Tasmania by Rail, Road and River

This morning join Eamonn for a tour of the extensive Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Australia’s largest regional gallery. Spread out over several precincts, part of which is housed in the refurbished railway yards and workshops, includes the working tramway museum and blacksmith shop. Enjoy a tram ride at the Launceston Tramway Museum. You have some free time in the town for some lunch before we take a trip out of town to explore Entally Estate where the story of the inspiring Mary Reibey is revealed, before returning to the city to enjoy an evening at leisure. Perhaps a spot of cider as a palate cleanser at the Red Brick Cider house may be just the ticket.

Overnight: Peppers Silos Hotel, Launceston (B)

Today provides a gentle day of coach touring and 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. After a morning at Launceston Markets we head out along Highway 1 from Launceston to Devonport you will hear about the district and its development as the northern maritime gateway for Tasmania. A short way further, we turn off to the station of the Don River Railway which has been restoring and operating trains since 1976. You will find lots of interest here with the extensive depot, workshops and rolling stock display area on show in a compact valley beside the river.

You have time to explore the collection and the great work of the volunteers before boarding the vintage train which will take you on a short journey traversing the east bank of the Don River to the terminus at Coles Beach. We then take lunch at a local favourite and check in to our hotel in Devonport, our home for the next two nights.

Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Devonport (B, L, D)

An early start today, we travel to Cradle Mountain stopping at the heritage town of Sheffield. We spend a morning with the local vintage railway association and explore the town that hosts one of Australia’s best collections of old advertising street art. The gentle drive after lunch across the hills of northern Tasmania culminates in our arrival at the beautiful Cradle Mountain. We visit the famous Dove Lake, the King Billy forests, and you may like to see the Devils @ Cradle Tasmanian Devil sanctuary or wander the wonderful network of scenic boardwalks around the National Park. Your tour leader will guide the way.

Late afternoon we head back to Devenport for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Devonport (B, L)

After breakfast in our hotel, we travel to Stanley a historic port town sitting on a slender sliver of land jutting out into the Bass Strait on Tasmania’s northwest coast. It was from here that the Van Diemen’s Land Company started in 1924 when a group of woollen mill owners, wool merchants and bankers met in London to establish a company to meet the demands of the English Midlands manufacturers for improved strains of fine wool. Enjoy lunch in a local café and explore the town before returning to Devonport for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Devonport (B, L)

It’s an early start this morning as we make our way across to the West Coast and the old seaport town of Strahan. Our first stop is Tullah and home to the Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway. Subject to volunteer availability we’ll enjoy a tour of the sheds before heading to Zeehan and a visit at the West Coast Heritage Centre Dinner tonight will be at the View 42° Restaurant and Bar renowned for its seafood, the restaurant is up on the hill, overlooking Strahan’s village and harbour.

Overnight: Strahan Village, Strahan (B, L, D)

After breakfast this morning, stroll down to the wharf to board the Spirit of the Wild Gordon River for an adventure around the historic Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River. The five-and-a-half-hour cruise will have you exploring the remains of Sarah Island, adventuring through the notorious Hells Gate and navigating the calm waters of one of the world’s last great, untouched wilderness areas. A buffet lunch will be served on board the vessel.

Late this afternoon we’ll watch a live performance of Australia’s longest-running play, The Ship That Never Was, that tells the dramatic and hilarious true story of the great escape from Sarah Island. Dinner this evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Strahan Village, Strahan (B, L)

Today we’ll 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, before 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 all part of the character of this journey. Enjoy refreshments and sparkling wine as you travel, served en-route.

The train pulls into Queenstown where you’ll have some time to explore the historic mining town and learn about the region’s rich history. You’ll also have time for lunch before your coach collects you for the trip back to Strahan. Dinner is back at the hotel.

Overnight: Strahan Village, Strahan (B, D)

This morning we depart for the scenic coach trip to Hobart exploring some interesting sites along the way. Our first stop will be at ‘The Wall in The Wilderness’ a stunning work-in-progress carved in wood depicting the history of the region, finished it will reach 100 metres long. We then travel by coach continuing to arrive in Hobart in the early evening. Check-in to our hotel.  This evening you are free to enjoy dinner at leisure.

Overnight: The Tasman Hotel, Hobart (B, L)

Today is free for you to explore this charming and compact capital city. You’ll have the option of exploring the iconic waterside Salamanca Markets, with more than 300 stalls showcasing Tasmanian food, handmade jewellery and clothing, timbers, vintage collectables, and more. You might also want to take a walk, or perhaps check out Mawson’s Hut Museum, the Tasmanian Distillery Museum, or the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. In the evening you can enjoy free time to relax and make the most of the hotel’s convenient setting in the heart of Hobart’s historic Constitution Dock precinct.

Enjoy some free time to relax back at our hotel before our special dinner and drinks at a local favourite.

Overnight: The Tasman Hotel, Hobart (B, D)

Our last day in Tasmania presents a feast of contrasts starting with a historic walking tour that will explore the history and character of the city and its pivotal place in Australia’s early development. Our coach will then meet us to tour further afield to some of the interesting sites outside the city including some time to view the extensive collection at the fascinating Tasmanian Transport Museum at Glenorchy.

You will then have the option to have the afternoon at the astounding and acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art, (MONA), the largest privately funded museum in Australia. You can then make your way back by fast ferry to the heart of the city and your hotel close by or return directly back with the coach.

Enjoy some free time to relax back at our hotel before dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: The Tasman Hotel, Hobart (B, D)

After breakfast, we’ll say a fond farewell to our fellow travellers before heading to the airport. 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. Feel free to talk to us more about your options. (B)