5D4N Tassie’s East Coast Highlights

You don’t have to arrive early into Launceston, but we highly recommend you do. Time on your side? Walk the short distance to Cataract Gorge, home to the longest single-span chairlift in the world. It’s quite the ride, taking you up high into this intensely beautiful, and spiritual, place. Otherwise, meet your Travel Director and fellow Tassie companions for a drink in the evening.

Bridestowe is an assault on all your senses – in the best possible way. See the contoured rows contrasted against the rich red volcanic soils backdropped by the horizon-wide sky and when in flower (late Spring to early Summer) the rich purple tones add a whole other dimension. Then the musky aroma of the flowers, which has an instant calming effect. And the taste,  beyond anything you ever imagined – try a lavender ice-cream, jams and teas, and thank us later. It’s a tasty entrée to the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees, sculpted into World War One soldiers. Come dusk in Bicheno, sign up to spot tuxedoed little penguins waddle to shore from the water. Touring Tasmania doesn’t get any cuter than this.

Optional Experiences:

a. Bicheno Penguins Tour
A penguin tour is the best way to see penguins up close and in their own natural habitat. The penguins are accustomed to our tour however our friendly, knowledgeable guides take extreme care not to disturb them from our multiple viewing areas.

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The colors at Freycinet National Park are so vivid you’ll think someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time: The patchwork of ocean blues that lap Coles Bay. The dramatic pink granite cliffs. There’s a reason why Freycinet adventures star on postcards. The other place on postcards is Richmond, its grand 1820s Georgian buildings today home to bijou boutiques, galleries and cafés that appear to be lost in time. Your last stop for the day is to the shores of the Derwent River where local palawa will welcome you to country and show off some local bush tucker.

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Port Arthur has a grim but extraordinary convict past. Your private tour, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, of the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, its immaculately maintained buildings scattered over green pastures that fade into the Southern Ocean, revealing the best-preserved convict site in Australia, and among the most significant convict-era destinations worldwide. The convict history is one part but you’ll also see the dramatic geological features of the Tasman’s Arch and Devils Kitchen that exist on the Tasman Peninsular.

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Short and sweet and packed with highlights – this Tasmania tour is sure to inspire future travels.

Optional Experiences:

a. Above & Beyond 30 Minute City Scenic Flight
After taking off from the heart of Hobart’s waterfront, this flight will give you a bird’s eye view over our beautiful city, before heading south to follow the River Derwent’s western shore as far as North Bruny Island. After flying past the Iron Pot lighthouse, we then head back up the river’s eastern shore, reaching the famous Tasman Bridge and experiencing views of the majestic kunanyi/Mt Wellington. We finish with a river landing and return to dock at Franklin Wharf.

b. Bruny Island Cruise Pre Tour Only
Cruise alongside some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags and drift up close to listen to the awesome ‘Breathing Rock’. Enter deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and ‘The Monument’ and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. Join in the search for the abundant coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. The highly trained interpretive guides love what they do. *Please Note: This optional experience can be reserved at the time of your trip booking. Please enquire with your travel agent or reservations team member. Subject to availability.

c. Bruny Island Traveller Pre Tour Only
Savor a delicious al fresco morning tea and a cellar door lunch of specialty local produce including Bruny Island Cheese, oysters, salmon, wine, bread and berries – all grown, made or harvested on Bruny. At The Neck, see the narrow isthmus stretch away south in graceful curves. Enjoy short walks in the South Bruny National Park and see white wallabies, native wildlife and birds in their natural habitat. Hear the stories of the people who have shaped Bruny Island, from the whalers who used to camp at Adventure Bay, to the lighthouse keepers and their families who braved difficult conditions to keep the light burning at Cape Bruny. *Please Note: This optional experience can be reserved at the time of your trip booking. Please enquire with your travel agent or reservations team member. Subject to availability.

d. Entry to the Cascade Female Factory Historic Site
The World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory tells the story of the displacement, mistreatment and forced migration of convict women and girls, and their contribution to colonization throughout the history of colonial Australia to the present day. Immerse yourself with an engaging guided tour to hear more of the stories of the women who have shaped the foundation of modern Australia.

e. Hobart Walking Tour (History, People and Places)
Hobart’s waterfront was where it all started for Europeans in Tasmania. This 2-hour walking tour follows the waterfront from the historic Henry Jones IXL jam factory to Australia’s only Georgian corner, and on to beautiful Salamanca, taking in the wonders of a convict-built city, with well-preserved Georgian and Victorian architecture. You’ll cover the story of the birth of a new British colony, and the growth of a lovely city, recalling the good, the bad and the scandalous characters that set the tone for the early days of Hobart. See and hear about stories of endurance, business empires, tycoons, adventurers, convicts, women, mothers, villains and heroes. Discover the marvelous legacy left by the resilience of our convict and free-settler ancestors.

f. Iron Pot & Derwent River 2.5-hour Cruise
Iron Pot Cruises is a 2 and half hour cruise exploring the renowned waterways that influence Hobart’s lifestyle. Visit Australia’s oldest lighthouse, circumnavigate Betsey Island and discover the city’s rich maritime past and fascinating history.

g. Mt Wellington Tour
On this half day tour, pass through various eco systems as we ascend the spectacular kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Look out for the massive rock formation known as the Organ Pipes Crowned by alpine vegetation, and dusted by snow in winter. Visitors will be mesmerized by the dramatic setting and breathtaking views of Hobart from the summit.

h. Wineglass and Wildlife – Scenic Flight with Maria Island Stopover and Lunch
Soar high over Freycinet National Park, home to dramatic pink granite mountains, secluded bays, crystal clear waters and pristine white beaches. Tasmania’s most iconic white sand beach – Wineglass Bay – is the highlight of this scenic tour. The aerial view is truly spectacular and an unforgettable experience. Flying south, touch down at stunning Maria Island. Famous for its abundance of wildlife, Maria Island is home to rare and endangered species like the swift parrot and Cape Barron goose, wombats, kangaroos and of course, the Tasmanian Devil. We enjoy an hour-and-a-half on the island, including time for a sumptuous gourmet lunch with local Tasmanian seafood and wine, before returning to Hobart by air.

i. Half Day Mt Wellington Tour plus entry into Female Factory –
On this half day tour, pass through various eco systems as we ascend the spectacular kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Look out for the massive rock formation known as the Organ Pipes. Visitors will be mesmerized by the dramatic setting and breathtaking views of Hobart from the summit. On descent, take a self-guided audio tour of the World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory where you’ll learn about the forced migration of convict women and girls – *Please note: In order to partake in this experience, you will need to ensure your flight departs after 2:00pm on the final day of tour or have post accommodation booked.

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