Tasmania including the Australian Wooden Boat Show

17 Day Tasmania including the Australian Wooden Boat Show

Saturday 01 February 2025 to Monday 17 February 2025

Explore Tasmania’s spectacular rugged beauty. Journey into pristine wilderness and uncover the compelling convict heritage set deep within the towns.

DAY 1: (D) PORT MAQUARIE TO GOULBURN                                                         Saturday 01 February 2025

Welcome to our summer tour to Tasmania. Once we have completed our passenger pickup service and loaded the coach, we are ready to go! Setting into our travel day we enjoy breaks along the way before arriving at Goulburn.

1 night | Mercure Goulburn (02 4822 5445)  

Lunch at own arrangement and cost | dinner at hotel

DAY 2: (B) MELBOURNE – OVERNIGHT SPIRIT OF TASMANIA                                    Sunday 02 February 2025

On the road again, we cross into Victoria and stop for a lunch break in Wodonga. Arriving at the Spirit of Tasmania cruise terminal we prepare for our voyage across the Bass Strait. Settling into our porthole cabins, we have several options to purchase dinner before enjoying a good night’s rest.

                                                1 night | Spirit of Tasmania        

Breakfast at hotel | lunch at own arrangements | dinner not included.

DAY 3: (BD) DEVONPORT TO LAUNCESTON                                                               Monday 03 February 2025

Welcome to Tasmania! Capturing the excellent views over the Mersey River and the “Spirit of Tasmania” vessel, we then settle our stomachs at Argosy Motor Inn with breakfast. Feeling content, we head to Sheffield, a delightful village near Lake Barrington. We’ll have time to explore the many murals depicting the area’s early history before continuing onto the pretty town of Deloraine. Here you’ll have time to purchase lunch and witness a light and sound show presentation at Yarns: Artwork in Silk. In Westbury, we visit Pearn's Steam World and discover the vast collection of historic agricultural machinery. From here we then head to Launceston, where we settle in before dinner.

2 nights | Best Western Plus Launceston (03 6333 9999)

Breakfast at Argosy Motor Inn | lunch at own arrangement and cost | dinner at hotel

DAY 4: (BLD) LAUNCESTON – TAMAR RIVER CRUISES                                               Tuesday 04 February 2025

Joining Tamar River Cruises, we explore the magical river and Cataract George onboard the Tamar Odyssey. Be captivated by the captains interesting commentary as we cruise by Tamar Island, wildlife, historical properties and of course the spectacular Cataract Gorge. With morning tea on board, it’s a fantastic way to uncover the regions natural beauty. Back on dry land we head to the James Boags Brewery to enjoy a shared platter lunch before touring the brewery and of course tasting their crisp beverages. We then spend the afternoon visiting City Park then Cataract Gorge Reserve, a rare natural phenomenon in central Launceston. The unique George,  surrounded by cliffs, bushland and beautiful

DAY 4: (BLD) LAUNCESTON – TAMAR RIVER CRUISES                CONTINUED               Tuesday 04 February 2025

gardens can be explored by land or by the world’s longest single span chairlift (own expense). When we are all ready, we shall return to the hotel for dinner.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch at James Boags Brewery

DAY 5: (BLD) LAUNCESTON TO SCAMANDER                                                       Wednesday 05 February 2025

 Enjoy the clean air and open spaces of the world’s largest privately-owned lavender farm, Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm. Watch the farm in action on a tour of the flower shed and distillery. Tasting hints of lavender in lovely samples, you’ll then have time to browse their extensive gift shop. Next, we veer off to a little place called Legerwood to see some incredible tree carvings, honouring fallen soldiers in World War I. Enjoy lunch at one of Tasmania’s oldest pubs, The Pub in the Paddock then continue the day to Scamander.

1 nights | Scamander Beach Resort (03 6372 5255)

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch at the Pub in the Paddock

DAY 6: (BD) SCAMANDER TO HOBART                                                                     Thursday 06 February 2025

This morning, we travel inland to Campbell Town, a once staging town on the Elizabeth River before heading through to Ross . Visit the Tasmania Wool Centre and uncover the stories that trace back to the first export. Continuing our day, we veer off the beaten track and arrive in Bothwell, a fine example of Tasmania’s colonial Heritage. Visit the Australasian Golf Museum and uncover the story of how golf evolved from a crude game played by a handful of villages in Scotland, to the international game it is today. Our sightseeing drive now takes us to the historic town of Richmond, where we stop to capture the oldest bridge in Australia, the convict-built Richmond Bridge before heading to our hotel in Hobart.

