TASMANIA By Rail, road and river

Transcription

1 TASMANIA By Rail, road and river Including SteamFest 2017 with Chris Harding 11 days: 9 19 March 2017 LAUNCESTON CRADLE MOUNTAIN STRAHAN BOTHWELL HOBART West Coast Wilderness Railway

2 OVERVIEW Tasmania s wild and magical natural beauty, its quirky and stimulating art scene, a living industrial and colonial heritage and a small collection of extraordinary railway journeys are the inspiration for this tour around Australia s special Holiday State. Autumn s changing colours, wine harvests, long days and warm temperatures are the backdrop for many interesting excursions including a special day at the award-winning Sheffield Steamfest, Tasmania s premier fair showcasing some of the best of the state s industrial and colonial heritage. Such a variety of experiences within easy reach make Tasmania an ideal holiday destination and our tour, taking you on a wide loop around the island, brings together a wonderful collection of iconic sights, scenery and interesting encounters. See yourself riding in the balcony coach of a hard-working steam train up the wild West Coast mountains, soaking up the wonders of modern art at MONA, sipping whisky in the atmosphere of a stone clad distillery or being in zone beside sublime Cradle Mountain Lake. You will also be treated to welcoming locals, gourmet foods and wines, quality accommodation and unique side trips on rail, road and river in the company of your experienced and knowledgeable host. WHY TRAVEL WITH US : Small group size 10 to 20 passengers guarantees an intimate experience with less queuing time, more time with your guide and better access to sightseeing spots. Unique Itineraries each itinerary has been worked on meticulously by a team who have many years knowledge and cultural awareness in each destination. You are guaranteed to experience the best the destination has to offer. Local Authentic Experiences whether it be a little known yet impressive steam railway or a small boutique property which will be a tour highlight, know that you will experience something special on our tours. Expert Local Guides and local operators we like to employ local guides along the way to share the insights of the places they call home and our partners on the ground offer us support and backup and have in-depth knowledge of what you are to experience. Customer Satisfaction Thousands have travelled with us in the past and we are proud of the amount of repeat business we attract. The number of travelers who bring friends along, recommend us to others and who say they would travel with us again is also impressive and heart-warming. Fully escorted Our team of tour leaders are experienced and capable, entertaining and considerate, together with our local guides we have your needs well covered. The fact that they are there to help with everything along the way is great piece of mind for you and you ll find them jolly good company to boot! The joy of travelling no longer has to be constricted to a destination. Railway Adventures offer a truly exclusive point of view to some of the world s most spectacular holiday destinations, with the assurance that the journey to reach them in itself is just as magical and unforgettable! WE HAVE TWO TYPES OF RAILWAY ADVENTURES. LUXURY ADVENTURE Features: 5-star accommodation or similar, first class or luxury train travel, all meals, luggage handling, porterage, transfers to and from flights, local guide/tour manager and Australian tour leader throughout. GENTLE ADVENTURE Features: 3-5-star accommodation, first or second class train travel, more than half the meals included, services of an Australian or international tour leader throughout. THE RAILWAY ADVENTURES STORY A passion for train travel can manifest itself in many ways and founder and director of Railway Adventures, Scott McGregor, has managed to make much of his obsession over the years. Travelling to boarding school on the Mudgee Mail gave me a sense of how an active social life and long distance trains can make a good combination. Building a rural retreat out of a collection of vintage railway carriages in the early 1980s gave Scott a new perspective on rail heritage and during this time he also operated his first tour, The Antipodean Renaissance Express, an experience he has never forgotten. Trading in vintage memorabilia and furniture sourced largely from the railways was also a source of great inspiration. Scott travelled far and wide trading and collecting for his Sydney shop, Off The Rails. Being the host of a couple of series of TV documentaries about great train journeys paved the way for tour leading. An enjoyable part-time hobby, getting paid to do what