SPRING ON THE TASMANIAN EAST COAST

Transcription

1 presents a SPRING ON THE TASMANIAN EAST COAST Departing Thurs 12th Mon 23rd Oct 2017 All-inclusive price is $ pp & $760.00ss Day 1 (D): ADELAIDE TO DEVONPORT: Thursday 12 October 2017 Welcome to our tour to the East Coast of Tasmania. This morning we depart Adelaide and use the day to travel to Melbourne, stopping throughout the day. We arrive in time to board the Spirit of Tasmania for the evening including a buffet dinner. (Lunch at own cost, dinner at TMK on Spirit of Tasmania) Spirit of Tasmania overnight crossing Day 2 (BD): DEVONPORT TO LAUNCESTON: Friday 13 October 2017 Tasmania welcomes us early this morning, giving us the entire day to explore. We head south to Deloraine stopping to visit Ashgrove Cheese and the Yarn Artwork. From here we continue onto Launceston, the second largest city in Tasmania. It is the centre of Tasmania's north, situated at the point where the South and North Esk Rivers meet to become the Tamar River, which then flows away to Bass Strait. The city nestles in the wide valleys formed by the river systems and is surrounded by mountains. This afternoon we enjoy the city sights as well as a visit to Cataract Gorge - a magnificent Reserve in the city centre. There are some pleasant walks through the landscaped gardens to the tea rooms or, if you prefer, take the chairlift (own expense) which crosses the gorge. With the overall length of 457 metres, the 308 metre central span is claimed to be the longest single span in the world. After taking in the sights we settle into our motel for our overnight accommodation. (Argosy motel for breakfast, lunch own expense, dinner in motel). Commodore Regent Motor Inn, Launceston ( ) Day 3 (BLD): LAUNCESTON TO ST. HELENS: Saturday 14 October 2017 BRIDESTOWE LAVENDER ESTATE

2 Following breakfast we make our way northeast to Lalla where we enjoy time at the Walker heritage rhododendron Gardens. This 100-acre property is a delight to wander through, featuring majestic rhododendrons, stands of mature trees and breathtaking views. A great start to a wonderful day. A bit further on is Bridestowe Lavender Estate where we stop for morning tea of lavender scones and a cuppa. They will even give us the recipe to try some for ourselves at home. We then take a tour of the farm, one of the world's largest single commercial lavender farms, producing the finest quality lavender flowers and lavender oil. We could be forgiven for mistakenly imagining we are in southern France! This is a working farm so there is always something interesting happening. At least half the estate is filled with native vegetation so there will be plenty to see during our time here. Next we arrive in a little township called Legerwood. There are some incredible tree carvings here. On 15th October 1918 a ceremony was held in the railway reserve at Ringarooma Road (Renamed Legerwood in Dec.1918). Nine trees were planted to honour soldiers killed in World War I. In 2001 a report on the condition of the trees showed that they were no longer safe and the community was devastated that their memorials would be lost. In 2004 it was suggested that the stumps be carved into a likeness of each soldier the trees represented. Eddie Freeman, a chainsaw carver from Ross, was employed to sculpt the masterpieces we will see today. Our lunch stop is in Pyengana which is also where we take a tour of Pyengana Dairy. Nestled in the lush, fertile valley this dairy showcases Australia s finest cloth bound cheddar cheese. The Holy Cow Café is the perfect place for us to relax with a genuine paddock to plate late, lazy lunch as we gaze out at the contented cows. This afternoon we continue to St Helens for our overnight stop on Tasmania s east coast. (Breakfast and dinner in motel, lunch at Holy Cow Café) Tidal Waters Resort, St. Helens ( ) Day 4 (BLD): ST. HELENS TO BICHENO: Sunday 15 October 2017 We don t have far to go today so we have time to enjoy the resort facilities before we checkout and continue south along the coast. We spend a relaxed day getting to our destination of Bicheno after a full program until now. We deviate from the coast to take a look at the Devil s Corner Cellar Door. This modern facility is worth a visit simply for the architecture and views. We will, however be enjoying lunch and a tasting while we are here. Arriving at our accommodation this afternoon gives us time to unpack for our 3-night stay. (Breakfast and dinner in motel, lunch Devil s Corner Winery). Day 5 (BD): BICHENO: Monday 16 October 2017 This morning we head back out onto the highway to visit East Coast Natureworld. Set amongst 150 acres of natural parkland and lagoons, Natureworld has evolved from a birdlife park into a world of Tasmanian wildlife, birdlife and flora. We ll be given a guided tour on the Pelican Express by one of the park s keepers. We make stops along the way including the Tasmanian Devils at Devil World, Tiger Snakes plus a stop to feed the Kangaroos and other free ranging animals. The town of Bicheno, proclaimed a township in 1866, was named after James Ebenezer Bicheno, the British Colonial Secretary for Van Diemen s Land from 1843 to We spend the afternoon taking a look around the area, including a visit to the Bicheno Blowhole. We enjoy an early dinner at the Sea Life Centre before we join the local Penguin Tour. We ll be able to see the penguins up close and safely without disturbing them as they make their way up the beach to their nesting areas. Our day complete, we return to our motel (breakfast & dinner in motel / lunch at own cost).

