Undiscovered Australia Tasmania 2017 1
Itinerary Day 3: Arrival in Sydney We are transferred from the airport to our accommodation. There s the opportunity to stretch our legs with a guided walk visiting Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens (approx 3 hours). Tonight there will be a short briefing and then the rest of the evening is free to relax. This is the essential itinerary for all who love walking and wilderness. Our Undiscovered Australia itinerary takes you to the iconic sights before whisking you to the heart of Tasmania. We have a choice of walks on the days in Tasmania and with the expertise of our local guides, you will discover natural beauty seen by few. Accommodation: Grace Hotel (2 nights) (Meals included: Day 4: Sydney Harbour National Park This morning we take a spectacular cliff-top walk in Sydney Harbour National Park, ending at the legendary Manly Beach, so named by Captain James Cook (6 miles / 10km, approx 3 hours). We return by the Manly Ferry. (Meals included: breakfast, Day 5: The Blue Mountains Day 1: Depart UK Day 2: In flight Overnight flight to Sydney. An early start as we begin our drive into the Blue Mountains. Heading northwest we follow the Bells Line of Road as it climbs its way through ridges to the high points of Mount Banks and Mount Wilson. Our afternoon s walk explores the Grand Canyon, taking us into the rainforests of the gorge, following a sandstone ledge along the canyon, to finish at 2
Evans Lookout, for views over the Grose Valley (3 miles / 5km). Accommodation: The Carrington, Katoomba (2 nights) Day 6: Exploring the Blue Mountains We have two different walks today. Our first walk takes us to the spectacular Wentworth Falls on a trail that descends the face of the canyon wall, down to the base of the falls. This trail offers us stunning scenes as the vertical world of Blue Mountain sandstone opens up. After lunch we walk in the area around the scenic railway and Megalong Valley (approx 2 hours). (Meals included: breakfast, Day 7: Melbourne Returning to Sydney, we take a morning flight to Melbourne, and transfer to our accommodation in the heart of the city. This afternoon we see some of the city s sights with a leisurely walking tour of the city along the Yarra River. Accommodation: Alto Hotel on Bourke, Melbourne (1 night) (Meals included: breakfast, Day 8: Great Ocean Road We begin our drive west on one of the world s most scenic drives, along the Great Ocean Road towards Apollo Bay. At Cape Otway we have the chance to see koalas in the wild. This afternoon s walk follows the Great Ocean Walk from Shelley Beach to Apollo Bay (4½ miles / 7km, approx 3 hours). Accommodation: Comfort Inn International, Apollo Bay (2 nights) Day 9: The 12 Apostles Today s spectacular walking is a wonderful way to approach the 12 Apostles, with incomparable views across the cliffs and beaches. If the swell is running, the sight and sound of the ocean from the cliffs is incredibly powerful (11 miles / 18km). There is also a shorter walk available (4.3 miles / 7km) 3
Day 10: To Tasmania This morning we drive back to Melbourne for our flight to Launceston, Tasmania. On arrival in Tasmania we are driven straight into the Tasmanian wilderness at Cradle Mountain. After settling in and having dinner, we visit the nearby Devils@Cradle for the after dark feeding tour at this inspirational conservation sanctuary. The team there will tell us all about the lifecycle and the numerous threats to the survival of the Tasmanian devil, and will introduce us to the devils themselves, and their captive breeding programme. Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel(2 nights) Day 11: Cradle Mountain Today offers a choice of walks in the Cradle Mountain area. The first option is a lovely half-day walk taking in the rainforests and lake views of the beautiful Dove Lake Circuit. Alternatively, for the fit and intrepid, we have a full day walk that takes in the magnificent Marion s Lookout and scrambles to the summit of Cradle Mountain itself. Dove Lake Circuit: 4 miles / 6km (approx 3 hours). A classic half-day walk. Cradle Summit Walk: 8 miles / 13km (approx 8 hours). Involves some hard scrambling on summit rocks. It is also possible to take a 2 hour rest at the Kitchen hut and avoid the difficult final summit. Day 12: To Corinna From Cradle Mountain we drive toward the Tarkine Wilderness Area. Our walk today is to Montezuma Falls; at 104m the waterfall is one of the highest in Tasmania. (5 miles / 8km, approx 3 hours). In the afternoon we head to the tiny historic mining township of Corinna, set 4
