Day 1 - Spirit of Tasmania
Depart Melbourne's Station Pier, 9.00 p.m. aboard the Spirit of Tasmania and enjoy crossing Bass Strait. Accommodation: Spirit of Tasmania, comfortable porthole twin cabins.

Day 2 - Launceston, NEW! Seahorse World
On arrival in Devonport you will be met by an Australian Pacific Touring representative for your transfer to Launceston. 13 day passengers fly to Launceston. We visit Seahorse World where you can see fascinating marine creatures. Tonight enjoy our Welcome Drinks and Dinner.
Accommodation: Launceston, Hotel Grand Chancellor. (D)

Day 3 - EastCoast Natureworld, Freycinet National Park, Crayfish Dinner
During lavender flowering season, enjoy a tour of Bridestowe Lavender Farm (December - January). At Bicheno, visit EastCoast Natureworld to see a Tasmanian Devil and many other native animals. On to beautiful Freycinet National Park, where we are joined by a naturalist guide for a walking tour along the shores of Cape Tourville. Enjoy the magnificent coastal scenery. This evening, savour a Tasmanian speciality, a delicious crayfish dinner (fresh seafood outside cray season).
Accommodation: Swansea, Waterloo Inn. (BD)

Day 4 - Port Arthur Historic Site, DINE AROUND DINNER
Follow the spectacular Wielangta Forest Drive to Eaglehawk Neck, admiring majestic blue gum forests and coastal scenery en route. Continue on to Port Arthur Historic Site. We join a cruise on Mason Cove and learn of the settlement's tragic and dramatic history. Or, you may wish to take the opportunity to further explore the main Port Arthur site. Play the 'Lottery of Life' game or stroll around the colourful gardens and unique colonial landscape. Enjoy our Dine Around Dinner and choose to dine at either the Comfort Inn or Felons Restaurant.
Accommodation: Port Arthur, Comfort Inn. (BD)

Day 5 - Tasman Peninsular, Richmond, Hobart, FREEDOM OF CHOICE TOURING, DINE AROUND DINNER
Journey along the stunning Tasman Peninsular discovering the incredible coastal scenery and unique natural features. Enjoy free time exploring historic Richmond, then continue into Hobart. Visit Cadbury's Chocolate Factory, Cascade Brewery (seasonal closures occur) or Moorilla Estate's prosperous vineyard - the choice is yours and it doesn't add a cent to the price of your holiday. Later, visit the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. This evening, choose the restaurant that best suits your taste and mood with our our Dine Around Dinner - select from The Cove, Drunken Admiral or Sisco's on the Pier.
Two Night Stay: Hobart, Hotel Grand Chancellor, on the historic waterfront. (BD)

Day 6 - Salamanca Markets, Huon Valley, Forest and Heritage Centre, Tahune Airwalk
Start the day with a stroll through the vibrant waterfront markets of Salamanca Place before enjoying some time at leisure to explore the city. This afternoon, travel through the picturesque Huon Valley. Visit the Forest and Heritage Centre and wander along the Tahune AirWalk. Set amongst the tree tops, the AirWalk allows a unique view of the tranquil forests surrounding the Huon and Picton rivers. On your return to Hobart, drive to the summit of Mt. Nelson. (B)

PEPPERMINT BAY GOURMET CRUISE
oin a half-day adventure cruise to Peppermint Bay in the spectacular Channel Region. (Replaces afternoon touring. Must be pre-booked.) Additional: $84 per person.

Day 7 - Russell Falls, Lake St Clair, West Coast Wilderness Railway, Strahan
Follow the Derwent Valley to Mt Field National Park, where a short walk brings us to the spectacular sight of Russell Falls. Travel to World Heritage Lake St Clair. In Queenstown, join the magnificently restored West Coast Wilderness Railway and ride aboard elegant brass and timber carriages as they travel through beautiful forest scenery. This evening dine at Strahan's Macquarie Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal, complemented by liqueur and chocolates as you overlook the harbour.
Accommodation: Strahan, APT Exclusive! Strahan Village Harbour View Deluxe Rooms. (BD)

Day 8 - Gordon River Cruise, Cradle Mountain, FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Today we join a cruise across Macquarie Harbour to the wilderness of the Gordon River. Travel aboard the Lady Jane Franklin, with guaranteed window seating. Stop at Heritage Landing for a walk through untouched rainforest. Later, as we travel to the infamous penal colony of Sarah Island, learn about its fascinating history from a local guide. Rejoin the coach and travel to Cradle Mountain. Here, enjoy our exciting Freedom Concept. Choose to sample fine local wines and cheeses on our tasting tour. Or, learn about the alpine flora and fauna on a guided walk before dinner. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the Tasmanian wilderness by night on our wildlife spotlighting tour (limited availability).
Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Lodge, individual Pencil Pine Cabins with cosy log fires. (BLD)

