Tantalising Tassie

Day 1 - Friday 12 February 2021

Melbourne - Hobart (D)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  Meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Aiport for your short flight to Hobart, Tasmania.  Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.  On arrival into Hobart Airport we'll be greeted by our Tasmanian Coach Captain and welcomed aboard our luxury touring coach.  We travel to nearby Rosny Lookout for panoramic views of Hobart set against the majestic backdrop of the Wellington Range. Cross the Tasman Bridge to Hobart City and tour historic Battery Point, Salamanca Place and the vibrant waterfront before settling into accommodation for the next two nights.

Tonight we'll regroup for dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight - Travelodge Hobart (or similar)

Day 2 - Saturday 13 February 2021

Hobart Sightseeing (B)

Today after breakfast, as it is Saturday morning, take the opportunity to explore the famous Salamanca open-air Market with its bustle and buskers, colour and excitement. The remainder of the day is ours to relax and explore.  Wander along constitution dock, visit the Henry Jones Art Hotel for an apertif or maybe you'd like to visit MONA.  We'll regroup for dinner tonight at a nearby hotel (own cost).

Overnight - Travelodge Hobart (or similar)

Day 3 - Sunday 14 February 2021

Hobart - Port Arthur (B)

Today we travel via the Sorell Causeway and Midway Point for our full day tour to Tasman Peninsula. Take in magnificent views from the look-out above picturesque Eaglehawk Neck and Pirates Bay before continuing to the Port Arthur Convict Settlement. Within the 40 hectares of landscaped grounds lies a rich history of Australia’s convict past. Included in the entry is a guided walking tour, a short Harbour Cruise, access to the Visitor Centre and Interpretation Gallery as well as more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored gardens and houses; explore as you wish before departing the historic site to our nearby accommodation.  Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Comfort Inn Port Arthur (or similar)

Day 4 - Monday 15 February 2021

Port Arthur - Bicheno (B)

Today we travel north through Buckland, Orford and Swansea. We'll pause at the convict built, enigmatic Spiky Bridge before gaining magnificent views of Great Oyster Bay, encompassing Maria Island and the rugged Freycinet National Park. This spectacular national park is the home of Wine Glass Bay, often listed among the world's most beautiful beaches. Visit the lookout at Cape Tourville for panoramic views along the east coast before visiting the Freycinet Marine Farm where you may like to taste some of Tasmania's best fresh seafood – enjoyed fresh on the deck (own expense). Journey to Bicheno to discover why it is one of the east coast’s best-loved holiday destinations. This evening we will have a thrilling chance to visit a little penguin rookery to watch them emerge from the ocean and head for their homes.  Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Diamond Island Resort Bicheno (or similar)

Day 5 - Tuesday 16 February 2021

Bicheno - St Helens (B)

After breakfast, we'll view Bicheno's ‘Gulch’ fishing harbour and the ocean blowhole. Tour past the blue waters of the Tasman Sea, past Douglas Aspley National Park with it's spectacular dolerite boulders and rugged hills enroute to St Helens. Enjoy a stroll at the magnificent Bay of Fires, voted the hottest travel destination in 2009 by Lonely Planet. We'll return to nearby St Helens for our overnight accommodation which overlooks the beautiful Georges Bay.  Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - NRMA Cabin Park St Helens (or similar)

Day 6 - Wednesday 17 Feburary 2021

St Helens - Launceston (B,L)

Departing the east coast, today we'll travel through the towns of the Fingal Valley with it's majestic mountains, rain forests and scenic farmlands. After a light lunch, we'll tour the World Heritage Woolmers Estate and National Rose Garden. This property shows a fascinating reflection of colonial life in Tasmania with the Rose Garden displaying one of the finest collections of historic roses in the southern hemisphere. Next, we explore the grand rural colonial estate of Strathmore. Set in beautiful parklands on the banks of the South Esk River, this magnificent Georgian house has a heritage walled garden, several farm buildings and its own lake. After a day of history, we will be pleased to check in to our modern accommodation at Best Western Plus in Launceston.  Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Best Western Plus Launceston (or similar)

Day 7 - Thursday 18 February 2021

Launceston (B,L)

Today we explore the Tamar Valley and the Tamar River, Australia’s longest navigable tidal estuary, meandering 58 kilometres through the heart of cool climate vineyards, orchards and hamlets to its mouth at historic George Town, Australia’s third oldest settlement. We'll pass through the Swiss style Grindelwald village with its alpine style houses and unusual wood carvings then take in magnificent views from bush-ranger Brady’s Lookout. After enjoying lunch at a winery, we'll explore Cataract Gorge with a walk through the magnificent cliff-side gardens or you may prefer to ride the world's longest single span chairlift (own expense) or enjoy the tranquility of the gardens at the on-site café before returning to our accommodation.  Dinner at leisure tonight. 

Overnight - Best Western Plus Launceston (or similar)

Day 8 - Friday 19 February 2021

Launceston - Devonport -Penguin - Burnie - Queenstownown (B)

Departing Launceston this morning, we'll travel through to the picturesque village of Deloraine to visit the award winning Ashgrove Cheese Factory.  Afters sampling some of their tasty delights, we continue along the north west coast to Devonport, Penguin and Burnie, taking in the spectacular scenery and magnificent views on offer.  In the afternoon, we travel to the west coast to find world famous wilderness rich in convict heritage, stunning national parks and historic mining towns. Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Comfort Inn Gold Rush, Queenstown (or similar)

Day 9 - Saturday 20 February 2021

Queenstown - Strahan - Queenstown (B)

This morning we cruise the incomparable Gordon River into the heart of Tasmania's wilderness and the edge of World Heritage. We'll cross vast Macquarie Harbour, past Sarah Island, the worst convict settlement of all and follow the Gordon through stands of ancient Huon pine, sassafras and myrtle rainforest to step ashore for a wilderness board-walk at Heritage Landing. Voyage to Hell's Gates, the aptly named harbour entrance where many early ships were destroyed by ferocious ocean swells. Upon our return to Strahan, we'll have free time to relax and explore the village including the Visitor Centre and Huon pine saw mill before traveling back to Queenstown.  Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Comfort Inn Gold Rush, Queenstown (or similar)

Day 10 - Sunday 21 February 2021

Queenstown - Cradle Mountain - Launceston - Home (B,L)

This morning we travel through the rainforest and mineral rich mountains, crossing the Vale of Belvior and alpine cattle country to reach Cradle Mountain National Park. We'll board the shuttle bus to Dove Lake at the foot of the crags of Cradle Mountain and visit Waldheim, forest home of pioneer Gustav Weindorffer.  We'll enjoy lunch and the visual delights of the Wilderness Gallery at the Cradle Mountain Hotel before winding through deep valleys to the town of Sheffield where locals have recorded the regions history in wonderful murals throughout the village. We continue past the rolling hills of the Great Western Tiers to Launceston Airport where we farewell our Coach Captain and fly back to Melbourne.  We thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.