Tasmania and the Sheffield Steamfest by Rail, Road and River

This morning after breakfast we’ll embark on an exploration of the area, starting with a visit to the historic Inveresk Precinct, a historically significant area that offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, combining heritage buildings, museums, and scenic landscapes, including the extensive Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Australia’s largest regional gallery; the preserved Launceston Railway Station, built in 1874; the Railway Workshops housing exhibitions, events, and workshops that explore the history of the region’s industrial past; and the Launceston Tramway Museum.  Here, we’ll enjoy a guided workshop tour and tram ride. 

After pausing for a coffee, our private coach will take us a short distance out of town to the historic Woolmers Estate in Longford. A historic property renowned for its significance as one of the most well-preserved estates in Australia, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed estate offers a glimpse into Tasmania’s early colonial history, its connection to Australian convict history, and its development over the course of more than 180 years. 

The estate is a treasure trove of historical buildings, including the main house built in 1860 and largely unchanged from its original design; beautiful gardens, which include English-style formal gardens, orchards, and lush, green lawns and a beautifully maintained walled garden; the Woolmers Estate Cemetery, where several members of the Archer family are buried, dating back to the early 19th century; and fascinating stories that reflect the life and times of early settlers in the region. Established in 1817 by Thomas Archer, a prominent early settler who played an important role in the early development of Tasmania’s agricultural industry, the property was originally a working farm, becoming one of the largest and most successful estates in Tasmania during the 19th century. 

After a guided tour of the homestead we’ll walk back through the Rose Garden and into the Woolmers restaurant to enjoy lunch. There will be time after lunch to explore the gardens and outbuildings a bit more before we all head back to town.

Your evening tonight is at leisure.

Overnight: Peppers Seaport, Launceston (B, L) 

Today, we’ll embark on a gentle day of coach touring to Devonport, including a heritage train ride at Tasmania’s oldest heritage railway and museum built on the remains of an old logging, mining, and rural service branch line. 

First, after breakfast and checking out, we’ll spend some time exploring Cataract Gorge before venturing into the Tamar Valley winery district for lunch at the Evanfall Winery and Restaurant.  After lunch we’ll continue to the iconic Don River Railway, another of Australia’s magnificent volunteer-run organisations which restore and operate heritage trains.  

Established in the 1980s by a group of railway enthusiasts with a passion for preserving Tasmania’s railway legacy, the railway line originally served the local community and was used for both freight and passenger services, but it was eventually closed as part of the broader decline of Tasmania’s rail network but remains a significant example of Tasmania’s rail heritage, operating today as a tourist attraction, offering a museum, exhibits of historic rolling stock and historic train rides, designed to give passengers a taste of what it was like to travel on a classic Tasmanian railway. 

There’ll be plenty of time to explore the collection and learn about the great work of the volunteers before boarding the heritage train for a short journey traversing the east bank of the Don River to the terminus at Coles Beach. 

It’s then on to our hotel in Devonport to check in and have some time to relax and freshen up before regrouping for dinner at the hotel restaurant.  

Overnight: Novotel Devonport, Devonport (B, L, D)

After a relaxed breakfast this morning, it’s off to the heritage town of Sheffield to enjoy a day at the iconic and internationally celebrated SteamFest Festival. SteamFest brings history to life with one of the biggest collections of working steam machinery in Australia. Highlights include steam train rides, exhibitions of pioneering skills, including blacksmithing, and historic machinery displays, such as steam-powered threshers, rock crushers and vintage cars, all epitomising how things were done in days gone by. 

After lunch at leisure we’ll take some time to explore this marvellous town, famous for hosting one of Australia’s best collections of old advertising street art. Sheffield, a charming town known as the “Town of Murals” became famous for its murals in the 1980s when the community embraced public art to revitalize the town. Today, over 100 murals adorn its buildings and walls, depicting local history, landscapes, and community stories. Each piece adds a touch of culture and creativity to the town, making it a favorite destination for tourists and art enthusiasts alike. 

In the afternoon, we return to our hotel for an evening at leisure. 

