Best of the West

Welcome to Tasmania and the friendly town of Launceston! You will be met on arrival at Launceston airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore this beautiful city. Your hotel is located in the heart of the city with easy access to shopping and local restaurants. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Two Night Stay: Launceston

Meals Included: Dinner

Your journey starts this morning with a visit to historic Woolmers Estate, regarded as Australia’s most significant colonial property. Join the Local Guide for a tour of the main house and spend time exploring the National Rose Garden which covers 1.5 hectares and is planted with over 3,000 roses. Next, visit the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company and sample their delicious range of locally made sauces, jams and conserves. Return to Launceston and visit the famous Cataract Gorge Reserve. Explore its wonderful scenery through the network of walking trails.

Discover More: Tamar River Cruise or James Boag Brewery Tour (must be pre-booked, own expense). All tours are subject to availability and seasonal operation.

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, learn about the art of cheese making and taste some delicious produce at the Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory. Then on to the House of Anvers, for a guided tour of the chocolate factory. Watch the confectionery staff mould and enrobe fine chocolates, truffles, pralines, fudges and more. Travel to the town of Sheffield, renowned for its street murals which depict its pioneering history, geography, wildlife and the people of this region. Visit the far north-west reaches of Tasmania and see ‘The Nut’ – a striking rocky outcrop rising over 137 metres, at Stanley. This old volcanic plug was discovered by the explorers Bass and Flinders in 1798. Afterwards, arrive into the stunning alpine scenery of Cradle Mountain National Park.
Overnight Stay: Cradle Mountain

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, join your Local Guide for a visit to Dove Lake to see spectacular Cradle Mountain and visit Waldheim Chalet. There is also the opportunity to explore the Australian National Wilderness and Landscape Gallery. This afternoon, travel south through the mining and hydroelectric towns of Rosebery and Tullah, before arriving in the village of Strahan, located on Macquarie Harbour, your home for the next two nights.
Two Night Stay: Strahan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Board your luxury cruise vessel and enjoy the view as you cruise breathtaking Macquarie Harbour to Hells Gate, where the harbour meets the ocean. Travel along the serene Gordon River and visit Heritage Landing for a guided walk through the rainforest amongst trees thousands of years old. Rejoin your cruise vessel for a sumptuous buffet lunch. Following lunch, your journey continues with a visit to Sarah Island, where your expert guide will regale you with stories of the convicts’ lives on the island as you walk through the settlement ruins. You’re Invited: This evening is your included performance of ‘The Ship That Never Was’, a play which highlights the history and classic characters of the convict era in Western Tasmania.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, ascend into the lunar landscape of the old copper mining centre of Queenstown and discover its history. View ‘The Wall in the Wilderness’, an artwork in progress, 100 hand carved Huon pine panels depicting the history of Tasmanian life are being created by sculptor Greg Duncan. Travel to Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake. Continue on to Mt Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s oldest and most popular National Parks, and take a short stroll to stunning Russell Falls which rise 100 metres over a series of cascades. This evening, enjoy your farewell dinner and recall fond memories of your Tasmanian holiday with your fellow travellers.
Overnight Stay: Hobart

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, stroll through Salamanca Place and explore the colourful stalls of bustling Salamanca Markets, one of the nation’s most popular markets. Some of the state’s finest arts, crafts and produce can be found here. Your tour concludes with a transfer to Hobart airport. Please book flights after 2pm.

Meals Included: Breakfast