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Australian Pacific Touring Wilderness Explorer Tasmania

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Discover the untamed beauty of Tasmania from the World Heritage wilderness of Cradle Mountain National Park to bustling Salamanca markets in Hobart. Experience it all on this 9 day tour.

Day 1 Fri.
Hobart, Dine Around Dinner
Two Night Stay: APT EXCLUSIVE! Hobart, Hotel Grand Chancellor, guaranteed Harbour View Rooms overlooking Constitution Dock

Be met on arrival in Hobart and transferred to your hotel. Tonight you get to choose your dining experience. Perhaps sample mouth-watering cuisine at Restaurant Tasman, enjoy the nautical atmosphere of The Drunken Admiral, or dine on Spanish-influenced cuisine at Sisco's on the Pier. Dx1

Day 2 Sat.
Salamanca Market, Freedom of Choice Touring

Enjoy free time to discover Hobart's renowned Salamanca Market today on a bustling Saturday. Wander the over three hundred stalls and interact with local stall operators to find out about the arts and crafts on display. Today you also have a range of Freedom of Choice Touring activities to choose from. Perhaps join a guided walking tour of Hobart, or walk among the tree tops on the Tahune AirWalk. Alternatively you might like to enjoy a traditional high tea at historic Hadley's Hotel or paddle past the sights of Hobart in a sea kayak. Bx1

Day 2 Alternative.
Bruny Island Adventure Cruise

Replace Day 2 touring with a full day adventure to Bruny Island. This three hour eco-cruise aboard a custom-built speed boat is not for the faint hearted! Find yourself in awe as you sit at the bottom of towering sea cliffs, among the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. Drift up close and listen to the amazing Breathing Rock and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. You may also see an array of wildlife - dolphins, fur seals, and bird life including the albatross. Additional: A$126 per person. Lunch included. Conditions apply and must be pre-booked. Contact Us for more details.

Day 3 Sun.
Russell Falls, Lake St Clair, West Coast Wilderness Railway, Strahan
Two Night Stay: APT EXCLUSIVE! Strahan Village, Harbour View Deluxe Rooms

Follow the famous Derwent Valley to historic New Norfolk. Enter Mt Field National Park, Tasmania's oldest national park, where there are many treasures to be discovered by the nature lover. A short walk will bring us to the spectacular sight and serene sound of cascading Russell Falls. Relax among the giant tree ferns and maybe spot a rainbow trout in the clear creek. From here, travel deep into World Heritage wilderness to Lake St Clair, surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges. As you approach Queenstown the lush vegetation diminishes, testimony to the destructive copper smelting process of years gone by. Here, join the magnificently restored West Coast Wilderness Railway. Ride aboard elegant brass and timber carriages as you travel through dense rainforest and steep gorges. This evening, enjoy a delicious buffet meal on the hilltop at Strahan Village. Make sure to take in the fabulous views of Strahan's picturesque harbour from your room. Bx1 Dx1

Day 4 Mon.
Gordon River Cruise, Dine Around Dinner

Join a cruise aboard the Lady Jane Franklin II across Macquarie Harbour to the wilderness of the Gordon River, enjoying guaranteed window seating and lunch. Stop at Heritage Landing for a gentle walk through the dappled light of the ancient rainforest. Later, visit the infamous penal colony of Sarah Island, which once housed the toughest of the colony's convicts. A local guide will detail the settlement's fascinating history along the way. This afternoon, explore the picturesque town of Strahan, then choose to dine at View 42º, Hamers Hotel or The Fish Cafe. Perhaps take the opportunity this evening to see a local pantomime based on a convict's great escape from Sarah Island (own expense). Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 5 Tue.
Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Freedom of Choice Touring
Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge, individual Pencil Pine Cabins among tree-lined ranges

Board your luxury coach and continue to the remote beauty of World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain. With a guide, learn about Dove Lake where you can see the dramatic peaks of Cradle Mountain. See Waldheim Chalet, nestled amid the ferns, built in 1912 as one man's utopia. This afternoon participate in our Freedom of Choice Touring concept without adding to the price of your holiday. Choose to sample the delights of local Tasmanian produce during a wine and cheese tasting presentation, or take a guided walk to learn of the surrounding alpine flora and fauna. Alternatively, encounter the Cradle Mountain wilderness at night on a spotlighting tour (limited availability), pamper yourself with a spa and sauna at the lodge's Waldheim Alpine Spa or pick up a gourmet picnic hamper to enjoy in the National Park. Tonight dine in the timber-lined Highland Restaurant then relax by the fire in the cosy lodge. Bx1 Dx1

Day 6 Wed.
The Nut, Woolnorth Wind Farm, Cape Grim, Smithton
Stay: Smithton, Tall Timbers Hotel, built from a variety of Tasmanian timber

Today journey along the scenic north-west coast to Stanley. Here you will visit The Nut, an extinct volcano that now stands as a rocky outcrop. Continue to Woolnorth, perched atop the windswept cliffs of Tasmania's most north-west tip. Take a guided tour of the state's largest wind farm. Tour nearby Cape Grim and breathe in the crisp, refreshing air known for being the cleanest in the world. Bx1 Dx1

Day 7 Thur.
Sheffield, Ashgrove Cheese Factory, Woolmers Estate, National Rose Garden
Two Night Stay: Launceston, Hotel Grand Chancellor in the city centre

Travel to Devonport, the major point of entry for visitors journeying across Bass Strait. Continue on to Sheffield, travelling along the base of the Great Western Tiers, with Mt Roland looming as a backdrop. Free time allows us to explore this quaint town where over 30 murals have been painted on many of the buildings' facades. This afternoon enjoy a visit to Ashgrove Cheese Factory and taste their speciality cheeses. Recognised as one of Australia's leading farmhouse cheese producers, Ashgrove uses traditional recipes and techniques. Then visit Woolmers Estate to explore the estate, its museum and the National Rose Garden. Travel on to Launceston, a city of elegant architecture and award-winning restaurants. Located in a river valley, the city is a blend of history, scenery, entertainment, adventure, fine food and wine. Bx1

Day 8 Fri.
Historic Ross, Farewell Dinner

Travel around the Great Lake before heading to the quaint heritage township of Ross. View the famous historical bridge, built by convicts and featuring more than 180 unique hand carvings. On return to Launceston, spend your last evening at a Farewell Dinner and Drinks, with a menu exclusively chosen for APT guests. Enjoy a chef's presentation about the culinary secrets used in the preparation of the meal. Bx1 Dx1

Day 9 Sat.
Launceston, Cataract Gorge

Take some time to explore Cataract Gorge, a unique natural rock formation, before your tour concludes with an included airport transfer. Bx1

COST*
RT09
Single: $4,010
Twin: $3,145
Triple: $2,988
*Dinner & Breakfast Package

Departures

25/09/09 02/10/09 16/10/09 23/10/09 06/11/09 13/11/09 20/11/09 27/11/09 04/12/09 18/12/09 25/12/09

08/01/10 15/01/10 29/01/10 05/02/10 12/02/10 19/02/10 26/02/10 05/03/10 12/03/10 19/03/10 26/03/10