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8 Day South West Adventure
Premium Coach Tour starting in Hobart and finishing in Launceston
Countries Visited: Australia 
Tour Type: Premium
Tour Duration: 8 Days (7 Nights)
From: Hobart to Launceston
Tour Code: THHL
Operator: AAT Kings
from AU $2,600 pp
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Tour Description

See the best of Tasmania from Hobart to Launceston in 8 days with this premium guided coach tour, including a cruise on the world heritage Gordon River, several lakes, waterfalls, gorges and National Parks. Do the Tahune Forest 'AirWalk', visit historic sites and a cheese factory for tastings.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats and panoramic windows
  • Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
  • 7 Full Buffet Breakfasts (B), 6 Hotel Dinners (D)
  • Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels
  • Welcome drink
  • Travel wallet and map
  • Airport transfers (Day 1 from Hobart Airport - flights to arrive prior to 1.00pm; Day 8 to Launceston Airport - flights anytime)
  • Hotel porterage included

Included Tour Highlights:

  • Visit Salamanca Market
  • Beautiful Huon Valley
  • Tahune Forest AirWalk
  • Mt. Field National Park
  • Spectacular Russell Falls
  • Lake St. Clair National Park
  • Cruise on the Gordon River
  • Penal Colony on Sarah Island
  • Cradle Mountain National Park
  • Waldheim Chalet & Dove Lake
  • The Nut at Stanley
  • Highfield Historic Site
  • Views over Bass Strait
  • Enchanting Allendale Gardens
  • Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory

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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. Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart (2 nights) (D)
Day
2
Huon Valley
There’s time this morning to visit the iconic Salamanca Market. The diverse range of nearly 300 stallholders includes original, hand-made Tasmanian pieces, from woodwork to jewellery, fashion to fanciful, glassware and ceramics. Then 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. Later 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. Stay: 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 heritagelisted. 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 2,000 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. Stay: 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 significant landform. The hills roll on from Irishtown to the location of our next guided tour – at enchanting Allendale Gardens. Dinner and our overnight stop are at Smithton. Stay: 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. Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston (B/D)
Day
8
Depart Launceston
Your morning is at leisure - enjoy a walk across the suspension bridge, spot peacocks or take the chairlift for an aerial view of this fascinating urban wilderness. Later we’ll transfer you to Launceston Airport for your onward flight. (B)
AAT Kings Brochure Itinerary is based on 2012 departures. Click on the icon to the left if you would like to view the 2012 brochure online.

Tour Prices

Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012 Season Sale! Save up to $250 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

START DATE END DATE BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
24 Feb 2012 02 Mar 2012 AU $2,725 AU $3,360 Save $125 AU $2,600
16 Mar 2012 23 Mar 2012 AU $2,725 AU $3,360 Save $125 AU $2,600
30 Mar 2012 06 Apr 2012 AU $2,725 AU $3,360 Save $125 AU $2,600
06 Apr 2012 13 Apr 2012 AU $2,725 AU $3,360 Save $125 AU $2,600
13 Apr 2012 20 Apr 2012 AU $2,725 AU $3,360 Save $125 AU $2,600
04 May 2012 11 May 2012 AU $2,725 AU $3,360 Save $125 AU $2,600

Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.

Tour Discounts & Options:

Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts!
  Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.

SAVEConcession Card Holders
SAVEFrequent Traveller Discount
SAVESingle Traveller Saving
SAVETriple Room Discount
SAVEYoung Traveller Saving

General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: AAT Kings

AAT KingsAn AAT Kings escorted coach tour is the hassle-free freeway to holiday. Everything has been arranged in advance so travellers don't have to worry about getting lost, finding attractions and reading maps or speeding tickets. On an AAT Kings tour, there is a perfect balance of planned sightseeing and free time for independent exploration or just relaxing and doing nothing at all.


Tour Type: Premium

Contiki Camping ToursAAT Kings Premium tours offer our highest travelling standard. Packed with quality inclusions and unique experiences, we give you more in every way which lets you experience all each destination has to offer in a ‘no compromise' way. Central hotel locations, near the sights, luxurious accommodation & comfort with superior facilities & special places to stay with included meals like breakfast daily and most other meals, plus special meals like Highlight dinners & ‘You are invited' experiences.


Frequently Asked Questions

Will the coach be comfortable and modern?

