Tasmania Beauty
An epic tour through pristine wilderness
Tasmania is Australia's smallest state, but it packs a punch when it comes to the ultimate holiday destination.
It's back by popular demand and it’s going to be a beauty alright! Again, we have partnered up with our award winning friends at Tassie Tours to bring you one of our most anticipated tours to date.
2 amazing guides, 12 days, 11 nights you will get everything Tasmania has to offer, and some!
Dramatic coastlines, rare and remarkable wildlife, rich convict history, a buzzing art scene and a gastonomer's delight!
Travel through the most spectacular regions of this amazing island state, taking in all the highlights with the expert knowledge of a local tour guide. From inspiring wildlife sanctuaries, wondrous river cruises and wilderness train journeys, to a World Heritage convict site and a small village of painted wonders, this tour has it all.
We delve deep into Tasmania's stunningly beautiful national parks, which cover a diversity of unspoiled habitats and ecosystems, with unique flora and fauna that are found nowhere else on earth.
Is this tour for me?
Duration
Dates
Suitable for
Departing from*
What’s included?
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Whanganui / Home - Auckland - Hobart
Whanganui / Home – Auckland (13th November )
If departing from Whanganui, meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for a 12.30pm departure and travel to Palmerston North Airport to catch our flight to Auckland at 3.10pm.
*For those departing from another destination we will arrange for you to meet the group in Auckland depending on your location.
Auckland
Once we arrive in Auckland we will be transferred to Auckland Heartland hotel for our first group dinner. We will rest up for the evening for our international flight in the morning.
Accommodation: Auckland Heartland Hotel
Auckland - Hobart
Auckland - Hobart (14th November)
On day 2 we will have an early breakfast at the thoel before we take our flights direct to Hobart landing at 11am local time.
Hobart
We will be transferred from the airport from our friends at Tassie Tours to our accommodation. For the afternoon we will enjoy a magnificent City tour to get familiar with our surroundings and settle into the Tamsnian way of life.
In the evening we will be treated to a delicious welcome dinner, which will give the group a chance to get to know each other and have our first taste of the world renowned local produce.
Accommodation: Crown Plazza
Hobart - Bruny Island - Hobart
Hobart (15th Novemebr)
This morning we begin your Tasmanian Beauty tour with a visit to what is arguably Tasmania’s best day tour - the magnificent Bruny Island.
Our day starts with a 7:30am hotel pickup where we leave the early morning hustle and bustle of Hobart City in our wake as we travel south to the sleepy coastal village of Kettering, where we board the ferry for a short ride across the tranquil waters of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel to reach the shores of Bruny Island.
Bruny Island
After disembarkation, we proceed to Adventure Bay to check in by 9:30am for the award-winning Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise.
We will explore the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania,
cruise alongside some of Australia's highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags and drift up close to listen to the awesome 'Breathing Rock'. Enter deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and 'The Monument' and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. Join in the search for the abundant coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. The highly trained interpretive guides love what they do - they work hard to ensure that the experience is fun, enjoyable, entertaining and informative.
After your cruise, we will have lunch at the Bruny Island Cruises Restaurant (own cost) we will go on the lookout for the elusive albino wallaby before proceeding to the Neck lookout to experience one of the most iconic images of Bruny Island where the North and South of the island converge at an isthmus. The climb to the top of the lookout involves many steps, but we are rewarded with a magical, 360 degree view of southern Tasmania.
Hobart
After the climb up to the steps to the Neck lookout, we unwind and relax while sampling award-winning local produce of honey, cheese, beverages and oysters (own cost) as we meander our way toward the ferry for the drive back to Hobart. Dinner will be at our accommodation restaurant.
Accommodation: Crown Plazza
Hobart - Richmond - Mt Wellington - Mona Museum
Hobart (16th November)
Today, we explore Hobart and its surrounds as we uncover the beauty of Australia’s 2nd oldest and southernmost capital city.
From 8:00am make your own way across Hobart’s waterfront to the world-renowned Salamanca Markets for morning tea (own cost) and to explore the 300 stallholders, the market includes fresh local produce, delicious home grown food and drink and lots of souvenirs, gifts and many handmade products. A true cultural experience.
Richmond - Mt Wellington - Mona Museum
At 10:30am after exploring the market we will meet and proceed up to the summit of Kunanyi (Mt Wellington), where you will be greeted by pristine air and the best views of Hobart and the surrounding landscape.
