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Required clothes: Shorts, t-shirts etc are generally adequate for summer days but warmer clothes should be carried for temperature variations and cool evenings. Warm clothes and a hat are needed in winter and waterproofs are advisable all year, particularly in highland areas. Places Of InterestWest Coast:Mt Field National Park - is home to Russell Falls, a picturesque cascading waterfall surrounded by beautiful temperate rainforest and the 'Tall Trees' Walk (1 hr), which winds through gigantic Swamp Gums - the world's tallest flowering plant. Lake St Clair - is heralded for its scenic beauty and great bush walking, it is also the deepest lake in Australia. Strahan - is a picturesque and historical coastal town Tullah - is a small but historic mining town. Tullah Lakeside Chalet is in a beautiful spot on the shores of Lake Rosebury with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Montezuma Falls - is the highest waterfall in Tasmania and the 5km walk to reach it passes through some of the most spectacular temperate rainforest in the world. Cradle Mountain - Cradle Mountain National Park is famous for its superb peaks and lakes, of which Dove Lake is undeniably the most beautiful, especially on a clear day when the Mountain is reflected in the clear water. Sheffield - is known as the 'town of murals' because of the painted scenes on many of the town's buildings. East Coast:Bicheno - The East Coast has a magnificent coastline of beaches and coves. It also has a little penguin rookery where tours are available (at own expense). Freycinet National Park - We spend 3-4 hours in this beautiful National Park. Passengers can choose a number of walks of differing grades including the walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout followed by a swim at Wineglass Beach (weather permitting) or the challenging hike to the top of Mount Amos for fantastic views over Wineglass Bay. Wineglass Bay (Freycinet) - Wineglass Bay is world famous and widely recognised as the most scenic spot on the East Coast. Tasman Peninsula - This rugged but stunning coastline has a variety of beautiful sites that we may call in at including Remarkable Cave, the Tessellated Pavement and Devils Kitchen. BeachesBicheno - has a great surf beach and is a renowned cold water diving spot. Wineglass Bay - has a beautiful golden sandy beach and crystal clear water. HikesCradle Mountain - There is fantastic hiking in this stunning National Park and, on our all-inclusive trips, we offer a choice of walks to suit clients fitness level and inclination! (Those on the 'Hop Off-Hop Off' Guided Transport can stay longer) Freycinet National Park - We spend 3-4 hours in this beautiful National Park on our all-inclusive trips and offer a number of walks of differing grades including the walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout followed by a swim at Wineglass Beach (weather permitting) or the challenging hike to the top of Mount Amos for fantastic views over Wineglass Bay. (Those on the 'Hop Off-Hop Off' Guided Transport can stay longer) Long Distance Hikes available on the 'Hop Off-Hop Off' Guided Transport includes: South Coast Track - Follows the ancient trail of the Aborigines into the South West National Park. From 5-10 days Overland Track - Runs between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Parks. From 7 days + CulturePort Arthur - This is one of Australia's most significant historic sites as it housed Tasmania's major penal settlement from 1830-1877. We include an introductory guided tour of the site on our all-inclusive tours and there is also the chance to do the great fun "Ghost Tour" in the evening (at own expense) where you can learn all the spooky stories and myths about the site and it's past inhabitants! WildlifeTasmania's isolation from mainland Australia has ensured the survival of many plants and animals that are rare or extinct in other states. As Tassie has no major problem with introduced predators, it boasts a high density of animals in a relatively small area and, in many areas even on a short bushwalk you can come across a pademelon (similar to a very small wallaby), wombat or possum. You may also see the famous and fearsome Tasmanian Devil (though you'll be surprised by how small they are!), koalas, kangaroos, Little Penguins, quolls, platypus, echidnas and some Australian Fur Seals. Other ActivitiesTullah - We provide canoes and mountain bikes so passengers can explore the lake or the surrounding countryside. There is also the option of a horse ride through the mountains (at own expense) Strahan - There are several fun activities available (all activities are optional):
