TOTAL TASMANIA
12 NIGHT SELF-DRIVE TOUR
extraordinary natural landscapes • World Heritage Listed areas • tour by car or motorhome
DAY 1 Fly to Hobart
DAY 2 Hobart
On arrival transfer to your hotel . If time allows , step out and start discovering why Hobart is known for its incredible food and wine scene .
DAY 3 Hobart
At leisure in Australia ’ s southernmost capital to explore as you choose . The city brims with history and is bursting with creativity so there ’ s no shortage of things to view and do . Perhaps browse the eclectic markets or maybe marvel at MONA ’ s exhibits ( The Museum of Old and New Art ).
DAY 4 Hobart / Bicheno
Collect your hire car and set off on your exploration of Tassie . Top stops along your route today include Mount Wellington and Port Arthur Historic Site ( 110 miles ).
DAY 5 Bicheno
A full day to unveil the delights of this relaxed beachside town , which is best known for its stellar seafood and proximity to Freycinet National Park . Bicheno is also part of the East Coast Whale Trail and there are plenty of whale-watching spots from May to December along a coastal walkway .
DAY 6 Bicheno / St Helens
Before you depart , make sure you catch a view of the Bicheno Blowhole . Then , continue your travels north along the coast to St Helens , which overlooks Georges Bay . It ’ s a great place for outdoor adventures of all kinds with the Bay of Fires , St Helens Point Conservation Area and Binalong Bay in easy reach ( 47 miles ).
DAY 7 St Helens / Launceston
Today ’ s drive leads you inland to Launceston which mixes city and country charms with heritage streetscapes , a slide of urban wilderness and has all the ingredients for a gourmet experience . Be sure to take a walk beneath the high walls of Cataract Gorge or book a cruise along the Tamar ’ s waters ( 80 miles ).
12 night self-drive tour from £ 2899pp by car from £ 2849pp by motorhome
BY CAR OR MOTORHOME
DAY 8 Launceston / Smithton
During today ’ s drive we recommend stopping in the unique town of Burnie , which is full of artisanal treasures as well as a variety of shops and restaurants . Your overnight destination of Smithton is the gateway to the rugged lands of far northwest Tasmania ( 144 miles ).
DAY 9 Smithton / Cradle Mountain
Return back along the coast and then head inland to the majestic Cradle Mountain National Park . Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area , this is the place to discover Tasmania ’ s alpine treats ( 118 miles ).
DAY 10 Cradle Mountain
Walking tracks radiate into the park from both visitor areas , so there ’ s ample opportunity to get out and explore . You ’ ll notice Cradle Mountain as it rises steeply from the shores of Dove Lake , creating a spectacular scene from Marions Lookout or the lake edge . See also Lake St Clair , which is Australia ’ s deepest lake and fringed with mountains and cool-temperate rainforest .
DAY 11 Cradle Mountain / Strahan
Travel towards the remote harbourside town of Strahan , which is a fantastic stepping stone to the west of Tasmania . There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had , an abundance of fresh food , and a dark-yet-rich history all surrounded by national parks and wildlife refuges ( 91 miles ).
DAY 12 Strahan
Join a heritage cruise along the Gordon River which takes in Hells Gates , salomon and trout fish farms , a guided tour of Sarah Island , rainforest boardwalk at Heritage Landing and a tour of Huon Pine sawmill .
DAY 13 Strahan / Hobart
Your route will lead you inland and then back towards the coast and the city of Hobart once more . An optional stopping off point along the way is the unique wildernessedge resort of Tarraleah ( 187 miles ).
DAY 14 Hobart
Time for last minute sightseeing or shopping before returning your car at the airport for your onward journey .
Smithton
Strahan
Cradle Launceston Mountain
TASMANIA
Hobart
Hobart 2 nights ~ Bicheno 2 nights
Cradle Mountain
St Helens 1 night ~ Launceston 1 night Smithton 1 night ~ Cradle Mountain 2 nights Strahan 2 nights ~ Hobart 1 night
St Helens
Bicheno Wineglass Bay
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BY CAR : Departures : Daily .
Accommodation : 4H Ibis Styles , Hobart ; 3H Beachfront , Bicheno ; 3H PLUS Georges Bay Apartments , St Helens ; 4H PLUS The Grand , Launceston ; 3H PLUS Tall Timbers , Smithton ; 3H Discovery Parks , Cradle Mountain ; 4H BOUTIQUE Risby Cove , Strahan .
Meals : Room only . Lunch on day 12 .
Tour price : The price shown for this tour includes international flights to and from Hobart , 11 days car hire , 12 nights accommodation and half day sightseeing cruise as outlined on day 12 .
BY MOTORHOME : Departures : Daily . Meals : Not included .
Tour price : The price shown includes return international flights to and from Hobart , one pre-night at Ibis Styles in Hobart , and a Britz Venturer motorhome with bonus pack for 13 days . See pages 10-11 for motorhome options and details .
92 AUSTRALIA visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 900