in rainforest on the banks of the Pieman River. Accommodation: Corinna (one bedroom cottages, 2 nights) Day 13: Exploring the Tarkine A leisurely boat trip this morning, down the majestic Pieman River. We cruise along on the Arcadia II. The journey takes 1½ hours each way, complemented by interesting commentary about the region, its rich history and nature. On arrival at the mouth of the Pieman River, we explore the surrounding area and take in the wild west coastline before returning to Corinna in the afternoon. Day 14: To Stanley Today we head inland. In the morning we ll enjoy a circular walk which takes in the White River and the Pieman river close up (2.5 miles / 4km). In the afternoon we ll follow an easy trail to the top of Mount Donaldson for great views of the wild coast, button grass hills, forested valleys and rugged peaks. This evening we arrive in the picturesque coastal town of Stanley. Accommodation: Stanley Seaview Inn, Stanley(1 night) Day 15: To Launceston This morning we have time to explore Stanley, with a short walk from East Arm Beach to The Nut (approx 1 hour), Stanley s most significant landform. The Nut is a 150m volcanic plug that dominates the town s skyline. Leaving Stanley, we return to the city of Launceston, with the rest of the afternoon free to relax. For anyone wanting to stretch their legs a little more, we also offer a 2 hour walk exploring the Cateract Gorge. After dinner, there will be an option to join the famous Launceston Ghost Tour. Additional cost, approx $20 payable locally. This gives an amazing insight into the dark history of Lonny. Accommodation: Grand Chancellor, Launceston (1 night) Day 16: Freycinet Peninsula The east coast of Tasmania offers remarkable scenery of granite peaks and headlands tumbling down to some of the whitest beaches in Australia. Today s travels explore some of the less visited areas of the coast. A scenic drive takes us to the Friendly Beaches to the north of the Freycinet Peninsula. We have a choice of walks to the Salt Water Lagoon, an important waterbird habitat (2½ miles / 4 km or 5½ miles / 9km, approx 2-3 hours). 5
After dinner this evening, there is the possibility of participating in a tour to see penguins (approx $35 payable locally). Accommodation: Wintersun Gardens, Bicheno (2 nights) Tel +61 3 6375 1225, Schouten Island. (Full day walk 6 miles / 10km, approx 6 hours; half day walk 3 miles / 5km, approx 3 hours) Day 18: Port Arthur & Hobart Day 17: Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park Today we visit Freycinet National Park, with a choice of either a full day or a half day of walking and exploring. An insight into the infamous Port Arthur s Penal Settlement, one of the largest, most feared, and longest operating penal colonies in the British Empire. Our half day tour here includes a short cruise on the MV Mariana. The half day walk takes us to the flanks of Mt Amos and the lookout over Wineglass Bay, with its pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. We continue on a short walk to Cape Tourville lighthouse. We have the chance to see many bird and mammal species: Bennett s wallaby, Tasmanian pademelon, wombat, black cockatoo, swift parrot, and green rosella. The full day walk continues via the Isthmus Track to Hazards Beach and Lemana Lookout, a rocky headland with great views of the peninsula and In the afternoon we continue our journey to the delightful capital of Tasmania, Hobart. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, or you can opt for an extra walk, taking you to the summit of Mt Wellington (approx 2 hours). Summit vistas boast extraordinary views over much of Tasmania on a clear day. Accommodation: Hotel Lenna, Hobart (2 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, Day 19: Hobart & Mount Wellington Today we have the choice of a day at leisure in Hobart, for some final 6
sightseeing and shopping, or a day trip to the sub-alpine Mount Wellington with its alpine crags and extraordinary views over Hobart and the entire south of Tasmania. (Meals included: breakfast, Day 20: Departure day We depart today for the airport, and our onward flights home. (Meals included: breakfast) Day 21: Arrival in UK 7
Accommodation We ll stay in a selection of comfortable 3 & 4-star hotels and lodges, from modern city centre hotels to perfectly located wilderness lodges. All are en-suite and offer a taste of Australia. The Grace Hotel, Sydney (2 nights) - In the heart of Sydney, this heritage-listed hotel offers us the ideal location for exploring the city, good comfortable rooms and the prefect mix of old world charm with modern comfort. www.gracehotel.com.au/ The Carrington, Katoomba (2 nights) The Carrington is perfect for our exploration of this World Heritage National Park. It still maintains a character and style befitting its former grandeur, and gives us large, comfortable rooms. www.thecarrington.com.au Alto on Bourke, Melbourne (1 night) - Right in the centre of the city, again our accommodation here is perfectly located to allow us to explore independently if we've time (and energy) after the day's activities. Clean and comfortable rooms, the Alto Hotel on Bourke also prides itself on its eco-friendly practices. www.altohotel.com.au Comfort Inn The International, Apollo Bay (2 nights) Just a short walk to the beach or the shops gives us options to take a stroll in the evening if we wish. Rooms are large, clean and comfortable. There's a small pool too. www.theinternational.info/ Cradle