Welcome to Hobart, the capital of Australia’s smallest state and the starting point for your adventure (flights to arrive prior to 3pm). Arriving at your hotel opposite Constitution Dock, you’ll soon see how this is the perfect base for your time in Hobart. Ease into the day with a stroll along the mighty Derwent River before it empties into Storm Bay and the Tasman Sea, or keep it close to the hotel with a walk around the docks, taking in the colourful collection of yachts, boats, and fishing trawlers. Also the finishing line for the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, its friendly, festive atmosphere is your warm ‘Tassie’ welcome. Tonight, set the scene for the rest of your Australia tour package and join your Travel Director and group for a dinner designed to treat you to the delicious flavours of Tasmania.

This morning your Hobart city tour will show you all the key sights. Enjoy a drive up to Mt. Nelson Lookout for panoramic views over the city. Stop for a photo at Cascade Brewery before visiting historical Battery Point – a maritime village built in 1804. Finish the tour with a stroll through the fragrant and beautifully maintained Royal Botanical Gardens, a MAKE
TRAVEL MATTER®Experience. Later it’s a feast for the senses as you graze your way through the sights, sounds, and flavours of Hobart’s Salamanca Market, hearing about its history and discovering the best spots to sample cheeses, pickles, oysters, truffles, cider, and more. You’ll soon see how it’s more than just food as you meander the colourful stalls and potter through the historic sandstone warehouses discovering galleries and innovative Tasmanian arts and crafts. You’ll be ready to celebrate your first day of exploring so ask your Travel Director for some recommendations for somewhere to suit your taste and raise a glass to the end of your first day. Cheers!

Included Experiences:
a. Visit the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Your visit contributes to the conservation projects, Seed Bank, and care and upkeep of these picturesque gardens.

Your first taste of the dramatic Tasmanian landscapes you’ve been dreaming of come to life today journeying west to Mt. Field National Park to see the magnificent, tiered cascade of Russell Falls. Then take the winding road to iconic Lake St. Clair, Australia’s deepest natural lake at 160 metres deep. Continuing along the rainforest bordered road of World Heritage protected Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, you’ll pass through the moonscape of the mining town of Queenstown before your final stop today at seaside Strahan. The magnificent Macquarie Harbour, seven times the size of Sydney Harbour, is your backdrop this evening from your hotel perched on the hillside. After a big day you can relax over dinner at Strahan Village’s View 42 Restaurant and Bar.

You’re on your own today. Well, not really, because your Travel Director is at your service to help arrange optional experiences. Perhaps enjoy a strong coffee in one of Melbourne’s atmospheric laneways. Adrenaline junkie? Linger in the city, gaining bird’s-eye views from the Melbourne Skydeck at the Eureka Tower, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest attraction, looming almost 300 metres above the ground. Or, perhaps exploring the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing. Animal lover? Venture out on a Phillip Island little penguin tour to see hundreds of these cute creatures pad from the ocean along the sand back to snuggle in their burrows for the night (all own expense). The choice is yours.

Included Experiences:
a. Visit Sarah Island Penal Settlement
Explore the ruins of a penal settlement where convicts laboured under the harshest conditions in the early 1800s.

b. Stay at Cradle Mountains Hotel
Nestled within breathtaking alpine forest in the central highlands of Tasmania, Cradle Mountain Hotel offers you an inviting home away from home to unwind after a day of exploring the pristine Tasmanian wilderness.

You’ll want to rise early and make the most of every minute of this active full day discovering the inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park – one of Australia’s most famous national parks protecting this glaciated landscape’s flora and fauna. Visit the Waldheim Chalet for insights into the early history of the area, learning how after summiting the peak, Gustav Weindorfer and his wife Kate found the area so magnificent that they built the Waldheim (“home in the forest”) Chalet for tourists to stay and enjoy its beauty. Take a boardwalk stroll with your Travel Director on the shores of Dove Lake beneath the towering, jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain. On a clear day you may spot the dolerite peak, as well as Bennetts wallabies, echidnas, and pademelons grazing along the way. Not done yet? You could choose to end the day learning about some of the wilder residents like the iconic Tasmanian devil. Or, enjoy animal spotting at dusk on Cradle Mountain viewing nocturnal mammals and marsupials including wallabies, wombats, and possums in their native habitat.

