Tasmania and the Sheffield Steamfest by Rail, Road and River 2027

This morning after breakfast we’ll embark on a day of touring on our private coach, starting with a visit to the historic Inveresk Precinct. This historically significant area 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, where we’ll enjoy a guided workshop tour and tram ride. 

We’ll then travel a short distance out of town to the historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed Woolmers Estate in Longford. A historic property renowned for its significance as one of the best-preserved estates in Australia, Woolmers 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. 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. 

Woolmers is a treasure trove of historical buildings, including the main house built in 1860, and is 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 dating back to the early 19th century, where several members of the Archer family are buried; and fascinating stories that reflect the life and times of early settlers in the region. 

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

Your evening tonight is at leisure.

Overnight: Peppers Silo, Launceston (B, L) 

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll spend some time exploring Cataract Gorge more closely. The quick peek at sunset a couple of days ago was just the beginning of this stunning river gorge carved by the South Esk River, Tasmania’s longest river. This morning you’ll have time to enjoy the dramatic dolerite cliffs, lush bushland, and peaceful waters at closer range in any way you like – walk the Alexandra Suspension Bridge, an iconic, historic pedestrian bridge that crosses high over the gorge, offering breathtaking views of the river below and the cliffs; glide high above the basin and gorge on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift, claimed to be the world’s longest single-span chairlift; stroll around the basin and Victorian-era gardens, complete with roaming peacocks; or drop into the historic Duck Reach Power Station site, now an interpretive museum about early hydro power.

From here, we’ll travel into the Tamar Valley winery district for an early lunch, before continuing to the iconic Don River Railway, another of Australia’s magnificent volunteer-run organisations busy restoring and operating heritage trains. 

Originally serving the local community with both freight and passenger services, this wonderful railway was eventually closed as part of the broader decline of Tasmania’s rail network. In the 1970s a group of railway enthusiasts with a passion for preserving Tasmania’s railway legacy secured a part of this historic line, got to work restoring locomotives, carriages, buildings, signal boxes etc. and launched it as an operating heritage railway and it remains a significant example of Tasmania’s rail heritage. An onsite museum houses exhibits of historic rolling stock 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, our home for the next three nights, to check in and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure

Overnight: Novotel Devonport, Devonport (B, L)

This morning after breakfast it’s off to the heritage town of Sheffield to enjoy a day at the iconic and internationally celebrated SteamFest Festival, bringing 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 little town, also famous for hosting one of Australia’s best collections of old advertising street art. Often referred to as the “Town of Murals”, it became famous for its murals in the 1980s when the community embraced public art as a way of revitalising the town to attract more visitors. Today, as a testament to what can be achieved by a small group of people, over 100 vibrant murals adorn its buildings and walls, depicting local history, landscapes, and community stories. 

We’ll return to our hotel later in the afternoon to freshen up and relax before regrouping for dinner at the hotel restaurant. 

Overnight: Novotel Hotel, Devonport (B, D) 

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 and a living testament to the ravenous hunger for economic expansion so often present in colonialism, sitting on a slender sliver of land jutting out into the Bass Strait on Tasmania’s north west coast. This charming town 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. 

We’ll arrive in time for morning coffee before exploring the town before paying a visit to 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 also ride the chair lift up to the Nut. 

After lunch in a local cafe, we’ll enjoy some time in the Stanley Discovery Museum for a step back in time surrounded by local historical items including various displays and memorabilia, and a wealth of information relating to the history and families of the Stanley district. Your visit includes viewing the beautiful, historic 1887 St Paul’s Church displays and its three magnificent stained glass windows.

Our last stop for the day will be the marvellous Highfields Historic Site, one of Tasmania’s most significant and beautifully preserved early colonial sites. Highfield is a restored 1830s gentleman’s homestead and farm complex, representing the first major European settlement in northwest Tasmania, and is an excellent example of Regency-period architecture, with elegant features like a gracious homestead, outbuildings, and landscaped gardens.

We’ll leave Stanley in the mid-afternoon for our return to Devonport, pausing for a scenic walk at the magnificent Wynyard Table Cape Circuit. Table Cape is a dramatic, flat-topped volcanic plateau (remains of a 12-million-year-old volcano) rising about 180 metres above sea level, dominating the skyline and offering sweeping views over Bass Strait, farmlands, rocky coastlines, and distant headlands. The circuit is a short, easy, and highly scenic coastal walking path connecting two key spots – the Lookout, a designated viewpoint, and the Table Cape Lighthouse, a historic 1888 beacon (still operational), the only Commonwealth-owned lighthouse in Tasmania. 

After our arrival back in Devonport in the late afternoon, the rest of the evening is at leisure. 

Overnight: Novotel Hotel, Devonport (B, L) 

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll head back through Sheffield, the gateway to the iconic World Heritage Area of Cradle Mountain for one of Tasmania’s most scenic and enjoyable road trips, offering breathtaking views and plenty of natural beauty, 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.

Before transferring to shuttle buses for the journey into the park, we’ll visit the Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary, a privately owned premier conservation-focused facility dedicated to the protection and breeding of Tasmania’s iconic and threatened carnivorous marsupials. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tour by one of the Keepers to learn about the behaviour of these animals, the threats they face, and the conservation and recovery efforts while you observe them in their natural habitat. 

Once inside the park, we’ll visit the famous Dove Lake and do the Glacier Rock walk, enjoying a picnic lunch before immersing ourselves in the ancient cool-temperate rainforest area of the King Billy Forest, where the iconic King Billy pine (Athrotaxis selaginoides) grows. These majestic, long-lived conifers are living relics from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, with some specimens estimated to be over 1,000–2,000 years old, making them among the oldest trees in the Southern Hemisphere.

It’s then on to our final destination for today – Strahan. After checking into our boutique hotel, we’ll freshen up and regroup for a rather special dinner – a premier Tasmanian dining experience in the hotel restaurant.

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

After breakfast this morning, we’ll stroll down to the wharf to take our premier upper deck seats on 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 of Gordon River. 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. You’ll be well fed throughout the journey with a morning and afternoon tea service and a freshly prepared buffet lunch consisting of local Tasmanian produce and complimentary wines.

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 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 transfer to Queenstown and take our first-class seats 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, while enjoying a light snack 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 and some lunch in a local cafe. 

Upon our arrival back in Strahan, the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours at leisure.

Overnight: Risby Cove, Strahan (B, L)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll jump back on our private coach and commence our journey back into the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Our first stop along the way 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 today will be at the quirky Derwent River Wilderness Hotel before completing our journey at stunning Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania. 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. Upon arrival, we’ll 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: Movenpick Hotel, 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 steam train ride of the tour to Berridale and back. 

After some down time back at our hotel, we’ll gather together for a special farewell dinner (including drinks) at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Movenpick Hotel, Hobart (B, D)

Our tour ends after breakfast this morning. 

If you’d like to linger a few days longer at our hotel in Hobart, please reach out on 1300 800 977 or email us at info@railwayadventures.com so we can assist you with extending your booking at the group rate.

(B)