9 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
9TH MARCH TO 17TH MARCH 2021
Tasmania’s West Coast - brooding and utterly unforgiving. In the eyes of the early colonists it was a brutal inhospitable wilderness suited only to the Empire’s most hardened criminals. But beneath its beautifully harsh exterior, they found a land of riches. Untouched rainforests of Huon pine, serpentine rivers with tannin stained banks of gold and burnt caramel and some of the world’s best seafood, freshly plucked from the Indian Ocean. This tour is a continuation of the Eastward Escape Tassie tour.
If you wish to combine the two tours you will gain an in-depth look at Tasmania.
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Hobart, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, High Tea at Peter Rabbit’s Garden, Richmond, Royal Botanical Gardens,
New Norfolk, The Wall in the Wilderness, Queenstown, Cradle Mountain, Smithton, The Tarkine Wilderness, Stanley,
The Nut, Wynyard, Burnie and Sheffield.
RAIL
West Coast Wilderness Rail Journey
CRUISES
Gordon River Cruise and Spirit of Tasmania
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
2 nights in Hobart, Strahan and Smithton
New Norfolk, The Wall in the Wilderness, Queenstown, Cradle Mountain, Smithton, The Tarkine Wilderness, Stanley,
The Nut, Wynyard, Burnie and Sheffield.
RAIL
West Coast Wilderness Rail Journey
CRUISES
Gordon River Cruise and Spirit of Tasmania
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
2 nights in Hobart, Strahan and Smithton
PRICE
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Twin Share Room First Tour: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: Single Room Supplement: Deposit: |
$4,845 per person $4,795 per person $4,770 per person $4,745 per person $ 695 per person $200 per person upon booking |
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will match single travellers who wish to twin share, with another single traveller of the same gender.
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
TOUR MAP
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: TUESDAY 9TH MARCH, 2021
MELBOURNE TO HOBART
Let us show you the remote west coast with it's Wilderness World Heritage Area, rugged mountains and ancient rain forests making Tasmania's west one of Australia's last true wilderness frontiers. After our personal pickup from home we make our way to Tullamarine Airport where we board our flight to Hobart. On arrival we will discover the state's capital in a city sights tour. Hobart is the second oldest capital in Australia. Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart combines heritage charm with a modern lifestyle in a setting of exceptional beauty. In the early 1800's Hobart was settled as a penal colony with many convict built sandstone buildings still being used today. The city has evolved to include beautiful gardens, art galleries and restaurants which showcase the best of Tasmanian produce. Later this afternoon we check in to our accommodation.
OVERNIGHT: Old Woolstore, HOBART
Let us show you the remote west coast with it's Wilderness World Heritage Area, rugged mountains and ancient rain forests making Tasmania's west one of Australia's last true wilderness frontiers. After our personal pickup from home we make our way to Tullamarine Airport where we board our flight to Hobart. On arrival we will discover the state's capital in a city sights tour. Hobart is the second oldest capital in Australia. Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart combines heritage charm with a modern lifestyle in a setting of exceptional beauty. In the early 1800's Hobart was settled as a penal colony with many convict built sandstone buildings still being used today. The city has evolved to include beautiful gardens, art galleries and restaurants which showcase the best of Tasmanian produce. Later this afternoon we check in to our accommodation.
OVERNIGHT: Old Woolstore, HOBART
day 2: WEDNESDAY 10TH MARCH, 2021
BONORONG - PETER RABBIT GARDEN - RICHMOND
This morning, we travel north to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Their focus is on returning injured native animals back to the wild and we are lucky enough to be taken on a personalised tour of some of their favourite species. We then visit Riversdale Estate to take an enchanting stroll through Peter Rabbit’s Garden and see Mr. McGregor and the story of Peter Rabbit unfold, along with many other of your favourite Beatrix Potter characters. We then enjoy High Tea in their Orangery Conservatory with delicious and sumptuous delicacies on offer before we travel to the nearby historic village of Richmond. We take a walk across Australia’s oldest bridge, built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825 and then visit the cemetery of Australia’s oldest remaining Catholic Church, St John’s, built in 1836. Browse through the many delightful craft shops, galleries and food stores. We finish the day in the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens and discover some of the garden's unusual displays including the Subantarctic House.
