Christmas and New Year in Tasmania

Day 1

Brisbane - Hobart
After arriving in Hobart, we'll travel to Rosny Lookout, offering views of Hobart across the River Derwent with Mt Wellington in the background. Next, cross the Tasman Bridge and enjoy a city orientation tour, before checking into our accommodation for the next four nights.

Day 2

Tasman Peninsula - Port Arthur - Lavender Farm
Today we travel to the stunning Tasman Peninsula to explore the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Included in the entry is a guided walking tour, a short harbour cruise, access to the Visitor Centre and Interpretation Gallery as well as more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored gardens and houses. This afternoon, as we our way back to Hobart, with visit a lavender farm and the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry.

Day 3

Red Decker Sightseeing Tour
Today we join the Red Decker open-top double decker sightseeing tour of Hobart, providing unrivalled views of this beautiful city. Board at the Casino and choose from 20 different stops featuring the best sights and attractions in and around Hobart. Hop-on and hop-off as many times as you like, or stay on board and do the 90-minute city loop tour - the choice is yours!

Day 4

Merry Christmas
After a leisurely start to the day, enjoy a special Christmas lunch at Wrest Point Casino, complete with all the trimmings. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps enjoy some activities with others in the group, or explore the Casino with its beautiful waterfront location and river beaches close by. This evening, we'll have a light dinner at the Boardwalk Bistro, completing a wonderful Christmas Day.

Day 5

Hobart - Cataract Gorge - Devonport
Today, we travel along the Heritage Highway through Tasmania's midlands. Pause at Ross to enjoy time in this riverside village before continuing on to Tasmania's second largest city - Launceston. Enjoy time at Cataract Gorge with its cliff-side gardens, peacocks, cafe, suspension foot-bridge and one of the world's longest single-span chairlifts (ride is optional and at own expense). Our next stop is Ashgrove Cheese, a working dairy farm and cheese factory where we'll hear the story of their unique cheesemaking philosophy in their interpretation centre. From cheese to a sweet treat, our next visit is Anvers Chocolate Factory where there'll be a sample or two to tempt you in the tasting centre. This afternoon, settle into our accommodation with time to freshen up before dinner. Afterwards, visit the colony of Little Penguins of Lillico, located just 10 minutes from Devonport.

Day 6

Cradle Mountain - Dove Lake - Tasmanian Devils
Leaving the rich, fertile farming lands of the north west, travel through alpine cattle country to the iconic Cradle Mountain National Park. See Dove Lake and Waldheim Forest, before enjoying lunch at the charming Cradle Mountain Hotel. This afternoon, take a guided tour at Devils@Cradle to see the infamous Tasmanian Devils before checking into our overnight accommodation.

Day 7

Tullah - Strahan - West Coast Wilderness Railway
Departing Cradle Mountain, our journey takes us through the rugged west coast, steeped in mining history. As we travel past Tullah, nestled by the serene Lake Rosebery, we continue on to picturesque Strahan Village, set on the banks of Macquarie Harbour. Step onboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway's heritage Drewry train at Regatta Point Station in Strahan and head deep into the rainforest. Journey over the Iron Bridge at Teepookana, once a thriving port town, before disembarking at Lower Landing Station on the King River. Enjoy a short nature walk and honey tasting before returning to Strahan to settle into our accommodation, for the next two nights.

Day 8

Strahan - Macquarie Harbour - Gordon River Cruise
This morning we cruise the incomparable Gordon River into the heart of Tasmania's wilderness. Enjoy comfortable main deck seating and the opportunity to step ashore Sarah Island for a guided tour of one of the harshest penal settlements in Australia. Explore the wilderness board-walk at Heritage Landing and see Hell's Gates, the aptly named harbour entrance where many early ships were destroyed by ferocious ocean swells. After this incredible adventure, you'll have free time to relax or explore the village including the Visitor Centre and Huon Pine Sawmill. Tonight, we'll see the unique theatre production, "The Ship That Never Was", telling the dramatic and hilarious true story of the Great Escape from Sarah Island! Be engaged (and possibly involved) as you watch this wonderful play.

Day 9

Strahan - Queenstown - The Wall - Tarraleah - Hobart
Today we travel to Queenstown and on to Nelson Falls. Stop at The Wall in The Wilderness, an extraordinary work of art being carved out of Huon Pine, telling the story of Tasmania's Central Highlands. Enjoy lunch at Derwent Bridge before travelling through Tarraleah, a township built to house workers on one of Australia's first hydroelectric schemes. This afternoon arrive in Hobart, to settle into our centrally located accommodation for the next four nights.

Day 10

New Year's Eve
Today is free to explore Hobart's wonderful attractions at your leisure (own expense). You may choose to visit MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), the Tasmanian Maritime Museum, or Mawson's Hut Replica Museum. Perhaps indulge at Tasmania's Taste of Summer, a week-long food and wine festival in Hobart crammed with entertainment and located just a short walk from our hotel. It's also the perfect time to see some of the Super Yachts that have arrived at the docks following the gruelling Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This evening, meet back together to share your experiences over a New Year's Eve dinner at The Stockman's Restaurant in The Old Woolstore. Afterwards, you may choose to relax at the hotel or join the merrymakers at nearby Constitution Dock to see Hobart's New Year's Eve fireworks.

Day 11

Bruny Island
What a way to bring in the New Year! Today enjoy a full day guided tour of Bruny Island. Be prepared for a delicious day out where you will enjoy award winning cheeses, premium wines and beer, freshly shucked oysters, handcrafted fudge, local honey and a delicious lunch at Pennicott's Beachside Restaurant with sweeping views of Adventure Bay. This evening, after returning to our accommodation, the night will be at your leisure, taking time to purchase your own dinner before a well-earned rest.

Day 12

Salamanca Market - Richmond Village
Saturday morning in Hobart means the famous Salamanca Open-air Market with its bustle and buskers, colour and excitement. Be swept up in atmosphere where more than 300 stalls fill the street selling art, craft and other hand-made goodies. Next we make our way to the historic village of Richmond. Walk across Australia's oldest bridge and visit the cemetery of Australia's oldest existing Catholic Church, before making our way back to Hobart. This afternoon, enjoy some free time before a special dinner including the freshest Tasmanian seafood, at the award-winning Mures Upper Deck Restaurant.

Day 13

Hobart - Brisbane
This morning, visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens before making our way to the airport.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner