TASMANIA
SCENERY, FOOD, WINE AND RAIL
A QUALITY TOUR OF TASMANIA
Join SJR for a wonderful twenty-two day tour of Tasmania with fantastic scenery, good food and wine, great rail heritage experiences and pristine World Heritage National Parks and wilderness areas.
Date : Thursday 3 - Thursday 24 March 2022
Highlights of the tour include:
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World Heritage Wilderness in the Cradle Mountain
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Seaside Stanley accommodation and local seafood
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Strahan Village and seafood buffet dinner at their harbour view restaurant
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Premium accommodation on the Gordon River Cruise
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Premium Abt Wilderness Railway trip with Tasmanian wine, cheeses and luncheon included
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Heritage railway experiences at Wee Georgie Wood and Redwater Creek Railway
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The much talked about Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) at Hobart
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Stunning Bruny Island
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Bay of Fires wine tastings and Tamar Valley vineyards
Day 1
Fri 4 Mar
Sheffield, Deloraine and Devonport
Concealed in the foothills of majestic Mount Roland, the enterprising town of Sheffield has created a place where history and art merge to create an entire town of murals, telling the story of the north-west. Visit the Redwater Creek Railway, and ride a steam hauled narrow gauge train along part of the original Railton-Roland Branch Line. Visit the Don River Railway located on the edge of the Don River near Devonport. Overnight Launceston. (B/L)
Day 2
Sat 5 Mar
to Cradle Mountain
Head south-west to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Cradle Mountain’s sheer magnificence inspired Austrian-born Gustav Weindorfer to build a chalet of King Billy pine here in 1912 and work tirelessly for a decade to have the area declared a national park "for the people for all time". Overnight Cradle Mountain (B/L/D)
Day 3
Sun 6 Mar
Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake Walk
Today there is opportunity to take one of the short walks to see vegetation as varied as pandanus and wildflowers to Tasmanian myrtle and King William pine trees. Walk around the Dove Lake Circuit for an appreciation of the landscape. Overnight Cradle Mountain. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Mon 7 Mar
to Penguin, Burnie, Wynyard and Stanley
Enjoy breakfast, then mid-morning leave Cradle Mountain and head for Tasmania’s wonderful north coast, through Penguin, Burnie and Wynyard towards Stanley. In the afternoon we ascend the Nut – a sheer-sided bluff and all that remains of an ancient volcanic plug. A walking track climbs to the summit of The Nut, or you can take the chairlift, with its spectacular views across Bass Strait beaches and over the town. Stanley was discovered by Bass and Flinders in 1798 and was named after the British Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Stanley. Our accommodation for two night’s is in seaside accommodation in Stanley. Enjoy a later afternoon stroll before an included dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Tue 8 Mar
Stanley to Cape Grim, Smithton and ‘Woolnorth'
Head west through Smithton to explore the north west cape of Tasmania. See Tasmania's largest wind farm and tour the ‘Woolnorth’ property – 22,000 hectares of dairying, beef and sheep – and experience the state of modern agriculture in Tasmania. Dinner is included tonight and overnight Stanley.(B/L/D)
Day 6
Wed 9 Mar
Stanley, Tullah and ‘Wee Georgie Wood,’ and to Strahan
After breakfast we head through lovely scenery to the small township of Tullah, home of the Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway - the only operating two foot gauge steam railway on the West Coast of Tasmania. We then head to Zeehan, with a stop to explore the mining heritage of the city. In the late afternoon we’ll descend to Strahan – our base for the next four nights. Overnight Strahan. (B/L)
Day 7
Thu 10 Mar
In and around Strahan
The town of Strahan was founded in 1877, and today symbolises proud independence on the edge of the world. Sitting on the northern end of Macquarie Harbour on Long Bay, Macquarie Harbour is the terminus for the King River in the north and the Gordon River in the south. This afternoon visit the dramatic performance of the The Ship That Never Was - a live professional theatre production. Dinner is included tonight – a seafood buffet in the View 42° Restaurant with views overlooking the harbour. Overnight Strahan.(B/L/D)