I love, has, naturally enough, led to a more substantial commitment to great rail journeys and resulted in the launch of this dedicated train travel and touring company. MEET YOUR TOUR LEADER Chris Harding recently retired as the manager of the Railway Bookshop at Sydney s Central Station. He also spent many years with the steam operating company, 3801 Limited, and conducted tours of Sydney s disused tunnels for the Australian Railway Historical Society. He is often called upon to talk about railway history on local radio. His early career with the Bank of New South Wales/Westpac Bank gave him the desire and opportunity to travel and he chalked up an impressive list of adventures all over the world on all manner of trains, boats and planes. For the last few years Chris has been hosting popular and acclaimed journeys by rail across Switzerland for Railway Adventures and has more recently been developing tours closer to home with the theme of Wine and Rail. Chris has been expanding his wine collection and pallet all his life and has experienced all aspects of the wine industry. He is the first to admit however that great winemakers all have their own story to tell and when it comes to their wine he is all ears and nose. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: 11 lovely lunches and delicious dinners including sumptuous welcome and farewell dinners A day at Steamfest 2017 Vintage train ride in Tullah and unique pedal-powered railtrack experience West Coast Wilderness Railway adventure from Strahan to Queenstown with champagne, wine and feasting in the trains charming restaurant balcony car Special excursion by ferry to MONA in the Posh Pit Unique lodging of Ratho Homestead Distilleries, wineries, museums, markets and nature tours and walks First night gala welcome dinner at legendary Stillwater in Launceston WHERE YOU WILL STAY: The properties we have selected have been hand-picked based on their location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Here s some of what you can expect on this tour: Clarion Hotel City Park Grand Ratho Farm Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge HOW YOU WILL TRAVEL: Being passionate about rail travel we know that the journey itself is as important as the destination. Wherever possible we have sourced interesting and nostalgic rail journeys and other noteworthy modes of transport. We will also have our own private luxury coach for all off train travel and connections. Here is an example of what you will experience: Our Tasmania tour is a Gentle Adventure Sheffield Launceston Queenstown Strahan Bothwell Hobart Scott McGregor Chris Harding- Tour Leader Ida Bay Lady Jane Franklin II Railtrack Riders SteamFest

3 Day 1 Thursday 9th March: Arrive Launceston (D) Arrive in Launceston and make your own way to the hotel. On arrival in the fair city of Launceston, we check into the hotel before boarding the Lady Launceston for a leisurely scenic sunset river cruise. On-board wine tasting complements the setting on our late-afternoon private charter which takes us around the docks and historic river precinct and up into the scenic Cataract Gorge. Our vessel docks at Stillwater, Launceston s premier restaurant, where we will enjoy a delicious degustation dinner. Hotel: Clarion Hotel City Park Grand, Launceston Day 2 Friday 10th March: Launceston (B, L) This morning join Chris for a tour of the extensive Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Australia s largest regional gallery. It is spread out over a number of precincts, part of which is housed in the refurbished railway yards and workshops, and includes the working tramway museum and blacksmith shop. Enjoy a tram ride at the Launceston Tramway Museum. We board our coach in the late morning and make our way to our winery lunch stop at Josef Chromy Wines which reveals a hot bed of innovation in an island of deep thinkers. After lunch we visit one of Australia s grandest rural colonial estates, Clarendon, at Evandale. A magnificent three-storey Georgian house set on 7 hectares of manicured gardens and rolling fields. On the way back into Launceston we stop at The City Park Radio Museum, one of the Launceston region s most unique and charming little attractions. We return to the city in the early evening to enjoy an evening at leisure. Perhaps a spot of cider as a palate cleanser at the Red Brick Ciderhouse may be just the thing. Hotel: Clarion Hotel City Park Grand, Launceston Day 3 Saturday 11th March: Launceston Cradle Mountain (B, D) After a breakfast at leisure, we journey to Sheffield to enjoy a day at the SteamFest Festival. SteamFest brings history to life with one of the biggest collections of working steam