South West Adventure Tour

8 days - Hobart to Launceston

Premium Escorted Tour - Tour Code THHL

From the ancient diverse flora and fauna of Mt Field National Park to the rugged pristine wilderness of the Franklin River, the picturesque, ghostly rich history of Port Arthur to the spectacular forested backdrop and 'world's best beach' of Wineglass Bay, Tasmania truly is an island unto itself.

Daily itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hobart

Transfer from Hobart Airport to your hotel, then we'll take an afternoon tour of Hobart. Our orientation tour takes in Battery Point, Salamanca Place, the Botanic Gardens and Constitution Dock. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow passengers.

Hotel: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, 2 nights. D

Day 2: Huon Valley

Over the undulating hills of the apple-growing Huon Valley, we make a beeline for the Tahune Forest AirWalk, for a guided walk amongst the towering treetops, out over the Huon and Picton Rivers on a cantilevered, suspended walkway. At lunchtime we head to Geeveston's Forest and Heritage Centre to learn about the history of Tasmanian wood, then travel to Mt. Nelson from which we'll see a spectacular view of Hobart and the Derwent River. B

Day 3: Russell Falls

This morning we head west to New Norfolk and the magnificent Mt. Field National Park. Tasmania's oldest National Park is the location of the spectacular three-tiered waterfall - Russell Falls, which is surrounded by towering swamp gums. Then we take the winding journey up to Lake St. Clair - amazing vistas await us. Back down to Queenstown, along the rainforest bordered road of World Heritage protected Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to coastal Strahan - a journey of exploration.

Hotel: The Strahan Village, Strahan, 2 nights. B D

Day 4: Gordon River Cruise

The fishing village of Strahan is all yours for the morning. Take a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, highly recommended, or visit the Huon Pine Museum, it's up to you. In the afternoon be awestruck by the beauty of the dark waters, stained amber by buttongrass tannins, reflecting the untouched wilderness on the Gordon River Cruise. You'll see exactly why this river is heritage-listed. Along the way we stop to explore the ruins of the former brutal penal colony of Sarah Island. See Hell's Gate and Heritage Landing - site of the 1,000 year old Huon Pine. B D

Day 5: Cradle Mountain

Discover the engineer within as we travel through the mining and hydro electric towns of Rosebery and Tullah, toward the sensational Cradle Mountain National Park. After lunch, we'll head up to Waldheim and the gorgeously idyllic Dove Lake, from where you'll experience the ruggedly spectacular Cradle Mountain, and catch stunning views of the Franklin River, which became synonymous with Australia's largest conservation battle of the 1980's. The afternoon is yours to explore the Australian National Wilderness and Landscape Gallery or just relax back, take in the views and breathe the clean fresh air.

Hotel: Cradle Mountain Chateau, Cradle Mountain. B D

Day 6: The Nut, Stanley

Travelling through the rainforest around Hellyer Gorge State Reserve we make our way to Wynyard on the North Coast for morning tea. You'll think you're in a butter commercial as the rolling green hills and Friesian cows pass us by en route to Table Cape, home of tulips, and Stanley. On arrival we visit Highfield Historic Site, unique amongst colonial residences in Tasmania. It was built by the Van Diemen's Land Company and is a rare example of domestic architecture from the Regency period, which is characterised by refined decoration that is geometric yet elegant. Lunch with a view... of 'The Nut', an unusual and huge promontory. The hills roll on from Irishtown to the location of our next guided tour - Allendale Gardens. Dinner and our overnight stop are at Smithton.

Hotel: Tall Timbers Hotel, Smithton. B D

Day 7: Sheffield - Launceston

The northwest coastal landscape provides a gorgeous scenic backdrop as we travel east through the seaside towns of Penguin, Ulverstone and Devonport en route to Braddon's Lookout. Soak up the panoramic views over Forth Valley and Bass Strait. Next is Sheffield, the town of murals, for lunch and a wander through town. Then we visit Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory for a cheese making presentation and some product tasting - yum! We continue to Launceston.

Hotel: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston. B D

Day 8: Depart Launceston

You will be transferred to Launceston Airport for your onward flight. B

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