11 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
TUESDAY 22ND MARCH TO FRIDAY 1ST APRIL
As the name suggests this is a wonderful all over tour of Tasmania.
We visit Cataract Gorge at Launceston and stay overnight in St Helens on the coast. We travel the east coast via Bicheno and the beautiful Freycinet Peninsula to Hobart for 4 nights. Highlights include the famous Salamanca Markets, Royal Botanic Gardens and Port Arthur. Travelling up the Wild West Coast we enjoy a cruise on the pristine Gordon River and spend 2 nights in the quaint village of Strahan.
We also visit Cradle Mountain National Park and explore the North West Coast.
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Launceston, St Helens, East Coast Nature World, Freycinet National park, Swansea, Hobart, Richmond, Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur Convict Settlement, Derwent Valley, Wild Rivers National Park, Strahan, Zeehan, Cradle Mountain, Stanley, Burnie and Sheffield.
CRUISE
Spirit of Tasmania
Port Arthur Harbour Cruise
World Heritage Gordon River Cruise
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
4 nights in Hobart
2 nights in Strahan
TOUR COSTS
Twin Share Room First Tour: $5,520 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $5,470 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $5,445 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $5,420 per person
Single Room Supplement: $930 per person
Deposit: $500 per person
As a thank you for travelling with O'Shannessy's Quality Tours, you will automatically receive a saving on the total tour price for your second and subsequent tours.
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).
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).
MAP
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: tuesday 22nd march, 2022
MELBOURNE TO DEVONPORT
Tasmania is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes, friendly people with a relaxed island lifestyle, wonderful food and wine, and a haunting history evoked by world famous convict ruins. This afternoon our chauffeurs will pick us up from home and transfer us to our O’Shannessy’s coach. We enjoy a restaurant dinner in Melbourne before boarding the Spirit of Tasmania for the overnight cruise to Devonport. We will have time to explore the many interesting features of this vessel including bars, cinemas and entertainment areas before settling into our own ensuite twin berth porthole cabin.
OVERNIGHT: Porthole Cabin, SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
Tasmania is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes, friendly people with a relaxed island lifestyle, wonderful food and wine, and a haunting history evoked by world famous convict ruins. This afternoon our chauffeurs will pick us up from home and transfer us to our O’Shannessy’s coach. We enjoy a restaurant dinner in Melbourne before boarding the Spirit of Tasmania for the overnight cruise to Devonport. We will have time to explore the many interesting features of this vessel including bars, cinemas and entertainment areas before settling into our own ensuite twin berth porthole cabin.
OVERNIGHT: Porthole Cabin, SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
day 2: wednesday 23rd march, 2022
DEVONPORT TO ST HELENS
Upon arrival at Devonport, the gateway to Tasmania, we disembark and escorted to our coach. After enjoying breakfast, we tour through the picturesque countryside to the northern city of Launceston, where highlights include the city centre and beautiful Cataract Gorge. Stroll the cliff side gardens, peacocks, pools, cross the suspension foot-bridge or take an optional (own expense) chairlift ride on one of the longest single-span chairlifts in the world. We continue on to gain views of the picturesque Tamar Valley, before touring the North East to the rich agricultural region of Scottsdale and former tin mining centre of Derby. We will view the tree carvings at Legerwood and cross Weldborough Pass through the myrtle rainforest before descending to the East Coast at St Helens, known for its fishing port and nearby picturesque beaches. We have time to settle into our accommodation and enjoy a stroll or just relax on the deck overlooking beautiful Georges Bay.
OVERNIGHT: Panorama Hotel, ST HELENS
Upon arrival at Devonport, the gateway to Tasmania, we disembark and escorted to our coach. After enjoying breakfast, we tour through the picturesque countryside to the northern city of Launceston, where highlights include the city centre and beautiful Cataract Gorge. Stroll the cliff side gardens, peacocks, pools, cross the suspension foot-bridge or take an optional (own expense) chairlift ride on one of the longest single-span chairlifts in the world. We continue on to gain views of the picturesque Tamar Valley, before touring the North East to the rich agricultural region of Scottsdale and former tin mining centre of Derby. We will view the tree carvings at Legerwood and cross Weldborough Pass through the myrtle rainforest before descending to the East Coast at St Helens, known for its fishing port and nearby picturesque beaches. We have time to settle into our accommodation and enjoy a stroll or just relax on the deck overlooking beautiful Georges Bay.