3 Day 6 (BLD): FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK: Tuesday 17 October 2017 Today we are going to take a spectacular drive to Coles Bay on the edge of the Freycinet National Park. Here we board our Wine Glass Bay cruise which takes us along the Freycinet coastline. Our skipper shares his vast knowledge as we explore the stunning coastline. We drop anchor in Wineglass Bay and soak in the beauty of this area as we sample freshly shucked Freycinet Marine Farm oysters, served with a glass of fine Spring Vale sparkling wine and creamy Ashgrove farm cheeses. We ll see stunning scenery, abundant wildlife such as dolphins, seals, albatross and sea eagles. Following disembarkation this afternoon we return to our motel and relax prior to dinner. (Breakfast and dinner in motel, luncheon cruise) Day 7 (BD): BICHENO TO TRIABUNNA: Wednesday 18 October 2017 We farewell Bicheno and continue our trip south stopping in Swansea to see the Swansea Bark Mill - the only one in Australia. Back in the 1880s the machinery in the mill, now beautifully restored and fully operational, was used to crush black wattle, the basic ingredient for tanning leather. Just a short drive out of Swansea we stop in at Kate s Berry farm for morning tea. Acclaimed for her truly outstanding cool climate berries, Kate offers a unique range of mouthwatering quality produce and products that highlight what Tasmania does so well. (Breakfast and dinner in motel) Lufra Country Hotel, Eaglehawk ( ) Day 8 (BD): TRIABUNNA TO EAGLEHAWK NECK: Thursday 19 October 2017 From here we travel via Orford where we will see Maria Island off the coast. This was once a penal settlement but was abandoned in favour of Port Arthur in The island was named by Abel Tasman in honour of Maria Van Diemen, the wife of the Governor of Batavia. We won t be going to Maria Island today but we will certainly be spending some time at Port Arthur. Our morning stop will be in Buckland where we take a look at the Tasmanian Bushland Garden. Entering through the superbly crafted metal gates we immerse ourselves in this special garden displaying native plants specifically from the east coast. There is sure to be something flowering at this time of year. Look out for surprises throughout our walk! Next we approach Eaglehawk Neck which, in convict days had a line of ferocious tethered dogs guarding the narrow isthmus, which separates the Tasman from the Forestier Peninsula. Soldiers and Constables also stood guard, making sure that no convicts escaped from the notorious convict settlement of Port Arthur. We cross the isthmus and continue towards Port Arthur where we spend the rest of the day. (Breakfast and dinner in hotel, lunch Port Arthur) Lufra Country Hotel, Eaglehawk Neck ( ) Day 9 (BD): EAGLEHAWK NECK TO HOBART: Friday 20 October 2017 Making our way to Sorell fruit farm we take a tour of this wonderful venture which began as a bare paddock 30 years ago. There are some quite rare berries grown in the orchard established by Bob Hardy bringing to fruition his dream of responsible farming with a difference. We stay for morning tea to sample some of the locally produced products. From here we make our way into Hobart where we begin with a sightseeing tour. Founded in 1803 as a penal colony, Hobart is the state capital and is Australia s second oldest capital city (after Sydney). It sits on both sides of the Derwent River and lies at the base of Mount Wellington. Our local guide will also show us the port area of Sullivans Cove, lined with sandstone warehouses reflecting the area's rich maritime history and Battery Point, named after the battery of guns established on the point in The battery however no longer exists. Now we have our bearings we have some time on our own to purchase lunch and take in the ambiance of the city. This afternoon we visit The Cascades Female Factory. This was a self-contained, purpose built institution intended to reform female

4 convicts, where the inmates did laundry and needlework services, offsetting some of the colony s penal costs. (Breakfast and dinner in motel, lunch at own cost). Day 10 (BD): HOBART: Saturday 21 October 2017 Our morning will be spent at the Salamanca Markets. These markets have been operating since 1972 and seem to be more popular than ever. With over 300 stalls in the beautiful location of Salamanca Place there is sure to be something of interest for everyone. Meeting together after lunch our afternoon visit is north of Hobart at MONA SALAMANCA MARKETS The Museum of Old and New Art. It s the $150 million museum carved out of a sandstone cliff, offering a unique museum experience. Its owner, the multi-millionaire David Walsh, has put hundreds of items from his private collection on display, creating what he calls a subversive adult Disneyland. And it can be confronting! Returning to our hotel we refresh and relax prior to dinner. What a great day! (Breakfast and dinner in motel, lunch at own cost) Day 11 (BD): BRUNY ISLAND OPTION: Sunday 22 October 2017

5 Today has been left free to spend our final day in Hobart as we choose. One way to spend the day could be to cruise alongside some of Australia's highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags and drift up close to listen to the awesome 'Breathing Rock'. This optional cruise run by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is at our own expense. We will enter deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and 'The Monument' and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. We search for the abundant coastal wildlife of seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. The highly trained interpretive guides love what they do - they work hard to ensure that the experience is fun, enjoyable, entertaining and informative. However we choose to spend our day, we meet together for a farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (Breakfast in motel, lunch at own cost, restaurant dinner) Day 12 (B): DEPART HOBART: Monday 23 October 2017 Today we make our way to the airport for our flight home. (Or you have the option to travel home with the coach and overnight on the Spirit of Tasmania, the cost of the tour covers which ever mode you choose.) We say farewell to our coach captain as he will be driving home with the coach. We arrive back in Adelaide later today having had a wonderful tour to the East Coast of Tasmania. (Breakfast in motel, lunch at own cost) All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc. This itinerary is going through a National Park. Please check if you require an operators licence to enter the park.