Optional Experiences:
a. Animal Night Spotting -ADD:A$64
Cradle Mountain at dusk is the best time to see the many nocturnal mammals and marsupials in their native habitat. Join us on a 2 hour tour as we go spotlighting for wallabies, wombats, possums and maybe even a
devil.

b. Tasmanian Devil Entry And 45 Minutes -ADD:A$25
One of the experienced keepers will lead you through the sanctuary and provide you with a thorough insight into the operation of a working sanctuary, and explain the importance of various conservation programmes in which they are involved for these unique and threatened animals.

c. Tasmanian Devil After Dark Feeding Tour -ADD:A$38
Don’t miss an amazing night with the Tasmanian devil! This Devil Feeding tour is a unique experience. Enjoy a short film and a summary of the conservation work taking place, followed by an outside tour among a large breeding group of Tasmanian devils where the guide will enter the  enclosures and feed a number of these animals while interpreting their behaviour and answering any questions you may have.

Tasmania has its fair share of award-winning gin and whisky distilleries, as well as boutique breweries. Among them is a seaside tap house found in the petite town of Penguin. If there’s a place with a cuter name, we’re yet to locate it on a map. Sit back and enjoy a tasting paddle of local brew while taking in the views overlooking glorious Bass Strait. Next up, get acquainted with rural life at Mount Gnomon Farm. Hidden high in the hills, here you’ll meet passionate fifth-generation farmer Guy who’ll share his story and give you a tour of his apple orchard. Then sit down to a paddock-to-plate, cider-paired Be My Guest lunch served in his beautiful barn overlooking his well-stocked veggie garden. After a quick stop in Sheffield, the ‘Town of Murals,’ you’ll head through the Meander Valley to the historic city of Launceston
for a good night’s rest.

Included Experiences:
a. Lunch on a Farm With Host Guy Roberston
Meet fifth-generation Tasmanian farmer, Guy Robertson, at Mount Gnomon Farm for an exclusive farm-to-fork Be My Guest experience in his beautiful barn.

Culture, wildlife, and history combine this morning in the wilderness of Launceston’s Cataract Gorge. Take an easy walk around the Basin and across the historic suspension bridge or get a bird’s eye view aboard the world’s longest single span chairlift. Next, step back in time at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Brickendon Estate, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Experience, with a unique guided convict farm village tour provided by a member of the Archer family, the original owners of the estate. This is followed by a light lunch and a cuppa in the grounds of this historic village. Then it’s time for a stop at Josef Chromy Vineyard. We can think of nothing better than raising a glass sampling a specialty of the region including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. You’ll quickly understand why this winery with its picturesque lake and vineyard views is known as one of Tasmania’s prettiest settings. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city.

Optional Experiences:
a. Tamar River Cataract Gorge 50 Minutes Cruise -ADD:A$38
Explore the Old Launceston Seaport before cruising to Kings Wharf viewing historic vessels and Launceston’s delightful riverfront precinct. The highlight of the experience is then cruising into the spectacular Cataract Gorge as we engage the Lady Launceston’s unique and silent electric drive. View the sheer cliffs and cascades from your comfortable seat with unobstructed views on our multi award winning 1890’s style vessel. Enjoy the skippers captivating commentary on the history of this fascinating area.

The floral undertones will linger long after your decadent, sensory experience at Bridestowe Lavender Estate, producer of high-quality lavender since 1922. On your tour of the farm with a Local Specialist, you’ll discover they produce one of the only single flower honeys in the world and watch the oil being extracted in the distillery – a traditional process from the 1920s which pays tribute to the farm’s beginnings starting with a packet of seeds from southern France. When in season, stroll the sprawling purple fields, homemade lavender ice cream in hand, and have a look at the vintage memorabilia in the Old Tractor Shed. Continue your Australia tour package to Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees site and spend lunchtime in St. Helens before following the picturesque East Coast to Bicheno. Tonight, take a short walk down to the water’s edge to view Little Penguins in their natural environment.

Make sure your camera is charged for today’s highlight, the best of stunning Freycinet Peninsula on a four-hour boat trip with lunch. Your Local Specialist will share their in-depth knowledge as you cruise along gentle shores of Coles Bay past waterfalls, sea caves, towering pink granite cliffs, and through the inner passage of remote Schouten Island – home to
penguins and short tailed shearwaters – to the main event of Wineglass Bay, a crescent of dazzling white sand where you’ll anchor for a ploughman’s lunch. Keep your eyes peeled, these pristine waters are home to diverse wildlife including sea eagles, pods of bow-surfing dolphins, fur seals sunbathing on the rocky coast and even migrating humpback and Southern Right whales. Know that your visit a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, will help protect the area’s wildlife. Drive through dry eucalypt forests to Cape Tourville for a walk that will reward you with views of brilliant blue water and golden beaches. Later, pass through the seaside towns of Swansea and Triabunna before arriving at your hotel overlooking stunning Maria Island.