We descend from the summit of Kunanyi where we make our way on to Richmond - an iconic township rich in convict history, sandstone and colonial buildings that is home to Australia’s oldest bridge and catholic church. Here there will be an opportunity for lunch (own cost) from one of the many quaint cafes and shops that line Richmond.
After a stop at the Wicked Cheese Company for a sampling of their award winning cheeses, we proceed on to one of the most quirky places in the world: MONA museum (entry included) and Moorilla Winery (drinks at own cost). This awe-inspiring museum will shock, surprise and leave you pondering as you board the MONA ROMA ferry (included) back to the Hobart waterfront, where you will be able to explore at your leisure and make your own way back to the hotel.
Hobart
Dinner tonight will be at a local favourite, the Drunken Admiral.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor
Hobart - Port Arthur
Hobart (17th November)
Our morning begins with a 9:00 AM hotel pickup before embarking on the relaxing 90 minute drive east past farmlands, vineyards and small country towns toward our destination: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula. En route, we will pull up to the Pirate’s Bay lookout for a photo and to survey our destination.
A Short drive down the road we make our next stop at the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry for tastings of some very unique hand forged chocolates as well as traditional-style chocolates or maybe an ice cream.
Port Arthur
Next stop we’ll visit Port Arthur Lavender where you can soak up the aroma as you walk through the fields of this ancient fragrant plant at the family owned and operated farm which overlooks Long Bay on the doorstep of Port Arthur. Explore the gift shop, sample or buy their lavender produce or simply purchase a coffee and morning tea (own cost) and go for a stroll through the garden.
Next stop, the Port Arthur Historic Site (entry included) where we will have 3 hours to explore the site with a harbour cruise (included). Here is your opportunity to grab some lunch at the cafe and eateries (own cost) on site to dine-in or takeaway and eat as you gaze upon the UNESCO world-heritage listed former penal colony and its buildings.
After 3 hours exploring the historic site, you will have the option to jump back on the bus and head to the Remarkable Caves. Enjoy the vista from the Maingon Bay lookout, overlooking the Southern Ocean, watch the wild waves crash against the coastal sea cliffs and take in exceptional views of Penguin rocks and the bay. Descend down 115 steps to the view called Remarkable Caves. Surrounded by ancient sandstone cliffs and the view through the cave itself, it is well worth the descent. At certain times of the year, weather conditions and tides will have the water rushing through the cave. Be prepared to get a little wet should the conditions align. For those that would like to spend more time at the historic site, our driver will come back and collect you after the Remarkable Cave visit, giving you 4 hours at the historic site.
It’s then a short drive to our accommodation. Dinner tonight will be at the Lodges restaurant, On the Bay.
Dinner tonight will be at the Lodges restaurant, On the Bay.
Accommodation: Stewarats Bay Lodge
Port Arthur – Freycinet
Port Arthur (28th November)
An early start of 7:30am will see us leaving Port Arthur for Freycinet National Park, home to the world-famous Wineglass bay.
On route, we will call in to Kate’s Berry Farm for morning tea and stock up on some snacks for fuel throughout the day. Our main destination will be appearing on the horizon as we travel through the old village of Swansea and skirt around the Apslawn forest reserve toward Freycinet.
Freycinet
Next stop, Devil’s Corner vineyard to unwind and relax with some lunch and a tasting of the vineyard’s award winning wines while sitting on a sun drenched deck overlooking the vineyard, The Hazards and Great Oyster Bay.
After fueling up on some delicious food and wine, we’re off to the Freycinet National Park. From here you will have 1 of 2 options.
For those interested in seeing the iconic Wineglass Bay we will have a group walk up to the lookout. This is classed as a Grade 3, 1.5hr/2.6km return walk consisting of short, steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. There are lots of seating along the track for rests and they are some of the best seats to view the world from!
For those not looking for the longer walks, you can optionally stay with the guide to head on to the Cape Tourville lighthouse short walk (Grade 1) where we can spy out onto the Tasman Sea to potentially spot some migrating whales breaching the surface. We will then head back down to sea level where options open up to some relaxing beach walks, and exploring Honeymoon Bay.
After an afternoon of exploring the national park it’s time to head to our lodging for the night, Beachfront Bicheno. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel pub.
