Tasmania's Cultural Treasures Holiday

Itinerary Highlights

Gain an in-depth understanding of Tasmania's convict heritage and history in Richmond and Port Arthur Historic Site
Explore Maria Island and its coastal fossil caves, visit the historic Darlington probation station and spot native wildlife such as wombats and wallabies
Board the majestic steam train that follows the West Coast Wilderness Railway deep into the Tasmanian wilderness and rugged terrain
Discover Freycinet National park's outstanding natural beauty on a hiking tour or a coastal cruise to Wineglass Bay
Best time to travel October to April

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Car Hire
International Flights

11 nights from £5,199 per person

Nicola

Travel Specialist

01244 722 137

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Australasia holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

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Tasmania is steeped with history and cultural experiences as well as offering some of Australia’s most dramatic and beautiful scenery. Cultural experiences are as varied as its vibrant arts scene to its compelling convict heritage where five historic convict settlements are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our Tasmania’s Cultural Treasures Tour takes you on a journey through Tasmania’s history and wild landscapes, with gourmet food and wine experiences, scenic flights and cruises to remote islands and national parks in search of native and endangered wildlife. Visit art galleries, museums and preserved convict settlements, then board a steam train for a journey along the West Coast Wilderness Railway, a former connection to the copper mines of Queenstown and port of Strahan. Cruise along the mirror-like waters of Gordon River and enjoy wine stating in the Tamar Valley, ending with time to take in the outstanding natural beauty of Freycinet National Park.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Hobart

Arrive at Hobart where you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to The MACq01 Hotel on Hobart's waterfront. For an in-depth introduction to Tasmania’s history visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Explore the village of Battery Point (named after the 1818-gun battery that protected old Hobart Town). Don’t miss the Battery Point Sculpture Trail either.

Staying at

Story /Bar at MACq 01, Tasmania, Hobart, Australia

The Lounge at MACq 01, Tasmania, Hobart, Australia

Premier Waterfront Suite at MACq 01, Tasmania, Hobart, Australia

Day 2 Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur

You will gain an insight to Tasmania’s convict history on this half day tour to Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Port Arthur Historic Site you will learn the history of this convict settlement where ruins of 35 historic buildings still remain.

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Day 3 Seaplane Flight to Maria Island

Embark on a spectacular seaplane adventure to Maria Island. Depart from downtown Hobart for a scenic flight along Tasmania's stunning East Coast before landing on the grass airstrip where you will spot kangaroos and wombats as you land. Maria Island National Park is a mountainous natural wildlife sanctuary teeming with wildlife. Enjoy a short walk, taking in the beautiful views before settling down for a delicious island picnic of Tasmania's very best produce.

Staying at

Day 4 Hobart to Strahan via Lake St Clair (188 miles)

Strahan

Collect your rental vehicle from Hobart and start your journey across Tasmania through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Marvel at the 90-metre-plus trees of Mount Field National Park and 80-metre Russell Falls which appeared on Australia’s first postage stamp. Arrive at the southern part of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Continue the scenic drive down a winding road with more than 90 bends to Queenstown which was once the world’s richest mining town. Copper mining and mass logging in the early 1900s have left the area with a surreal rocky ‘moonscape’. Continue to Strahan on the shores of Macquarie Harbour, six times larger than Sydney Harbour! Hotel - Risby Cove

Day 5 West Coast Wilderness Railway

Strahan

Board the majestic steam locomotive for a half-day journey in to Tasmania’s wilderness travelling along The West Coast Wilderness Railway, a reconstruction of the Mount Lyell Mining and & Railway Company railroad that connected the copper mines of Queenstown with the port at Strahan. In the evening we suggest watching the waterfront play, The Ship That Never Was – Australia’s longest running play telling the story of escaped convicts, a stolen ship and mutiny at sea. Hotel - Risby Cove

Day 6 Gordon River Cruise

Cradle Mountain

Cruise across Macquarie Harbour to Hells Gate before the Gordon River - a river so calm that you will see reflections of the wilderness on its mirror like water. Disembark at Heritage Landing for a short walk along boardwalks in to forests of Huon Pines which are several thousand years old. Visit Sarah Island, where ruins of the former penal settlement give an insight of convict life.

Day 7 Strahan to Cradle Mountain (90 miles)

Cradle Mountain

Depart Strahan for the 2.5hr drive to Cradle Mountain. This afternoon enjoy an easy hike around Dove Lake through the Ballroom Forest and around the summit of Cradle Mountain surrounded by the epic glacial scenery of the national park. This evening you will visit Devils@Cradle Wildlife Sanctuary.

Staying at

Pencil pine cabin, Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

Day 10 Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain

More strenuous hikes are possible such as the 8-hour Cradle Mountain Circuit. Visit the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery where there are twelve rooms of powerful imagery of Tasmania, Australia, and Antarctica.

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Day 11 Cradle Mountain to Quamby Estate (72 miles)

Hagley

Drive via Sheffield, ‘Town of Murals’ where some 40 or more colourful huge murals adorn the walls and buildings of this once industrial town that has reinvented itself to become a centre of bohemian art, craft and culture. Continue to Quamby Estate where you will will be staying tonight.

Staying at

Deluxe Bedroom at Quamby Estate, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

Homestaed Verandah at Quamby Estate, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

Picnic Setting at Quamby Estate, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

Day 12 Full Day Ben Lomond & Tamar Valley Vineyards

Today, your 7-hour privately guided journey will commence by travelling to the spectacular Ben Lomond plateau which is the largest alpine plateau in Tasmania. Make the climb as you drive up Jacobs Ladder, a series of hairpin bends to marvel at the breathtaking view from the platform at the top. You will travel through the Tamar Valley wine region where you will stop for lunch and wine tasting at a vineyard restaurant.

Day 11 Launceston to Freycinet National Park (111 miles)

Freycinet National Park

Continue your Tasmania adventure back to the east coast where you will spend the next two days at Tasmania's oldest park, Freycinet National Park. Enjoy a stroll along the Richardsons Beach while taking in views of the breathtaking Hazard Mountains. Pick up a picnic of fresh oysters, prawns, mussels, and more from Freycinet Marine Farm to enjoy at the beautiful Honeymoon Bay.

Staying at

Upgrade to

Aerial View of Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania

Main Exterior of Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania

Day 12 Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay is considered one of the top ten beaches in the world, and can only be reached by foot or water. We suggest the more active embark on an unforgettable 5.5-hour small group walking tour. Take in sweeping views of Wineglass Bay from the lookout before descending to the beach for a picnic lunch. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys offers a spectacular coastal cruise from Coles, around the peninsula and past dramatic sea cliffs. Spot marine and birdlife along the way before stopping in Wineglass Bay for a delicious picnic lunch included onboard (Sky Lounge guests only).

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Day 13 Freycinet National Park to Hobart (112 miles)

En-route to Hobart stop for lunch or wine-tasting at Devil's Corner where you will get a last view of the spectacular Hazard Mountains. At Mayfield Estate, join a salt sommelier and taste the pure Tasman Sea Salt, or purchase some to take home. Return your car at the rental depot in time for your onward flight