Under Down Under: Discovery 4 - Launceston to Hobart

DISCOVERY 4 - LAUNCESTON TO HOBART (TQD4)

DAY 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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& 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)