OVERNIGHT: Panorama Hotel, ST HELENS
DAY 3: thursday 24th march, 2022
TASMANIAN DEVILS AND HOBART
Today we head south beside the blue waters of the Tasman Sea, through fishing and holiday villages of Scamander and Bicheno. We visit East Coast Natureworld to learn about the threat to the Tasmanian devil, before viewing the ‘Gulch’ fishing harbour and the ocean blowhole. We then continue to picturesque Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park with its jagged pink granite peaks, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. After lunch we’ll enjoy magnificent coastal views during the easy walk at Cape Tourville to the Lighthouse. Early afternoon we rejoin the Tasman Highway, passing through Swansea and pausing at the convict built, enigmatic Spiky Bridge. We follow the Prosser River Valley through Buckland and Cambridge and cross the picturesque Derwent River into the city of Hobart, nestling at the foot of majestic Mount Wellington. Our accommodation for the next 4 nights is at the centrally located Old Woolstore.
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Hotel, HOBART
Today we head south beside the blue waters of the Tasman Sea, through fishing and holiday villages of Scamander and Bicheno. We visit East Coast Natureworld to learn about the threat to the Tasmanian devil, before viewing the ‘Gulch’ fishing harbour and the ocean blowhole. We then continue to picturesque Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park with its jagged pink granite peaks, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. After lunch we’ll enjoy magnificent coastal views during the easy walk at Cape Tourville to the Lighthouse. Early afternoon we rejoin the Tasman Highway, passing through Swansea and pausing at the convict built, enigmatic Spiky Bridge. We follow the Prosser River Valley through Buckland and Cambridge and cross the picturesque Derwent River into the city of Hobart, nestling at the foot of majestic Mount Wellington. Our accommodation for the next 4 nights is at the centrally located Old Woolstore.
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Hotel, HOBART
DAY 4: friday 25th march, 2022
HUON VALLEY, PRIVATE GARDEN AND CYGNET
This morning we travel south beside the picturesque Derwent River. We visit Grandvewe for an informative tour and tasting at this unique sheep dairy. We then travel to nearby Crawleighwood Garden, a wonderful 2 hectare garden nestled in the scenic hills of Cygnet. The garden features lush woodland and rainforest with a eclectic variety of plants. After lunch, we return to Hobart along the Huon Highway. There will be some free time to explore the city or relax in our accommodation before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Hotel, HOBART
This morning we travel south beside the picturesque Derwent River. We visit Grandvewe for an informative tour and tasting at this unique sheep dairy. We then travel to nearby Crawleighwood Garden, a wonderful 2 hectare garden nestled in the scenic hills of Cygnet. The garden features lush woodland and rainforest with a eclectic variety of plants. After lunch, we return to Hobart along the Huon Highway. There will be some free time to explore the city or relax in our accommodation before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Hotel, HOBART
DAY 5: saturday 26th march, 2022
SALAMANCA MARKET AND RICHMOND
As it is Saturday morning, we take the opportunity to explore the famous Salamanca open-air Market with its bustle and buskers, colour and excitement. Later we cross the Derwent River to the historic village of Richmond. Some may like to walk across Australia’s oldest bridge, built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825. We visit the cemetery of Australia’s oldest remaining Catholic Church, St John the Evangelist, built in 1836, or browse through the many delightful craft shops, galleries and food stores. We will then finish in the sheltered, landscaped ground of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, which hold historic plant collections and a large number of significant trees, many dating from the nineteenth century. We return to our accommodation where the remainder of the afternoon is ours to relax or explore as we wish.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Hotel, HOBART
As it is Saturday morning, we take the opportunity to explore the famous Salamanca open-air Market with its bustle and buskers, colour and excitement. Later we cross the Derwent River to the historic village of Richmond. Some may like to walk across Australia’s oldest bridge, built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825. We visit the cemetery of Australia’s oldest remaining Catholic Church, St John the Evangelist, built in 1836, or browse through the many delightful craft shops, galleries and food stores. We will then finish in the sheltered, landscaped ground of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, which hold historic plant collections and a large number of significant trees, many dating from the nineteenth century. We return to our accommodation where the remainder of the afternoon is ours to relax or explore as we wish.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Hotel, HOBART