Day 8
Fri 11 Mar
Cruising the Gordon River
Join the MV Harbour Master II and cruise on the Gordon River, making our way through Hell's Gates, where Macquarie Harbour meets the Southern Ocean. We’ll then cruise back across the Harbour into the lower reaches of the Gordon River, where you can reach out and touch the temperate rainforests of the World Heritage Area. We’ve reserved the premium Upper Deck area for our journey – you’ll enjoy luxurious seating and guaranteed seats of two adjacent to the windows, as well as morning tea and luncheon with Tasmanian wines. Overnight Strahan. (B/L)
Day 9
Sat 12 Mar
Abt Wilderness Railway
After breakfast we walk to Regatta Point Station (there’s a coach transfer for those who wish) and join the exquisitely restored Abt Wilderness Railway. Through the boom years of west coast mining, steam locomotives hauled a fortune in pure copper from Queenstown's Mt Lyell mine, through the rugged King River gorge and down to the Macquarie Harbour port of Strahan. From 1896 to 1963, steam billowed through the rainforest as the German designed Abt West Coast rack railway dragged the train, cog by cog, up the steep 1:16 slope to Rinadeena. We travel through one of the world's last pristine wilderness areas crossing 40 bridges, wild rivers, and climb over 200 metres on a fascinating 35 kilometre journey from Strahan to Queenstown. We’ve reserved the Wilderness Carriage for our group, where you’ll enjoy premium service and refreshments. Overnight Strahan.(B/L)
Day 10
Sun 13 Mar
via Lake St Clair and Derwent Bridge to Hobart
Lake St Clair's scenic beauty is characterised by pretty coves and beaches interspersed among moraines formed by glaciers as they forced debris aside in the process of scooping out the lake bed. Visit the nearby Derwent Bridge to see the ambitious sculpture - the Wall in the Wilderness. Primarily made from rare Huon pine, creator/designer Greg Duncan is carving 100 metres of Central Highland history. A simple dinner is included tonight and overnight Hobart. (B/L/D)
Day 11
Mon 14 Mar
Hobart - MONA
Today we visit MONA – the Museum of Old and New Art. Chiselled into an escarpment on the banks of the Derwent River in the northern suburbs of Hobart is a subterranean fortress housing one of the most confronting and controversial collections of art in the world. We’ll travel to and from MONA by ferry in the private deck of the vessel, with complimentary drinks and canapes. Overnight Hobart. (B/refreshments)
Day 12
Tue 15 Mar
Bruny Island
Head south through Kingston and Margate to Kettering, to cross to Bruny Island. Enjoy a full day exploring the many delights of the island. We’ll enjoy local produce, photograph the islands’ extraordinary beauty, have a great luncheon as well as a thrilling boat cruise. We return to Hobart for dinner at leisure and overnight. (B/L)
Day 13
Wed 16 Mar
Geeveston and the Tahune “Air Walk”
South through Huonville to Geeveston for a visit to the Tahune “Air Walk.” The attraction is one of only a few fixed structure canopy walkways internationally and provides a birds-eye view of the southern forests, the local mountain range and the Tasmanian World Heritage Area. The visitor centre demonstrates the use of Tasmanian timber from its historic purposes to modern practices, and the nearby Huon Pine walk provides easy access to trees thousands of years old. In Geeveston we visit the Forest and Heritage Centre, and in the Information Centre inside the old Town Hall, there are a range of local high quality woodwork items amongst other craft. We return to Hobart for dinner at leisure and overnight. (B/L)
Day 14
Thu 17 Mar
Port Arthur and to Triabunna”
Cross the Tasman Bridge, and stop at Eaglehawk Neck - four spectacular natural formations, all in close proximity, are a short drive from the neck. Tasman Arch - a natural arch between two cliffs cut by wave action. At the Devil's Kitchen, hear the waves roar onto the rocks hundreds of feet below. The sea rushes in under the rock and shoots into the air at the Blowhole. But possibly most spectacular is the Tessellated Pavement, which visitors could almost swear was laid by a bricklayer but is again due entirely to the sea. We travel south to Port Arthur - established as a convict settlement it soon became Australia's largest. Today, the Port Arthur Historic Site encompasses over 40 hectares and features a large number of stabilised ruins and restored buildings from the convict era. Return to Triabunna late afternoon, with dinner included. Overnight Triabunna. (B/L/D)
Day 15
Fri 18 Mar
Maria Island and to Coles Bay and Freycinet Peninsula