Cataract Gorge - just outside Launceston, has the longest single span chair in the world, take it across the gorge for a great views (optional extra). Wildlife Park - just north of Bicheno, this is where passengers have the chance to get up close and personal with the native wildlife including Tassie Devils, Wombats and pademelons (little wallabies). Hobart - There are many things to check out while in the capital (all activities are at own expense):
NOTE: No activities excepting canoeing and mountain biking at Tullah are included on the Tasmania 'Hop On-Hop Off' Guided Transport.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I get to Launceston on the last day of 3 Day West Coast or 7 Day 'Top to Tail' Tour?Please be aware that we finish our 3 Day West Coast Tour and 7 Day Tour in Devonport. We cannot get your travellers to Launceston on the night the tour finishes. The tour arrives in Devonport usually by 6.45pm at the latest so we can still meet up with the Spirit of Tasmania ferry for those travelling the same night to Melbourne. Other travellers must stay in Devonport overnight. I know the West Coast tour ends in Devonport, but I need to get to Launceston from Devonport. How do I get there? You are more than welcome to get a free ride with us from Devonport to Launceston (depending on seat availability). We will not arrive into Launceston until approx. 9.30am and can easily drop you into your hostel or into town. (You can then catch the airport shuttle bus to the airport for flights -own expense) You will need to stay in Devonport overnight if you are finishing your tour in Devonport and not travelling on. To make it easier for the guide, we suggest that you stay at the Alexander Hotel (03) 6424 2252 with the rest of our group (approx. $16 for a dorm bed) What if I fly out of Launceston very early on day four or I fly out late at night on day three 'how do I get to Launceston from Devonport? There are two companies who can do transfers: Tasmanian Tour Company Ph: (03) 6491 2530 or 0409 208 134 Or Serenity Travel Ph: (03) 6424 9251 or 0408 103 990 Both charge approx. $80 for the transfer (so for two people, $40 each) Unfortunately at this time of the evening, there are no local bus transfers so Tasmanian Tour Company and Serenity Travel are the only option. You will need to book such a transfer and pay directly in cash on the day. Can I get picked up from the Devonport Ferry? Yes you can. Let your travel agent or our reservations team member know and we will pick you up after you come through all the formalities of leaving the ferry outside the terminal. Just look for our vehicle Are there any optional activities on tour ? The only activities our guides offer travellers whilst on tour are; - Quad bike riding at Henty sand dunes, usually offered on day two if available (West Coast) - Tullah horse riding (West Coast)usually offered on day two if available - Bicheno Penguins - (East Coast) at Bicheno if available - Port Arthur Ghost Tour (East Coast) Note: Prices are subject to change and therefore not able to be published What if I am not so fit, have children or don't like walking very much? There are plenty of options on our tours. At each of the National Parks we visit there are difficult hikes and easy hikes. You are more than welcome, however, to stroll along the easier hike at your own pace - all walks are extremely well signed and excellently paved so you won't have any problems getting lost. You only have to go as far as you wish - you can even sit back with a good book and enjoy the view for a few hours if you prefer. This applies to our major hikes at Cradle Mountain and Freycinet (Wineglass Bay). How hard and long are the walks that you do in Tasmania? The best thing about Tasmania is the fact that there are so many options available. If you don't feel like hiking, there are excellent lodge facilities, coffee shops, information/interpretive centres, animal spotting, helicopter flights & even a day spa at Cradle Mountain! Guides in Tasmania have a cumulative touring history of over 60 years! so they are well prepared and professional to cater for any needs. The longest walk we do is 10km to Montezuma Falls on day two 'it is completely flat (wheelchair friendly). This takes about 2.5 hours at a leisurely pace. The other hikes & walks we do are: Mt Field NP 'easy approx 30-40 mins Cradle Mountain 'various options depending on fitness level and weather 'hikes available from 7 hours (difficult) down to 40 minutes (easy). Everyone who can walk can do the Dove Lake circuit which is a beautiful easy walk around a lake whilst taking in the views of Cradle Mountain from many angles (approx 2 hours). Freycinet NP 'once again various hikes available depending on fitness level and weather 'Mt Amos climb (difficult) approx 2 hours & Wineglass Beach walk/lookout (easy 'approx 2.5 hours). Port Arthur 'leisurely stroll around the historic site at own pace. Where do we stay? We stay at the Tullah Lakeside Chalets not too far from the Cradle Mountain National Park. ATA has an exclusive accommodation wing there Do we visit any chocolate factories? Usually if time permits, the guides