4 nights | Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Hobart (03 6225 7035)

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch at own arrangements and cost

DAY 7: (BD) HOBART & THE WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL                                                Friday 07 February 2025

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Hobart, where everywhere we go the past steps out to meet us. Discover Sullivans Cove and the tiny cottages of Battery Point with architecture that whispers stories of a bygone era. Thanking our guide, we conclude our tour at the Mawson's Huts Replica Museum. Here we’ll have we have time to look through the museum before making our way to the waterfront to purchase lunch and find a good location to see the Parade of Sail, the opening event of the 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival. Marvel at the number  of wooden vessels that sail up the Derwent River, led by several Tall Ships. After such a beautiful procession, we enjoy the remainder of the afternoon looking through various displays of the festival.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch at own arrangements and cost

DAY 8: (BD) SALAMANCA MARKETS AND THE WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL              Saturday 08 February 2025

This morning, we head to the famous Salamanca Markets. Feel the buzzing atmosphere while wandering through Hobart’s weekly stalls taking the opportunity to purchase some gifts. The remainder of  the afternoon can be spent at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival. The Festival is much more than just a display of the world's most beautiful wooden boats. It's a lively weekend full of the best local food, live entertainment, and all sorts of waterside activities. Late afternoon we return to our hotel for dinner

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | packed picnic lunch to have at the Festival

DAY 9: (BLD) PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE                                                                 Sunday 09 February 2025

Today we experience a humbling visit at the Port Arthur Historic Site, a stark reminder of the harsh conditions endured by some of the earliest European inhabitants. Your tour begins at the Visitor Interpretative Centre where you are taken on a fascinating  journey, retracing the life of a convict from the time of his petty crime to his transportation to Port Arthur. With time for lunch, you’ll then be guided through the Penal Settlement. Afterwards, we explore the settlement at our own pace, and take a cruise around the Harbour passing the Isle of Dead. Leaving the site, we journey back to Hobart, stopping to see some natural attractions on the Tasman Peninsula such as the Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch at Port Arthur Historic Site

DAY 10: (BLD) HOBART TO STRAHAN                                                                         Monday 10 February 2025

With a slightly earlier departure time, we leave Hobart behind us and set off to the isle’s West Coast. Stopping at Salmon Ponds we spend time wandering the beautiful gardens dotted with ponds, discovering its history at the Museum of Trout Fishing and Angling Hall of Fame before morning tea. Continuing at Derwent Bridge, we discover 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 on to Strahan. Here we settle in for the next two nights.

3 nights | Strahan Village, Strahan (03 6471 4200)

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch at Wilderness Hotel

DAY 11: (BLD) EXPLORING THE GORDON RIVER                                                        Tuesday 11 February 2025

We are in for a stunning day as our World Heritage Cruise takes us across Macquarie Harbour into the Gordon River, an area of the ancient Huon Pine trees. You’ll see these and other trees of the dense forest close on a Heritage Walk. Stumble across the remains of the 3-storey jail house on Sarah Island and take a firsthand view of the only entrance to Macquarie Harbour, known as Hells Gates. It’s a great day topped off with a beautiful buffet lunch.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch with World Heritage Cruise

DAY 12: (BLD) WEST COAST WILDERNESS RAILWAY                                            Wednesday 12 February 2025

This morning, we take a fabulous River and Rainforest journey with West Coast Wilderness Railway. Soak up the stunning views of Macquarie Harbour as you travel along the foreshore from Regatta Point Station in Strahan. As you enter the rainforest, you’ll follow the course of the King River to Teepookana – once the fourth busiest port in Tasmania, and the place where construction of the railway first began. Throughout our journey you’ll hear the stories of the railway and the resilient people who lived and worked along its length. With morning tea and a light lunch included it is a wonderful way to explore this pristine wilderness. On return to Strahan, we have free time this afternoon to explore the township. Tonight, before dinner we will enjoy a show called “The Ship that never was”, a highly entertaining performance that brings history to life as you learn the fate of Sarah Island convicts.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch with West Coast Wilderness Railway

DAY 13: (BLD) STRAHAN TO BURNIE VIA CRADLE MOUNTAIN                                Thursday 13 February 2025

Enjoy invigorating mountain air of Cradle Mountain National Park as we explore  visiting such sights at Waldheim and Dove Lake. Be transfixed by this beautiful glacial lake with remnants of the last ice age etched in the surrounding rocks. Guided through a cool temperate rainforest we’ll see native trees and hopefully, some wildlife. Next visit to Devils @ Cradle Here we’ll be guaranteed a sighting of the Tasmanian Devil as they are either sunbaking, sleeping in the dens or running around their enclosures. Enjoy a light lunch at the nearby Cradle Mountain Hotel before heading to Wynyard, where we settle into the welcoming Waterfront Wynyard Motor Inn.

