Tasmania Short Break

This morning we tour the World Heritage listed Cascades Female Factory Historic Site for a greater understanding and appreciation for the largely untold story of female convicts sent to Australia. Next stop is Runnymede, a beautifully preserved 1840 whaling captain’s house and gardens. On our Captain’s House Tour we discover everything this lovely homestead has to offer before taking a stroll around the beautiful gardens. For the remainder of the day the choice is ours, with transfers offered for both the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and Constitution Dock precinct. At the gardens, grab a map and ask the staff about what highlights there are to explore across the 14 hectares of gardens. At the Constitution Dock precinct we have many options to visit, such as the Maritime Museum of Tasmania, Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum and Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery. Please note all entry fees for this afternoon are at own cost. This evening is also at leisure with dinner at own cost and choice of venue.

Breakfast

Overnight Hobart: Movenpick Hotel Hobart

This morning after checkout, experience the sights, sounds, action and colour of the Salamanca Market, one of Australia’s best markets with over 300 stalls! We depart Hobart late morning for the great West Coast Wilderness Region. Tarraleah Estate provides the perfect lunch stop, Tarraleah isn’t just special place with stunning views of the Tasmanian Highlands and wilderness, it was once the home of hundreds of hydroelectric pioneers. We then head across towards Derwent Bridge, to the amazing Wall in the Wilderness - Greg Duncan’s commemorative wooden carvings of those who helped shape the past and present of Tasmania’s central highlands. Our journey then continues through the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park before the spectacular drive down into Queenstown, through the mountain summits, resembling a cratered moonscape - created by a brutal mining past. We then arrive into picturesque village of Strahan, the gateway to the Franklin-Gordon World Heritage area. After check-in, take advantage of the twilight and take photos of this pretty village, then gather in View 42 for a delicious seafood buffet dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight Strahan: Strahan Village

After an early checkout we begin our drive up to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park which has us travelling through the historic mining township of Zeehan, Rosebery and Tullah, before arriving at the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre where our Park Explorer awaits. From the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre we travel into the world class national park and take in amazing sights and highlights such as Dove Lake and the historic Boat Shed, spectacular and iconic views of Cradle Mountain plus a visit to Waldhelm Chalet and a couple of delightful short walks. After our tour we enjoy a light lunch at the Cradle Mountain Hotel, followed by the Devils at Cradle “Daykeepers Tour”. The sanctuary houses a large number of adult, sub-adult and baby devils within a range of naturally landscaped viewing enclosures. This afternoon we depart Cradle Mountain National Park and begin our drive across to Launceston. Across in Sheffield we spend some time taking in the stories of the amazing and colourful street murals before arriving in Launceston for our two night stay. After settling into our rooms we gather in the restaurant for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight Launceston: Hotel Grand Chancellor

Today we experience the scenic Tamar Valley and Beauty Point, visit Platypus House for a rare chance to see and learn about the unique Tasmanian platypus and echidna. Next stop is Seahorse World which offers an insight into the mystical and elegant seahorse at various stages of development, along with the leafy sea dragon and the pipefish. After our tour we have time to purchase some light refreshments in the Cormorant Cafe, before travelling down to Beaconsfield, the famous site of the great escape by Todd and Brant. We stop at the mine site and also visit the Mine and Heritage Centre, which occupies the site of Tasmania’s largest gold mine. After a guided tour we take in the panoramic views of the Tamar River and valley from Bushranger Brady’s Lookout, before enjoying some wine tastings at the beautiful Tamar Ridge Cellar Door. After a delightful day out, we will have time to relax back at the hotel before dinner.

Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight Launceston: Hotel Grand Chancellor

We start our day in Launceston with a highlights drive around the lovely parks and gardens, then embark on a 50 minute Cataract Gorge cruise, exploring the old and new facets of the Launceston Seaport precinct of today. We then head across to Longford, home to the World Heritage listed Brickendon Estate to spend some time with Louise Archer who provides a rare insight into the early colonial and convict history of Australia. Explore the convict buildings of the farm village and also the gardens with some of the oldest trees in Australia to the most scented old fashioned roses, shrubberies, walks and planted beds. Following our tour, enjoy a relaxing lunch before heading across to the beautiful historic village of Evandale. Take a stroll along one of the most evocative streetscapes in Tasmania and absorb the history of this pretty colonial town. Mid-afternoon we arrive at the Launceston Airport for check in and return flight home, concluding our “Tasmania Short Break” with Trade Travel. Flight Details: Flights to be confirmed

Historic Richmond Gaol; Hobart Highlights Tour; Mount Nelson Signal Station Lookout; Cascades Female Factory Site; Runnymede House & Garden; Salamanca Markets; Tarraleah Estate Luncheon; Wall in the Wilderness; Gordon River Wilderness Lunch Cruise; Story Of The Ship That Never Was; Cradle Mountain & Dove Lake Park Explorer; Devils at Cradle “Daykeepers Tour”; Sheffield Street Murals; Tamar Valley Day - Platypus House, Seahorse World, Beaconsfield Mine Site & Heritage Centre; Bushranger Brady Lookout; Tamar Ridge Estate Cellar Door; Launceston Highlights; Cataract Gorge Cruise; Brickendon Estate & Gardens; Historic Evandale Village & so much more! Optional - Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens & Constitution Dock Precinct!