Accommodation: Beachfront Bicheno Hotel
Freycinet - St Helens
Freycinet (19th November)
Our morning will start at 9:30, after checking out we will head to the East Coast Nature World wildlife sanctuary (entry included). The sanctuary is home to many native species from Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Wallabies, Forester Kangaroos, Spotted Quolls, reptiles and many more. You will have the opportunity to hand-feed some of the local residents, with a chance to watch a Tassie Devil feeding. A light lunch will be available (at own cost) from the cafe at Nature World before venturing onward.
Bicheno
Now it is time to venture on to the little fishing village of Bicheno where we will call in to the local Blowhole, a drive through of its main sights on our way to the East Coast Nature World wildlife sanctuary (entry included). The sanctuary is home to many native species from Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Wallabies, Forester Kangaroos, Spotted Quolls, reptiles and many more. You will have the opportunity to hand-feed some of the local residents, with a chance to watch a Tassie Devil feeding. A light lunch will be available (at own cost) from the cafe at Nature World before venturing onward.
Now it is time to venture back to the little fishing village of Bicheno where we will call in to the local Blowhole, a drive through of its main sights on our way to our lunch spot, the Lobster Shack. Boasting arguably the best dining location in Bicheno, the Lobster Shack is a boutique, farm gate style eatery overlooking the majestic ‘Gulch’ in Bicheno, where Lobster really is the hero!
St Helens
We resume our trip northward up the east coast where old farm homesteads meet the wilds of the Tasman sea until we reach Ironhouse Brewery situated on the wind and sea battered shoreline. Here we will have a guided tour of Ironhouse and a tasting of some of the most extraordinary and delicious craft beers, whiskeys, spirits and wines.
After a relaxing afternoon at Ironhouse, its bordering beach and rocky shoreline, we will continue on to the fishing town of St Helens. Here is where we will stay at the newly constructed Tasman Holiday Park. Tonight we will enjoy a casual takeaway dinner in the camp kitchen.
Accommodation: Tasman Holiday Park
St Helens - Launceston
St Helens (20th November)
Our morning begins with a short drive up the coast to explore and discover first-hand why Lonely Planet declared this to be one of the world’s “Most Beautiful Beaches” and how this coastline came to be named the “Bay of Fires.” For the daring, the opportunity for a quick, refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters of Binalong bay is a must.
With fresh sea air (and a bit of sand) in our hair, we will make a track inland to the idyllic dairy country town of Pyengana where we will pull up to the Pyengana Dairy Farmgate cafe for a cheese tasting.
St Columba Falls State Reserve
Next up, we watch as the green pastures and grazing dairy cows give way to the densely wooded hills of the St Columba Falls State Reserve of which we travel into the heart of to discover the seldom visited and one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls. A beautiful, short stroll (Grade 1, 20min/1km return) over a hard compacted trail surface which weaves down through a forest of tree ferns, sassafras, beech, myrtle and what was once prime Tasmanian Tiger habitat to the base of the falls. The fine mist will refresh and invigorate you as you stand at the base of the 90m+ waterfall. Although a Tasmanian Tiger is unlikely to be spotted, a sharp eye may spy another elusive character as it rummages around the creeks for yabbies: the platypus.
Refreshed by the walk and an appetite built up, we will move on to the Pub In The Paddock - a quintessentially Tasmanian experience at a heritage listed pub that is quite literally in the middle of a paddock - for lunch (own cost) and a beer or two. This pub has a unique resident drinking partner called Priscilla, the beer guzzling pig (“special ales” only). So while you await your meal, grab a couple of brews for you and Priscilla to chug on while overlooking the beautiful and lush, forest encapsulated pastoral valley.
After a hearty country pub meal, we make for another superbly contrasting colour landscape (and tastes!): Bridestowe Lavender Estate. Bridestowe is a large lavender farm where the hillsides are lined with thousands of rows of lavender that, when in flower, strikingly contrasts with the rich, red soil and big open sky. The ultimate Instagram photo opportunity while testing out your taste buds on beautiful lavender ice cream.
Launceston
With the day beginning to set, we travel toward Launceston; the heart of the Tamar Valley wine region and our overnight hotel. Tonight, dinner will be in the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor
Launceston
Launceston (21st November)
Today is our recovery day where we take it a little slower to indulge in beautiful local produce, fine wine and relaxation in the newly crowned UNESCO gastronomy region.
First off, we make our way to Launceston's Cataract Gorge - a local favourite on a sunny day - where you can choose to ride the single-span chairlift across the gorge or stroll around the grounds with the peacocks and native wildlife or grab some morning tea at the cafe to ease into the day.
