue in a North-West direction to the township of Ulverstone for tonights lodgings.

Day 3 – The rugged North Coast and Woolnorth Wind Farm. 

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 as we pass through the lovely towns of Penguin and Burnie on our way to Rocky Cape National Park. Exposed, rugged, ancient and stunningly beautiful this area juts out into Bass Strait and is sometimes 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 wonderful 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 well known Cape Grim Beef is raised. They also happen to have Tasmania’s largest wind farm in operation with 62 turbines contributing approximately 9% of the islands total energy needs. 

We have a guided farm tour experience today which will take us right to the base of these giant turbines and to the very edge of the imposing cliffs and coastline. You will 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 with our local guide. Tonight we check-in to the best hotel on Tasmania’s north coast for a 3 night stay. 

A scenic drive to Tasmania’s very west coast is first up this morning. Passing through Marrawah and the Arthur Pieman Conservation Area we cross the Arthur River Bridge and venture deep into the Tarkine for a truly unique west coast experience - the Arthur River Cruise. Spend 5 hours journeying 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 secluded, private picnic location on the banks of Arthur River.  

In the afternoon we stop at a breath taking lookout 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 once again in the luxurious Tall Timbers Hotel in Smithton, perhaps take advantage of the heated, indoor swimming pool for a twilight dip?  

This morning we once again venture into the Tarkine for further exploration of this often overlooked tourist area. Not officially recognised as National Park, the Tarkine region of Tasmania is under constant threat from timber & mining companies seeking to exploit its natural bounty of resources. We would like to share with you some of our favourite walks and forested areas to showcase what a unique and stunning environment we have on our doorstep.

We will explore Sumac lookout, Lake Chisholm and the Trowutta Arch among a selection of other scenic favourites. Today will be a picnic lunch in Tasmania’s Tarkine wilderness. Overnight for the final time in the luxurious 4-star Tall Timbers Hotel.

We begin our morning by seeing one of the most famous landmarks on Tasmania’s north coast - The Nut at Stanley. Take the chair lift in both directions to explore the summit/plateau area of this unusual geographical feature and gaze over Tasmania’s rugged north coast. Approximately 200km of Bass Strait stands between here and the Australian mainland. These are some of the best panoramic views of this iconic body of water to be had anywhere.  

On our way south though we will stop at the picturesque Table Cape where the iconic lighthouse is an unwavering beacon  to passing vessels. Although in April the Tulips will not be in bloom this property is still a sight to behold at any time. Heading south towards the Great Central Plateau, enjoy a scenic and slightly winding journey up to an elevation of approximately 1000m. 

Arriving at Cradle Mountain, this evening  we have the opportunity for some optional Wombat spotting at dusk. A meditative forest walk through the pepper berry & snow gum trees is also available behind our luxurious lodgings. Tonight we stay at the acclaimed, 4-star Cradle Mountain Hotel. The expansive restaurant, bar and lounge areas have several fire places and offer a great opportunity to relax and unwind in style. 

We have nearly a full day planned to explore some of the fantastic walks in the Cradle Mountain World Heritage area. Visit the divine Dove Lake right at the foot of Cradle Mountain summit – a photographer’s paradise. Take in the stunning views of this iconic space from several angles as we complete a short walk to Glacier Rock. Wonders abound strolling through the mossy forests of the Enchanted Walk, Kynvet Falls and the Pencil Pine Waterfall. 

Fantastic, elevated boardwalks snake through the park giving comfortable access to secluded areas without ever getting mud on our boots! We will even stroll a section of Australia’s most famous multiday trek - The Overland Track. Visit the old ‘Waldheim Chalet’ of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer – the father of this wondrous park and learn of his efforts to have Cradle Mountain area reserved as National Park. 

In April we might also be in for a botanical treat with the turning of the Fagus (deciduous beech) - Australia’s only native deciduous plant. Around this time its leaves begin their transformation to all shades of red, orange & yellow and their display attracts photographers from across the country. Only found in a few unique, wet, elevated areas of Tasmania this might be the first ever sighting of this delightful plant for most of our guests. 

In the afternoon visit the Cradle Mountain Wilderness gallery for an art fix - highly recommend is the permanent display of photography by Peter Dombrovski. Considered by many to be the Father of landscape photography in Australia, it was some of his iconic images that were the catalyst for conservation in Tasmania’s south-west and the scrapping of controversial Franklin-Gordon Dam project in the early 1980’s. Next is a scenic afternoon drive to the infamous west-coast township of Queenstown for a 2-night stay. A delicious 2-course dinner will be supplied tonight at your comfortable accommodations.

Don’t bother checking out of your hotel as we will enjoy a lovely day of scenery before relaxing back in the same accommodations for a second night. Today we journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway – a journey back in time aboard the fully restored original steam train. Departing from Queenstown we travel premium ‘Wilderness’ class and will be welcomed onboard with complimentary sparkling wine and canapés. 

The half day journey heads deep into the heart of the west coast on the steep sections of the track where the famous ‘rack n pinion’ line is found. Sit back in comfort as we cross more than a dozen bridges while listening to your guide bring stories of the railway and its resilient people to life. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard while taking in the sights of the King River waterway, this is truly one of Tasmania’s premier experiences. This afternoon further activities include a visit to the classic old Empire Hotel and Paragon Theatre.