DAY 6: sunday 27th march, 2022
TASMAN PENINSULA AND PORT ARTHUR
This morning we travel via Sorell Causeway and Midway point for our full day tour to the Tasman Peninsula. We take in magnificent views from the look-out above picturesque Eaglehawk Neck and Pirates Bay before continuing to the Port Arthur Convict Settlement. Within the 40 hectares of landscaped grounds lies a rich history of Australia’s convict past. 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. Explore as you wish before departing the Historic Site to tour beside Norfolk and Frederick Henry Bays back to Hobart.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Hotel, HOBART
This morning we travel via Sorell Causeway and Midway point for our full day tour to the Tasman Peninsula. We take in magnificent views from the look-out above picturesque Eaglehawk Neck and Pirates Bay before continuing to the Port Arthur Convict Settlement. Within the 40 hectares of landscaped grounds lies a rich history of Australia’s convict past. 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. Explore as you wish before departing the Historic Site to tour beside Norfolk and Frederick Henry Bays back to Hobart.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Hotel, HOBART
DAY 7: monday 28th march, 2022
DERWENT VALLEY TO QUEENSTOWN
We farewell Hobart to follow the Derwent Valley through hop fields and hills to historic New Norfolk. We climb the Central Plateau through highland trout-lakes country to Tarraleah Gorge, site of an early hydroelectric power station. We visit ‘The Wall in The Wilderness’ - an extraordinary work of art being crafted out of Huon pine, telling the story of Tasmania’s Central Highlands. We can experience the wonders of Gondwanaland, during a short rainforest walk to Nelson Falls in the Wild Rivers National Park. We then travel down the spectacular drive into Queenstown, the largest west coast town, surrounded by dramatic hills and mountains and once was the world’s richest mining town. We then continue to Strahan, a harbour side village with a dark and fascinating convict past, set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Our accommodation for the next 2 nights is overlooking the beautiful Macquarie Harbour.
OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRAHAN
We farewell Hobart to follow the Derwent Valley through hop fields and hills to historic New Norfolk. We climb the Central Plateau through highland trout-lakes country to Tarraleah Gorge, site of an early hydroelectric power station. We visit ‘The Wall in The Wilderness’ - an extraordinary work of art being crafted out of Huon pine, telling the story of Tasmania’s Central Highlands. We can experience the wonders of Gondwanaland, during a short rainforest walk to Nelson Falls in the Wild Rivers National Park. We then travel down the spectacular drive into Queenstown, the largest west coast town, surrounded by dramatic hills and mountains and once was the world’s richest mining town. We then continue to Strahan, a harbour side village with a dark and fascinating convict past, set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Our accommodation for the next 2 nights is overlooking the beautiful Macquarie Harbour.
OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRAHAN
DAY 8: tuesday 29th march, 2022
GORDON RIVER CRUISE
We cruise the incomparable Gordon River this morning, in the heart of the Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. Cross vast Macquarie Harbour, past Sarah Island, the worst convict settlement of all - and 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 voyage to Hell's Gates, the aptly named harbour entrance where many early ships were destroyed by ferocious ocean swells. On return to Strahan, there will be opportunity to explore the Village, including the Visitor Centre and Huon Pine Sawmill, before returning to our accommodation for a well earned rest.
OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRAHAN
We cruise the incomparable Gordon River this morning, in the heart of the Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. Cross vast Macquarie Harbour, past Sarah Island, the worst convict settlement of all - and 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 voyage to Hell's Gates, the aptly named harbour entrance where many early ships were destroyed by ferocious ocean swells. On return to Strahan, there will be opportunity to explore the Village, including the Visitor Centre and Huon Pine Sawmill, before returning to our accommodation for a well earned rest.
OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRAHAN
DAY 9: wednesday 30th march, 2022
CRADLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK AND THE NORTH WEST COAST
This morning we tour through the historic mining town of Zeehan. The town was established in the late 1800s after tin, silver and lead discoveries sparked the largest mining boom in the west. Nicknamed the ‘Silver City’, it quickly grew into Tasmania’s third largest town. 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 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 and our overnight accommodation in Smithton.
