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 has finally arrived, and it’s going to be a beauty alright! After months of planning and sourcing the best on ground support crew, 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.
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Itinerary
Home - Hobart
Home – Auckland (7th April)
If departing from Whanganui, meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for a 7am departure and travel to Wellington Airport to catch our flight to Melbourne at 2:35pm.
*For those departing from another destination we will arrange for you to meet the group in Auckland depending on your location.
Hobart
Once we arrive in Melbourne we can relax and grab a bite to eat before we fly through to Hobart landing late evening. We will be transferred to our luxurious accommodation for a well deserved rest ready for the following day in Tasmania.
Accommodation: Crown Plazza Hotel
Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur
Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur (8th April)
Rise and shine with a relaxed breakfast in the Crowne Plaza Club Lounge.
We are collected by our local Tour Guide then embark on a 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.
Next stop, the Port Arthur Historic Site with our own personal guide to explore the site which includes a Harbour Cruise.
One of Tasmania's most important historic attractions, Port Arthur was established as a convict settlement in the 1800s. Today, the beautifully preserved ruins and buildings tell the story of Australia's convict era. Our guided experience brings the history to life while allowing time to appreciate the gardens, harbour and surrounding landscape. Lunch is also included.
After this fascinating day out we head back to Hobart then venture out as a group for a lovely meal.
Accommodation: Crown Plazza Hotel
Hobart - Bruny Island - Hobart
Hobart (9th April)
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.
After disembarkation, we proceed to Adventure Bay to check in for the award-winning Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise.
Bruny Island
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. 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, and if time permits 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 where evening drinks and canapes await in the club lounge along with a scrummy meal.
Accommodation: Crown Plazza
Hobart
Hobart (10th April)
Have a little bit of a sleep in today then enjoy another wonderful breakfast.
Then we’ll head down to Hobart’s waterfront to the world-renowned Salamanca Markets and to explore the 300 fresh produce, bespoke arts and artisan craft stalls that coalesce into Tasmania’s largest selection of locally made products.
Grab yourself some lunch and wander about the market. This afternoon you can choose just to explore Hobart and the inner city at your leisure or head out to MONA Museum - This museum isn’t for everyone but you’ll never forget the experience of visiting so be bold and go have a nosey.
Once you've visited the museum you can catch a ferry back into central Hobart which is also a great experience on the water.
Hobart
Tonight we’ll head out as a group to another highly rated restaurant for dinner.
Accommodation: Crown Plazza
Hobart - Strahan
Hobart (11th April)
After breakfast our journey west takes us through Tasmania's remote Central Highlands, an area of rugged mountains, lakes, forests and open moorland. The scenery changes dramatically as we leave the settled areas around Hobart and head towards Tasmania's wilderness country.
We stop in to view the Wall in the Wilderness, an extraordinary hand-carved timber artwork depicting the history and character of Tasmania's Central Highlands. The highly detailed carvings are made from Huon pine and are a remarkable example of craftsmanship.
Strahan
You’ll have a chance to grab yourself some lunch en-route as we continue our drive into the small harbour town of Strahan, gateway to Tasmania's World Heritage-listed wilderness. Once an important port for the west coast timber and mining industries, Strahan is now the base for exploring the Gordon River and surrounding wilderness.
Check into our accommodation before another enjoyable meal together.
Accommodation: Strahan Village Hotel
Strahan - Gordon River Cruise
Strahan (12th April)
After breakfast we get set for another highlight of our tour. The Gordon River Cruise.
Gordon River Cruise
The Gordon River is one of Tasmania's great wilderness experiences. Our cruise travels from Strahan into the remote rainforest and waterways of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
The famously calm, dark waters of the Gordon River reflect the surrounding ancient rainforest, creating some truly beautiful scenery. The cruise includes opportunities to learn about the area's natural and cultural history.
During the cruise we experience some of Tasmania's ancient rainforest environment, including the famous Huon pine, a slow-growing Tasmanian tree that can live for many centuries.
The cruise also provides an insight into the history of Sarah Island, once a notorious penal settlement. The island's ruins provide a fascinating reminder of the harsh conditions experienced by convicts on Tasmania's west coast.
We have secured main deck window seating for the cruise and lunch is also included today on the boat.
Strahan
After an amazing day on the water we’ll get freshened up then head out to a show and another group meal together.
We attend The Ship That Never Was, a lively theatrical production based on the remarkable story of the last ship built by convicts on Sarah Island. The performance combines history, humour and storytelling and has become one of Strahan's best-known attractions.
Accommodation: Strahan Village Hotel
Strahan - Cradle Mountain
Strahan (13th April)
Rise and shine for breakfast and get ready for another tour highlight.
The West Coast Wilderness Railway.
