Your Tasmanian Wonders holiday begins with an afternoon sightseeing tour of Hobart. Your orientation takes in historic Battery Point, Salamanca Place, the extensive Botanic Gardens, Constitution Dock, the final destination of yachts participating in the celebrated Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race each year, and towering Mt. Nelson, which affords panoramic views over the Australia’s southernmost city and the Derwent River. Enjoy the company of your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening at a Welcome Dinner.

This morning you’ll head west to New Norfolk and magnificent Mt. Field National Park and take a walk through lush rainforest to the famous many-tiered falls of picturesque Russell Falls. Then take the scenic drive up to iconic Lake St. Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia, and continue through the rainforest to your final destination for the day, the delightful coastal town of Strahan. Nestled on the shores of massive Macquarie Harbour, Strahan is the gateway to the World Heritage listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

A highlight today is your cruise on the spectacular Gordon River. You’ll be awestruck by the beauty of the dark waters: stained amber by buttongrass tannins, they reflect the untouched wilderness that surrounds them. Stop at Sarah Island for an insight into a relic of Tasmania’s lesser-known convict history, the Macquarie Harbour Penal Settlement. See Hells Gates, the notoriously treacherous entrance to the harbour, and Heritage Landing, site of a 2,000-year-old Huon Pine. Travel through the old towns of Rosebery and Tullah as you make your way to your hotel.

This morning, marvel at the inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park. Join your Travel Director for a guided walk by Dove Lake, where you may spot Bennetts wallabies, echidnas and pademelons grazing along the way. Travel on through rolling green hills to Table Cape for spectacular views of Bass Strait. Picturesque Stanley is in your sights as you head west. Enjoy views of the sheer-sided Stanley bluff known as ‘The Nut’ and take some time to explore. Your final destination is Smithton.

Day 5: Smithton – Launceston

Today, enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Tarkine Wilderness region. One of Australia’s largest temperate rainforests, it boasts vast stands of myrtle, leatherwood and pine trees. En route to Launceston you’ll visit the award-winning Ashgrove Cheese Factory to learn about its dairy production methods and taste some samples.

Day 6: Launceston

This morning travel through the rolling hills of the Tamar Valley to the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre. Your expert guide will bring to life the mine’s extraordinary past, including the dramatic events of the 2006 rock fall and mine rescue. After taking time to discover Cataract Gorge, this afternoon is at your leisure for your own exploration of Tasmania’s ‘northern capital’, Launceston.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate, producer of high-quality lavender since 1922, is your first stop today. Learn about the history of the estate and treat yourself to some of its famous lavender ice-cream. Later, visit the unique Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees site, and then follow the picturesque east coast south to Bicheno. This evening you might like to take an optional tour to see either Bicheno’s wild penguins as they emerge from the ocean for the night or the iconic Tasmanian Devil.

Day 8: Bicheno – Hobart

Today, experience the grandeur of Freycinet National Park, taking a guided walk to the lookout at Cape Tourville that will unveil astonishing views across brilliant blue water, verdant forest and golden beaches. Then travel through Swansea and Orford on your way to Hobart.

Day 9: Port Arthur

Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site today, taking a cruise around the Isle of the Dead and a fascinating guided walk of the remains of Port Arthur’s infamous convict prison. There will be time for you to wander the site at your leisure. On the drive back to Hobart, see the amazing natural rock formations of the craggy Tasman Arch, the Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole. This evening, mingle with your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner in one of Hobart’s fine restaurants.

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.