Travel Innovations

Australia

6 Day Eastern Getaway

Day 1 Sat. Launceston, Woolmers Estate, Cataract Gorge, Welcome Dinner.
Join a morning flight to Launceston, arriving before 12.40 p.m. This afternoon, take a guided tour of Launceston. Inspect the fine collection of antiques at historical Woolmers Estate, and enjoy some time to explore the National Rose Garden. Later in the afternoon visit spectacular Cataract Gorge. This evening, enjoy complimentary pre dinner welcome drinks followed by a Welcome Dinner. Get to know your fellow travellers and crew.
Stay: Launceston, Commodore Regent. Overlooking central city parklands. (D)

Day 2 Sun. Weldborough Pass, East Coast Natureworld, Freycinet National Park, Swansea.
This morning we continue through the winegrowing area of northern Tasmania. During flowering season, visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Dec. - Jan.). Stop at the East Coast Natureworld and meet a Tasmanian Devil, so called by early European settlers because of its spine chilling screeches, black colour, and reputed bad temper. Although only the size of a small dog, it can look and sound incredibly fierce. Travel along beautiful Tasmanian coastline and into the stunning Freycinet National Park. Join a guided walk along Richardsons Beach at Coles Bay.
Stay: Swansea, Waterloo Inn, overlooking Oyster Bay. (B,D)

Day 3 Mon. Ross, Richmond, Tasman Peninsula, Eaglehawk Neck, Port Arthur.
Journey inland to Campbell Town and Ross. Travel south to the charming Georgian village of Richmond. Between 1824 and 1872, it was a busy town. When a bridge was built at Sorell, traffic rarely passed through which is why Richmond remains much as it did 100 years ago. See the famous Richmond Bridge. Proceed to Eaglehawk Neck, with its rugged coastline which you can enjoy from Pirates Bay Lookout. Continue on to Port Arthur.
Stay: Port Arthur, Fox and Hounds Inn. (B,D)

Day 4 Tue. Port Arthur Historic Site, Harbour Cruise, Hobart, Mt Nelson.
Port Arthur is Australia's most notorious convict prison, having been called 'hell on earth' by its 12,500 convict prisoners. Many of the sandstone prison buildings remain and have been preserved. At the Port Arthur Historic Site, call into the Visitor Centre and play the ‘Lottery of Life’ game. Take a guided tour through the chapel and penitentiary ruins and join the Marana for a cruise around the ‘Isle of the Dead’. Travel to Tasmania’s capital of Hobart, situated along the shores of the Derwent River. Journey to the top of Mt Nelson for magnificent views.
Two Night Stay: Hobart, Hadleys Hotel, situated in the heart of Hobart. (B,D)

Day 5 Wed. Cadbury Chocolate Factory, Salamanca Place, Botanical Gardens.
Tour the sights of Hobart, including a guided tour through the Cadbury Chocolate Factory and sample some well known favourites (seasonal closures occur, please enquire at time of booking). Wander through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and see the historic sandstone buildings of Salamanca Place. The remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps visit the Cascade Brewery (own expense). Dinner this evening has not been included to allow you to discover the culinary delights of Hobart for yourself. (B)

Day 6 Thur. Home.
Today your jouney ends, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

2007 Dates: April 7, April 21, May 5
2007 price: US$1145 per person double, $1395 single, $1085 per person triple