Under Down Under: Discovery 7 - Hobart to Hobart

DISCOVERY 7 - HOBART TO HOBART (TQD7)

DAY 1 - HOBART TO BICHENO VIA FREYCINET NATIONAL PARKThis morning we depart for the beautiful east coast. Firstly we visit the historic village of Richmond and then join the Tasman Highway following the old convict route to the mouth of the Prosser River. Heading north along the coast we pass through the town of Swansea and perhaps take a break at Kate’s Berry Farm. This afternoon we will experience some time in Freycinet National Park. For those seeking a challenge, try the climb to the summit of Mt Amos or enjoy a walk to Wineglass Bay and the lookout. There are some other free walking choices and perhaps a visit to Cape Tourville, or Honeymoon Bay. We then transfer to the town of Bicheno for our overnight stop. At dusk you may like to take a guided tour for a closer look at the life of the Little Penguins as they return nightly to their rookeries and feed their young* (optional/seasonal).Overnight: Bicheno (Dinner)

DAY 2: BICHENO TO LAUNCESTONThis morning we head further north and take a walk on the pristine white beaches and orange lichen covered rocks of the Bay of Fires. This area has recently been voted a must see destination by the Lonely Planet travel guide. Some time for lunch at the fishing village of St Helens before making our way inland to Tasmania’s second city, and Australia’s third oldest, Launceston. A picturesque city with beautifully maintained architecture, and a small city atmosphere, we explore Cataract Gorge and First Basin, enjoying the natural surroundsOvernight: Launceston  (Breakfast)

DAY 3: LAUNCESTON TO STRAHAN VIA CRADLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARKDeparting Launceston, we make our first stop this morning at an award winning cheese factory near the township of Deloraine. We then continue to the World Heritage Area of Cradle Mountain National Park. Join a walk or free walk on one of the many trails around Cradle Mountain, Dove or Crater Lakes. Cradle Mountain at 1545m high, is one of the outstanding features and is surrounded by stands of native deciduous beech, rainforest, alpine heath lands and button grass. Icy streams cascade down the mountainsides, and ancient pines are reflected in the still glacial lakes. Later today, transfer to Strahan at the very edge of the west coast. Strahan, once a quiet fishing village, plays an important role in the history of the evolution of the world’s first Green Party.Overnight: Strahan  (Breakfast& Dinner)

DAY 4: STRAHANOur West Coast experience unfolds with a full day to relax, or you may choose to take part in a number of wonderful optional activities that are available in this amazing little village. One of the most powerful and meaningful experiences on the west coast is surely the Gordon River Cruise. Enjoy an amazing mixture of scenery, history and even a gourmet lunch. If you’re not interested in taking a cruise, choose one of many equally stunning activities such as the West Coast Wilderness Railway, Wild Rivers Jet Boat including the King River, scenic flights on a sea plane over the Gordon and Franklin Rivers, Henty Sand Dunes quad biking or hire a kayak and explore the edges of Macquarie Harbour. Tonight we enjoy a performance of Tasmania’s longest running play“The ship that never was”.Overnight: Strahan (Breakfast)

DAY 5: STRAHAN TO HOBARTDelve further into the wilderness today with a visit to Lake St Clair, which at a depth of 200m is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. Take an interesting walk beside the lake and learn of the Aboriginal involvement in this unique highland lake region. The World Heritage area hosts some amazing wildlife including the elusive platypus. From the head waters of the Derwent River we descend towards the Derwent Valley and onwards to discover Mt Field National Park. Take a short walk to Russell Falls and spend some time this afternoon exploring the unique area, including the Giant Swamp Gums. A short drive through the hop fields of Bushy Park and the township of New Norfolk finally returns us to the city of Hobart.Overnight: Hobart  (Breakfast)

DAY 6: PORT ARTHUR AND TASSIE DEVILSBegin this morning with a short drive south towards the Tasman Peninsula. Crossing Eaglehawk Neck, we check out some of the best bits of the Tasman National Park before visiting a Wildlife Sanctuary to view the Tasmanian Devil and learn more about this endangered creature. Our next stop is Port Arthur and it’s amazing Historic Site. We take a guided walk and a short harbour cruise to give us an insight into the life of a convict, in a place once considered“hell on earth”. Some free time to explore the old buildings and chilling prison ruins before returning to Hobart.(Breakfast)

DAY 7: BRUNY ISLAND AND WILDLIFE CRUISEA special experience unfolds today as we join Rob Pennicott’s multi-award winning wilderness and wildlife adventure cruise around Bruny Island. We transfer south from Hobart to the village of Kettering, where the ferry takes us to Bruny Island. At Adventure Bay we board a custom designed boat to spend a full three hours exploring the rugged coastline and spotting the abundant sea and coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, whales, albatross and other seabirds. Returning to Adventure Bay we have some fresh lunch and there is time to relax on the beach before returning to Hobart to finish the tour(Breakfast& Lunch)