machinery in Australia, steam train rides, exhibitions of pioneering skills such as blacksmithing, historic machinery such as steam powered threshers and rock crushers showing how things were done in yesteryear, and vintage cars. In the late afternoon we continue onto Cradle Mountain and the beautiful Cradle Mountain Lodge. Dinner this evening is at the Lodge in what is considered to be one of Tasmania s premier dining experiences the Highland Restaurant. Hotel: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, Cradle Mountain Day 4 Sunday 12th March: Cradle Mountain Strahan (B, L, D) This morning is yours to explore Cradle Mountain. Options include exploring the wonderful network of scenic boardwalks around the National Park, famous Dove Lake and the King Billy forests, horse-riding, ATV ride, walks or even a relaxing spa session. Our early lunch will be served at the Tavern Bar & Bistro with its warm and rustic atmosphere. After lunch we make our way across to the West Coast and the old seaport town of Strahan with a stop to experience a living relic of the logging railways, Wee Georgie Wood. Dinner will be at View 42 Restaurant and Bar upon the hill overlooking Strahan s village and harbour. The restaurant is reknowned for its sea-food buffet and features a selection of Tasmanian wines and their cellar showcases fine cool-climate vintages from 100 of the island s vineyards. Hotel: Strahan Village, Strahan Day 5 Monday 13th March: Strahan (B, L) After breakfast stroll down to the wharf to board the Lady Jane Franklin II. You will experience a first class adventure around historic Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River. The 5.5 hr cruise will have you exploring the remains of Sarah island, cruising through the notorious Hells Gate and navigating the calm waters of one of the world s last great untouched wilderness areas. A buffet lunch is served on board the vessel. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to enjoy the village atmosphere. You may like the option to attend a live performance of The Ship That Never Was. The 1hr long play tells the dramatic and hilarious true story of the Great Escape from Sarah Island. Strahan also offers plenty of dinner options, all very handy to your hotel. Hotel: Strahan Village, Strahan Day 6 Tuesday 14th March: Strahan - Bothwell (B, D) Today we will experience a steam train journey on the famous West Coast Wilderness Railway in their first-class balcony carriage. The journey takes us along the harbour and through the King River Gorge. Then the historic rack section of the railway track kicks in for the spectacular climb up the range. Magnificent rainforest vistas, wild rivers and many quaint stations along the way are part of the character of this atmospheric journey. Refreshments and sparkling wine are served en route. The train pulls into Queenstown where we will have time to explore the historic mining town and learn about the region s rich history. Our coach picks us up from Queenstown and continues to Bothwell, home of Australia s oldest golf course. We settle into the wonderfully realised Ratho Farm, a hotel that celebrates Tasmania s rich rural heritage. Before dinner we wander down to Nant s Distillery and enjoy a special tasting of some of Tasmania s finest blends, and then continue over dinner in the homestead. Hotel: Ratho Farm, Bothwell Day 7 Wednesday 15th March: Bothwell (B.D) Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a late morning departure sees us driving through the forested mountains, past the massive Hydro plants, and onto the rich farming country of the Upper Derwent Valley. We pause at Tarraleah for you to have lunch on your own and take in the history of the village constructed as a base for the workers who built the vast Hydro schemes. We make a stop at the Redlands Distillery Australia s only barley-to-barrel distillery, set on an expansive heritage property in the beautiful Derwent Valley. This afternoon we enjoy a unique journey on an exclusive access historic rail line through the southern Tasmanian rainforest. On this pedal-powered experience, Railtrack Riders allows visitors to travel at their own pace and fully experience the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest. Back at Ratho farm for dinner we will enjoy another 3 course dinner at the homestead. Hotel: Ratho Farm, Bothwell Day 8 Thursday 16th March: Bothwell - Hobart (B,L) The gentle morning journey takes us through Richmond rich with history and world famous Scallop Pies before heading to Frogmore Creek for a tasting and lunch. The Frogmore Creek restaurant produces delicious dishes to match French winemaker Alain Rousseau s elegant modern