On Travelmarvel's 11 day Tasman Spectacular tour, begin your journey with an overnight sailing from Melbourne to Devonport. Discover the very best of Tasmania, with the tour finishing in Launceston.
Day 1 Fri. Spirit of Tasmania Overnight Sailing
Board the Spirit of Tasmania for your overnight cruise from Melbourne to Devonport. There are many onboard activities to keep you entertained on your journey, or just sit back, relax and unwind as you cross Bass Strait.(Meals and activities, own expense)
Day 2 Sat. Arrive Devonport, Launceston, Seahorse World, Beaconsfield, Welcome Drinks and Dinner
In the early morning, arrive in Devonport and be greeted by your Travelmarvel representative. Travel to Launceston where your tour begins. Head north to Beauty Point and visit Seahorse World to see these fascinating creatures. Then learn about Australian history at the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre. This evening, meet your fellow travellers at Welcome Drinks followed by a Welcome Dinner hosted by the crew.
Day 3 Sun. Weldborough Pass, East Coast Natureworld, Freycinet National Park, Swansea
This morning, drive through the scenic wine producing area of northern Tasmania. During flowering season, visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Dec.-Jan.). Traverse the lush Weldborough Pass and stop at East Coast Natureworld. Here meet Delilah the Tasmanian Devil and other native animals. Travel along beautiful Tasmanian coastline and into Freycinet National Park. Join a guided walk along Richardsons Beach. Afterwards travel to the seaside town of Swansea, where tonight you may choose to upgrade your dinner and indulge in a Tasmanian crayfish feast. Contact Us for further details.
Day 4 Mon. Ross, Richmond, Tasman Peninsula, Eaglehawk Neck, Port Arthur
Journey inland to the historic townships of Campbell Town and Ross. Travel south to the charming Georgian village of Richmond and see the famous Richmond Bridge. Proceed to Eaglehawk Neck and enjoy views of the rugged coastline from Pirates Bay Lookout. Continue on to historic Port Arthur for the night.
Day 5 Tue. Port Arthur Historic Site, Harbour Cruise, Mt Nelson, Hobart
Port Arthur is Australia’s most notorious convict prison, having been called ‘hell on earth’ by its 12,500 convict prisoners. Go back in time and play the interactive ‘Lottery of Life’ game, a unique way to trace the life of a convict. Then take a guided tour through the ruins of the site. Afterwards join the Marana for a cruise around the Isle of the Dead. More than 2,000 people who died during convict times are buried here. This afternoon travel to Hobart, situated on the shores of the Derwent River. Journey to the top of Mt Nelson for amazing panoramic views over the city.
Discover Hobart
Hobart is the second oldest capital city in Australia and its old world charm has hidden cultural diversity. Perhaps take a serene cruise along the Derwent River and stop at the Cadbury Factory. Or join a cruise that features Moorilla’s award-winning wines. Otherwise, on a tour of the Cascade Brewery, taste some beer and appreciate the historical building and gardens. Or perhaps see the Ghosts of Hobart on an eerie tour, not for the faint hearted! Simply book while on tour (own expense).
Day 6 Wed. Hobart Sightseeing Tour, Time at Leisure to Explore the City
After breakfast, join your guide for an orientation tour of Hobart. See the city highlights including Salamanca Place. Today you will have time to explore this historical city for yourself. You may wish to join a full day tour to pristine Bruny Island or take a tour to Cascade Brewery to learn about the art of brewing premium beer. Alternatively, cruise down the beautiful Derwent River on a Cadbury chocolate cruise or winery adventure. Tonight you may wish to join a ghost tour of Hobart. Your Tour Director can help with booking these experiences while on tour (own expense).
Day 7 Thur. Derwent Valley, Mt Field National Park, Lake St Clair, Strahan
After breakfast, leave Hobart and travel to Mt Field National Park for a short nature walk to beautiful Russell Falls. Then enter World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and enjoy a stop on the shores of Lake St Clair. This afternoon perhaps choose to board an historic and scenic train journey into Tasmania’s pioneering past on the rugged West Coast Wilderness Railway, Contact Us for details. Otherwise travel by coach through Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed wilderness to the township of Strahan, on Macquarie Harbour. After dinner tonight, perhaps see a local pantomime ‘The Ship that Never Was’ based on Tasmania’s convict history (own expense).
Day 8 Fri. Strahan, Gordon River Cruise with Lunch, Sarah Island Tour
This morning board the luxury cruise vessel, Lady Jane Franklin II, for a unique cruising experience that will take you across the tranquil Macquarie Harbour and along Gordon River. Cruise to Sarah Island through Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and stop at Heritage Landing where you will tour the convict site. Pass by the entrance to the Great Southern Ocean, known as Hell’s Gate, and enjoy lunch on board before returning to Strahan. Re-board the coach and depart the west coast for the pristine wilderness of Cradle Mountain.
Day 9. Sat. Cradle Mountain, Sheffield
Tour beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, home to a vast array of native alpine flora and fauna. Travel out to Waldheim Chalet and stop on the tranquil shores of Dove Lake. Later, travel via Sheffield, the town of murals, to the fishing village of Stanley, set in the shadow of The Nut - a striking rocky outcrop rising over 137 metres from the sea. Arrive in Tasmania’s north-west town of Smithton in the late afternoon. After dinner, perhaps join a tour to discover the Little Penguin Colony on Stanley’s foreshore (own expense).
Day 10. Sun. Ashgrove Cheese Factory, Great Lakes Plateau
Visit the renowned Ashgrove Cheese Factory to learn about the art of cheese-making and sample some cheeses. Head to the Great Lakes Plateau and travel along the shores of the Great Lake, a popular spot for freshwater fishing. Continue to Launceston for your Farewell Drinks and Dinner. Reminisce with fellow travellers about your holiday at a dinner party hosted by your Tour Director.
Day 11. Cataract Gorge, Launceston
Visit Cataract Gorge and take a morning cruise along the Tamar River. Later, return to Launceston where your tour concludes on arrival.
