Under Down Under: Ultimate 9 Combo - Launceston to Launceston

ULTIMATE 9 COMBO - LAUNCESTON TO LAUNCESTON (TKU9L)

DAY 1: LAUNCESTON TO BICHENO.A morning walk at Cataract Gorge in the heart of Launceston before making our way to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. Here we can stretch our legs with some quality time to enjoy this highly recommended coastal region (Lonely Planet’s must see for 2009). The beaches are gleaming and the water inviting. Perhaps a swim (conditions permitting) Enjoy Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive from St Helen’s to Bicheno. This evening you can join a guided viewing of the Little Penguins (optional in season)as they return to their rookeries on the edges of this seaside village.Overnight: Bicheno

DAY 2: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK TO HOBART.An early start means we are the first to the lookout, beating the crowds and the heat for that postcard photo of Wineglass Bay. Relax on the secluded beach of or choose the more challenging Mt Amos or Hazzards Beach walk for your mornings Freycinet experience. This afternoon we take a break at the picturesque historical village of Ross. Sample the local Ross Bakery fare or check out the convict built bridge. Come face to face with the iconic Tassie Devil as we make a stop at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to meet these now endangered native animals as well as some others unique to Tasmania. A short drive returns us to Hobart.Overnight: Hobart  (Breakfast)

DAY 3: PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE.Start the day with a quick look at Australia’s best preserved colonial village of Richmond before heading south for magnificent views of the Tasman Peninsula and some features of the Tasman National Park. Explore Tasmania’s ruthless convict past today at the World Heritage Listed - Port Arthur Historic Site (guided walk and harbour cruise included). Rich in visual history, here we learn of the chilling realities of life as a convict amid the restored sandstone prison buildings and preserved ruins.Overnight: Hobart  (Breakfast)

DAY 4: DEEP SOUTHJourney to the“end of the road” as we make our way through the Huon Valley and south to Cockle Creek at the edge of Recherche Bay.  Here is the South West National park and the end of the most southern road in Australia. Take a short walk to the Whale sculpture or have a quiet swim. Enjoy the serenity this bay provides before a short drive to Hastings Caves where we take a guided tour and perhaps a swim in the Thermal Pool. We return to Hobart with a stop at the Apple Museum in the heart of the Huon Valley.Overnight: Hobart 

DAY 5: BRUNY ISLAND& WILDLIFE CRUISE.A 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.Overnight: Hobart 

DAY 6: HOBART.Today is yours to explore Hobart at your leisure. Perhaps a visit to the new and controversial  MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) or for the more energetic, try the Mt Wellington Descent or a kayak on the Derwent River. (Activities at own expense)Overnight: Hobart

DAY 7: HOBART TO STRAHAN.Today we traverse the island from east to west. Escaping Hobart through the Derwent Valley, we walk in the land of the giants and admire the beauty of Russell Falls and Mt Field National Park. Visit Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. Enter the temperate time capsule that is the Franklin- Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. End the day in Strahan beside Macquarie Harbour. Our West Coast hosts welcome us with a BBQ dinner.Overnight: Strahan (Dinner )  

DAY 8: WILD WEST COAST.Discover the Wild West coast today with a visit to Ocean Beach and the Henty Sand Dunes. Search for elusive whale bones amongst the shifting sands or simply breathe in the freshest air in the world. Stroll by the foreshore of the harbour or walk amongst the rainforest to a waterfall. There is also the option today of a cruise on the famous Gordon River, take a scenic sea plane flight over the Gordon and Franklin River system complete with a river landing and walk, journey up the King River on a jet boat, peacefully paddle a kayak of your own or catch a salmon in the harbour. (Strahan optional activities at own expense). Tonight we enjoy a performance of Tasmania’s longest running play–“The Ship that never was”.Overnight: Strahan  (Breakfast )  

DAY 9: CRADLE MOUNTAIN TO LAUNCESTON.We journey to 950m above sea level to the Cradle Valley, our gateway to the World Heritage Area of Cradle Mountain National Park. We share some local knowledge and interpretation of the landscape to help you choose a walk that will enhance your experience here. With an extensive range of tracks, you will be able to take it easy with a stroll around Dove Lake and one of the many boardwalk tracks or perhaps challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. A short drive to Sheffield,“the town of murals”, before continuing on to Launceston, where our journey ends.(Breakfast )