12 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
TUESDAY 6TH DECEMBER TO SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER
As the name suggests, this tour is a wonderful all over discovery 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
Cataract Gorge, St Helens, East Coast Natureworld, Freycinet National Park, Swansea, Hobart, Salamanca Market, Richmond, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Port Arthur Convict Settlement, Tarraleah Gorge, “The Wall in the Wilderness”, Nelson Falls-Wild Rivers National Park, Queenstown, Strahan, Zeehan, Cradle Mountain National Park, Dove Lake, Waldheim, “The Nut” Stanley and Sheffield.
CRUISE
Spirit of Tasmania
Port Arthur Cruise
Gordon River Cruise
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
4 nights in Hobart
2 nights in Strahan
TOUR COSTS
Twin Share Room First Tour: $6,195 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $6,095 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $6,045 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $5,995 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).
O'Shanessy's Quality Tours are now providing travel insurance through Nib Insurance.
Travel insurance is not compulsory, however the Australian Government (see www.smarttraveller.gov.au) recommends all travellers no matter where you are going, obtain comprehensive travel insurance from a reputable provider at the time the balance of the tour is to be paid. It may enable you to claim back the cost of your tour if you are unable to travel or must cancel at late notice.
Always read the PDS provided, to ensure the cover meets your needs.
MAP
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: tuesday 6th december, 2022
MELBOURNE TO DEVONPORT
Welcome to our discovery tour of beautiful Tasmania. With chauffeured pick up from home this afternoon, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew and travel to the Spirit of Tasmania dock where we will board the Spirit of Tasmania for our overnight cruise to Devonport. We will have dinner on board at the “Tasmanian Market Kitchen” before having time to explore the many interesting features of this exciting vessel including the bars, cinemas, and lounges. Settle into our own ensuite twin-berth porthole cabin as we cross the Bass Strait.
OVERNIGHT: Porthole Cabin, SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
Welcome to our discovery tour of beautiful Tasmania. With chauffeured pick up from home this afternoon, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew and travel to the Spirit of Tasmania dock where we will board the Spirit of Tasmania for our overnight cruise to Devonport. We will have dinner on board at the “Tasmanian Market Kitchen” before having time to explore the many interesting features of this exciting vessel including the bars, cinemas, and lounges. Settle into our own ensuite twin-berth porthole cabin as we cross the Bass Strait.
OVERNIGHT: Porthole Cabin, SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
day 2: wednesday 7th december, 2022
DEVONPORT TO LAUNCESTON
Arriving at Devonport, the gateway to Tasmania, disembark to be greeted and escorted to our coach. After breakfast, tour through picturesque countryside to the northern city of Launceston where highlights include the city centre and beautiful Cataract Gorge with its cliff-side gardens, peacocks, pools, suspension footbridge and one of the world's longest single-span chairlifts (a ride is optional at your own expense). The nearby village of Evandale is a hidden gem of beautifully preserved historic buildings. Its streets are lined with late-Georgian and early Victorian architecture, and we will pause here before visiting the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company. Enjoy the garden before sampling their gourmet BBQ lunch. We then travel to our overnight accommodation situated in the centre of Launceston.
OVERNIGHT: Grand Chancellor, LAUNCESTON
Arriving at Devonport, the gateway to Tasmania, disembark to be greeted and escorted to our coach. After breakfast, tour through picturesque countryside to the northern city of Launceston where highlights include the city centre and beautiful Cataract Gorge with its cliff-side gardens, peacocks, pools, suspension footbridge and one of the world's longest single-span chairlifts (a ride is optional at your own expense). The nearby village of Evandale is a hidden gem of beautifully preserved historic buildings. Its streets are lined with late-Georgian and early Victorian architecture, and we will pause here before visiting the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company. Enjoy the garden before sampling their gourmet BBQ lunch. We then travel to our overnight accommodation situated in the centre of Launceston.
OVERNIGHT: Grand Chancellor, LAUNCESTON
DAY 3: thursday 8th december, 2022
LAUNCESTON TO ST HELENS
This morning, we tour the picturesque Tamar Valley to visit the Mine & Heritage Centre in the gold mining town of Beaconsfield, the site of the mine disaster and miraculous rescue. We stop for lunch at the small riverside town of Beauty Point before crossing the unique A-frame Batman Bridge. We then tour the northeast through agricultural Scottsdale, Branxholm and the former tin-mining centre of Derby, now a mountain biking mecca. Visit Legerwood and view the War Memorial Tree Carvings, honouring the fallen soldiers of the region. Our journey takes us through the myrtle rain forest of Weldborough Pass before descending to the east coast for our overnight stay in
St Helens overlooking the beautiful Georges Bay.
OVERNIGHT: Panorama St Helens, ST HELENS
This morning, we tour the picturesque Tamar Valley to visit the Mine & Heritage Centre in the gold mining town of Beaconsfield, the site of the mine disaster and miraculous rescue. We stop for lunch at the small riverside town of Beauty Point before crossing the unique A-frame Batman Bridge. We then tour the northeast through agricultural Scottsdale, Branxholm and the former tin-mining centre of Derby, now a mountain biking mecca. Visit Legerwood and view the War Memorial Tree Carvings, honouring the fallen soldiers of the region. Our journey takes us through the myrtle rain forest of Weldborough Pass before descending to the east coast for our overnight stay in
St Helens overlooking the beautiful Georges Bay.
