5/6/10 days Grand Tasman

Ask our expert Brendan White about the 5/6/10 days Grand Tasman

Day 1 Sat. Launceston, Woolmers Estate, Cataract Gorge

 A morning flight to Launceston, will arrive before 12.40 p.m. in time for an afternoon guided tour of the town. You can inspect a fine collection of antiques at Woolmers Estate, and with time to spare explore the National Rose Garden before leaving to visit spectacular Cataract Gorge. This evening, enjoy complimentary pre-dinner welcome drinks followed by a Welcome Dinner and time to get to know your fellow travellers and crew.
Stay: Launceston, Commodore Regent. Overlooking central city parklands. (dinner)

Day 2 Sun. Weldborough Pass, East Coast Natureworld, Freycinet National (Breakfast  Dinner)

Today we travel through the winegrowing area of northern Tasmania and visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm, during flowering season (Dec.-Jan.). The East Coast Natureworld  is our next stop, to meet a Tasmanian Devil, named by early European settlers because of its spine-chilling screeches, black colour, and bad temper. Although only the size of a small dog, it can look and sound unbelievably fierce. Continue along the beautiful Tasmanian coastline into the stunning Freycinet National Park and join a guided walk, along Richardsons Beach at Coles Bay.
Stay: Swansea, Waterloo Inn, overlooking Oyster Bay.

Day 3 Mon. Ross, Richmond, Tasman Peninsula, Eaglehawk Neck(Breakfast  Dinner)

Today you continue inland to Campbell Town and Ross then travel south to the charming Georgian village of Richmond. Between 1824 and 1872, it was a busy town, however after a bridge was built at Sorell, traffic rarely passed through. This is why Richmond remains much as it did 100 years ago. See the famous Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest before proceeding to Eaglehawk Neck, with its rugged coastline - you can enjoy from Pirates Bay Lookout. Continue on to Port Arthur.
Stay: Port Arthur, Fox and Hounds Inn.

Day 4 Tue. Port Arthur Historic Site, Harbour Cruise, Hobart, Mt Nelson (Breakfast  Dinner)

Port Arthur is Australia's most notorious convict prison. Many of the sandstone buildings of the prison, called “hell on earth” by its convict prisoners, are preserved. At the Port Arthur Historic Site Visitor Centre  you can play the ‘Lottery of Life’ game. Take a guided tour through the chapel and penitentiary ruins and join the Marana for a cruise around the ‘Isle of the Dead’. Travel to Hobart, the island capital, situated along the shores of the Derwent River and journey to the top of Mt Nelson for magnificent views.
Two Night Stay: Hobart, Hadleys Hotel, situated in the heart of Hobart.
 
Day 5 Wed. Cadbury Chocolate Factory, Salamanca Place, Botanical Gardens (Breakfast)

Enjoy the sights of this colonial city, including a guided tour through the Cadbury Chocolate Factory and sample some well-known favourites (seasonal closures occur, please enquire at time of booking). Stroll through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and see the historic sandstone buildings of Salamanca Place. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy and explore, perhaps visit the Cascade Brewery (own expense). Dinner this evening is not included so you can discover the culinary delights of Hobart for yourself.

Day 6 Thur. Derwent Valley, Mt Field National Park, Lake St Clair (Breakfast  Dinner)

Leave the city for Mt Field National Park to view Russell Falls, and then enter some of Tasmania's highest country, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Enjoy a stop on the shores of Lake St Clair to admire the view before travelling through World Heritage-listed wilderness to Strahan, on Macquarie Harbour. Ther is an optional excursion to ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway from Queenstown to Strahan (own expense), which is available during daylight savings time only.
Stay: Strahan Village Hilltop
 
Day 7 Fri. Strahan, Gordon River Wilderness Cruise with Lunch(Breakfast  Lunch  Dinner)

This morning you board the luxury cruise vessel, the Lady Jane Franklin II,  and cruise across the tranquil Macquarie Harbour  to the World Heritage Gordon River. Head for the former penal settlement of Sarah Island, enter the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and stop at Heritage Landing, before enjoying lunch on board. Depart Strahan and travel to World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park.
Stay: Cradle Mountain Chateau.
 
Day 8 Sat. Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Sheffield, Stanley and ‘The Nut’ (Breakfast  Dinner)

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is the next stop so explore the Visitor Centre before travelling out to Waldheim Chalet. The chalet nestling among the myrtles and King Billy pines, is a replica of the original guest chalet, built by Austrian migrant Gustav Weindorfer in 1912. Dove Lake, with the craggy peak of Cradle Mountain as its backdrop is a beautiful sight. Later, visit historic Sheffield and its buildings, decorated with murals depicting the region’s history, while the local school children have painted mini-murals on the town's garbage bins. Next is the charming fishing village of Stanley, rich in maritime heritage, set in the shadow of ‘The Nut’ – a striking rocky outcrop that soars 150 metres from the sea.
Stay: Smithton, Tall Timbers Hotel/Motel
 
Day 9 Sun. Ashgrove Cheese Factory, Great Lakes Plateau, Crayfish (Breakfast  Dinner)

Visit the famous Ashgrove Cheese Factory for a tour and tasting. Makers of delicious handmade cheeses, Ashgrove uses traditional recipes and techniques to produce superior cheeses – try their 'farmstyle' English cheeses, vintage cheddars or a unique cheese with Tasmanian native pepperberry flavours. Cross the Great Lakes Plateau before passing through Poatina and continuing to Launceston. Tonight, enjoy our farewell crayfish dinner with new found friends (fresh seafood outside cray season).
Stay: Launceston, Commodore Regent, in the centre of the city.

Day 10 Tamar River Cruise, Seahorse World, Home (Breakfast)

After a morning cruise up the Tamar River with morning tea you Arrive at Deviot and follow the Tamar River Valley to Beauty Point to visit Seahorse World. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA RETURN CRUISE OPTION Tour Code: TXTAB Return from Devonport to Melbourne overnight aboard the Spirit of Tasmania. The boat sails from Devonport at 8.00 p.m., arriving in Melbourne at 7.00 a.m. the next morning. And when you retire, you can relax in your twin inside cabin with private facilities.

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