The West Coast Wilderness Railway follows the historic route built to transport minerals from the west coast mining region. The journey passes through rugged rainforest and mountain country and includes the famous rack-and-pinion railway system. Our Rinadeena, Rack and Rainforest experience combines beautiful scenery with an insight into the engineering and history that made this railway possible. We pass through Queenstown, a historic mining town surrounded by the rugged mountains of Tasmania's west coast. The stark landscape around Queenstown is particularly distinctive and reflects the area's long mining history.
Cradle Mountain
Following this suburb experience we continue to Cradle Mountain, one of Tasmania's most celebrated wilderness destinations. The area is renowned for its mountains, alpine landscapes, forests and wildlife.
Check into our accommodation at Cradle Mountain and put your feet up before meeting again for some drinks and dinner.
Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Lodge
Cradle Mountain - Launceston
Cradle Mountain (14th April)
This morning we explore one of Tasmania's most famous wilderness areas before travelling north to Launceston.
Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is famous for its rugged mountain scenery, ancient forests and abundant wildlife.
Dove Lake sits beneath the dramatic peaks of Cradle Mountain and is one of Tasmania's most photographed landscapes. We can enjoy the scenery around the lake and take in the mountain views without needing to undertake a long walk.
Then get up close and personal with Tassie's famous little creature! Devils at Cradle is a wildlife conservation facility dedicated to the Tasmanian devil and closely related species. Our Day Feeding Tour provides an opportunity to see these fascinating animals up close and learn about conservation efforts.
Launceston
En-route to Launceston pass through Sheffield. Famous for its colourful outdoor murals depicting local history, people and landscapes. If time permits, we'll stop for a look around.
Arrive in Tasmania's second-largest city, check into our lovely accommodation where we’ll have dinner onsite together.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor
Launceston - Bicheno
Launceston (15th April)
After a hearty breakfast, we leave Launceston and make our way to Tasmania's beautiful east coast.
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 to ease into the day.
HIt the road again before stopping at The Church in Campbell Town provides a chance to pause and enjoy a meal in a historic Tasmanian setting before continuing east.
Bicheno
This afternoon our destination is Bicheno, a relaxed seaside town on Tasmania's East Coast. It is known for its beaches, rocky coastline, seafood and wildlife. Dinner will be on-site again tonight.
Accommodation: Beachfront Bicheno
Bicheno - Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
Bicheno (16th April)
Today brings one of Tasmania's most famous landscapes – the magnificent Freycinet Peninsula. Following breakfast - Highlights include:
Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
Freycinet National Park is renowned for its pink granite mountains, turquoise waters, secluded beaches and spectacular coastal scenery. The Hazards mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the peninsula.
The Wineglass Bay Lookout provides the famous panoramic view across the curved white beach and brilliant blue waters of Wineglass Bay. The walk to the lookout is relatively short but includes some uphill sections, so guests can take their time.
In between some of these great attractions you’ll have to time soak up the views and grab yourself some lunch.
At Cape Tourville, a short circuit walk provides beautiful views of the coastline and surrounding waters. Keep an eye out for seabirds and, at the right time of year, migrating whales.
Honeymoon Bay is a picturesque little cove surrounded by the granite landscape of Freycinet. It is a lovely spot to pause and enjoy the scenery.
Bicheno
Back to Bicheno, tonight we enjoy dinner at The Lobster Shack, celebrating Tasmania's reputation for fresh seafood and East Coast produce.
Accommodation: Beachfront Bicheno
Bicheno - Richmond - Hobart
Bicheno (17th April)
Wake for breakfast before our final full day takes us through Tasmania's East Coast and into the historic village of Richmond before returning to Hobart.
We have a fabulous lunch lined up at Devil’s Corner which is a popular destination combining Tasmanian wine, food and beautiful views. Our visit includes a wine tasting and lunch, providing a relaxed opportunity to enjoy some of the region's local produce.
Richmond
Board the bus again and enjoy a coastal stop around Swansea or Orford, depending on the day's timing and conditions. Both areas offer beautiful views and a chance to appreciate Tasmania's scenic coastline.
The historic village of Richmond is one of Tasmania's best-preserved colonial settlements. Its heritage buildings, village green and stone bridge provide a glimpse into Tasmania's early European history.
The Richmond Bridge, built in the 1820s, is Australia's oldest existing stone arch bridge and is one of the village's most recognisable landmarks.
Hobart
We return to Hobart for our final evening in Tasmania, with time to relax before our final group dinner together raising a glass to a magnificent tour.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor
Hobart - Home
Hobart (18th April)
This morning after breakfast, we will depart from the hotel ready for the 11:25am flight back home to Sydney, before catching our connecting flight to Wellington.
You will have time in Sydney to relax and grab some food. All International flights include movies, drinks and food also.
Home
The bus will be waiting to transport us back to Whanganui. It will be a late night but we;ll be fine 🙂
*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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