AAT Kings 15 day Southern Spectacular Departing Sydney

Premium Tour

Tour Code: ESHH

Day 1: Sydney - Canberra
Depart Sydney at 8.00am. We begin our journey with a stop at historic Berrima, a visit to a working sheep farm and an Aussie barbecue lunch. In Canberra, tour through Parliament House and visit the Australian War Memorial before enjoying a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
Hotel: Novotel, Canberra. L D

Day 2: Snowy Mountains
Cooma and the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme start our day, with the option to take a ride on the Mt. Kosciuszko chairlift. You'll be awestruck by picturesque Kosciuszko National Park as we travel the Alpine Way, over the mighty Murray River into Victoria and beautiful Beechworth for our unique overnight stay in one of the Bed and Breakfast properties. Hotel: Boutique Country Accommodation, Beechworth. B Day 3: Melbourne Get to know Beechworth with a tour and some free time to explore the legendary Beechworth Bakery, as well as antique shops and galleries. Later we'll see the museum then it's on through Glenrowan and Ned Kelly country to Melbourne. A dinner option tonight is on board the distinctive Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Melbourne. B

Day 4: Melbourne - Hobart
Depart Melbourne for your flight to Hobart (airfare not included). On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Meet your Tasmania Tour Director.
Hotel: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, 2 nights. B D

Day 5: Huon Valley
We travel to the Tahune Forest AirWalk for a guided walk on a cantilevered, suspended walkway and across the swinging bridges. Visit Geeveston's Forest and Heritage Centre and find out about the history of Tasmanian wood. Then travel to Mt. Nelson, from which we'll see a spectacular view of Hobart. Our Hobart orientation tour will take in Battery Point, Salamanca Place and the Botanic Gardens. B

Day 6: Russell Falls
Our first stop today is New Norfolk and magnificent Mt. Field National Park. Tasmania's oldest national park is the location of the three-tiered Russell Falls. Then we take the winding journey up to Lake St. Clair where amazing vistas await us. From Queenstown we travel along the rainforest bordered road of the Franklin- Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to coastal Strahan.
Hotel: The Strahan Village, Strahan, 2 nights. B D

Day 7: Gordon River Cruise
The fishing village of Strahan is all yours for the morning. Perhaps take a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway. On the Gordon River Cruise you'll be awestruck by the beauty of the dark waters reflecting the untouched wilderness. We stop to explore the ruins of the former penal colony of Sarah Island and Heritage Landing. Dinner will be onboard our cruiser. B D

Day 8: Cradle Mountain
Discover the engineer within as we travel through the mining and hydro electric towns of Rosebery and Tullah. Head up to Waldheim and idyllic Dove Lake, from where you'll experience spectacular Cradle Mountain and catch stunning views of the Franklin River. The afternoon is yours to explore the Australian National Wilderness and Landscape Gallery or just take in the views and breathe the clean fresh air.
Hotel: Cradle Mountain Chateau, Cradle Mountain. B D

Day 9: The Nut, Stanley
Travelling through the rainforest around Hellyer Gorge State Reserve we make our way to Wynyard on the North Coast and on to picturesque Stanley. On arrival we visit Highfield Historic Site, unique amongst colonial residences in Tasmania. Lunch with a view... of 'The Nut', an unusual and huge promontory. The hills roll on from Irishtown to the location of our next guided tour - Allendale Gardens.
Hotel: Tall Timbers Hotel, Smithton. B D

Day 10: Sheffield - Launceston
The northwest coastal landscape provides a gorgeous scenic backdrop as we travel east through the seaside towns of Penguin, Ulverstone and Devonport en route to Braddon's Lookout. Soak up the panoramic views over Forth Valley and Bass Strait. Next is Sheffield, the town of murals. We visit Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory then continue to Launceston.
Hotel: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston, 2 nights. B D

Day 11: Launceston
Clients departing this morning (Tour Code: ESHL) will be transferred to Launceston Airport (flights anytime). Explore Cataract Gorge, with rivers, a gorge, peacocks, two minutes from town! Discover the Tamar Valley and the Swiss village of Grindelwald. Then try some fine wines at Rosevears Vineyard. Tonight You are invited to indulge in a bygone era with dinner at Quamby Estate. B D

Day 12: St. Helens
A guided tour at Bridestowe Lavender Farm (early December to early February) gets things rolling. We'll see Legerwood's WWI memorial carvings and the old tin mining town of Derby and drive through the lush myrtle rainforest at Weldborough Pass to St. Helens. Continue to Binalong Bay Lookout for spectacular views over the Bay of Fires.
Hotel: Tidal Waters Resort, St. Helens. B D

Day 13: Freycinet National Park
In Freycinet National Park a guided walk with a Ranger unveils astonishing views. Then onward to Richmond, site of Australia's oldest operational road bridge. We cross the 100 year old Denison Canal and make our way along the coast to Port Arthur. Test your nerve on the optional lantern lit Ghost Tour of Port Arthur. Hotel: Fox and Hounds Inn, Port Arthur. B D

Day 14: Port Arthur
Start the day with a guided walk of Port Arthur Historic Site and a cruise around the Isle of the Dead. Cross Eaglehawk Neck to the Tasman Peninsula and feast our eyes on the amazing vistas of Tasman's Arch, Devil's Kitchen and the Blowhole. On our return to Hobart we stop at the Bonorong Wildlife Centre for an encounter with a Tassie Devil.
Hotel: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart. B

Day 15: Depart Hobart
This morning you will be transferred to Hobart Airport for your onward flight. B

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