will stop off at the Anvers Belgian chocolate factory on the way into Devonport on the last day. This is a free tasting chocolate factory with cheap prices! Once again, this only depends on time 'if you are really keen to visit a chocolate factory, please advise your guide at the beginning of the tour and they will try and include it on the itinerary for you. We don't visit Cadbury on our tours 'Cadbury tours are usually booked out 4-6 weeks in advance and cost $25 per person. You only receive ONE piece of chocolate to taste each 'why go there when you can support a small local factory and taste all the chocolate you want? Dinner isn't included in Devonport on the 7 Day tour. What do we eat? Usually the group has dinner together at the Alex Hotel at your own expense (same place as our accommodation). If you don't want to spend money, there are kitchen facilities available if you wish to cook your own meal. We don't include this meal because many of the travellers are leaving the 3 Day West Coast tour which forms part of the 7 day tour. I want to do the East Coast tour on the same day my flight arrives into Launceston - can I still join the tour? If your flight arrives prior to 9am, it is probably best that you get the shuttle bus (approx. $10) into town and get dropped off at the Launceston Backpackers or catch a taxi. Pick up from the Launceston Backpackers is not until 9.15am. Where do we stay on the East Coast? We have our own exclusive accommodation on the East Coast. At Bicheno, ATA owns our own house. It is set up in dorm style with approx. 6 beds in each room. We also have two bedrooms for people who wish to upgrade to a single/double/twin hostel room using the shared bathrooms. For those wishing to upgrade to motel accommodation, we stay at the Bicheno Beachfront motel. At Pt Arthur, we also own our own house which is within easy walking distance to the historic site. Once again, if you wish to upgrade to motel accommodation, we use the Stewarts Bay Lodge, or the Comfort Inn. How much is the Penguin Tour at Bicheno? The evening Penguin viewing is $20 per person. Please advise your guide when you are picked up that you wish to do this tour so they can book you in. Do you visit a wildlife park? Unfortunately as our itinerary is so busy we haven't included a visit to the wildlife park. In Summer however as the daylight hours are longer, it is possible to visit a wildlife park if time permits and there are other travellers on your tour who are interested in doing so. Please ask your guide at the beginning of the tour and provided that others are interested in visiting, he or she will do there best to take you to one of the many wildlife parks in Tasmania. This will usually be an additional expense for the passenger of approx. $10pp. (which is almost a 50% discount compared to what other people pay). How much is the ghost tour at Port Arthur? We are the only company that stays overnight at Pt Arthur meaning that we can offer you the opportunity to participate on the ghost tour. The ghost tour is $17.50pp. The ghost tour is more a tour in the evening of the historic site with a few historical ghost stories 'it is not a fun house or theme park, although there is a chance you may have a ghostly encounter…. The ghost tour guides do speak very fast 'for full enjoyment of this ghost tour it is best to have a good command of English. Can I get dropped off at the Hobart Airport on the way back into town? No problem - the tour does not usually arrive back into town until 5-6pm. To be safe, please ensure your flight does not leave prior to 6pm to ensure the guides can get you there on time. I want to do the full 6 or 7 day package but I want to spend extra nights in Hobart, or I want to spend some time in Devonport/Launceston. Is it possible for me to jump off the tour and then get back on? Yes, this is possible but only in our major pick up hubs - Hobart, Devonport or Launceston. This can only really work during our Summer months when we have tours running regularly, and can only work if there is available seating on the day you wish to continue the tour. You will still only have to pay the 6/7 day package price but will obviously have to work out your own accommodation and meals when not actively participating on the tour. What do clients need to bring? A sturdy pair of walking shoes (preferably ankle-high), a warm hat, sunscreen, towel, toiletries, swimming gear, warm & waterproof clothing (even in summer), water bottle, insect repellent, camera and lots of film and motion sickness tablets (if they suffer from motion sickness). CLIENTS MUST ALSO PRESENT A VALID VOUCHER FOR TRAVEL TO THE GUIDE ON THE MORNING OF TOUR DEPARTURE. |
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Tasmania
is a separate island located 240km south of Melbourne across
Bass Strait. Roughly heart-shaped, Tasmania is 296km long,
ranging from 315km wide in the north to 70km in the south.