Treasures of Tasmania Itinerary
Day 1 London to Bangkok
Make your way to London Heathrow Terminal 4 for the late evening flight with Qantas Airways direct to Bangkok. Our company representative will be available at the check-in area 3 hours prior to the group’s scheduled departure time to offer assistance. Meals and drinks are included in-flight.
Day 2 Bangkok
Arrive Bangkok late afternoon. Our resident Tour Escort in Bangkok will greet you on arrival at the airport and accompany you on the coach as you transfer to the hotel. This exciting 2 night stopover will help you adjust to the time difference, relax between flights and gain an insight into this fascinating and colourful city. Your hotel is beautifully positioned by the river and within easy reach of several shopping districts, neighbourhoods and famous sights that capture the feel of both traditional and modern Bangkok.
In Bangkok you will stay at the MILLENNIUM HILTON for 2 nights. Breakfast included.
Day 3 Bangkok
This morning our introductory tour of Bangkok includes a ride through the old city and a visit to three of the most revered temples: Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple). During the afternoon, enjoy some free time to sightsee or simply relax in the tranquil surrounds of your hotel. This evening, you may wish to join our optional excursion and dine aboard a converted rice barge whilst slowly cruising along the Chao Phraya River.
Day 4 Bangkok to Sydney
Enjoy the day at leisure and the comfort of an extended checkout from your room. For retail therapy, navigate the maze of narrow alleys at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, or escape to the air-conditioned comfort of the popular MBK shopping complex. Alternatively, you may wish to join our optional excursion to experience the colour and chaos of the famous floating markets at Damnern Saduak. This afternoon we transfer to the airport for the early evening Qantas Airways flight direct to Sydney.
Day 5 Sydney
Arrive Sydney in the early morning and clear customs and immigration. Your Tour Manager, who will accompany you throughout Australia, will be waiting to greet you in the Arrivals Hall. Transfer by luxury coach to the hotel and enjoy spending the day at leisure. Take a stroll through the delightful Royal Botanic Gardens, relax with a coffee alfresco and soak up the stunning harbour views, or join our optional excursion and make the exhilarating climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge. This evening we have organised an informal cocktail party for your Tour Manager to welcome you to Australia.
In Sydney you will stay at the SHANGRI-LA HOTEL for 3 nights. Breakfast included, plus dinner on day 5.
Note: For uninterrupted harbour views you can upgrade to a Deluxe Grand Harbour View Room for a supplement of £66 share twin per person, £132 single.
Day 6 Sydney
This morning we explore the city’s main sights, including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Hyde Park, Kings Cross and Bondi Beach. The tour concludes at Circular Quay with a cruise on Sydney Harbour. During the afternoon, enjoy some free time to sightsee or perhaps take a walk through the historic Rocks district. This evening you are free to dine out, or you may wish to join our optional excursion at the Sydney Opera House for a night of indulgence which includes a guided tour, three course dinner and tickets to the performance of your choice.
Day 7 Sydney
Today is completely free for you to enjoy more of Sydney and its beautiful surrounds. Browse through the shops in the beautiful Queen Victoria Building, discover the history of the Harbour Bridge at the Pylon Lookout exhibition, or catch the ferry to Manly. Alternatively, we can recommend some wonderful optional excursions. Experience magical views of the city from the air, explore the natural wilderness of the Blue Mountains, or sample award winning wines in the Hunter Valley. Not wishing to place any restrictions on your day, we have once again left this evening free for you to dine out.
Day 8 Sydney to Hobart
This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Hobart. Tasmania’s historic capital, Hobart is a charming riverside city, with a busy harbour and thriving arts and crafts scene. This afternoon we enjoy an orientation tour and drive to the summit of Mount Wellington for magnificent panoramic views over the city and its beautiful surrounds.
In Hobart you will stay at the HOTEL GRAND CHANCELLOR for 3 nights. Breakfast included, plus dinner on day 8.
Day 9 Hobart
Today is completely free for you to enjoy more of Hobart and its beautiful surrounds and we would recommend our optional excursion of Port Arthur and Richmond. From the prison ruins of Australia’s most significant convict site, to the spectacular coastal scenery of the Tasman Peninsula, and the preserved buildings of Richmond village, this is a fascinating journey steeped in convict history and rich in natural beauty. This evening you are free to dine out, perhaps in one of the seafood restaurants near Constitution Dock.
Day 10 Hobart
Enjoy a further day at leisure. Mingle with the locals amongst the stalls of Hobart’s famous Salamanca Market then visit the galleries and craft shops that fill the old Georgian warehouses of Salamanca Place. This afternoon you may wish to join one of our optional excursions. Cruise through history and Hobart's pristine waterways to Peppermint Bay, discover the unique charm of Battery Point by foot, or enjoy a light hearted tour of Hobart’s old waterfront pubs. We have once again left this evening free for you to dine out and discover the fresh flavours of Tasmania’s local produce.