OVERNIGHT: Old Woolstore, HOBART
This morning, we travel north to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Their focus is on returning injured native animals back to the wild and we are lucky enough to be taken on a personalised tour of some of their favourite species. We then visit Riversdale Estate to take an enchanting stroll through Peter Rabbit’s Garden and see Mr. McGregor and the story of Peter Rabbit unfold, along with many other of your favourite Beatrix Potter characters. We then enjoy High Tea in their Orangery Conservatory with delicious and sumptuous delicacies on offer before we travel to the nearby historic village of Richmond. We take a walk across Australia’s oldest bridge, built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825 and then visit the cemetery of Australia’s oldest remaining Catholic Church, St John’s, built in 1836. Browse through the many delightful craft shops, galleries and food stores. We finish the day in the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens and discover some of the garden's unusual displays including the Subantarctic House.
OVERNIGHT: Old Woolstore, HOBART
DAY 3: THURSDAY 11TH MARCH, 2021
NEW NORFOLK - THE WALL IN THE WILDERNESS - QUEENSTOWN
Today we travel through the picturesque Derwent Valley to New Norfolk then climb the Central Plateau, following the Wild Way through trout lakes, mountains, gorges and the Wild Rivers National Park. We will pass through Tarraleah Gorge, site of early hydro-electric installations and take a tour of “The Wall”, a work in progress depicting the history of the region beautifully carved in Tasmanian timbers. We take a lunch break at Derwent Bridge before crossing Lake Burbury and descend through the ghost towns of Linda and Gormanston to the copper mining town of Queenstown. We will then check in to our accommodation for the night.
OVERNIGHT: Comfort Inn Gold Rush, QUEENSTOWN
Today we travel through the picturesque Derwent Valley to New Norfolk then climb the Central Plateau, following the Wild Way through trout lakes, mountains, gorges and the Wild Rivers National Park. We will pass through Tarraleah Gorge, site of early hydro-electric installations and take a tour of “The Wall”, a work in progress depicting the history of the region beautifully carved in Tasmanian timbers. We take a lunch break at Derwent Bridge before crossing Lake Burbury and descend through the ghost towns of Linda and Gormanston to the copper mining town of Queenstown. We will then check in to our accommodation for the night.
OVERNIGHT: Comfort Inn Gold Rush, QUEENSTOWN
DAY 4: FRIDAY 12TH MARCH, 2021
WEST COAST WILDERNESS RAILWAY - STRAHAN
This morning we are in for a treat as we take the West Coast Wilderness Railway steam train along steep grades of rack and pinion, through old growth rainforest. The railway uses fully restored 100 year old steam locos that ran on the original rail line originally built for the Mt Lyell Mining & Railway Company. The copper mine at Queenstown started operation in 1893 and for over one hundred years was the largest copper mine on Tasmania's west coast. The mine and rugged environment have shaped the town and this afternoon we will be joined be a local Queenstown guide who will give you an insight into this unique wild west community. Later we travel to the harbour-side village of Strahan with its dark and fascinating convict past set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRAHAN
This morning we are in for a treat as we take the West Coast Wilderness Railway steam train along steep grades of rack and pinion, through old growth rainforest. The railway uses fully restored 100 year old steam locos that ran on the original rail line originally built for the Mt Lyell Mining & Railway Company. The copper mine at Queenstown started operation in 1893 and for over one hundred years was the largest copper mine on Tasmania's west coast. The mine and rugged environment have shaped the town and this afternoon we will be joined be a local Queenstown guide who will give you an insight into this unique wild west community. Later we travel to the harbour-side village of Strahan with its dark and fascinating convict past set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRAHAN
DAY 5: SATURDAY 13TH MARCH, 2021
GORDON RIVER CRUISE
This morning we cruise the incomparable Gordon River into the heart of Tasmania's wilderness and the edge of World Heritage. We will cross the vast Macquarie Harbour, past Sarah Island, which was the worst convict settlement of all and then follow the Gordon through stands of ancient Huon pine, sassafras and myrtle rainforest to step ashore for a wilderness board-walk at Heritage Landing. We then voyage to Hell's Gates, the aptly named harbour entrance where many early ships were destroyed by ferocious ocean swells. On our return to Strahan, there will be an opportunity to explore the village including the Visitor Centre and Huon pine saw mill. Later we can relax at our accommodation and enjoy the views over Strahan and Macquarie Harbour.
OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRATHAN
This morning we cruise the incomparable Gordon River into the heart of Tasmania's wilderness and the edge of World Heritage. We will cross the vast Macquarie Harbour, past Sarah Island, which was the worst convict settlement of all and then follow the Gordon through stands of ancient Huon pine, sassafras and myrtle rainforest to step ashore for a wilderness board-walk at Heritage Landing. We then voyage to Hell's Gates, the aptly named harbour entrance where many early ships were destroyed by ferocious ocean swells. On our return to Strahan, there will be an opportunity to explore the village including the Visitor Centre and Huon pine saw mill. Later we can relax at our accommodation and enjoy the views over Strahan and Macquarie Harbour.
OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRATHAN
DAY 6: SUNDAY 14TH MARCH, 2021
CRADLE MOUNTAIN - SMITHTON
This morning we’ll tour through the rugged west coast which is rich in mining history, and journey past Tullah, located on the shores of peaceful Lake Rosebery. We continue north through rainforest and mineral rich mountains, crossing the Vale of Belvoir and alpine cattle country to reach Cradle Mountain National Park. We board the shuttle bus to Dove Lake at the foot of the crags of Cradle Mountain and visit Waldheim, forest home of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer. We will enjoy lunch at Cradle Mountain Hotel and have the opportunity to visit the Wilderness Gallery before following the highway through mountains and button grass plains to the North West Coast.
OVERNIGHT: Tall Timbers Resort , SMITHTON
This morning we’ll tour through the rugged west coast which is rich in mining history, and journey past Tullah, located on the shores of peaceful Lake Rosebery. We continue north through rainforest and mineral rich mountains, crossing the Vale of Belvoir and alpine cattle country to reach Cradle Mountain National Park. We board the shuttle bus to Dove Lake at the foot of the crags of Cradle Mountain and visit Waldheim, forest home of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer. We will enjoy lunch at Cradle Mountain Hotel and have the opportunity to visit the Wilderness Gallery before following the highway through mountains and button grass plains to the North West Coast.
OVERNIGHT: Tall Timbers Resort , SMITHTON
DAY 7: MONDAY 15TH MARCH, 2021
THE TARKINE WILDERNESS
Today, we will discover the Tarkine wilderness area. Unlike many places in the world the Tarkine remains as a hidden treasure and a forgotten wilderness. This expanse of uninterrupted 477,000 hectares of wilderness is the largest single track of temperate rainforest in Australia and holds ancient relics of both plants and animals dating back millennia, and unique habitats not found anywhere else. We discover this gem on Tasmania's west coast where a local guide will tell us captivating stories about this unique area.
OVERNIGHT: Tall Timbers Resort , SMITHTON
Today, we will discover the Tarkine wilderness area. Unlike many places in the world the Tarkine remains as a hidden treasure and a forgotten wilderness. This expanse of uninterrupted 477,000 hectares of wilderness is the largest single track of temperate rainforest in Australia and holds ancient relics of both plants and animals dating back millennia, and unique habitats not found anywhere else. We discover this gem on Tasmania's west coast where a local guide will tell us captivating stories about this unique area.
OVERNIGHT: Tall Timbers Resort , SMITHTON
DAY 8: TUESDAY 16TH MARCH, 2021
STANLEY - WYNYARD - BURNIE - SHEFFIELD - SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
We enjoy the sights of Tasmania's north west as we follow the coast back to Devonport. This morning we travel to the historic village of Stanley nestling at the foot of an ancient volcanic core known as ‘the Nut’. We’ll tour past Highfield, historical headquarters of the early Van Diemens Land Co. and explore the quaint town with its terraces and chairlift access to the top of the Nut (chairlift is optional and at own expense). We then take a journey through time as we visit Australia’s largest collection of locally restored veteran Ford vehicles including the equal oldest Ford in the world at Wonders of Wynyard before stopping at Burnie's Hellyers Road Distillery. This is home to Australia’s largest single malt whisky distillery; we will take time to partake in a fully guided amble through the distillery and enjoy a delicious lunch. Follow the scenic coastal drive through Penguin and Ulverstone before visiting Sheffield where you can stroll through the streets that take you back in time with pioneer theme murals painted on the buildings throughout the town. We then travel to Devonport where we board the Spirit of Tasmania for our overnight cruise to Melbourne. We will have time to explore the many onboard facilities including bars, a cinema and lounges. Enjoy the cruise and settle into our comfortable porthole twin cabin with private facilities.
