Tasman Temptation Tour

Be tempted by the beauty of Tasmania with 10 days to discover the untamed wilderness of this wonderful island. Cruise the Gordon River from the pretty town of Strahan, explore the stunning Cradle Mountain National Park and visit Port Arthur Historic Site.

Day 1: Launceston, Freedom of Choice Touring
On arrival in Launceston be met and transferred to your hotel. See Cataract Gorge, then Freedom of Choice Touring: Choose to visit Platypus House, Seahorse World or Grubb Shaft Gold and Heritage Museum, Beaconsfield. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers at our Welcome Drinks and Dinner.
Stay: Launceston, Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Day 2: East Coast Natureworld, Freycinet National Park
During lavender flowering season (Dec.-Jan.) visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm and see fields of aromatic purple flowers. Continue through the town of Scottsdale, which services the rich agricultural and forestry region of the north-east. Following the Tasman Highway, enter the temperate rainforests of the Weldborough Pass. Treasured giant myrtles, over 300 years old, stand as sentinels along our journey. Continuing south to Bicheno, we visit East Coast Natureworld. See our very own Tasmanian Devil then journey to Freycinet National Park. Here, take a guided walk along Cape Tourville, learning of local flora, fauna and the area’s history. Arrive at the renowned Freycinet Lodge and take time to relax in this eco-friendly resort with stunning views of the surrounding national park.
Stay: Freycinet Lodge.

Day 3: Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur Historic Site, Mason Cove, Crayfeast
Follow the spectacular Wielangta Forest Drive to Port Arthur. Journey along the picturesque Tasman Peninsula and see the natural wonders of Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Tessellated Pavement. In the afternoon, join a cruise on Mason Cove, learning of Port Arthur’s tragic and dramatic history. Alternatively, you might take a walk around the well-kept gardens and unique colonial landscape of the site. Later, savour the flavours of a Tasmanian speciality - a delicious crayfish dinner (fresh seafood is offered outside cray season).
Stay: Port Arthur, Comfort Inn.

Day 4: Richmond, Hobart, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dine Around Dinner
Enjoy free time to explore the historic township of Richmond, then continue into Hobart where you will enjoy our Freedom of Choice Touring. For those with a sweet tooth, perhaps visit Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory. If beer is more your style, tour the Cascade Brewery (seasonal closures occur). Alternatively, take a locally guided historical walking tour around Hobart. Later, visit the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. This evening, enjoy our Dine Around Dinner - dine at The Cove, The Drunken Admiral or take an Historical Pub Tour with tastings and dinner included.
Stay: Hobart, Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Day 5: Hobart, Salamanca Market, Huon Valley, Tahune AirWalk
Start the day with a stroll through vibrant Salamanca Place and a visit to the bustling Salamanca Market. Enjoy time at leisure in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart before departing for the serene Huon Valley, an area of natural beauty, charm and the heritage of a bygone era. Visit the Forest and Heritage Centre at Geeveston before walking amid the tree tops on the unique Tahune AirWalk. Enjoy amazing views of the forest scenery without damaging the fragile surrounds. Afterwards, we drive to the summit of Mt Nelson for panoramic views of picturesque Hobart.

Day 7: World-Heritage Listed Gordon River, Dine Around Dinner
Today discover the magnificent World Heritage wilderness of the Gordon River. Board the Lady Jane Franklin II, on which you will enjoy guaranteed window seating and lunch. Stop for a cleansing walk through untouched rainforest before visiting the penal colony of Sarah Island with a local guide. This afternoon, explore the picturesque coastal town of Strahan then choose to dine at View 42º, Hamer’s Hotel or The Fish Café. You also have the opportunity to take in a local pantomime, ‘The Ship That Never Was’, detailing the area’s convict history (own expense).

Day 8: Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today we re-enter Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. We are joined by a local guide to explore the World Heritage wilderness of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. Visit Waldheim Chalet, originally built in 1912, today it provides an insight into the early days at Cradle Valley. Arriving at Cradle Mountain Lodge, enjoy our Freedom of Choice Touring. Choose to join our wine and cheese tasting or take a walk to learn of the area’s unique flora and fauna. Perhaps choose a spotlighting tour to see local nocturnal fauna in the wilderness (limited availability) or otherwise pamper yourself at the lodge’s indulgent Waldheim Alpine Spa.
Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge, Pencil Pine Cabins.

Day 9: The Nut, Woolnorth Wind Farm, Cape Grim, Smithton
Continue along the coast to the historical town of Stanley and see the rocky outcrop of The Nut. This afternoon we visit the wind farm at Woolnorth, perched atop the windswept north-western cliffs. Tour Cape Grim and revitalise your senses with the world’s cleanest air, before enjoying afternoon tea overlooking hectares of Van Dieman’s land.
Stay: Smithton, Tall Timbers Hotel.

Day 10: Sheffield, Woolmers Estate, Home
Travel to Sheffield, a quaint town where over 30 murals have been painted on many of the buildings’ walls. This afternoon, visit Ashgrove Cheese Factory and sample some of their renowned boutique cheeses. Later see historic Woolmers Estate and stroll through the National Rose Garden. Continue to Launceston and transfer to the airport.