Independent Touring Tasmania

BEST OF TASMANIA

10 day Self Drive from Hobart

Port Arthur Historic Site. Credit: Tourism Tasmania

INCLUDES: 9 nights accommodation as shown | Mid-size rental car on an all-inclusive basis & unlimited kms | Breakfasts daily | Airport transfers on arrival & departure

DAY 1: Arrive Hobart - On arrival at Hobart airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Hobart is Australia’s second oldest city and was originally founded in 1804 as a penal colony. The city enjoys a beautiful harbour setting and is home to a burgeoning arts scene. Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor

DAY 2: Derwent Valley, Strahan (299km) (B) - Collect your rental car this morning and drive through to New Norfolk in the picturesque Derwent Valley, home to many small, family-run vineyards. Continue west to Queenstown and on to Strahan, located at the head of the Macquarie Harbour. This attractive town features old timber buildings, a scenic port and a backdrop of thick native bush and mountains. Stay: Strahan Village

DAY 3: Zeehan, Cradle Mountain (160km) (B) - Take an optional scenic flight or morning cruise into the world heritage Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park for awesome views of this mainly impenetrable rainforest. Later, continue north to the small towns of Zeehan & Rosebery before entering Cradle Mountain National Park. Stay: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (2 nights)

DAY 4: Explore Cradle Mountain (B) - Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most spectacular locations with dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife. There are numerous walks available in the park, including a gentle hike around Dove Lake which sits in the shadows of Cradle Mountain’s jagged contours.

DAY 5: On to Launceston (138km) (B) - Drive northeast to the city of Launceston, perhaps stopping at the Towunna Wildlife Park en-route where you can see koalas, wombats, Tasmanian Devils and other native animals. Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

DAY 6&7: Freycinet National Park (180km) (B) - our next destination is Coles Bay in the spectacular Freycinet National Park. Dominated by the imposing pink granite outcrops of the Hazards Mountain Range, the park is home to a wealth of bird and animal life and walking trails. A highlight of your visit here will be Wineglass Bay, a stunning curved bay of white sand and sparkling blue sea. Stay: Freycinet Lodge (2 nights)

DAY 8: Coles Bay, Port Arthur (236km) (B) - Continue your journey south through Dunalley and across the isthmus at Eaglehawk Neck to Port Arthur, one of Australia’s most significant heritage sites. Be sure to visit the historic convict ruins of one of the largest and most brutal convict prisons in Australia. Stay: Port Arthur Villas

Day 9: Tasman Peninsula, Hobart (95km) (B) - This morning is free to enjoy the scenic Tasman Peninsula before returning to Hobart for some last minute sightseeing and shopping. Return your rental car on arrival. Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor

DAY 10: Depart Hobart (B) - At leisure until you are transferred to Hobart airport for your onward flight.

Per person twin share from £1,269

TASTE OF TASMANIA

6 day Self Drive from Launceston to Hobart

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet, TAS Credit: Tourism Australia, Ian Butterworth

INCLUDES: 5 nights accommodation as shown | Mid-size rental car on an all-inclusive basis & unlimited kms | Breakfasts daily

DAY 1: Arrive Launceston - On arrival at Launceston airport, collect your rental car and make your way to your accommodation. Take time to visit Cataract Gorge, just a short distance from the city centre. Stay: Peppers Seaport Hotel (2 nights)

DAY 2: Explore Tamar Valley Wine Region (B) - The Tamar Valley Wine Route is the heart of northern Tasmania, home of some of the finest wines in the world. It’s unique cool climate location produces elegant, award winning wines of exceptional quality. From the Valley, to Pipers River in the north and Relbia in the south, there’s over 32 wineries within driving distance of each other. Tamar Valley varieties of note are Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

DAY 3&4: On to Freycinet National Park (180km) (B) - Your next destination is Coles Bay in the spectacular Freycinet National Park. Dominated by the imposing pink granite outcrops of the Hazards Mountain Range, the park is home to a wealth of bird and animal life and walking trails. Enjoy the opportunity to explore this beautiful region by hiking, cruising and kayaking. A highlight of your visit here will be Wineglass Bay, a stunning curved bay of white sand and sparkling blue sea. Stay: Freycinet Lodge (2 nights)

DAY 5: Coles Bay, Hobart (195km) (B) - Continue your journey south to Hobart, Australia’s second oldest city. It was originally settled in 1804 as a penal colony and enjoys a beautiful harbour setting and a burgeoning arts scene. There is an excellent choice of restaurants, cafes, pubs and markets, including the colourful Salamanca Market every Saturday. Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor

DAY 6: Depart Hobart (B) - At leisure until you return you car at Hobart airport in time for your onward flight.

Per person twin share from £735

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