Dinner at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Spirit of Tasmania
We enjoy the sights of Tasmania's north west as we follow the coast back to Devonport. This morning we travel to the historic village of Stanley nestling at the foot of an ancient volcanic core known as ‘the Nut’. We’ll tour past Highfield, historical headquarters of the early Van Diemens Land Co. and explore the quaint town with its terraces and chairlift access to the top of the Nut (chairlift is optional and at own expense). We then take a journey through time as we visit Australia’s largest collection of locally restored veteran Ford vehicles including the equal oldest Ford in the world at Wonders of Wynyard before stopping at Burnie's Hellyers Road Distillery. This is home to Australia’s largest single malt whisky distillery; we will take time to partake in a fully guided amble through the distillery and enjoy a delicious lunch. Follow the scenic coastal drive through Penguin and Ulverstone before visiting Sheffield where you can stroll through the streets that take you back in time with pioneer theme murals painted on the buildings throughout the town. We then travel to Devonport where we board the Spirit of Tasmania for our overnight cruise to Melbourne. We will have time to explore the many onboard facilities including bars, a cinema and lounges. Enjoy the cruise and settle into our comfortable porthole twin cabin with private facilities.
Dinner at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Spirit of Tasmania
DAY 9: WEDNESDAY 17TH MARCH, 2021
TASMANIA TO MELBOURNE
Early risers may witness the entry through The Heads into Port Phillip Bay and watch the Melbourne city skyline come into view during the cruise up the bay to Station Pier. We disembark on arrival and go to enjoy breakfast at a local venue before travelling home. As usual our chauffeurs will be there to greet us and take us to our doors with lovely memories of our wonderful West Coast Wilds Tassie holiday.
Early risers may witness the entry through The Heads into Port Phillip Bay and watch the Melbourne city skyline come into view during the cruise up the bay to Station Pier. We disembark on arrival and go to enjoy breakfast at a local venue before travelling home. As usual our chauffeurs will be there to greet us and take us to our doors with lovely memories of our wonderful West Coast Wilds Tassie holiday.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Complimentary chauffeur driven transfers
Victorian passengers from Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Torquay, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, Phillip Island and selected areas of Gippsland will be picked up from home in a private chauffeured vehicle by one of our professional drivers.
For Victorian passengers not within this pick up zone, or our interstate passengers a quote can be provided for home pickup in extended areas. At the end of your tour, you will be safely returned home with memories of a sensational tour.
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Touring Coach
Features include comfy reclining seats for a maximum of 36 passengers with plenty of leg room to stretch out.
Arm and foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, Road Cam screens which display the road ahead in real time and an onboard rest room. A second door for easier entry and exit,
a hands-free hand sanitizer dispenser onboard and full air suspension for a smooth, quiet ride.
Flights
QANTAS flights from Melbourne to Hobart.
Tour Director
Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach crew (tour directors) on board to ensure
your travel experience is memorable.
Best Available Quality Accommodation
Ensuite motel accommodation each night.
Attractions
All tours and interest venues as per itinerary.
Meals
Full cooked breakfasts and morning tea daily, most lunches and two course restaurant dinners - 1 lunch and 1 dinner at your own expense as per itinerary.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“... Lush green rainforest hugs the river’s edge
and stretches as far as the eye can see …”
Mary-Anne, NSW
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Balance due on invoice approximately 90 days prior to departure.
Deposit is fully refundable until 91 days prior to departure date.
Prices include GST and all taxes.
Cancellation 90 to 8 days before tour departure date, 20% Refund of Tour Cost
Cancellation within 7 days of tour departure date, No Refund
On or after tour date departure, No Refund
Travel Insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommended you take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurer at the time you pay for your tour.