Mountain Hotel, Tasmania (2 nights) - Here we stay in the heart of alpine bush, at the boundary of Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. Welcoming log fires and the Wilderness Gallery are a highlight of the Chateau, with 10 rooms showcasing Australian photography. Add large, comfortable rooms and we have the ideal location. www.cradlemountainchateau.com.au Corinna, Tarkine, Tasmania (2 nights) - We stay in the heart of the Tarkine in cottages which back directly onto the rainforest. The Tarkine is one of the least visited places in Tasmania due to its accessibility, making this a unique experience. Each cottage has its own veranda and fully equipped kitchen. Water is heated by solar power, with each cottage having its own rainwater collection tank. www.corinna.com.au Stanley Seaview Inn, Stanley, Tasmania (1 night) - Located on Tasmania's North West Coast, our hotel here has wonderful views over the bay, and of "The Nut". Rooms are all spacious and comfortable. www.stanleyseaviewinn.com.au 8
Grand Chancellor, Launceston, Tasmania (1 night) The hotel is central and offers us large, comfortable rooms. The hotel is graded as a 4.5 star, and whilst it provides us a good standard of accommodation, in our opinion, you should expect 3+ star standards. www.grandchancellorhotels.com/au/ launceston/ Wintersun Gardens, Bicheno, Tasmania (2 nights) - Our accommodation here is simple, but clean and comfortable. This is a motel rather than a hotel and the facilities reflect this. The accommodation is set in lovely gardens and offers a nice quiet out-oftown location. www.wintersunbicheno.com.au Lenna of Hobart, Hobart, Tasmania (2 nights) - Comfortable, good sized rooms with views over the harbour or Mount Wellington and a warm welcome at our final accommodation. The 4 star heritage hotel Lenna is in the perfect location if you wish to explore Hobart at the end of the day. It's located right on the waterfront and only a short distance to the city centre. www.lenna.com.au/ 9
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (July 2016). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Warm fleece or soft-shell jacket Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets 10
Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: walking ( approach ) trainers, gaiters, head torch, trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars, swimming costume, and towel. Please note: Walking boots must be free/clean of all mud or soil before entering Australian immigration. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for the length of stay. Canadian and US citizens require an ETA (electonic travel authorisation). These must be applied for in advance, and cost AUS $20. Please go to www.eta.immi.gov.au or consult your embassy for advice. British and EU passport holders need an evisitor visa (subclass 651). To do this you need to create an Immiaccount via https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/log in. There is no charge for an evisitor visa. Please see https://www.border.gov.au/trav/visa- 1/651- for further information. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Tetanus vaccine is recommended and in some areas Japanese Encephalitis. A reciprocal health agreement exists for UK citizens, allowing free hospital treatment in case of emergency. Please be aware of strong sun and make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting 11
Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. 12
Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 000 (112 from mobile). Please then call our emergency number (see page 10) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate Sydney has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Rainfall is spread throughout the year. The weather is moderated by proximity to the ocean Melbourne (and the Great Ocean Road) has a moderate oceanic climate and is well known for its changeable weather conditions. This is mainly due to Melbourne's location on the boundary of the very hot inland areas and the cold southern ocean. Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may Climate in Tasmania is temperate maritime, being surrounded by sea, and rarely experiences extremes of temperature. The prevailing weather pattern is from west to east and as a result the west coast is the wettest, while the east coast is almost always warmer and milder than the rest of the state. Tasmania has a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons. 13
Local currency & money matters Australian dollar (A$). Major credit cards are accepted (restricted use in rural areas). ATMs are found in all major towns and cities. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet Tasmania 2015 Lonely Planet East Coast Australia 2014 Nicholas Shakespeare In Tasmania: Adventures at the End of the World Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Group size Maximum 18 guests, plus local leaders Electricity 220V, flat 3 blade plugs Time difference GMT/UTC +10 hrs HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 14