From Cataract Gorge, we travel across the strikingly white Batman bridge over to the western shore and through to Beauty Point. Here we visit either Seahorse World and Platypus House for an up close encounter with these extraordinary creatures. While you are left pondering how on earth a platypus came to be, we will travel through the gold mining town of Beaconsfield and past its gold mine - the site of the tragic 2006 mine collapse and subsequent rescue of miners.
From Beaconsfield, we continue on to Tamar Ridge Wine Centre where we will relax over lunch and a tasting of some of the world’s best cool climate wines.
With the savouring taste of beautiful wine and produce lingering, we gently make our way back to our Launceston hotel to where we can spend free time to freshen up, head out for a short exploration of the city centre and/or the local city park. Tonight, dinner will be in the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor
Launceston – Cradle Mountain
Launceston (22nd November)
This morning sees us embark for the majesty of Cradle Mountain. Our morning begins at 08:00 AM where we make for Tasmania’s outdoor art gallery - Sheffield, where over 150 murals line the walls throughout the town. Here is a great opportunity to grab a coffee, some morning tea and stretch the legs while admiring the artwork.
Cradle Mountain
With the foothills of Mt Roland as our compass point, we move on toward Cradle Mountain National Park. Upon arrival we will be greeted by the visitor centre where we will check in to the park before making our way on to the jewel in the Cradle: Dove Lake. Here we will spend an hour exploring the lake and an opportunity to have a light pre-packed lunch on the shores of the lake.
Our next stop will be at Waldheim Chalet and Weindorfers Forest Walk (Grade 2, 750m/20 min loop) where we will uncover the colourful history of the Weindorfers. Following out of the chalet leads to what is a lovely, winding stroll through a rainforest, where ancient King Billy pines, pandani and Tasmania's renowned deciduous beech (fagus) reside amongst many varieties of colourful fungi and mosses. One could be forgiven for believing that they have stumbled into a fairy tale forest.
With a goodbye to the Weindofer’s chalet, we head up to the Interpretation Centre and Peppers Lodge where we can optionally take multiple short walks through the Enchanted forest walk (Grade 2, 20min/1.1km circuit) and the Pencil Pine Falls Rainforest walk that encircles the Interpretation Centre. For those with a little more left in the tank, the King Billy track (Grade 2, 40 min/2 km circuit) is a boardwalk trail that rambles through the old temperate rainforest to discover myrtle, sassafras and ancient King Billy pines up to 4000 years of age.
Next we head off to our overnight destination. The Tullah Lakeside Lodge, positioned right on the banks of Lake Rosebery, is set in the heart of Tasmania’s wild west. Dinner will be at the Lodge’s Lakeside Bar & Grill.
Accommodation: Tullah Lakeside Lodge
Tullah - Queenstown - Hobart
Tullah (23rd November)
This morning we begin our day at 08:00am to travel south to the mining town of Queenstown where we will proceed to the Queenstown train Station and the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
Queenstown
We will board a beautifully restored steam engine powered train for a spectacular and often jaw-dropping ride through the mountainous rainforest terrain all enclosed within a luxury carriage. Sections are believed to be the steepest steam hauls in the southern hemisphere. The train stops at various small stations along the way where you can experience gold panning and watch as the engine drivers work on the engines and carriages. The experience includes a glass of wine on arrival and light meals served throughout the journey.
Hobart
After our railway experience it is time to begin our journey back to Hobart. On our return to Hobart we will have a farewell dinner to celebrate the conclusion of an epic journey of Tasmania.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor
Hobart - Home
Hobart (24th November)
This morning, we will depart from the hotel at 9:30 AM ready for the 12:30 PM flight back home to Auckland, before catching our connecting flight to Palmerston North. The bus will be waiting for our transport back to Whanganui.
*If you are travelling to another destination, your travel arrangements will be made for you in your customised itinerary.
Home
Upon arrival in Auckland we will be catching our connecting flight to Palmerston North. The bus will be waiting for our transport back to Whanganui.
*If you are travelling to another destination, your travel arrangements will be made for you in your customised itinerary.
Photos from the road
Check out what we got up to last time
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Optional extras
Optional extras
Meet your tour guide
Jason Granville
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
Reserve your spot
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you collect me from my door?
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
How about travel insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
How active are your tours?
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
I have some dietary requirements?
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
What types of transport do we use?
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
Can I earn Air New Zealanad airpoints on my flights?
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
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