Tasmanian Explorer

Welcome to Tasmania! On arrival at Hobart airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. After check-in (from 2pm), the rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore Australia’s most southern city. This evening, meet your Evergreen Tour Director and fellow travellers for a tour briefing and enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)

Today is at leisure for you to explore. DiscoverMORE Bruny Island Adventure, Tour of MONA or Peppermint Bay Cruise (must be pre-booked, own expense). All tours are subject to availability and seasonal operation. (B)

This morning, travel through the Derwent River Valley and visit Bonorong Wildlife Park to get up close and personal with a Tasmanian Devil and many other native animals. Visit Richmond, one of Australia’s most charming Georgian villages. You’re Invited: Enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch as part of your visit to Puddleduck winery. The family owned and operated vineyard produces wines from grapes grown at the single site vineyard.

After lunch, travel along the Tasman Peninsula to the Port Arthur Historic Site, once the home of up to 12,500 convicts. Visit the Interpretation Gallery and play the Lottery of Life, a unique way to learn about convict life. Join your Local Guide for a walking tour amongst the buildings and ruins. Cruise around the harbour to see the Isle of the Dead. (B/L/D)

Stop at Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen and continue travelling north through beautiful coastal towns. Visit the village of Swansea to see the convict built Spiky Bridge. Prepare yourself for the breathtaking beauty of Freycinet National Park. The dramatic peaks of the Hazards welcome you as you enter the park and enjoy spectacular scenery, azure bays and white sandy beaches.

The Visitors Centre introduces the natural and cultural heritage of this region through creative displays. A Ranger Guide joins you for a short walk at Cape Tourville along the boardwalk track around the cliff line to the lighthouse. Enjoy the beautiful coastal drive to St Helens. (B/D)

Leaving the coast, traverse the scenic Weldborough Pass and drive through the lush Myrtle rainforest. Experience the colour of Bridestowe Lavender Farm, the largest and oldest lavender plantation in the southern hemisphere (Note: lavender is in bloom December and January only). Visit Beaconsfield, a town full of history and interesting old buildings. Here you’ll visit the Mine & Heritage Centre, a museum showcasing the history and heritage of the local area. Then, your included tour of Platypus World will give you a chance to see platypus up close. (B/D)

Your journey starts this morning with a visit to historic Woolmer’s Estate, regarded as Australia’s most significant colonial property. Join the Local Guide for a tour of the main house and spend time exploring the National Rose Garden which covers 1.5 hectares and is planted with over 3,000 roses. Next, visit the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company and sample their delicious range of locally made sauces, jams and conserves. Return to Launceston and visit the famous Cataract Gorge Reserve. Explore its wonderful scenery through the network of walking trails. DiscoverMORE Tamar River Cruise or James Boag Brewery Tour (must be pre-booked, own expense). All tours are subject to availability and seasonal operation. (B)

This morning learn about the art of cheese making and taste some delicious produce at the Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory. Then on to the House of Anvers, for a guided tour of the chocolate factory. Watch the confectionery staff mould and enrobe fine chocolates, truffles, pralines, fudges and more. Travel to the town of Sheffield, renowned for its street murals which depict its pioneering history, geography, wildlife and the people of this region.

Visit the far north-west reaches of Tasmania and see ‘The Nut’ – a striking rocky outcrop rising over 137 metres, at Stanley. This old volcanic plug was discovered by the explorers Bass and Flinders in 1798. Afterwards, arrive into the stunning alpine scenery of Cradle Mountain National Park. (B/D)

This morning join your Local Guide for a visit to Dove Lake to see spectacular Cradle Mountain and visit Waldheim Chalet. There is also the opportunity to explore the Australian National Wilderness and Landscape Gallery. This afternoon, travel south through the mining and hydroelectric towns of Rosebery and Tullah, before arriving in the village of Strahan, located on Macquarie Harbour, your home for the next two nights. (B/D)

Board your luxury cruise vessel and enjoy the view as you cruise breathtaking Macquarie Harbour to Hells Gate, where the harbour meets the ocean. Travel along the serene Gordon River and visit Heritage Landing for a guided walk through the rainforest amongst trees thousands of years old. Rejoin your cruise vessel for a sumptuous buffet lunch. Following lunch, your journey continues with a visit to Sarah Island, where your expert guide will regale you with stories of the convicts’ lives on the island as you walk through the settlement ruins. You’re Invited: This evening is your included performance of ‘The Ship That Never Was’, a play which highlights the history and classic characters of the convict era in Western Tasmania. (B/L)

This morning ascend into the lunar landscape of the old copper mining centre of Queenstown and discover its history. View ‘The Wall in the Wilderness’, an artwork in progress, with 100 hand carved Huon pine panels depicting the history of Tasmanian life. Travel to Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake and admire the stunning wilderness scenery. Continue to Mt Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s oldest and most popular National Parks and explore this area as you take a short stroll through lush rainforest to stunning Russell Falls. Next, visit historic New Norfolk where you will see St Matthews, Tasmania’s oldest church. This evening, enjoy your farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. (B/D)

This morning stroll through Salamanca Place and explore the colourful stalls of bustling Salamanca Markets, one of the nation’s most popular markets. Some of the state’s finest arts, crafts and produce can be found here. DiscoverMORE Tour of MONA, Historic Hobart Walking Tour or Peppermint Bay Cruise (must be pre-booked, own expense). All tours are subject to availability and seasonal operation. (B)

Your tour concludes after breakfast with a transfer to Hobart airport. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Evergreen Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)