Hobart & Southern Tasmania Explorer

Your adventure begins in Hobart (nipaluna in the language of the muwinina and palawa peoples, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Hobart is now located) at 11:00 am with a trip to the historic town of Richmond. With over 40 heritage buildings, Richmond gives you the impression that you’ve landed back in the colonial 1800s. Join your group for lunch at Pooley Wines then drive to the Tasman Peninsula where you may like to visit the aptly named Remarkable Cave. Or, you may want to explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former convict settlement with a horrific past (extra cost). After you have checked into your hotel at Eaglehawk Neck, join your group for a delicious, included dinner. (L/D)

Drive down the beautiful Tasman Peninsula, passing through the narrow sliver of land that is Eaglehawk Neck. Stop at Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Tessellated Pavement to view the unusual rock formations. On your return to Hobart, the Salamanca Markets await, ready to tempt you with local delights – everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. In the afternoon, drive to the quirky Museum of Old and New Art, home to an eclectic collection of pieces. Tonight you are free to relax for the evening or perhaps head out with your group for dinner. (B)

Feast on local delights at the Hobart farmers’ market, where you can meet local producers and browse for seasonal Tassie produce like gooseberries, pine mushrooms or fresh oysters, depending on the time of year. After driving to the top of kunanyi/Mount Wellington to savour some magnificent views over the city and its surrounding mountains, forests and waterways, you’ll depart for the Huon Valley. Stop in Geeveston, a small township known for its forestry heritage and gateway to the Hartz Mountains wilderness, where you'll explore this remote and rugged place shaped by ancient glaciers on a number of short walks. Our last stop in the Huon Valley is to learn about the history of local apple farming, maybe with a few cider samples, at a fourth-generation orchard and cidery. (B)

Hop on the ferry over to Bruny Island. Climb 279 steps to reach Truganini Lookout at The Neck for sweeping views and wildlife-spotting. Explore South Bruny National Park, where the Cape Bruny Lighthouse perches high above the wild waves of the Southern Ocean. See the beautiful coastline of Adventure Bay, and stop in at a few local Bruny Island shops for tastings of locally sourced products such as cheese, oysters, honey, beer and/or wine. Your tour concludes upon return to Hobart at 5. 30pm, and you are free to depart at your leisure. (B)