Overnight: Novotel Hotel, Devonport (B) 

Today after an early breakfast we hop back into our private coach and travel west along the northern coastline to Stanley, a romantic historic port town sitting on a slender sliver of land jutting out into the Bass Strait on Tasmania’s north west coast. Stanley is remarkable for its incredibly well-preserved colonial buildings and its massive volcanic plug, cheekily called “the Nut”, which rises 150 metres out of the water and dominates the town skyline. 

Historically, the town itself is living testament to the ravenous hunger for economic expansion so often present in colonialism. In the 19th century, British businessmen were interested in developing colonial resources in Australia to ensure a cheap supply of wool to fuel the growing textile factories in Britain. As such, the Van Diemen’s Land Company was formed in May 1824, and in November 1825, officials arrived from England with a royal charter to take control of 250,000 acres of land, and establish its headquarters at Circular Head (now Stanley). The rest, as they say, is history.

We’ll arrive in time for morning coffee and then have time to explore the town and visit Lyons Cottage, the birthplace and childhood home of Joseph Aloysius Lyons, former Premier of Tasmania (1923–1928) and Tasmania’s only Australian Prime Minister (1932–1939). Born in 1879, Joe Lyons, the fifth of eight children, grew up in this modest, single-storey weatherboard cottage. Built around the late 1800s and restored in the 1980s, it reflects the humble beginnings of a man who became one of Australia’s most popular Prime Ministers, earning the nickname “Honest Joe” for his integrity and leadership.  Weather permitting, there may even be a chance to ride the chair lift up to the Nut.  

After lunch in a local cafe, we’ll return to Devonport for an evening at leisure. 

Overnight: Novotel Hotel, Devonport (B, L) 

After breakfast and check out, we’ll board our private coach for the journey down the West Coast to our final destination for the day, the old seaport town of Strahan, pausing for a visit to the iconic World Heritage Area of Cradle Mountain. The gentle drive from Sheffield to Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most scenic and enjoyable road trips, offering breathtaking views and plenty of natural beauty along the way, culminating in the beautiful rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and pristine wilderness of Cradle Mountain. From moss-covered ancient rainforests and deep river gorges to snow-covered mountain peaks, wild alpine moorlands and glacial lakes, the park is revered for its diverse and breath-taking landscapes.

We’ll visit the famous Dove Lake and the King Billy forests, you’ll have the opportunity to ‘meet’ some Devils at the Cradle Tasmanian Devil sanctuary, and wander the wonderful network of scenic boardwalks around the National Park with your leader guiding the way.

Upon arrival in Strahan, we’ll go directly to our hotel and check in.  Dinner tonight will be rather special –  a premier Tasmanian dining experience at our boutique accommodation restaurant.

Overnight: Risby Cove, Strahan (B, L, D) 

After breakfast this morning, we’ll stroll down to the wharf to board a World Heritage Cruise, one of the most popular and unforgettable ways to experience the breathtaking natural beauty and history of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Over 5-6 hours, you’ll cruise through the pristine waters of Macquarie Harbour and up the Gordon River, offering a unique combination of spectacular scenery, fascinating history, and rich wildlife, including a visit to Sarah Island to discover more about our convict past.  

Upon leaving Strahan, we’ll pass through the narrow and infamous channel known as Hells Gates, which connects Macquarie Harbour to the Southern Ocean. This dramatic and scenic entrance earned its name from the dangerous conditions faced by early sailors navigating the passage. Our premier upper deck seats ensure expansive views and you’ll be well fed with a morning and afternoon tea service and a freshly prepared buffet lunch consisting of local Tasmanian produce and complimentary wines.

Our  journey continues along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gordon River, a serene and pristine waterway flanked by lush temperate rainforest and celebrated for its ecological significance and natural beauty.  Look out for the ancient Huon pine trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old. We’ll make a stop at Sarah Island, one of Australia’s harshest penal settlements, where knowledgeable guides will bring the history of the island to life, sharing stories of the convicts who endured brutal conditions, and the island’s role as a centre for shipbuilding using Huon pine.  

Later this afternoon after arriving back in Strahan, we’ll watch a live performance of Australia’s longest-running play, “The Ship That Never Was”, the dramatic and hilarious story of the great convict escape from Sarah Island – a story with daring, humour, adventure, pirates, romance, betrayal and a fantastic twist in the tale. 

