| Countries Visited:
Australia |
Tour Type: Premium
Tour Duration: 12 Days (11 Nights)
From: Hobart to Hobart
Tour Code: THLH
Operator: AAT Kings |
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 Click Map To Enlarge Tour Description
Make Launceston your base and tour for 12 days including a cruise on the heritage listed Gordon River, visit famous gardens, a fruit farm, a cheese factory, a wildlife park to see Tasmanian Devils, historic Port Arthur and a cruise to the 'Isle of the Dead'. Discover Freycinet National Park, Russel Falls, Cradle Mountain, The Nut at Stanley and historic Hobart. 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
- 11 Full Buffet Breakfasts (B), 9 Hotel Dinners (D), 1 Highlight Dinner (HD)
- 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 12 to Hobart Airport -
flights anytime)
- Hotel porterage included
Included Tour Highlights:
- Visit Salamanca Market
- Tahune Forest AirWalk
- Mt. Field National Park
- View spectacular Russell Falls
- Cruise on the Gordon River
- Cradle Mountain National Park
- Journey to Waldheim Chalet
- The Nut at Stanley
- Highfield Historic Site
- Enchanting Allendale Gardens
- Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory
- Visit Cataract Gorge
- Visit Freycinet National Park
- See a Tasmanian Devil
- Tour Port Arthur Historic Site
- Isle of the Dead cruise
- 'You are invited' experience
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Day
1 |
Arrive Hobart
Transfer from Hobart Airport to your
hotel (flights to arrive prior to
1.00pm), 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, and location of the spectacular three-tiered Russell Falls. After morning tea 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. Stay: The Strahan Village, Strahan (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
4 |
Gordon River Cruise
Start the day your way - simply relax or explore the fishing village of Strahan - enjoy an optional, highly recommended, train ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway from Queenstown to Strahan or maybe visit the Huon Pine Museum. Later we take the Gordon River Cruise, where the wilderness comes to the water’s edge. You’ll be awestruck by the beauty of the dark waters, stained amber by buttongrass tannins, reflecting the untouched wilderness. We stop at Sarah Island and discover the ruins of the brutal penal colony. 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
This morning we travel through the rainforest of Hellyer Gorge State Reserve to Wynyard, on the North Coast, for morning tea. En route to Table Cape, home of tulips, you’ll think you’re in a butter commercial on your drive through rolling green hills with Friesian cows galore. Visit Highfield Historic Site, which was built by the Van Diemen’s Land Company, for a guided tour of the estate. Lunch with a view – of the idiosyncratic landform ‘The Nut’, the plug of an extinct volcano. Then the hills keep rolling from Irishtown to Allendale Gardens for your next guided tour. We’ll arrive at Smithton for dinner. Stay: Tall Timbers Hotel, Smithton (B/D) |
Day
7 |
Sheffield - Launceston
We travel east along the coast through Penguin, Ulverstone and Devonport up to Braddon’s Lookout for a view over the Forth Valley and Bass Strait. Lunchtime, and a wander through town, is at Sheffield, the town of murals. We then head to Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory for a presentation on cheese making and some delicious product tasting - yum! Later we continue to Launceston. Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
8 |
Launceston
Explore Cataract Gorge – wilderness in the city. Just two minutes out of Launceston and you’re surrounded by rivers, a gorge and exotic flora and fauna. Enjoy a walk across the suspension bridge, spot peacocks or take the chairlift for an aerial view of this fascinating urban wilderness. Later discover the Tamar Valley and the Swiss village of Grindelwald. You are invited to Josef Chromy Wines. On arrival the open log fire welcomes you and the views from the surrounding vineyards and lakes provide an idyllic location to enjoy tasting some of the estate-grown wines followed by Tasmania’s fresh local produce for lunch. (B/L) |
Day
9 |
St. Helens
A guided tour at Bridestowe Lavender Farm (December to March) gets things rolling. En route to St. Helens we’ll see the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees in honour of fallen WWI soldiers, the old tin mining town of Derby and drive through the lush myrtle rainforest at Weldborough Pass. Stay: Tidal Waters Resort, St Helens (B/D) |
Day
10 |
Freycinet National Park
Breathtaking Freycinet National Park is first up. A guided walk with a National Park Ranger unveils astonishing views. Cape Tourville Lookout will amaze. Then onward to historic Richmond, site of Australia’s oldest operational road bridge. This afternoon things get spectacular as we cross the 100 year old Denison Canal and make our way along the impressive cliff-lined coast. En route to Port Arthur we cross Eaglehawk Neck to the Tasman Peninsula and feast our eyes on the amazing vistas of Tasman’s Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole. Test your nerve on the optional lanternlit Ghost Tour of Port Arthur. Stay: Fox and Hounds Inn, Port Arthur (B/D) |
Day
11 |
Port Arthur
Today, a fascinating guided walk of Port Arthur’s infamous convicts prison and Historic Site, and a cruise around the Isle of the Dead. View the ruggedly spectacular sea cliffs from Pirates Bay Lookout. On our way back to Hobart we stop at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary for an encounter with a Tassie Devil as well as other native animals. Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart (B/D) |
Day
12 |
Depart Hobart
After breakfast you have free time until your flight. Get in some last minute shopping or explore this wonderful city in more detail. Perhaps stroll to Salamanca Place and the Botanic Gardens before we transfer you to Hobart Airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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Itinerary is based on 2012 departures. Click on the icon to the left if you would like to view the 2012 brochure online. |
from AU $4,045
12 Day Tasmanian Spectacular
5
4.2
5
12 Day Tasmanian Spectacular Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys for the 12 Day Tasmanian Spectacular. |
Just a wee note to say how much we enjoyed our recent trip with Global Journeys. The trip certainly lived up to its title of spectacular! AAT Kings were awesome. In particular the tour director Carolyn Tipper who in our opinion made our trip so interesting with the amount of local knowledge she shared with us, and in also being SO helpful to every passenger. A great trip and one that I am more than happy to recommend to anyone contemplating a trip to the 'Apple Isle'! Thanks once more to all involved in making our wee holiday so enjoyable!