Included Experiences:
a. Cruise Wineglass Bay, Tasmanian
Wineglass Bay Cruises is committed to the conservation of this environment by monitoring threatened and endangered wildlife.

The GPS is set for the historic township of Richmond; explore the convict-built goal and bridge or browse the quaint boutique shops in town. Next, visit Risdon Cove for one of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. Kipli Takara (meaning food walk) is an immersive experience where you are invited to walk the culturally rich landscape with palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) guides across this abundant natural pantry that was returned to Tasmanian Aboriginal ownership in 1995. You will be treated to a guided walk of this unique property, hearing about the history and current story of the area. Along the way you are able to taste the native bush tucker currently in season and get a first-hand glimpse into how palawa continue to enjoy cultural foods and undertake culturally-centred land management across lutruwita/Tasmania. This experience includes a unique tasting of local, native flavours. This evening, enjoy a Stays with Stories experience at Iron Creek Bay Farm, a small family farm known for its cherries, apricots and grapes. Unlock its natural beauty and wildlife on a guided tour of the farm home to “locals” including geese, turkeys, ducks, chickens, sheep, alpacas, horses and white-bellied sea eagles.

Included Experiences:
a. Iron Creek Bay

Today you’ll Dive Into Culture exploring the historical side of Tassie at Port Arthur with a Local Specialist. Begin by crossing Eaglehawk Neck to the Tasman Peninsula and enjoying a cruise of the harbour around the Isle of the Dead before a fascinating guided walk through the ruins, including the cathedral and cells of Port Arthur’s infamous convict prison. Learn the evolution of this storied place from its beginnings as a small timber station to a penal settlement where some convicts contributed to shipbuilding to the renaming of “Carnarvon” in the 1880s. On the drive back to Hobart and your accommodation, see rugged sea cliffs from Pirate’s Bay Lookout and feast your eyes on the amazing vistas and natural rock formations of Tasman’s Arch, Devils Kitchen, and the Blowhole. Soak in the views surrounded by swirls of water and clouds of spray reminding you of the power of nature to create this wild landscape.

Included Experiences:
a. Port Arthur Historic Site Visit
Explore Tasmania’s convict history including a cruise around the Isle of the Dead and a guided walk of Port Arthur’s infamous convict prison.

Today is yours to explore more of Australia’s southern-most capital or go further afield to its wilder surroundings. You could choose an Optional Experience day trip to Bruny Island and take in Australia’s highest sea cliffs and craggy formations by boat. A proper adventure and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll listen to the awesome ‘Breathing Rock,’ enter
deep sea caves, and pass through the narrow passage feeling the power of nature at the very point where the Tasman Sea meets the mighty Southern Ocean. Don’t forget to join in the search for fur seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. Or, visit the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, occupying one of Australia’s most historically significant sites and home to 800,000 objects ranging from fossils to fine art. As your epic encounter with Tassie comes to an end, join your fellow travellers at a seafood feast Farewell Dinner in one of Hobart’s popular restaurants, Mures Upper Deck overlooking Constitution Dock, the perfect way to toast your time in perfect Tasmania.

Optional Experiences:
a. Bruny Island Cruise – Pre tour ADD:A$275
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 tour returns to Hobart at approximately 5.30pm. In order to partake on the last day of your tour, you will need to have post tour accommodation booked or an outbound flight that departs after 8.00pm approximately.

b. Bruny Island Traveller- Pre tour ADD:A$275
Savour 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.

c. Mt. Wellington Tour ADD:A$60
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.

d. Mt. Wellington Tour & Cascade Female Factory ADD:A$88
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 as they enjoy 2 short guided walks. 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.

e. Hobart Walking Tour-History, People and Places ADD:A$38
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 marvellous legacy left by the resilience of our convict and free-settler ancestors.

This morning after breakfast, we say farewell to our newfound friends as your Australia tour comes to an end and you are transferred to Hobart Airport (flights anytime). It’s been a big week for adventuring, sightseeing, and tasting the best of Tasmania and we hope to see you again soon!