Dinner this evening is at leisure. 

Overnight: Risby Cove, Strahan (B, L) 

This morning after breakfast we’ll board our private coach for the journey to Queenstown where we’ll embark on a wonderful 3-hour train journey on the famous West Coast Wilderness Railway, one of Tasmania’s most iconic and historically significant attractions, combining stunning scenery, fascinating history, and a sense of adventure.  

Originally built in the 1890s to transport copper from the rich mines of Queenstown to the port at Strahan, the railway played a crucial role in the development of the west coast and was considered an engineering marvel of its time.  The restored steam locomotives and vintage carriages are beautifully maintained, providing an authentic 19th-century rail experience, and you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Tasmania’s wild and untamed landscapes from your first class seat with balcony access, while enjoying a light lunch and sparkling wine as you travel. 

Our journey takes us through the historic mining town of Queenstown, before the historic rack section of the railway track kicks in for the spectacular climb up the range to Rinadeena Saddle, the highest point on the railway.  Stunning rainforest vistas, wild rivers and many quaint stations along the way are all part of the character of this journey. We’ll stop briefly at Lynchford Station and Rinadeena Station before reboarding for the return journey to Queenstown. The West Coast Wilderness Railway is not just a scenic ride—it’s a journey into Tasmania’s past. With its combination of history, engineering marvels, and natural beauty, it offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Upon our arrival back in Strahan, the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Strahan Village, Strahan (B, L)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll jump back on our private coach.  Our first stop will be at ‘The Wall in The Wilderness’, a remarkable art installation carved in wood depicting the history, culture, and natural environment of Tasmania. Created by Greg Duncan, a Tasmanian sculptor renowned for his intricate and evocative work, The Wall is an ongoing project that consists of a series of massive wooden panels carved from the rare Huon pine. Each panel stands about 3 metres tall and 1 metre wide, forming a continuous story that will stretch for 100 metres when it’s completed, and the carvings are highly detailed, featuring lifelike depictions of animals, tools, clothing, and human figures. 

Lunch will be at the quirky Derwent River Wilderness Hotel before going on to the stunning Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Upon arrival, we’ll go directly to our accommodation, one of only two resorts approved to be built within a World Heritage listed area anywhere in the world. 

After some time to relax and freshen up we’ll enjoy dinner together at the lodge’s Organic Restaurant. 

Overnight: Lake St Clair Lodge, Lake St Clair (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast and checking out, we’ll travel to Hobart and go directly to the iconic waterside Salamanca Markets.  There’ll be plenty of free time here to have a leisurely coffee, browse more than 300 stalls showcasing Tasmanian food, handmade jewellery and clothing, timbers, vintage collectables, and more, and have some lunch at leisure before we head into the heart of the Hobart waterfront to our hotel and check in. 

The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps you might like to see Mawson’s Hut Museum, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or simply wander amongst Hobart’s iconic colonial architecture making the most of the hotel’s convenient setting in the heart of Hobart’s historic Constitution Dock precinct.

Overnight:  Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Hobart (B)

After breakfast this morning, we’ll take a short coach ride to the summit of Kunyani/Mt Wellington to enjoy the very special panoramic views of Hobart and beyond. We’ll return to our hotel for some free time and lunch at leisure. 

After lunch we’ll transfer to the Tasmania Transport Museum in Glenorchy, a fascinating destination offering a glimpse into the rich transportation history of Tasmania, showcasing an impressive collection of vintage vehicles, trains, and memorabilia. Here, we’ll enjoy  a tour of the museum’s extensive collection held before taking our last heritage train ride for the tour.  

We’ll enjoy some down time back at our hotel before gathering together for a special farewell dinner (including drinks) at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Hobart (B, D)

This morning after breakfast, you’ll say a fond farewell to your fellow travellers and head off. Alternatively, you might like to take the opportunity to linger a little longer in Hobart and soak up all the great things it has to offer. Please reach out on 1300 800 977 if you’d like us to help with any post-tour accommodation arrangements.

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