Day 11 Hobart to Strahan
Leaving Hobart we follow the Derwent Valley to Mount Field National Park and stop to enjoy a short walk to pretty Russell Falls. Our journey then continues through the great temperate rainforests of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This afternoon, as an alternative to travelling by coach we offer an optional excursion to ride aboard the historic West Coast Wilderness Railway from Queenstown. This evening you are free to dine out in the pretty fishing village of Strahan.
In Strahan you will stay at THE STRAHAN VILLAGE for 1 night. Breakfast included.
Day 12 Strahan to Cradle Mountain
This morning we board the Lady Jane Franklin II for an unforgettable cruise across the length of Macquarie Harbour to the lower reaches of the mighty Gordon River. Our journey this afternoon follows the West Coast Wilderness Way, passing through towns rich in memories of mining’s glory days, to the edge of the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park. With pristine lakes, rugged mountain peaks and towering forests, the region is a living museum and listed by the World Heritage Commission as one of the most precious places on earth.
At Cradle Mountain you will stay at the VOYAGES CRADLE MOUNTAIN LODGE for 2 nights. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 13 Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Today is completely free for you to enjoy your surrounding natural environment at leisure. Wander through the ancient forests and discover animal and plant varieties found nowhere else on earth, sign up for an exciting activity from the lodge’s extensive daily programme, or indulge in an exclusively designed treatment at the Waldheim Alpine Spa.
Day 14 Cradle Mountain to Launceston
Rejoining the main road we head towards Sheffield, a rural town with an unusual collection of murals that illustrate the history of the area. Our journey then continues through Tasmania’s prime dairy and produce farming region to Launceston. Situated at the confluence of the North and South Esk Rivers, Launceston is a city of graceful streets adorned by elegant architecture and surrounded by beautiful countryside. This afternoon we enjoy an orientation tour and visit the magnificent Cataract Gorge.
In Launceston you will stay at the HOTEL GRAND CHANCELLOR for 1 night. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 15 Launceston to Freycinet
Leaving the city behind we travel north beside the picturesque Tamar River, though Tasmania’s best established cool-climate wine producing region. Our journey then heads through Scottsdale and follows the Weldborough Pass through a spectacular display of dense ferns and myrtle forest. From St Helens the road hugs the east coast, passing the Douglas-Apsley National Park before reaching the fishing village of Bicheno. From here, it is just a short drive to Coles Bay and the gateway to Freycinet National Park.
In Freycinet National Park you will stay at the FREYCINET LODGE for 2 nights. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 16 Freycinet National Park
Today is completely free for you to relax and enjoy the beauty of this unique natural wilderness at leisure. Take a stroll along Richardson Beach, snorkel in the sheltered waters of Honeymoon Bay, or sign up for an exciting activity from the lodge’s daily programme. Alternatively, you may wish to join one of our optional excursions, including a fully guided morning cruise to Wineglass Bay.
Day 17 Freycinet to Melbourne
Rejoining the scenic Tasman Highway, we pass the delightful town of Swansea then continue south towards Hobart Airport for the flight to Melbourne. Built around the Yarra River, Victoria’s capital city is Australia’s cultural heart and boasts world-class events and fabulous arts. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure. Marvel at the creative mix of buildings at Federation Square, ride on the free City Circle Tram, take a walk along the Southbank, or indulge in a luxury treatment at the hotel’s Chuan Spa.
In Melbourne you will stay at THE LANGHAM for 3 nights. Breakfast included, plus dinner on day 17 and special meal on day 19.
Day 18 Melbourne and the Dandenong Ranges
This morning we explore the city’s main sights, including Queen Victoria Market, Cooks’ Cottage and the Royal Botanic Gardens. During the afternoon, we travel east of the city to the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and ride aboard the famous Puffing Billy, Australia’s oldest steam train before returning to Melbourne. In a city famous for its café culture and alfresco restaurants, we have left this evening free for you to dine out.
Day 19 Melbourne
Today is completely free for you to enjoy more of Melbourne and its beautiful surrounds and we have prepared an exciting selection of optional excursions. Take a sightseeing cruise on the Yarra River, explore behind the scenes at some of the city’s great sporting venues, absorb the history and charm of the gold rush era at Soverign Hill, or discover the quality wines and breathtaking scenery of the Yarra Valley. This evening we have organised a special Farewell Dinner aboard the historical Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, a unique venue for your last night in Australia.
Day 20 Melbourne and Home
This morning you have some free time to see any of the sights you may have missed, or just have to revisit, before we transfer to the airport for the early evening Qantas flight via Singapore to London. Not ready to return yet? Then simply select one, or a combination of our independent touring packages to experience more of what Australia has to offer. Further details appear on the following pages.
Day 21 Back in London
Arrive London Heathrow Terminal 4 in the early morning at the end of your tour. Arrangements conclude.