Queenstown is an old mining town reflecting past glory and surrounded by colourful, mineral rich mountains. It is infamous for having severely eroded, surrounding mountains void of life & vegetation. Often described as a ‘moonscape’ this damage was due to having zero environmental regard during the height of the mining era, today many of these area have been re-vegetated after a significant and targeted effort over the last 20 years. We will take in panoramic views over Queenstown from the Iron Blow lookout at the top of Mt Lyell before a lovely rainforest drive right through the World Heritage Franklin-Gordon National Park. 

Take a stroll into possibly Tasmania’s most photogenic waterfall - Nelson Falls, the 30 minute return walk is one of the west coasts best. We then travel through picturesque valleys and mountains, pristine forests, cross wild rivers before winding our way up Mt Arrowsmith to the central highlands and geographical centre of Tasmania. Button grass plains, Eucalyptus forests, majestic mountains and spectacular lakes are in every direction here.  

Turn at Derwent Bridge to see Lake St Clair – our location for today’s lunch and Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. Lake St Clair is also famous for being the source of the mighty Derwent River. Next up is a visit to one of the states premier cultural experiences - The Wall, an amazing work by artist Greg Duncan, depicting stories of Tasmanian history hand carved in Huon pine - our most famous timber. 

In the afternoon we have a close-up look at Tasmania’s Hydro-Electric Power scheme in the township of Tarraleah, before pushing further east into the Derwent Valley. A mid afternoon coffee stop is in order at Lake Meadowbank before detouring into Mt Field National Park to visit the delightful 3 tier Russell Falls.

Our final drive leg wanders along side the Derwent River bringing us to Hobart for the conclusion of our adventures. Tonight we check-in for a 2-night stay right in the Hobart city centre and close walking distance to everything including the Salamanca & Hobart Waterfront areas.

 No need to hurry or pack your things for checkout this morning as there is another nights stay included. After delicious hot breakfast we have some great activities organised for your Saturday… but being self guided you are on your own time schedule and can  move at your own pace!

Lets begin with a morning at the famous Salamanca markets only a 5 minute stroll from your hotel. Wander the rows of market stalls displaying woodwork, arts & craft, fresh produce, coffee, wine, cooked foods and more. This is Tasmania’s most famous market and operates every Saturday for the entire year. Salamanca also has a fantastic collection of convict built sandstone buildings connected by narrow laneways, staircases and interesting little spaces. In addition to the markets Salamanca area has fantastic art galleries, cafes and retail stores. You are free to wander the markets & surrounds at your leisure… perhaps a wander across the dock area or up into the quaint suburb of Battery Point?

When feels appropriate for you a short wander to Brooke Street Pier will lead to the departure terminal for your choice of 2 afternoon activities:

Option 1) MONA Museum. The Museum of Old & New Art has become one of Tasmania’s premier attractions over the last 10 years and is a real cultural adventure. The MONA ferry will transport you via a comfortable and scenic 25 minute fast boat cruise up the Derwent River to the museum. There is some fantastic viewing of Hobart and the harbour area along the ferry journey.  

At MONA you will encounter one of the most unique and fascinating buildings in Australia. The MONA complex features beautiful vineyards, 2 restaurants, a hotel and lovely garden areas adorned with sculptures above ground. The majority of the gallery however is actually below the surface - excavated into the sandstone rock. As you wander the quirky tunnels and pathways of the museum you can spot many areas of exposed sandstone suggesting you are underground. It is certainly one of the unique cultural experiences in Tasmania. Guiding you will be ‘The O’ which is a free downloadable phone App designed to enhance your experience in the gallery. One can very easily spend an entire afternoon at the MONA complex and we’d suggest allowing plenty of time to absorb the vibes and stop for a snack or drinks at one of the cafe’s/bars on location. The ferries depart for Hobart hourly so you can return to your city lodgings whenever you feel so inclined.  

Option 2) A 60min river cruise with ‘Hobart Historic Cruises’ is the alternate option for those not inclined to visit MONA. Departing at 1.45pm this option will allow you more time to explore the Salamanca Markets themselves. The lovely afternoon cruise will take you in both North & South directions on the river passing famous locations such as The Botanical Gardens, Government House, under the Tasman Bridge, Sandy Bay and the Wrest Point Casino before finally sailing over to the eastern Shore area. It’s a fantastic way to see Hobart’s stunning harbour while providing some great photo opportunities. Entertaining commentary along the way will educate you on some interesting facts about Hobart city and the landmarks you are passing.

Being Saturday, tonight is a great opportunity to wander down into the dock or Salamanca areas for dinner and evening entertainment. There are dozens of restaurants within comfortable walking distance including some very indulgent dessert options for those with a sweet tooth.

A hot breakfast is included in your hotel package today and with checkout time set for 11am there is no need to hurry. For those interested in additional activities and sight seeing for your Sunday, luggage can be stored in the hotel reception luggage room at no additional charge. Being within walking distance to most of the city attractions you may wish to consider one or more of the following:

• Sunday morning Farm Gate Market on Bathurst Street.
• Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery on Davey St opposite Constitution Dock (free entry).
• Hobart Botanical Gardens
• A Cascade Brewery tour ($30 approx)
• Visit Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum

This concludes your 11 Day Tassie adventure. Additional nights in the same accommodations can be organised on request. We are sure you will have experienced some amazing scenery, culture, history, food & wine and formed some strong friendships with guests of our travel group along the way. It has been our pleasure be your hosts & guide in Tasmania, thank you for joining us.