Tasmania by Rail, Road and River
• LAUNCESTON • DEVONPORT • STRAHAN • HOBART •
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Departure
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Departure
- Overview
- Highlights
- Map & Itinerary
- Trip Inclusions
- Transport & Accommodation
- Reviews
- FAQs
There is something magical about Tasmania. Its wild, unspoiled natural beauty, quirky and stimulating art scene, living history and eclectic collection of railway journeys form the inspiration for this tour. In Autumn and Spring, it’s even more spectacular. With the changing colours, wine harvests, long days and mild temperatures, it’s the perfect backdrop for many interesting excursions.
Departure Location: | Launceston | |
Return Location: | Hobart | |
Tour Date: | 10 Oct 2024 - 21 Oct 2024 | Tour Code: 2410TAS |
Tour Code: | 2410TAS | |
Price: |
Per person twin share: $5895 Single Supplement: $1595 |
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Deposit (per person): | $500 | |
Final payment due by: | 26 August 2024 |
Highlights of your tour
- Savour a special gala welcome dinner at Grain of the Silos, Peppers Silo in Launceston
- Enjoy a tram ride at the Launceston Tramway Museum
- Visit distilleries, wineries, museums, markets, nature and walking tours
- Explore Cradle Mountain and its beautiful surrounds
- Heritage train ride at Tasmania’s oldest heritage railway, the Don River Railway
- Sail in comfort around Macquarie Harbour and up the pristine Gordon River
- Ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway from Strahan to Queenstown, enjoying a feast, including champagne and local wines, in the train’s charming restaurant balcony car (subject to operations re-commencing in 2024)
- Enjoy delicious local produce and culinary delights across Tasmania
- Explore the iconic waterside Salamanca Markets in Hobart
Your Journey
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On arrival in the fair city of Launceston, we check into our hotel before boarding the Lady Launceston in the late afternoon (4PM) for a leisurely scenic sunset river cruise. We’ll enjoy our private charter as we glide around the docks and historic river precinct, making our way towards the scenic Cataract Gorge. Dinner this evening will be at our hotels acclaimed restaurant, G
This morning join Eamonn for a tour of the extensive Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Australia’s largest regional gallery. Spread out over several precincts, part of which is housed in the refurbished railway yards and workshops, includes the working tramway museum and blacksmith shop. Enjoy a tram ride at the Launceston Tramway Museum. You have some free time in the town for some lunch before we take a trip out of town to explore Entally Estate where the story of the inspiring Mary Reibey is revealed, before returning to the city to enjoy an evening at leisure. Perhaps a spot of cider as a palate cleanser at the Red Brick Cider house may be just the ticket.
Overnight: Peppers Silos Hotel, Launceston (B)
Today provides a gentle day of coach touring and a heritage train ride at Tasmania’s oldest heritage railway and museum built on the remains of an old logging, mining, and rural service branch line. After a morning at Launceston Markets we head out along Highway 1 from Launceston to Devonport you will hear about the district and its development as the northern maritime gateway for Tasmania. A short way further, we turn off to the station of the Don River Railway which has been restoring and operating trains since 1976. You will find lots of interest here with the extensive depot, workshops and rolling stock display area on show in a compact valley beside the river.
You have time to explore the collection and the great work of the volunteers before boarding the vintage train which will take you on a short journey traversing the east bank of the Don River to the terminus at Coles Beach. We then take lunch at a local favourite and check in to our hotel in Devonport, our home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Devonport (B, L, D)
An early start today, we travel to Cradle Mountain stopping at the heritage town of Sheffield. We spend a morning with the local vintage railway association and explore the town that hosts one of Australia’s best collections of old advertising street art. The gentle drive after lunch across the hills of northern Tasmania culminates in our arrival at the beautiful Cradle Mountain. We visit the famous Dove Lake, the King Billy forests, and you may like to see the Devils @ Cradle Tasmanian Devil sanctuary or wander the wonderful network of scenic boardwalks around the National Park. Your tour leader will guide the way.
Late afternoon we head back to Devenport for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Devonport (B, L)
After breakfast in our hotel, we travel to Stanley a historic port town sitting on a slender sliver of land jutting out into the Bass Strait on Tasmania’s northwest coast. It was from here that the Van Diemen’s Land Company started in 1924 when a group of woollen mill owners, wool merchants and bankers met in London to establish a company to meet the demands of the English Midlands manufacturers for improved strains of fine wool. Enjoy lunch in a local café and explore the town before returning to Devonport for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Devonport (B, L)
It’s an early start this morning as we make our way across to the West Coast and the old seaport town of Strahan. Our first stop is Tullah and home to the Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway. Subject to volunteer availability we’ll enjoy a tour of the sheds before heading to Zeehan and a visit at the West Coast Heritage Centre Dinner tonight will be at the View 42° Restaurant and Bar renowned for its seafood, the restaurant is up on the hill, overlooking Strahan’s village and harbour.
