21 Day Discover Tasmania

Departing: Thursday 13th March 2025

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Fitness Level: M – Easy / Moderate

Meals: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

DAY 1 - HERVEY BAY TO GOONDIWINDI     (D)

Thursday 13th March:  Welcome travellers to our 21 day Tasmanian tour! You will have time today to meet and mingle with your fellow travellers as you sit back and relax and head to our first overnight stay at Goondiwindi. 

Stay: Jolly Swagman Motor Inn, Goondiwindi

DAY 2 - GOONDIWINDI to DUBBO    (BLD)

Friday 14th March:   We have a travel day ahead as we head across the New South Wales border and on to Narrabri for lunch at the Outback Shack which is full of historical memorabilia and featuring a stunning mural. From here we continue on through Coonabarabran before arriving in Dubbo for our overnight stay.

Stay: Quality Inn Dubbo International

DAY 3 - DUBBO to WAGGA WAGGA     (BLD)

Saturday 15th March:   From Dubbo we take the Newell Highway north to Parkes, where we visit the CSIRO Radio Telescope, also called “The Dish”. The visitor centre features many hands on displays, exhibits and an audio visual experience. We enjoy lunch today in the historic town of Grenfell. We then stop for a visit to the Junee Liquorice and Chocolate Factory. This afternoon we arrive in Wagga Wagga to check into our accommodation and settle in for dinner.

Stay: Mercure Wagga Wagga

DAY 4 - WAGGA WAGGA to GEELONG    (BLD)

Sunday 16th March:  We cross the Victorian state border this morning, travelling to the foothills of the stunning Strathbogie Ranges for lunch at Fowles Winery. This afternoon we arrive in Geelong, for our journey across the Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania. After boarding we can settle into our cabins or you can check out the facilities onboard including lounges, bars, shops and viewing areas.

Stay: Spirit of Tasmania

DAY 5 - DEVONPORT to LAUNCESTON     (BLD)

Monday 17th March:  On arrival in Devonport, our coach is unloaded and we head for breakfast. Our next visit is at the Ashgrove Cheese Factory. Here we can discover the range of award winning cheeses from English country cheeses to a series of uniquely flavoured cheeses. We continue to one of Tasmania’s most historic houses, Entally House. Here we enjoy a talk and light lunch before continuing to Launceston.

Stay: Best Western Plus Launceston

DAY 6 - LAUNCESTON     (BD)

Tuesday 18th March:  We begin todays touring with a town tour of this vibrant city. Following lunch we join Tamar River Cruises, to explore the magical river and gorge. Be captivated by the captain’s interesting commentary as we cruise by Tamar Island, wildlife, historical properties and of course the spectacular Cataract Gorge. Disembarking we have free time to explore – there are pleasant walks through the landscaped gardens, purchase a cuppa at the tea rooms or take a ride on the chairlift (own expense) which crosses the gorge.

Stay: Best Western Plus Launceston

DAY 7 - TAMAR VALLEY     (BLD)

Wednesday 19th March:  Today we journey through the picturesque Tamar Valley. Step into a Swiss village as we stop and wander around Grindelwald. Mrs Vos pleaded with her husband to move. As Mr Vos, a Tasmanian businessman could not up and leave, he did the only thing he could, and built Mrs Vos her very own Swiss Village. We travel to Beaconsfield – the site of Tasmania’s largest gold discoveries and of course more recently the incredible rescue of two miners trapped underground. We’ll visit the Beaconsfield Gold Mine and Heritage Centre, home to Australia’s only waterwheel driven stamp battery. At Beauty Point, gain unique access into the world of the mysterious seahorse as we enjoy lunch followed by a guided tour of Seahorse World. Right next door is the Platypus House. Known for being very shy and quite illusive in the wild, here we get a chance to see them face to face as they swim and go about their daily business in this indoor facility. After a fascinating day, we return to Launceston.

Stay: Best Western Plus Launceston

DAY 8 - LAUNCESTON to SCAMANDER     (BLD)

Thursday 20th March:  We arrive at Bridestowe Estate, the largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. We are welcomed with morning tea and a tour of the farm which produces some of the finest quality lavender flowers, oils and gifts. Continuing our journey, we travel to Legerwood to see the incredible tree carvings sculpted into World War I soldiers. Lunch today is at the Pub in the Paddock. Our afternoon journey takes us to our overnight destination of Scamander.

Stay: Scamander Beach Resort

DAY 9 - SCAMANDER to HOBART     (BLD)

Friday 21st March:  We head to the pretty seaside village of Coles Bay where we will cruise to the magical Wineglass Bay in the Freycinet National Park. Step aboard the cruise vessel to experience this place of beauty. Dropping anchor inside Wineglass Bay, take in the tranquillity of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and perfect turquoise waters. Disembarking, we travel through to Hobart our accommodation for three nights. Tonight we have a special dinner in store as we indulge our taste buds at the renowned Point Revolving Restaurant.

Stay: Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Hobart

DAY 10 - HOBART     (BD)

Saturday 22nd March:  A local guide joins us for a sightseeing tour from the coach. Founded in 1804, Hobart is Australia’s second oldest capital city and everywhere we go, the past steps out to meet us. One of the highlights each Saturday in Hobart is the Salamanca Markets where hundreds of stallholders set up along the elm tree lined street, drawing large crowds. With so many sellers the list of items we can find here are endless with many local crafts, jewellery, fashion and food stalls. We then visit the World Heritage Listed Cascades Female Factory, which tells the story of the displacement, mistreatment and forced migration of convict women and girls. After a very moving experience, we return to our hotel.

