Perfect Tasmania

Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers today (flights to arrive prior to 12.30pm), and begin your exploration of the beautiful island of Tasmania with a Cultural Insight into some of its capital's most interesting attractions. Hobart was founded in 1803, and much of its architecture dates back to the Victorian and Georgian eras. Visit the Botanic Gardens, historic Battery Point, and Constitution Dock, then drive to Mt. Nelson for panoramic views over the city and the Derwent River. Get to know your travelling companions tonight at a Welcome Reception and dinner.

You'll have free time explore the myriad market stalls of Salamanca Market, and wander through its historic sandstone warehouses. This afternoon your choice of sightseeing: join a walking tour with a local guide for an insight into Hobart's history, people and places; explore the Mawson's Huts Replica Museum or a guided walk to experience the alcohol history of the city. This evening is free to dine at one of the local restaurants.

Join your Travel Director this morning for a stroll through lush rainforest to the tiered falls of picturesque Russell Falls. Then take the winding road to iconic Lake St. Clair before travelling on to see a Cultural Insight, The Wall in the Wilderness, a monumental sculpture hand-carved in rare Huon pine. Continue through the rainforest, passing through the eerie moonscape of the mining town of Queenstown. Your final destination today is coastal Strahan: enjoy views of peaceful Macquarie Harbour from your hotel perched on a hillside.

A highlight today is your cruise on the spectacular Gordon River. You'll be awestruck by the beauty of the dark waters: stained amber by buttongrass tannins, they reflect the untouched wilderness that surrounds them. Stop at Sarah Island for a Cultural Insight into a relic of Tasmania's lesser-known convict history, the Macquarie Harbour Penal Settlement. See Hells Gates, the notoriously treacherous entrance to the harbour, and Heritage Landing, site of a 2,000-year-old Huon Pine. Travel through the old towns of Rosebery and Tullah as you make your way to your hotel.

This morning, explore the inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park with a Local Specialist. Then join your Travel Director for a guided walk in the National Park and maybe taking a little more time later to meander back to your hotel along the purpose-built boardwalk through the wild ancient forests and alpine heathlands. You may spot Bennetts wallabies, echidnas and pademelons grazing along the way. For a more challenging hike, head to Marion's Lookout and return via Wombat Pool.

Begin your day with a visit to Hellyers Road Distillery for a guided walk with a Local Specialist, then on to quirky Sheffield, the 'Town of Murals'. Call in at the Ashgrove Cheese Factory to try a selection of local cheeses before you continue through the Meander Valley to Tasmania's 'northern capital' Launceston.

This morning, after visiting Launceston's magnificent Cataract Gorge, take a scenic drive to Josef Chromy Wines in the Tamar Valley for a Regional Meal lunch and wine-tasting. This afternoon is free for you to relax or further explore Launceston and surrounds at your leisure. You may like to take an Optional Experience cruise on the beautiful Tamar River, or a tour of the historic James Boag Brewery.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate, producer of high-quality lavender since 1922, is your first stop today. Learn about the history of the estate and treat yourself to some of its famous lavender ice-cream. Later visit the unique Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees site. This afternoon follow the picturesque east coast south to Freycinet Lodge, your accommodation for the next two nights.

Experience the exquisite beauty of Wineglass Bay today on a four-hour cruise of the Freycinet Peninsula with a Local Specialist. The cruise will take you from the shores of Coles Bay along the Freycinet coast beneath towering pink granite cliffs to one of the world's best beaches. Anchored at Wineglass Bay, you'll have the chance to absorb the beauty of the National Park while enjoying a gourmet ploughman's lunch. Later take a drive through dry eucalypt forests to Cape Tourville for a walk that will reward you with stunning views of brilliant blue water, verdant forest and golden beaches.

Journey to historic Ross, considered the finest nineteenth-century village in Australia. As you travel on through rich pastoral land towards Hobart, pause at Shene Estate, whose custodian Anne Kernke will treat you to a Be My Guest walking tour of the property's stunning colonial-era buildings, and a morning tea selection of home-baked goodies in her private residence. Continue to Hobart to visit Australia's largest privately-funded museum, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). The eclectic mix of ancient, modern and contemporary art will astound you.

Today, explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, taking a cruise around the Isle of the Dead and a fascinating guided walk of the remains of Port Arthur's infamous convict prison with a Local Specialist. There will also be time for you to wander the site at your leisure. On the drive back to Hobart, see the amazing natural rock formations of the craggy Tasman Arch, the Devil's Kitchen and the Blowhole. This evening, mingle with your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner in one of Hobart's finest restaurants.

Your Tasmanian adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Hobart Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).