I arrived in Launceston, the starting point for my tour of Tasmania, with excitement and really looking forward to seeing this wonderful Island that I had heard and read so much about.
Our Accommodation for the first 2 nights was at the Grand Chancellor, beautiful Hotel, right in the CBD .
Buffet for Dinner and Breakfast. ( One of the best I have experienced in all my travelling). Great location...
Day 2 Our Coach Driver Tony and Tour Director Kim provided us with a lot of interesting information about Launceston, as we headed south to visit the Woolmer Estate at Longford. This magnificent Estate, has seen 6 generations of Archers dates back 1819, before being handed over to the Archer Historical Foundation on the death of Thomas Archer in 1994 . This estate is now run by the Woolmer Foundation. Staff were on hand to guide us through this beautiful house and buildings. Also home to the National Rose garden with over 3000 roses. Next stop, The Gourmet Sauce Co. famous for their homemade Jams and sauces and a little taste as well. Yummy. Tummy rumbling we head to the quaint little village of Evandale, known for its national Penny Farthing Championships. Evandale today is a National trust classified Georgian Village, very popular with tourists for its unspoilt heritage buildings. After lunch we head back to Launceston to visit the beautiful Cataract Gorge. We began with a walk over the Suspension bridge to view the gorge, then trekked up to the top before hopping on the chairlift for our return journey. Our next little treat was a cruise on the Tamar River with afternoon tea and Wine tasting as well. Tasmanian wines of course. The cruise was about 3 hours in length and took us up the South Esk River to see Cataract Gorge, before heading out into the Tamar, venturing as far as Rosevears hotel where we turned and headed back to Launceston. Would really recommend this cruise. Dinner tonight was at the Jailhouse Grill - Fantastic
Day 3. Today we head to Ashgrove Cheese Factory at Elizabeth Town, and enjoy a tasting of these very tasty cheeses and pastes. On to the House of Anvers, renowned for their Belgian chocolates and fudges. Now I had to taste these. Yummo. Next we visit the village of Sheffield, known for it murals. These murals were painted on the majority of businesses to attract tourists. After having lunch and a look around we head for Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain. This is what I had be waiting to see and I was not disappointed.Truely beautiful, with a little snow on the Mountain. our accommodation was at the beautiful Cradle Mountain Chateau. Loved it.
Day 4.On to Burnie for a brief stop, then continue on to Stanley for a look at the famous Nut, also Birth Place of Sir Joseph Lyons. After a chairlift ride to the top of the Nut we then visited the Highfields Estate, another very old home. Then on to Strahan. Tonight we are staying at Strahan Village.
Day 5. This morning we head down to the wharf to board the Lady Jane Franklin for our Cruise on the Gordon River. ( Another of my to do list ticked) After a little misty rain we headed out into Macquarie Harbour then headed up the Gordon River to visit Sarah Island which was a penal colony before Port Arthur, and take a walk in the wilderness. on our return we boarded the Wilderness Railway for a short ride through the beautiful wilderness to Lower Landing for afternoon tea before returning to Strahan. Dinner tonight was at the Village Pub. Great food.
Day 6. On to Hobart today with a brief stop at Queenstown, then continue on to Lake St Clair another beautiful lake. After a quick bite at nearby hotel we were taken to the Wall in The Wilderness, at Derwent Bridge, one man's amazing story of early pioneering days carved out of Huon Pine. Not to be missed . Then off to Russell Falls, now these are fantastic. Not to be missed. Then we continue on a short drive into hobart. our hotel is the Hadley.situated in the heart of the CBD. Dinner tonight at the Drunken Admiral at Constitution Dock.
Day 7. Today we visit famous Salamanca markets ( great markets) and a walk around the city. Then homeward bound. If you visit the markets try the Curried Scallop Pie. Yummy
Fantastic Trip.