Stay: Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Hobart

DAY 11 - PORT ARTHUR     (BLD)

Sunday 23rd March:  Today we discover the unimaginable story of the Port Arthur Historic Site. The penal settlement has a special place of vivid history, cultural heritage and compelling stories. We take a fascinating journey, retracing the life of convicts in the Visitor Centre before a walking tour through the settlement and a harbour cruise. On our return to Hobart, we’ll see Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen. 

Stay: Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Hobart

DAY 12 - HOBART to STRAHAN     (BLD)

Monday 24th March:  We farewell Hobart and begin our journey to the West Coast. We visit Russell Falls, arguably Tasmania’s prettiest waterfall and one of the easiest to get to. We continue onto the geographical centre of Tasmania, Derwent Bridge. Here we view the beautifully carved works of the Wall in the Wilderness, depicting the hardship and perseverance of the people in the Central Highlands. Enjoying lunch at the Wilderness Hotel, we travel through the pristine wilderness of the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Witness some spectacular scenery before making the climb into Queenstown and onto Strahan, our home for the next two nights. 

Stay: Strahan Village

DAY 13 - GORDON RIVER     (BLD)

Tuesday 25th March:  Cruising down the iconic Gordon River is a must do when visiting Tasmania. Our cruise will bring the river and its rich history to life for an unforgettable experience. Cruising the scenic waterways, listen to the intriguing stories of the region, and after passing through Hells Gates we step ashore Sarah Island. Here we see some of Australian’s oldest convict ruins. Returning to Strahan, we have time to explore the village and visit the Huon Pine Sawmill. What an incredible day!

Stay: Strahan Village

DAY 14 - STRAHAN to SMITHTON     (BLD)

Wednesday 26th March:  Today we discover the rugged mountains, ancient rainforests and stunning scenery of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Dove Lake, a glacially carved lake directly beneath Cradle Mountain, offering impressive views. We also take a short drive to Waldheim Chalet, the forest home of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer. We enjoy lunch before continuing to our accommodation in Smithton.

Stay: Tall Timbers Hotel Motel, Smithton

DAY 15 - WOOLNORTH STATION     (BLD)

Thursday 27th March:  We have a sensational day planned, starting with a visit to Woolnorth Station, Australia’s biggest dairy operation. Located in the far North West corner of Tasmania, we explore the historic precinct on a guided tour taking in the old farm buildings, Tasmania’s first wind farm and interpretive centre. On our tour, we also visit Cape Grim where the Bureau of Meteorology has measured the cleanest air in the world since 1976. The cape offers sensational seascape views overlooking the islands off the North West Tip. We enjoy a delicious lunch before we return to our accommodation with the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Stay: Tall Timbers Hotel Motel, Smithton

DAY 16 - ARTHUR RIVER     (BLD)

Friday 28th March:  This morning we experience the wild Tarkine region of the North West with the Arthur River Cruise aboard the MV George Robinson. We depart from the mouth of the river and cruise upstream to the junction of the Arthur and Frankland Rivers. Arriving at Turk’s Landing we have a leisurely stroll through the temperate rainforest with our guide.  This area is home to many threatened and endangered species, such as the Giant Freshwater Crayfish and the Wedge Tailed Eagle, the largest eagle in Australia. Upon return to our camp amongst the trees, we are served a barbecue lunch. We then return to the dock to disembark and make our way back to Smithton.

Stay: Tall Timbers Hotel Motel, Smithton

DAY 17 - SMITHTON to DEVONPORT     (BLD)

Saturday 29th March:  This morning we depart Smithton for a visit and morning tea at the Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, known internationally for its unique design. Following the coast, just outside of Devonport is House Anvers Chocolate Factory, where we will enjoy a tour and lunch. The “House of Anvers” is a real chocolate sensation. We head back into Devonport for a visit to the Bass Strait Maritime Centre. Wander through the many exhibitions exploring this notorious stretch of water. This evening we board the Spirit of Tasmania for our overnight sailing back to Geelong.

Stay: Spirit of Tasmania

DAY 18 - GEELONG to YASS     (BLD)

Sunday 30th March:  Disembarking the Spirit of Tasmania at the Quay in Geelong we head off to breakfast. After breakfast we head through to Wangaratta to break for lunch before continuing to Yass for our overnight stay. 

Stay: Thunderbird Motel, Yass

DAY 19 - YASS to OLD BAR     (BD)

Monday 31st March:  We have a travel day ahead as we retrace our steps up the New South Wales Coast to Old Bar. We will break for convenience stops and for time to purchase lunch (own expense) before arriving with time to freshen up before dinner.

Stay: Club Old Bar Motel

DAY 20 - OLD BAR to BALLINA     (BLD)

Tuesday 1st April:  Continuing up the coast, we stop in Coffs Harbour for a tour and lunch at the Butterfly House.  The Butterfly House is a fully enclosed glasshouse, home to 350-400 live Australian butterflies. This afternoon we commence our drive to our overnight stay.

Stay: Ballina Byron Islander Resort

DAY 21 - BALLINA to HOME     (B)

Wednesday 2nd April:  After our final breakfast, we begin our journey home where we will break for convenience stops and time to purchase lunch (own expense). We arrive home later today after completing a fantastic tour in Tasmania.           

* All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times / days and public holidays of some attractions.  We cannot be held responsible for changes due to closures or inclement weather.