 2 nights | Beachfront Voyager Motor Inn (03 6431 4866)

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch at Cradle Mountain Hotel

DAY 14: (BLD) STANLEY                                                                                                  Friday 14 February 2025

We have a sensational day planned, starting with a stop at the historic township of Stanley. Perched atop a promontory, overlooking town, sits the Highfield Historic site. The house is a stunning example of colonial architecture built for the chief agent of the Van Diemens Land Company, Edward Curr. Embark on a self-guided tour and be treated to dramatic views of the rugged coastline and Bass Strait beyond from the large French windows of the homestead. Taking a drive around town, we enjoy a morning break and look at The Nut, the imposing landmass remains of an ancient volcanic plug. We’ll sit down for a homely lunch at the Seaview Inn before leaving town. After a stop at the lookout, we continue through to  Table Cape. The area is an extinct volcano vent with cliffs dropping away to the Bass Strait. Take a short stroll along the walking track, making way for spectacular views. Completing our day we return to Burnie.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch at Stanley Seaview Inn

DAY 15: (B) SPIRIT OF TASMANIA TO MELBOURNE                                                 Saturday 15 February 2025

We spend the morning at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden. We wander the commons immersing ourselves in this internationally recognised garden, classified as a plant museum! Continuing via Penguin to Devonport we visit the Don River Railway Museum. All aboard as we track along the historic Melrose line taking in the views of the township of Don and areas of historic value. Having purchased lunch, we head to the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame, a national museum showcasing Australia’s wood-chopping sporting champions and visit The House of Anvers Chocolate Factory. Early evening, we bid farewell Tasmania and board the “Spirit of Tasmania” for our overnight sailing back to Melbourne.

1 night | Spirit of Tasmania (13 20 10)

Breakfast at hotel | lunch at own arrangements and cost | dinner not included.

DAY 16: (BD) MELBOURNE TO GOULBURN                                                                 Sunday 16 February 2025

Disembarking The Spirit of Tasmania upon arrival in Geelong, we make our way to breakfast. Beginning our travel day, we break for lunch along the way travelling to our overnight destination of Goulburn. We check in and refresh before our final dinner together on tour.

1 night | Mercure Goulburn (02 4822 5445)

Breakfast in Geelong | lunch at own arrangements and cost | dinner at hotel

DAY 17: (BL) HOMEWARD BOUND                                                                             Monday 17 February 2025

Wow, what a spectacular holiday to have experienced! Discovering breathtaking landscapes with towering mountains and pristine wilderness to exploring charming villages steeped with intriguing history. Making tracks for Port Macquarie, our morning stop is at Pheasants Nest and lunch at the Ourimbah RSL before arriving home with a suitcase full of special memories.

Breakfast at hotel | lunch at Ourimbah RSL

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• 16 night’s accommodation
• 16 cooked breakfasts
• 14 dinners – Spirit of Tasmania 2 dinners not included.
• 10 included lunches – see below.
• Return coach travel on the Spirit of Tasmania
• Breakfast at the Argosy Motor Inn
• Entry to the Yarns sound & light show & Folk Museum at Yarns: Artwork in Silk, Delorainie
• Entry to Pearn's Steam World, Westbury
• Discovery Cruises with Tamar River Cruises
• Lunch and guided brewery tour at James Boags Brewery, Launceston
• Visit Cataract Gorge, Launceston
• Entry, guided tour and tasting at Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm
• Lunch in Pub in the Paddock, Pyengan
• Self-Guided Tour, History Museum and Wool Exhibition at the Tasmanian Wool Centre
• Entry and self-guided visit at the Australasian Golf Museum
• Locally guided tour of Hobart
• Entry to Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, Hobart
• Visit Salamanca Markets
• Visit Wooden boat festival, Hobart!
• Picnic lunch from Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Hobart
• Entry, self-guided tour and of Port Arthur Historic Site
• Entry and morning tea at Salmon Ponds
• Entry to the Wall in the Wilderness, Derwent Bridge
• Lunch at Wilderness Hotel
• Heritage morning cruise including lunch with World Heritage Cruises
• River and Rainforest Wilderness Carriage - Strahan to Dubbil Barril return including lunch with West Coast Wilderness Railway
• Entry tonight Show, The Ship That Never Was, Strahan
• Park Explorer Tour of Cradle Mountain with McDermotts Coaches
• Cradle Mountain Park pass.
• Lunch at the Cradle Mountain Hotel
• Entry and Day Keeper Tour, Devils @ Cradle
• Entry and guided tour at Highfield Historic Site
• Visit to The Nut, Stanley
• Lunch at the Stanley Seaview Inn
• Visit Trethewies Lookout and Table Cape Lookout
• Garden entry at Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens
• Entry including museum tour and workshop at Don River Railway Museum
• Entry to the museum and talk at the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame
• Afternoon tea and visit at The House of Anvers Chocolate Factory

TOUR INCLUSIONS CONTINUED;

• Breakfast at Rydges Geelong
• Lunch at the Ourimbah-Lisarow RSL Club - The Kitchen

For more information or to book;

Phone              02 6583 3330

Email:              admin@portbus.com.au

Website:          https://www.portbus.com.au

Online @         https://events.humanitix.com/tasmania-25

$7,769 pp twin

plus $1,864 pp single sup

$1,000 deposit pp

Balance is due by 21st December 2024

Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given:

42 days or more—loss of deposit

29-41 days:  50% of fare plus deposit

30 days before and the Day of departure: 100% of the fare.

All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions on opening times or days of some attractions. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures or inclement weather.