Overnight: Strahan Village, Strahan (B, L, D)
After breakfast this morning, stroll down to the wharf to board the Spirit of the Wild Gordon River for an adventure around the historic Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River. The five-and-a-half-hour cruise will have you exploring the remains of Sarah Island, adventuring through the notorious Hells Gate and navigating the calm waters of one of the world’s last great, untouched wilderness areas. A buffet lunch will be served on board the vessel.
Late this afternoon we’ll watch a live performance of Australia’s longest-running play, The Ship That Never Was, that tells the dramatic and hilarious true story of the great escape from Sarah Island. Dinner this evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Strahan Village, Strahan (B, L)
Today we’ll experience a steam train journey on the famous West Coast Wilderness Railway in their first-class balcony carriage. The journey takes us along the harbour and through the King River Gorge, before the historic rack section of the railway track kicks in for the spectacular climb up the range. Magnificent rainforest vistas, wild rivers and many quaint stations along the way are all part of the character of this journey. Enjoy refreshments and sparkling wine as you travel, served en-route.
The train pulls into Queenstown where you’ll have some time to explore the historic mining town and learn about the region’s rich history. You’ll also have time for lunch before your coach collects you for the trip back to Strahan. Dinner is back at the hotel.
Overnight: Strahan Village, Strahan (B, D)
This morning we depart for the scenic coach trip to Hobart exploring some interesting sites along the way. Our first stop will be at ‘The Wall in The Wilderness’ a stunning work-in-progress carved in wood depicting the history of the region, finished it will reach 100 metres long. We then travel by coach continuing to arrive in Hobart in the early evening. Check-in to our hotel. This evening you are free to enjoy dinner at leisure.
Overnight: The Tasman Hotel, Hobart (B, L)
Today is free for you to explore this charming and compact capital city. You’ll have the option of exploring the iconic waterside Salamanca Markets, with more than 300 stalls showcasing Tasmanian food, handmade jewellery and clothing, timbers, vintage collectables, and more. You might also want to take a walk, or perhaps check out Mawson’s Hut Museum, the Tasmanian Distillery Museum, or the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. In the evening you can enjoy free time to relax and make the most of the hotel’s convenient setting in the heart of Hobart’s historic Constitution Dock precinct.
Enjoy some free time to relax back at our hotel before our special dinner and drinks at a local favourite.
Overnight: The Tasman Hotel, Hobart (B, D)
Our last day in Tasmania presents a feast of contrasts starting with a historic walking tour that will explore the history and character of the city and its pivotal place in Australia’s early development. Our coach will then meet us to tour further afield to some of the interesting sites outside the city including some time to view the extensive collection at the fascinating Tasmanian Transport Museum at Glenorchy.
You will then have the option to have the afternoon at the astounding and acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art, (MONA), the largest privately funded museum in Australia. You can then make your way back by fast ferry to the heart of the city and your hotel close by or return directly back with the coach.
Enjoy some free time to relax back at our hotel before dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: The Tasman Hotel, Hobart (B, D)
After breakfast, we’ll say a fond farewell to our fellow travellers before heading to the airport. Alternatively, you might like to take the opportunity to linger a little longer in Hobart and soak up all the great things it has to offer. Feel free to talk to us more about your options. (B)
What's included
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11 nights’ accommodation in a mix of modern and boutique hotels/motels
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Daily breakfast at hotels, six lunches, and six dinners
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Drinks included with welcome and special dinner
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Chartered private coach, with luggage transport throughout the tour
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Comprehensive sightseeing with expert local guides
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All excursions and entrance fees to attractions, as listed in the itinerary
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Tipping and gratuities
What's not included
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Flights
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Airport transfers on arrival and departure
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Meals and services not mentioned in the itinerary
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All other personal expenses, such as drinks, phone calls, laundry services, and camera fees where applicable
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Excursions listed as optional and extra in the itinerary
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Minibar
Some ways you’ll travel
The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel, guided walking where suitable, and other appropriate and appealing options to make exploration easy
Don River Railway
TasmaniaSpirit of the Wild Gordon River
TasmaniaWest Coast Wilderness Railway
TasmaniaSome places you’ll stay
Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
Peppers Silos
Strahan Village
The Mercure
The Tasman
Our track record
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
FAQs
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