Exploring Northern Tasmania
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1. Homeport - Melbourne - Spirit of Tasmania (Dinner)
Today we make our way across to Melbourne, enjoying a comfort stop along the way and arriving at the Spirit of Tasmania port this afternoon before boarding for our overnight sailing across Bass Strait. Once we set sail we enjoy dinner on board before tucking in for the night.
Overnight: Spirit of Tasmania
Day 2. Devonport - Tamar Valley (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After an early arrival into Devonport, we disembark and make our way to a local cafe for breakfast. We then make our way to Beauty Point and call at the Platypus House which offers a rare chance to see the unique Tasmanian Platypus and Echidna in an indoor setting. We learn about these beautiful egg-laying mammals, and are guaranteed to see platypuses during our visit. Watch platypuses feeding and playing; see echidnas foraging in a bushland setting, visit the Interpretation Centre explaining the biology of both platypuses and echidnas and view a 15 minute film on platypuses. You are assured of many great photographic opportunities throughout our venue. Seahorse World offers a rare chance to see seahorses in captivity. The working farm and aquarium gives a rare insight into the mystical and elegant seahorse at various stages of development, along with the leafy sea dragon and the Pipe Fish. We enjoy lunch at Seahorse World before travelling to Beaconsfield and 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, which between 1877 and 1914 produced $450 million worth of gold - at present values. After a guided tour we take in the panoramic views of the Tamar River and Valley from Bushranger Brady’s Lookout and at the beautiful Tamar Ridge Cellar Door offering magnificent views of the Tamar River. After purchasing our wine we enjoy some cheese platters while admiring the scenic surrounds. We then return to the Resort for a rest and dinner.
Overnight: Aspect Tamar Valley Resort
Day 3. Ross (Breakfast & Dinner)
Today we travel down the Heritage Highway to the historic town of Ross, enjoying a village tour which includes the Ross Female Factory Site, history of the Ross Bridge with its astonishing convict carvings, Old Burial Grounds, it’s historic Churches, Old Ross Primary School and the Four Corners of Ross – Temptation, Recreation, Salvation and Damnation. We also have a chance to visit the Tasmanian Wool Centre. After our village tour we have a chance to purchase lunch in town before departing for Clarendon House and Gardens. Built in 1838, this magnificent three-storey Georgian house has servants’ quarters, a heritage walled garden, several farm buildings and a rare avenue of elms. After our guided tour and afternoon tea we board the Lady Launceston and enjoy a 50min Cataract Gorge Cruise. We explore the Old Launceston Seaport before cruising to Kings Wharf viewing historic vessels and Launceston’s delightful riverfront precinct. The highlight of the experience is then cruising into the spectacular Cataract Gorge as engage the Lady Launceston’s unique and silent electric drive. View the sheer cliffs and cascades from your comfortable seat with unobstructed views on the multi award winning 1890’s style vessel. After our cruise we return to our accommodation before dinner in the resort restaurant.
Overnight: Aspect Tamar Valley Resort
Day 4. Cataract Gorge & Launceston (Breakfast & Dinner)
This morning after a leisurely breakfast we visit the Queen Victoria Museum to browse through the preserved railway workshops and permanent exhibition Tasmanian Connections which reveals a range of stories as told by the Museum’s social history and natural science collections in six striking installations. After a guided tour of the Museum we enjoy a visit to the Macaque Monkey Enclosure in Launceston’s City Park before travelling across to the Cataract Gorge Reserve, which features tree rhododendrons, peacocks, fern glades and spacious lawns. It also contains the World’s longest single-span chairlift that crosses the gorge (ride at own expense). After a relaxing lunch at own expense, we visit the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company, established over 20 years ago and offers a unique experience to visitors. We enjoy the delicious aromas from the kitchen as we experience a cooking demonstration and complimentary tasting of all products in the Tasting Room. Afterwards we enjoy a guided tour of the gardens as well as a Devonshire afternoon tea. This afternoon we return to our accommodation for dinner in the resort restaurant.
Overnight: Aspect Tamar Valley Resort
Day 5. Dove Lake & Cradle Mountain (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
We depart early this morning and make our way to Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain. Dove Lake offers the most beautiful views and our ‘personally guided tour’ with a local operator will prove to be a highlight of our time in Tasmania. After lunch at the Cradle Mountain Chateau, we travel up to Stanley, a town nestled at the foot of a volcanic core called “The Nut”. This rocky outcrop towers over the town, the adventurous ones may wish to climb to the top of the Nut, or take a ride on the chair lift [own cost]. Next we take a guided tour of the homestead and outbuildings of the Historic Highfield House, originally built by the Van Dieman’s Land Company in the early 1830’s in the hope of making a fortune from fine merino wool. We then wander through Stanley to discover the cottage where Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons was born. This afternoon we check into our accommodation and enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Overnight: Stanley Seaview Inn
Day 6. Stanley - Devonport - Spirit of Tasmania (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
This morning we enjoy a sleep in before we travel across through Wynyard to the delightful Hellyers Road Distillery. We experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the working distillery and have the opportunity to pour and wax seal our very own bottle of Hellyers Road, complete with a signed Certificate of Authenticity. After our tour we depart for the Tasmanian Food and Wine Conservatory and enjoy a light lunch of fresh local and Tasmanian produce. This afternoon we visit the House of Anvers and watch as qualified confectionery staff temper, mould and enrobe fine couverture chocolates, truffles, pralines, fudges and more. After tastings and a chance to purchase some goodies we depart for the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport to check in for our overnight sailing back to Melbourne.
Overnight: Spirit of Tasmania
Day 7. Melbourne - Homeport (Breakfast)
Upon arrival into Melbourne we disembark, enjoy breakfast at a local cafe and depart for home after a wonderful week in Tasmania with Little’s Coaches.
Tour Highlights: Platypus House; Seahorse World; Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre; Brady’s Lookout; Tamar Ridge Cellar Door; Ross Village Tour; Tasmanian Wool Centre; Clarendon House & Gardens; Lady Launceston Cataract Gorge Cruise; Queen Victoria Museum; Launceston City Park; Cataract Gorge Reserve; Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company; Dove Lake Tour at Cradle Mountain; Stanley “The Nut” & Historic Highfield Site; Hellyers Road Distillery; Tasmanian Food and Wine Conservatory; House of Anvers & much more.
Tour Departs: Monday 18 March - Sunday 24 March 2019
Tour Cost: $1845.00 per person Twin Share (Single Supplement $450.00)
Tour cost based on minimum 20 pax. The tour prices valid for travel in 2019. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change without notice
Tour Price Includes:• Luxury coach travel • Return overnight sailing on Spirit of Tasmania • 6 Nights quality accommodation • Breakfast, lunch & dinner as per itinerary (15 Meals) • All entry fees, cruise & guides as per itinerary
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