Yes, AAT Kings have one of the newest coach fleets in Australia. Their modern and luxurious Mercedes Benz and Scania coaches are equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, seatbelts, restrooms, two door access, ample legroom and large panoramic windows, so you won't miss a thing.

What does it mean if I book on a non Guaranteed Departure?

AAT Kings have designated certain departures as Guaranteed Departures, which means they have reached minimum passenger numbers and will definitely run as scheduled. Global Journeys continue to add Guaranteed Departure status to tours online as they achieve minimum numbers. If you book on a non Guaranteed Departure AAT Kings will determine if the tour will operate no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. If the tour is withdrawn we will work to offer you a suitable alternative. If you aren't happy with the options offered any money paid on your booking will be refunded.

What documentation will I receive?

This depends on the touring style you are booking. Short Break bookings will receive e-documentation. If you are booking an AAT Kings escorted tour (Premium, Cost Saver, Explorer or Camping) you will receive paper documents in a complimentary leather travel wallet as well as luggage labels and a useful booklet containing valuable holiday information. You will also receive a map of the region you are visiting when you get on tour.

When will I receive my travel documents?

Documents for AAT Kings guided tours are delivered to the hotel or address you are staying at prior to your tour depending on the tour type chosen. We also provide you with a tour itinerary and arrival instructions by email, once we have all your flight information and personal details.

What is the difference between the different tour types?

To suit all different holiday styles AAT Kings offer a range of different touring types.

  • Premium tours are guided by a Tour Director and Driver and include more luxurious accommodation and facilities, more meals and exclusive dining experiences as well as extra sightseeing and cultural highlights.
  • CostSaver tours are designed to offer value for money with clean and comfortable accommodation, breakfast daily, some dinners and plenty or free time, while also benefiting from an expert Tour Director and Driver throughout.
  • Explorer tours are run in our luxury mini-coach vehicles and average around 20 travellers. These active itineraries explore less accessible locations, stay in a mix of Premium tour standard accommodation and character-filled boutiques and are escorted by a dedicated Driver guide.
  • Short Breaks showcase the highlights of a region or city in a short time, they allow extra flexibility as standalone or pre or post tour options. Short Breaks are run by our expert Driver guides.

Who travels on AAT Kings Tasmania tours?

With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with AAT, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our Guided tours. There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40. As AAT Kings is sold internationally you will also find that there are people from all over the world on their tours, particularly North Americans, British, Europeans and many Asian nations.

How many other people will I be travelling with?

Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from fewer than 21 people up to 50 people, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends.

Do I need to tip my Tour Director, Driver or Driver guide?

While it’s not compulsory in Australia or New Zealand, tipping is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis. Likewise on your AAT Kings tour, if you feel that your Tour Director, Driver, Driver guide or Private cook has done an excellent job, then we would recommend tipping up to the equivalent of AU $5 per day. However, it’s not compulsory. It is up to you!

What options do I have if I am travelling alone?

The beauty of travelling with AAT Kings is that you won't be travelling alone. You'll have a group of like-minded travellers and soon to be friends to share in the experience with. They also offer a room matching service on all Guided tours (not applicable on Explorer or Short Breaks) so you don't have to pay a single room supplement. AAT Kings room matching service means they will work to match you with another solo traveller of the same sex but if they can't they will provide a single room at no extra cost.

Can I travel with children on your Guided tours?

Yes, they can accommodate children, however they must be over 6 years of age. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. AAT Kings do recommend that people travelling with children consider whether the itinerary is suitable, in particular the activities involved and the duration of the tour to ensure children’s comfort.

Where can I find out more information on AAT Kings?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on AAT Kings including more FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on what to expect on tour, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).


Airport Transfer Information

Free Airport Transfers

AAT Kings offers a hotel or airport transfer at the start and end of your tour, or in-conjunction with pre or post accommodation booked with Global Journeys & AAT Kings. All flight information must be given to Global Journeys at least 6 weeks prior to departure so that transfers can be booked. If you book your own pre or post accommodation then transfers cannot be included.

AAT Kings Short Breaks in the Northern Territory only include airport transfers in Ayers Rock (these meet all incoming flights and leave Ayers Rock 2 hours prior to your departure flight time). In Alice Springs and Darwin they have a range of transfer options negotiated at competitive prices.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Kirby O'Connor

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Kirby O'Connor
Aussie & Kiwi Specialist
Email: kirby@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: Australian & New Zealand Touring Specialist
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Russell FallsTahune Forest AirWalkAshgrove Farm Cheese Factory
 
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