Day 9 - Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Leven Canyon, 'The Nut', Smithton
Visit the Information Centre after joining a local guide to see Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. Later we visit Waldheim Chalet. Leaving this spectacular wilderness, arrive at Leven Canyon and enjoy the short walk to the lookout. We continue to historical Stanley and view the striking rocky outcrop of 'The Nut'. Two Night Stay: Smithton, Tall Timbers Hotel/Motel, constructed from Tasmanian timbers. (BD)

Day 10 - Woolnorth Wind Farm,  NEW! Cape Grim, Smithton Specialty Dinner
This morning we visit the far north west reaches of the Tasmanian mainland to tour Woolnorth wind farm. Perched high on the windswept cliffs of a rugged but majestic coastline, Woolnorth is the state's biggest wind farm. At nearby Cape Grim, breathe in the cleanest air in the world. Enjoy morning tea before touring through Dismal Swamp. Tonight enjoy an exclusive dinner of local Tasmanian fare in Smithton. (BD)

Day 11 - Sheffield, Ashgrove, Woolmers Estate
Head into Devonport and continue on to Sheffield. Free time allows us to explore this quaint town where over 30 murals have been painted on the walls of many buildings. This afternoon, sample delicious produce at Ashgrove Cheese Factory. Continue to the historic Woolmers Estate and enjoy a
fully guided tour. Stroll through the colourful National Rose Garden before travelling to Launceston. This evening, explore the city at your leisure.
Two Night Stay: Launceston, Hotel Grand Chancellor. (B)

Day 12 - Historic Ross, Cataract Gorge, NEW! Tamar River Farewell Dinner Cruise
This morning, travel around the Great Lake and over the Great Western Tiers to historic Ross. View one of the oldest bridges in Australia, featuring over 180 unique hand carvings. Journey to Launceston and visit Cataract Gorge, enjoying the opportunity to stroll through the lovely European-style gardens. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner while cruising the beautifulk Tamar River.  Say goodbye to new found friends, savour a superb buffet dinner and admire the idyllic river scenery. (BD)

Day 13 - Launceston, Spirit of Tasmania
A morning at leisure to further explore the city of Launceston before your afternoon transfer to Devonport. Board the Spirit of Tasmania and enjoy your overnight sailing trip to Melbourne.
Accommodation: Spirit of Tasmania, comfortable porthole twin cabins. (B)

Day 14 - Arrive Melbourne, Home
Arrive at Melbourne's Station Pier by 7.00 a.m.

The APT Freedom Concept

Freedom of Choice Touring - Choose from a selection of activities at no extra cost

• In Cradle Mountain enjoy a wine and cheese tasting, a guided flora & fauna walk, or our Night Spotlight Tour
• In Hobart tour the Cadbury Chocolate Factory; join a Cascade Brewery tour or enjoy a wine tasting at Moorilla Estate

Dine Around Dinners - Choose from a selection of restaurants at no extra cost
Enjoy our Dine Around Dinners in Hobart and within Port Arthur Historic Site

Sightseeing Highlights

• NEW! Visit Cape Grim
• Tour the wind farm at Woolnorth
• Cruise aboard the 'Spirit of Tasmania'
• Tour historic colonial ruins and cruise Mason Cove at Port Arthur
• Discover the majestic Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area - Cradle Mountain, Lake St.Clair, Gordon River & Dove Lake.
• Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Hobart
• Enjoy tastings at Ashgrove Cheese Factory
• Visit historic Woolmers Estate
• Explore Freycinet National Park and Russell Falls, Mt Field National Park
• Visit heritage towns of Ross & Richmond
  
• Cruise World Heritage Gordon River, enjoying guaranteed main deck window seating
  
• See the murals at Sheffield

Outstanding Accommodation

• APT EXCLUSIVE! Stay in Strahan Village Harbour View Deluxe Rooms
• Enjoy the charm of Cradle Mountain Lodge
• Two nights Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart
• Stay two nights Tall Timbers, Smithton
• Stay overlooking Port Arthur Historic Site

Finest Dining - Includes 21 meals
11 hot breakfasts (B), 1 lunch as stated (L) and 9 Freedom of Choice Dinners (D)

• APT EXCLUSIVE! Tasmanian fare, Smithton
• Buffet dinner including a complimentary liqueur and chocolates, overlooking Strahan
• NEW! Delicious buffet Farewell Dinner in Launceston.
  
• Delicious crayfish dinner at Swansea

The APT Difference

• Fully trained Tour Director and Driver/Guide
• EXCLUSIVE! Guaranteed Mercedes-Benz coaches, with an unrivalled safety record
• Fewer seats on coaches giving more leg room
• $5 Million Consumer Protection Guarantee
• All inclusive touring - no optional meals, coach tours or nights out sold on tour
  

Departure Dates 2005
Sept 19, 26
Oct 10, 17, 24
Nov 7, 14, 21, 28
Dec 5, 12, 16, 26

Departure Dates 2006
Jan 9, 16, 23, 30
Feb 6, 13, 20, 24, 27
Mar 6, 13, 17, 20, 27
Apr 3, 10, 17, 24
May 1

Land Content: Prices are fully inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, cruises, meals as specified, accommodation and Spirit of Tasmania Crossing.

For air fares and related information please contact us.