OVERNIGHT: Tall Timbers Hotel, SMITHTON
This morning we tour through the historic mining town of Zeehan. The town was established in the late 1800s after tin, silver and lead discoveries sparked the largest mining boom in the west. Nicknamed the ‘Silver City’, it quickly grew into Tasmania’s third largest town. 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 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 and our overnight accommodation in Smithton.
OVERNIGHT: Tall Timbers Hotel, SMITHTON
DAY 10: thursday 31st march, 2022
STANLEY TO DEVONPORT
This morning we visit the historical village of Stanley, nestling at the foot of an ancient volcanic core known as “The Nut”. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the rich agricultural Table Cape with it’s amazing diversity of crops and farms. We tour the industrial city of Burnie and enjoy some free time. We then follow the Bass Highway and scenic coastal route through Penguin and Ulverstone and venture into the hinterland to the mural town of Sheffield. Here the local community has recorded the history of the area in life-size paintings on the town walls. On our return to Devonport we detour to visit the delicious The House of Anvers, to sample a real chocolate taste sensation at the Belgian Chocolate Factory. We then board the Spirit of Tasmania to cruise across Bass Strait back to Melbourne.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Porthole Cabin, SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
This morning we visit the historical village of Stanley, nestling at the foot of an ancient volcanic core known as “The Nut”. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the rich agricultural Table Cape with it’s amazing diversity of crops and farms. We tour the industrial city of Burnie and enjoy some free time. We then follow the Bass Highway and scenic coastal route through Penguin and Ulverstone and venture into the hinterland to the mural town of Sheffield. Here the local community has recorded the history of the area in life-size paintings on the town walls. On our return to Devonport we detour to visit the delicious The House of Anvers, to sample a real chocolate taste sensation at the Belgian Chocolate Factory. We then board the Spirit of Tasmania to cruise across Bass Strait back to Melbourne.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Porthole Cabin, SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
DAY 11: friday 1st april, 2022
PORT PHILLIP BAY
Early risers may witness the entry through the Heads into Port Phillip Bay and watch the Melbourne City skyline come into view. We disembark on arrival at Station Pier around 6.30am and enjoy a delicious restaurant breakfast at a nearby hotel to complete a memorable tour of the ‘Apple Isle’. After breakfast, our chauffeurs will take us to our homes, completing a memorable tour of the naturally beautiful Tasmania.
Early risers may witness the entry through the Heads into Port Phillip Bay and watch the Melbourne City skyline come into view. We disembark on arrival at Station Pier around 6.30am and enjoy a delicious restaurant breakfast at a nearby hotel to complete a memorable tour of the ‘Apple Isle’. After breakfast, our chauffeurs will take us to our homes, completing a memorable tour of the naturally beautiful Tasmania.
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.
Luxury Touring Coaches
Our full size, 3 axle luxury coaches have only 32-36 passenger seats allowing you even more personal space and extra leg room. Our coaches are fitted with comfortable reclining seats with aisle arm rests, foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, restroom, climate control air conditioning and Road Cam monitors which display the road ahead in real time. Each coach has a second door for easier entry and exit and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers at each entry to help keep everyone safe. Our coaches have full air suspension delivering a smooth and quiet ride which also allows us to lower the coach closer to the ground, making boarding and disembarking even easier.
Tour Directors
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, some morning teas, most lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily. 3 lunches at your own expense as per itinerary.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“... This must be a National Park for the people
-for all time ...”
Gustav Weindorfer, summit of Cradle Mountain
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Receipt of payment of funds will be taken as acceptance of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours conditions of travel for this tour. Prices include GST and all taxes.
Deposit and Balance fully refundable until 60 days prior to departure date.
Balance due on invoice approximately 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellation 90+ to 60 days before tour departure date, Full Refund.
Cancellation 59 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.
If a tour is cancelled for any reason by O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours before the departure date, all passengers will be offered the option of transferring to another tour of their choice, hold the funds in trust for a future tour or a full refund. There is no time limit as to when this must be used. If a lockdown is implemented while a tour is in progress, our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and ensuring that we get each and every one of them home safely, and therefore we treat every situation individually. Travel insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommend our passengers take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable provider at the time the balance of the tour is paid. Our office can provide contact information for companies we know are now providing travel insurance. It is a condition of travel that all passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID19 unless medically exempt, and confirmation must be provided to our office upon payment of your invoice/booking.