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. With chauffeured pickup from home we travel to Melbourne Airport. Here we’ll be greeted by an O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours representative who will assist us with check-in before we join our direct 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 centrally located accommodation.

Light refreshments on the flight. Lunch at own expense and arrangement 

OVERNIGHT:  The Old Woolstore, HOBART

HUON VALLEY

We spend the day touring the beautiful 'Huon Trail' which takes us through the Huon Valley and beside the D'Entrecasteaux Channel; a region of waterways and wilderness, art, craft and heritage, apple blossom and vineyards. First, we stop at Mt Nelson to take in the panoramic views of the city and estuary before visiting Crawleighwood Garden, a wonderful private garden set on two hectares which is nestled in the picturesque hills of Cygnet. The garden features lush woodland and rainforest with an eclectic variety of plants. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Wooden Boat Centre. Here we will gain an understanding of the rich background of Australia's premier wooden boat training centre, as well as Franklin's maritime history. Returning to Hobart mid afternoon, we have some time to relax before

dinner.

OVERNIGHT:  The Old Woolstore, HOBART

HOBART TO STRAHAN

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 and further on, we can stretch our legs on a short walk into the delightful Nelson Falls. We cross Lake Burbury and descend through the ghost towns of Linda and Gormanston to the copper mining town of Queenstown. After a quick drive through town, we travel to Strahan where our accommodation at Strahan Village overlooks the vast Macquarie Harbour.

OVERNIGHT: Strahan Village, STRAHAN

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 to Hell's Gates, the aptly named harbour entrance where many early ships were destroyed by ferocious ocean swells. Next, we stop at 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. 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, STRAHAN

WEST COAST WILDERNESS RAILWAY

This morning, step onboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway's heritage diesel train at Regatta Point Station in Strahan and head deep into the rainforest, while onboard guides share stories of those that built the railway and called it their home. 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, guided nature walk and taste honey, with its origins from local endemic species, before heading back to Strahan. As wilderness carriage passengers, you are invited to start your journey with a glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine and canapes on departure before indulging in a locally inspired light menu. This afternoon you are free to explore the village including the Visitor Centre before some relaxation time. Later in the afternoon you will enjoy the unique play titled "The Ship That Never Was". This is a live professional theatre production, performing in Strahan since January 1994, written by Richard Davey and produced by The Round Earth Company. The play tells the dramatic and hilarious true story of the Great Escape from Sarah Island! Be engaged (and possibly involved) as you watch this wonderful play.

OVERNIGHT:  Strahan Village, STRAHAN

ZEEHAN - 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

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

STANLEY - WYNYARD - BURNIE - SHEFFIELD

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.

OVERNIGHT:  Spirit of Tasmania

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 to Corio Quay, Geelong, which now houses the new state-of-the-art Spirit of Tasmania terminal. We disembark on arrival and 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.