wine styles. Life is good here, very good! We then make our way onto Hobart and in the afternoon there is free time to take a walk. Perhaps check out Mawson s Hut Museum, the Tasmanian Distillery Museum or the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Day 9 Friday 17th March: Hobart (B,L) After a late breakfast, we make our way on foot to the ferry terminal where we will enjoy the 30-minute Posh Pit experience on board the ferry to Moorilla winery. Once there we will visit the astounding and acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art, MONA, the largest privately funded museum in Australia. A delicious lunch is served at the property s restaurant, The Source. In the afternoon, we take a tour of the comprehensive Tasmanian Transport Museum at Glenorchy. This evening, enjoy free time to relax and make the most of the hotel s charming setting in the heart of Hobart s historic Constitution Dock. Day 10 Saturday 18th March: Hobart Ida Bay Hobart (B, D) After breakfast we will drive down to Ida Bay Station and board a WWII Diesel locomotive to enjoy a charming 2 hour journey alongside the water s edge and through bush. Listen to a history talk from your tour guide along the way and at Deep Hole we will disembark and you have time for a bushwalk around Southport Lagoon. Lunch on your own will be available back at the Station Café on return to Ida Bay Station. Upon return to Hobart you will have some free time to prepare for our celebratory farewell dinner at a nearby restaurant. Day 11 Sunday 19th March: Departures (B) After breakfast your tour ends. Farewell your fellow travellers and transfer to the airport or take the opportunity to linger in Hobart to soak up its many varies offerings. MONA on the Derwent River - Hobart

4 INCLUSIONS: 10 nights accommodation in 4-5 star boutique hotels and lodges Most meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) All transport mentioned in the itinerary Comprehensive sightseeing with expert local guides Excursions / entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary EXCLUSIONS: Flights to connect with the commencement and end of the tour Airport transfers on arrival and departure Excursions/entrances listed as optional in the itinerary Items of a personal nature e.g. telephone, laundry, minibar Travel insurance TOUR PRICES Per person twin share... $5,889 Single Supplement... $1,239 TOUR PACE / LEVEL OF FITNESS: Our itineraries are designed to make the most of what s available along the way so a reasonable amount of activity is built into most days, which is why we call them adventures. Our philosophy is to offer the most of a destination leaving you, the guest, to pace yourselves and choose how much or how little you may like to do. We do however incorporate some free time for exploration and relaxation on your own and time at leisure is peppered throughout the tour. A reasonable level of fitness is required for most of our tours. Being able to manage your own luggage, get on and off all manner of trains, various amounts of walking, standing and climbing steps and stairs are all part of our adventures. Please talk to the team if you are unsure of your ability to participate or need more detail about what s involved. Strahan Cradle Mountain

5 HOW TO BOOK Contact Guidepost Tours on or for a booking form. Submit the booking form along with your $1000pp deposit to secure your place on tour. DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE We endeavour to have all details of our tours correct at the time of printing however sometimes factors beyond our control such as the availability of requested hotels, the operation of trains and other services may affect the final inclusions and price. Therefore items mentioned in the brochure such as quoted prices, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS We can assist you with your flights, preand post-travel including extended stays and travel insurance. Call our office on if you would like to discuss options. TERMS AND CONDITIONS For more information on factors that may affect your ability to participate in the tour such as fitness levels, fees and charges, payment schedules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions that accompany the booking form. Terms and Conditions can also be requested at any time. KEEP UP TO DATE Want to be kept up to date with the latest tour news and testimonials? Just send your address to scott@ railwayadventures.com and we will add you to our list of fellow travellers who receive our regular e-newsletter. This tour is operated by Guidepost Tours, a division of SCT Travel Group in conjunction with Scott McGregor s Railway Adventures T/A Lic. No. 2TA5895