Tasmania the “Apple Isle”

Departing Perth, you’ll arrive in Hobart and are met by your crew and transferred to your accommodation for the evening. (D)

Today we visit Battery Point, Salamanca Place and the Botanical Gardens, Mt Nelson and Mt Wellington, which is renowned for its amazing views of Hobart. In the afternoon we have free time in Hobart to wander at leisure. Later we return to our motel.  (B)

We travel to Port Arthur to learn all about this dreadful penal colony and most infamous prison. Later we visit Tasman’s Arch, Hell’s Kitchen and Doo Town. The actual channel is between Macquarie Heads on the west and Entrance Island on the east (the main length of the harbour runs south-east of Hell’s Gates). In the afternoon we return to our accommodation. (B,D)

This morning it’s on to New Norfolk and the magnificent Mt Field National Park, the location of the spectacular three-tiered Russell Falls. We also visit the Wall in the Wilderness sculpture which commemorates those who have shaped the area’s past and present. Later we take the winding journey up to Lake St Clair and continue on a scenic drive to Queenstown. (B,D)

Across to Strahan today for a Gordon River Cruise, where the wilderness comes to the water’s edge. The cruise includes lunch on board and stops at Sarah Island where you can explore the ruins of the penal colony. Later we check in to our motel. (B,L,D)

We travel through Zeehan to the mining and hydroelectric towns of Rosebery and Tullah, then on to Cradle Mountain National Park. Once here you can meander through the forest and alpine heathlands on a purpose-built boardwalk.  Later we take a short drive to Sheffield, home of over 60 murals, which will be our stop for the night. (B)

Today we visit Devonport, the southern terminus for the Spirit of Tasmania ferries. We also visit the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, known for the 2006 Beaconsfield mining tragedy. Later it’s on to Launceston, our home for two nights. (B,D)

We visit the historic town of Scottsdale, then Bridport, located on Anderson Bay. We also visit Granite Point and enjoy an afternoon visit to the beautiful Bridestowe Lavender Estate. We also stop at Lilydale to take in the stunning waterfalls, then continue to Cataract Gorge before continuing on to Launceston. (B)

On to Legerwood today for a look at the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees. Walk along the avenue of trees and view the WW1 history on display. Next is the old tin town of Derby and then St Helens on George Bay, our home for the next two nights. (B,D)

Today we experience the exquisite beauty of Wineglass Bay on a four-hour cruise of the Freycinet Peninsula with a local guide. The cruise will take you from the gentle shores of Coles Bay along the Freycinet coast to one of the world’s best beaches. (B,L)

We journey to the historic 19^th centre village of Ross which boasts the exquisite Ross Bridge with its 186 carvings depicting Celtic symbols. Later on to Oatlands and then historic Richmond. In the afternoon we make our way on the Midlands Hwy to Hobart for our last night (B,D)

This morning we visit Mt Wellington which rises to 1,269 metres above sea level and is frequently covered by snow. The views from here are spectacular, looking down on Hobart and the Derwent River. Later you are transported to the airport for your flights home. (B)