From Aboriginal contact to whaling and sealing post, from penal settlement to Italianate rural utopia and health resort, Maria Island inspired both intense sorrow and huge dreams in its long history of human habitation. Today it is a wildlife refuge - home to the threatened Cape Barren goose, Forester kangaroo and Flinders Island wombat. We return to the mainland and travel to Coles Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula. With a great location at the foot of the Hazards, our accommodation for three nights is in self-contained ensuite cabins at the Freycinet Holiday Park - a great (and affordable) base for exploring the Freycinet peninsula. Dinner tonight is included. Overnight Coles Bay. (B/L/D)
Day 16
Sat 19 Mar
Wineglass Bay Lookout, Oysters and Cape Tourville
Today there is the opportunity to walk to one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views — the crystal-clear waters and curvaceous white beach of Wineglass Bay. A beautifully constructed track takes you up through coastal woodland, past striking granite boulders, to the lookout. This is a steep uphill walk—around 1.3km each way— with resting seats located along the way. We return to the village for luncheon, and visit an oyster farm to taste fresh oysters. In the afternoon we head to Cape Tourville for a 30 minute easy walk, with fine views over the coast. Dinner tonight and overnight Coles Bay. (B/L/D)
Day 17
Sun 20 Mar
Cruising around the Freycinet Peninsula
Today we cruise the spectacular coastline of Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay. Be enthralled by the stunning granite coastline, including the dramatic pink peaks of the Hazards range. Explore the inner passage of remote Schouten Island, home to little penguins and short tailed shearwaters, before heading into the Tasman Sea towards Wineglass Bay. Our passage is on the upper deck of Schouten Passage II, an adults only lounge with banquette style seating with direct access to the Captains bridge and private viewing deck. Morning tea, lunch and beverages are included - enjoy plump local oysters, alongside salmon and smoked meats, breads, cheeses and salad served with the East Coast's renowned wines and artisan brews. We return to Coles Bay for overnight accommodation. (B/L)
Day 18
Mon 21 Mar
to Swansea, Pyengana and Launceston
Head north to Bicheno, Scamander and along the coast to St Helens – with beautiful views and the stunning Binalong Bay – you’ll enjoy the coastal scenery. We then head inland to Pyengana - licensed since 1880, the Pub in the Paddock is one of Tasmania’s oldest country pubs. We visit the famed cheese factory and taste some of their aged cheddar – in high demand in city markets. Then through Scottsdale towards the Tamar Valley and in the late afternoon we’ll head into Launceston for our last three night’s in Tasmania. Overnight Launceston. (B/L)
Day 19
Tue 22 Mar
the Tamar Valley, Bay of Fires Winery, Low Head
After breakfast we explore the Tamar Valley, heading north along the eastbank of the river. We head almost to Bass Strait to visit the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum. Low Head Pilot Station, situated at the mouth of the Tamar River, is the oldest group of pilot buildings in Australia. We then visit the Bay of Fires Winery, then a late afternoon return to Launceston. Overnight Launceston. (B/L)
Day 20
Wed 23 Mar
Evandale, Clarendon House, Cataract Gorge and Farewell Dinner
After breakfast we inspect the historic village of Evandale - a Georgian village best known for its 19th-century buildings and relatively untouched streetscape. We’ll visit Clarendon House, a Georgian mansion owned by the National Trust - set in seven hectares on the banks of the South Esk River. After luncheon we head to Launceston’s Cataract Gorge - a spectacular geological site close to the city centre. The chairlift crossing the Gorge is the longest single span in the world at 308m (924 ft.) On the shady northern side of the gorge, named the Cliff Grounds, is a Victorian garden where wilderness is created with ferns and exotic plants. There’s a kiosk, restaurant and swimming pool, rolling lawns and a rotunda, a footbridge and chairlift across the river, peacocks in the trees, wallabies at dusk. This may be the nation’s most alluring urban reserve. We enjoy a quality meal together and overnight Launceston. (B/L/D)
Day 21
Thu 24 Mar
to the mainland
After breakfast the tour ends, and we transfer to Launceston Airport for flights to the mainland. (B)
*On some days additional activities will be possible, some at no extra cost, others at additional own cost. Optional additions to the tour (at extra cost) when shown below are followed by (O). Meals included are shown as Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D).
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use the "BOOKING AND ENQUIRY" buttoms above or call us on
0418 585 838
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