OVERNIGHT: Panorama St Helens, ST HELENS
DAY 4: friday 9th december, 2022
TASMANIAN DEVILS AND HOBART
This morning our tour takes us south following the blue waters of the Tasman Sea, through the fishing and holiday villages of Scamander and Bicheno. We visit East Coast Natureworld which sits amongst 150 acres of natural parkland and lagoons and is a perfect place to experience Tasmania's unique animals. Learn about their contribution to saving the threatened Tasmanian Devils on a guided tour of the sanctuary. We view the Gulch and the ocean blowhole here before continuing to picturesque Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park with its jagged pink granite peaks, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. After lunch, enjoy the magnificent coastal views during the easy walk at Cape Tourville to the lighthouse. Re-joining the Tasman Highway, we pass through Swansea with its enigmatic, convict-built Spiky Bridge. Following the Prosser River Valley, we travel through Buckland and Cambridge to cross the picturesque Derwent River into the city of Hobart nestled at the foot of majestic Mt. Wellington / Kunanyi. Our accommodation for the next four nights is centrally located at The Old Woolstore. Tonight's dinner will be at the nearby Hadley's Orient Hotel, a beautiful Victorian-era hotel.
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, HOBART
This morning our tour takes us south following the blue waters of the Tasman Sea, through the fishing and holiday villages of Scamander and Bicheno. We visit East Coast Natureworld which sits amongst 150 acres of natural parkland and lagoons and is a perfect place to experience Tasmania's unique animals. Learn about their contribution to saving the threatened Tasmanian Devils on a guided tour of the sanctuary. We view the Gulch and the ocean blowhole here before continuing to picturesque Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park with its jagged pink granite peaks, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. After lunch, enjoy the magnificent coastal views during the easy walk at Cape Tourville to the lighthouse. Re-joining the Tasman Highway, we pass through Swansea with its enigmatic, convict-built Spiky Bridge. Following the Prosser River Valley, we travel through Buckland and Cambridge to cross the picturesque Derwent River into the city of Hobart nestled at the foot of majestic Mt. Wellington / Kunanyi. Our accommodation for the next four nights is centrally located at The Old Woolstore. Tonight's dinner will be at the nearby Hadley's Orient Hotel, a beautiful Victorian-era hotel.
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, HOBART
DAY 5: saturday 10th september, 2022
SALAMANCA AND RICHMOND
As it is Saturday morning, take the opportunity to explore the famous Salamanca open-air market with its bustle and buskers, colour and excitement. After a city sights tour, we cross the Derwent River to the historic village of Richmond. Walk across Australia’s oldest bridge, built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825. Visit the cemetery of Australia’s oldest existing Catholic Church, St John the Evangelist, built in 1836 or browse through the many delightful craft shops, galleries and food stores. Our day finishes in the sheltered, landscaped grounds 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 Apartment Hotel, HOBART
As it is Saturday morning, take the opportunity to explore the famous Salamanca open-air market with its bustle and buskers, colour and excitement. After a city sights tour, we cross the Derwent River to the historic village of Richmond. Walk across Australia’s oldest bridge, built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825. Visit the cemetery of Australia’s oldest existing Catholic Church, St John the Evangelist, built in 1836 or browse through the many delightful craft shops, galleries and food stores. Our day finishes in the sheltered, landscaped grounds 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 Apartment Hotel, HOBART
DAY 6: sunday 11th december, 2022
HUON VALLEY, PRIVATE GARDEN AND CYGNET
Our journey this morning takes us south beside the picturesque Derwent River to visit Grandvewe for an informative tour and tasting at this 'ewenique' sheep dairy. We then travel to nearby Crawleigh Wood Garden, a wonderful 2-hectare garden nestled in the scenic hills of Cygnet. The garden features lush woodland and rainforest with an eclectic variety of plants. After lunch, we return to Hobart and enjoy some free time to explore the city or relax in our accommodation before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, HOBART
Our journey this morning takes us south beside the picturesque Derwent River to visit Grandvewe for an informative tour and tasting at this 'ewenique' sheep dairy. We then travel to nearby Crawleigh Wood Garden, a wonderful 2-hectare garden nestled in the scenic hills of Cygnet. The garden features lush woodland and rainforest with an eclectic variety of plants. After lunch, we return to Hobart and enjoy some free time to explore the city or relax in our accommodation before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, HOBART
DAY 7: monday 12th september, 2022
TASMAN PENINSULA AND PORT ARTHUR
Travel via Sorell Causeway and Midway Point for our full-day tour to the Tasman Peninsula. Take in the 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 Apartment Hotel, HOBART
Travel via Sorell Causeway and Midway Point for our full-day tour to the Tasman Peninsula. Take in the 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 Apartment Hotel, HOBART
DAY 8: tuesday 13th december, 2022
DERWENT VALLEY TO QUEENSTOWN
Departing Hobart today we follow the Derwent Valley through hop fields and hills to historic New Norfolk. Our journey climbs the Central Plateau through highland trout-lakes country to Tarraleah Gorge site of an early Hydro-electric Power Station. Visiting “The Wall in The Wilderness” an extraordinary work of art being carved out of Huon pine telling the story of Tasmania’s Central Highlands along the way. Experience the wonders of Gondwanaland during a short rainforest walk to Nelson Falls in the Wild Rivers National Park. The drive down into Queenstown is spectacular, Queenstown is the largest west coast town; surrounded by dramatic hills and mountains and once was the world's richest mining town. We 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 two nights overlooks the beautiful Macquarie Harbour at the Strahan Village.
OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRAHAN
Departing Hobart today we follow the Derwent Valley through hop fields and hills to historic New Norfolk. Our journey climbs the Central Plateau through highland trout-lakes country to Tarraleah Gorge site of an early Hydro-electric Power Station. Visiting “The Wall in The Wilderness” an extraordinary work of art being carved out of Huon pine telling the story of Tasmania’s Central Highlands along the way. Experience the wonders of Gondwanaland during a short rainforest walk to Nelson Falls in the Wild Rivers National Park. The drive down into Queenstown is spectacular, Queenstown is the largest west coast town; surrounded by dramatic hills and mountains and once was the world's richest mining town. We 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 two nights overlooks the beautiful Macquarie Harbour at the Strahan Village.
OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRAHAN
DAY 9: wednesday 14th december, 2022
GORDON RIVER CRUISE
This morning we cruise the incomparable Gordon River into the heart of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area. Crossing the 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 boardwalk at Heritage Landing. Voyage to Hell's Gates, the aptly named harbour entrance where many early ships were destroyed by ferocious ocean swells. After our cruise, there will be an 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
This morning we cruise the incomparable Gordon River into the heart of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area. Crossing the 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 boardwalk at Heritage Landing. Voyage to Hell's Gates, the aptly named harbour entrance where many early ships were destroyed by ferocious ocean swells. After our cruise, there will be an 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 10: thursday 15th december, 2022
CRADLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
This morning, tour through the historic mining town of Zeehan which 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. Continue north through the 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, the forest home of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer. Enjoy lunch at Cradle Mountain Hotel and have an opportunity to visit the Wilderness Gallery before following the highway through mountains and button grass plains to the northwest coast.
OVERNIGHT: Tall Timbers SMITHTON
This morning, tour through the historic mining town of Zeehan which 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. Continue north through the 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, the forest home of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer. Enjoy lunch at Cradle Mountain Hotel and have an opportunity to visit the Wilderness Gallery before following the highway through mountains and button grass plains to the northwest coast.
OVERNIGHT: Tall Timbers SMITHTON
DAY 11: friday 16th december, 2022
STANLEY TO DEVONPORT
Our first stop is to visit the historical village of Stanley, nestled at the foot of an ancient volcanic core known as 'The Nut'. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the rich agricultural Table Cape with its amazing diversity of crops and farms. We tour through Wynyard and the industrial city of Burnie before following the Bass Highway and scenic coastal route through Penguin and Ulverstone. We venture into the hinterland to the mural town of Sheffield where the local community has recorded the history of the area in life-size paintings on the town walls. On our return to Devonport, we stop to visit the delicious House of Anvers for a taste of Belgian chocolate. It is now time to board the Spirit of Tasmania for our journey across Bass Strait back to mainland Australia.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Porthole Cabin, SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
Our first stop is to visit the historical village of Stanley, nestled at the foot of an ancient volcanic core known as 'The Nut'. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the rich agricultural Table Cape with its amazing diversity of crops and farms. We tour through Wynyard and the industrial city of Burnie before following the Bass Highway and scenic coastal route through Penguin and Ulverstone. We venture into the hinterland to the mural town of Sheffield where the local community has recorded the history of the area in life-size paintings on the town walls. On our return to Devonport, we stop to visit the delicious House of Anvers for a taste of Belgian chocolate. It is now time to board the Spirit of Tasmania for our journey across Bass Strait back to mainland Australia.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Porthole Cabin, SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
DAY 12: saturday 17th december, 2022
PORT PHILLIP BAY
Early risers may watch the Spirit of Tasmania dock before we disembark at Geelong. Enjoy a delicious restaurant breakfast 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 watch the Spirit of Tasmania dock before we disembark at Geelong. Enjoy a delicious restaurant breakfast 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
All full cooked breakfasts, morning teas, lunches most days, 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.
“… The imposing summit – the fifth highest
in the state stands supreme above Dove Lake,
which provides the classic Cradle Mountain view…”
discovertasmania.com.au
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 is fully refundable until 91 days prior to departure date.
Balance due on invoice approximately 90 days prior to departure.
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.
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. 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.
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours, ABN 66 737 871 247 is a distributor of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and receives a commission for nib products purchased through O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours. O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours acts as an agent for nib and not as your agent. O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours cannot give advice about nib products, and any factual information provided is not intended to imply a recommendation or opinion about nib products. Before you buy, please read the Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. If you have a complaint about a nib product, see the Product Disclosure Statement for the complaints process. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.