Dave & Caroline Power (Australia)
Tour Date 18/03/2011 |
An excellent holiday which we both enjoyed. Our tour manager, Robin Gentle, looked after us all in a very professional manner, and Mark our driver (a Kiwi of course!!) was excellent. We only had one spot that was rather average and was not the fault of the company or Robin, that was our evening meal at Tall Timbers, Smithton. The meal was A La Carte, and we were one of the last to be served - our main meal was brought out over an hour after we ordered, we asked if our dessert could be brought out early as we were due to go on the Penguin tour. The waitress was very off-hand and we thought rather rude telling us we would have to wait until everyone had finished as that was the rule. We didn't even have time for a hot drink before we had to go to get ready for the trip. Apart from that - well done Global Journeys, we would have no hesitation in recommending it to others.
John & Margaret Dyke (New Zealand)
Tour Date 04/02/2011 |
It was a great tour. Well structured because we saw all or most of Tasmania and did so without any days of travel that could be described as onerous and a good balance between one night and two night stays in different locations. The itinerary was excellent and I think the tour is well named because much of what we saw was spectacular and a lot of highlights were very beautiful scenically and interesting. Good accommodation all the way around and good meals where they were included in the tour. But what made this tour so special for us was the Tour Director a lady by the name of Caroline Tipper. A proud Tasmanian passionate about her Island state and incredibly knowledgeable on all manner of subjects such as its history its economy flora and fauna etc etc Carolyn is a very special person. Through her kindly organisation and especially her commentaries on the bus she made the tour special for every person on the tour. Of this I am sure.
Robert & Ruth Birch (New Zealand)
Tour Date 26/11/2010 |
Had a wonderful time on our holiday. Had a few doubts at first about booking and paying so much online, and wondering if we had done the right thing. As time drew nearer to depart on our journey, and I had spoken to Georgina Walpole, I was more at ease about the trip and now I thank Georgie with all my heart as we all had a great time. AAT Kings were very professional throughout the whole trip and Carolyn, our tour hostess, worked above and beyond the call of duty to make sure we all had a great time. When we are ready to go on another trip we will definitely give you the opportunity to quote us and I am sure if other staff are as professional as Georgie we will be very satisfied with your help. Once again Don, Margaret ,Len and I sincerely thank you for all your help.
Patricia Townsend (Australia)
Tour Date 22/10/2010 |
We had a very enjoyable holiday in Tasmania. The choice of hotels was excellent, very comfortable and the meals were wonderful. We were very luck with the weather and only had one wet day but that did not spoil the tour. The coach was good as were the tour guide and the coach driver. To summarise I do not have any adverse comments regarding the tour and we both enjoyed ourselves.
Iwan & Joyce Jones (Australia)
Tour Date 11/04/2010 |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $380 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 16 Mar 2012 |
27 Mar 2012 |
AU $4,235 |
AU $5,220 |
Save $190 |
AU $4,045 |
| 30 Mar 2012 |
10 Apr 2012 |
AU $4,235 |
AU $5,220 |
Save $190 |
AU $4,045 |
| 06 Apr 2012 |
17 Apr 2012 |
AU $4,235 |
AU $5,220 |
Save $190 |
AU $4,045 |
| 13 Apr 2012 |
24 Apr 2012 |
AU $4,235 |
AU $5,220 |
Save $190 |
AU $4,045 |
| 04 May 2012 |
15 May 2012 |
AU $4,235 |
AU $5,220 |
Save $190 |
AU $4,045 |
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! |
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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.
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: AAT Kings
 An 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
 AAT 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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