TASMANIA...an island of jagged mountains and ancient wilderness, rare animals and unique plant. Colonial heritage an echo away in sun-warmed sandstone, chipped by convicts' chisels. An island of clean air and cool water, full flavored cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, fine wines and superb seafood.
Experience what life should be...where nothing matters...where life is beautiful and slow.
TASMANIA
7 Or 10 Day Self-Drive
This self-driving tour departs daily with a minimum of two travelers.
If you prefer an Escorted Tour
Royal Tasman - 12 and 4 days from Launceston; 9 days from Hobart
DAY 1 ARRIVE HOBART
Arrive into Hobart by air this morning where you collect your rental car and drive to your accommodation.
Tasmania's capital city is perched on the sparkling harbour of the River Derwent, with the Southern Ocean to the south. It is a city of sunlight and sails, history and heritage, art, craft and entertainment - a perfect base for the start of your Tasmanian adventure.
Accommodations are in a waterfront 4-star hotel or a very friendly bed and breakfast in historic Battery Point. This bed and breakfast is over 120 years old and the graceful charm of the home and exquisite gardens are only surpassed by your hosts old fashioned courtesy and friendliness and fabulous breakfasts.
Spend the day in Hobart or take a driving trip in the afternoon to nearby historic Richmond Village where historical convict-built cottages and small shops still stand. Beautiful arts and crafts including Tasmanian Lavender, hand-knitted woolens and local paintings can be purchased.
Stop at a small wildlife sanctuary where you may pet and feed kangaroo, have a photo with a friendly native koala, watch Tasmanian Devils feeding, photograph exotic birds. A lovely park in which to stroll and take a hundred pictures!
Overnight Hobart.
DAY 2 HOBART- Port Arthur Settlement (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Depart at your leisure and commence your drive east and onto the Port Arthur Peninsula. Suggested is a tour (own expense) with a local guide of this historic penal settlement, the result of the British convict transportation system in the early 19th century. Port Arthur became the gaol for an empire eventually housing over 10,000 convicts during its active existence. It closed in about 1860, but the foundations and walls as well as the solitary wing still stand amongst old trees and cottages of many service personnel. During the summer months (Oct-May) you can take a 20 minute harbour cruise and hear stories of the convict days, sailing past the Isle of the Dead.
Overnight on Port Arthur.
DAY 3 TO FRECINET
After breakfast, depart Port Arthur and drive north, arriving onto the Freycinet Peninsula for two nights at a wilderness lodge.
This lodge so harmonizes with the forest in which it stands that you hardly know it's here. Your cottage is tucked into the trees, some looking out onto Great Oyster Bay from the balcony.
Dining is something to look forward to at the lodge, with fresh veggies and seafood, roasts and soups, and fine Tasmanian wines.
Overnight: Freycinet
DAY 4 FREYCINET (B)
After a big buffet breakfast overlooking the bay, set off on any of the lodge's activities. There are guided walks of Richardson's Beach, a full day to Wineglass Bay and the Isthmus Track, a 'bush tucker' tour with a local guide to search for some of the plant species which were utilized by the local Aborigines.
There are also four-wheel-drive drips to mines, beaches and bays, a peninsula cruise, penguin tour tour of a working marine farm vessel, scenic flights, wine tours, bird watching and at night, spotlighting for forest residents such as wombat, native cats or owls. There is a tennis court, bike hire and sea kayaking also available from the lodge. (Note: some of these activities are not lodge based.)
Note: you may extend your stay at the lodge when making initial reservations.
DAY 5 TO CRADLE MOUNTAIN (B)
Depart the Freycinet/ The four-hour drive (plus stops) to Cradle Mountain will take you around Launceston, Tasmania's second largest city.
Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair is a World Heritage wilderness region of mirror lakes and rugged mountain peaks. King Billy Pines, over 1,000 years old, are still relative newcomers to these ancient forests.
Settle into your lodge accommodation for the next two nights.
DAY 6 CRADLE MOUNTAIN (B)
These are days filled with simple pleasures. Take the walk around Dove Lake after a hearty breakfast (2 hours), make a visit to Waldheim cabin. There are rainforest walks, horse riding, fly fishing, canoeing, mountain biking, four-wheel-drive tours, night spotlighting. There is a guest activity program posted daily.
Note: you may extend your stay at the lodge when making initial reservations.
DAY 7 Seven day tour end today with a drive to Launceston, return of rental car and flight departure.
Nine-day tour continue on TO STRAHAN.
Depart the lodge and continue your journey west and south to the seaside village of Strahan.
The magnificent scenery of the West coast can be enjoyed in many ways; from the air, a cruise or sea kayaking on the Gordon River, walking tracks or by vehicle. There are fishing trips, seaplane tours, jet boat rides, 4-wheel drive adventures, horse riding, bushwalking.
Accommodations in Strahan are in a wilderness bed and breakfast retreat on a hillside on the outskirts of the village.
DAY 8 STRAHAN, World Heritage Cruise (B)
Embark on an all-day cruise on Macquarie Harbour to visit Hells Gates and a harbour fish farm, before stopping at Sarah Island for a dramatic guided tour around the ruins of the penal settlement. From Sarah Island, cruise up the Gordon River where you can disembark at Heritage Landing for a walk through the rainforest and view a 2,000 year old Huon Pine.
Accommodations: Strahan
DAY 9 COUNTRY COTTAGE STAY (B)
Today is a day to leisurely depart Strahan for your drive to east towards Hobart. Stop at Nelson Falls Nature Trail for a short walk (about 1.3 hours). Arrive into the scenic Derwent Valley and the historic town of Hamilton for an overnight stay in an enchanting convict built sandstone cottage. Nestled in fragrant cottage gardens, your accommodation is furnished with authentic country antiques and collectibles. Relax in the special secluded gardens or by the crackling log fire and enjoy this pause in your journey.
DAY 10 TO HOBART (B)
Explore the small town of Hamilton and its wonderful craft shop before continuing your drive east to Hobart via New Norfolk with its historic buildings and Australia's oldest Anglican church, and the quaint toll house by the bridge.
On arrival into Hobart, return your rental car to the airport and fly to your next destination.
End of arrangements.
Costs: click here...
Costs for more than 2 persons traveling together are available on request.
or... Invite some friends to go with you! Take the family!
For bookings, contact: or see our online reservation form
Destinations Downunder, Specialists in travel to Australia and New Zealand
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Specializing in travel to New Zealand and Australia for over 23 years!
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