TASMANIA TOURING Escorted Group Tour Itinerary SEPTEMBER ...

TASMANIA TOURING
Plus Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road
Escorted Group Tour Itinerary
SEPTEMBER 2012
Saturday 15
Meet your Tour Escort at Auckland International Airport and check-in
as a group
12.55 pm Depart Auckland onboard Qantas Airways Flight QF 260
3.05 pm Arrive Melbourne
On arrival we will be transferred to our accommodation:
The afternoon is free to explore Melbourne at your leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Rydges, Melbourne
Sunday 16
Melbourne
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel
Today we will experience the sights of cosmopolitan Melbourne, then
Travel around Westernport Bay to Warrook Farm. See sheep, cattle,
kangaroos and Australian birds. Enjoy Devonshire Tea. Visit koalas in
their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre. Arrive at the
famous Penguin Parade and watch the nightly ritual, as the little
penguins march up the sand to their nesting places.
Monday 17
Accommodation: Hotel Rydges, Melbourne
Great Ocean Road
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel
(B)
We travel along Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road and see the stone
monoliths of the Twelve Apostles. Enjoy the amazing shipwreck story of
survival of the Loch Ard and visit its famous Gorge and Razorback
Lookout. Visit the rock known as London Bridge, parts of which
collapsed in recent years.
Accommodation: Hotel Rydges, Melbourne
(B)

Tuesday 18
Crossing the Bass Strait
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel.
Today is at leisure until late afternoon when we will be transferred to the
departure dock for our ocean crossing onboard the Spirit of Tasmania.
7.30 pm Depart Melbourne onboard Spirit of Tasmania
Share twin accommodation with private facilities.
There isn’t a more relaxing way to start your holiday than onboard a night
sailing. See Melbourne’s city skyline ablaze as the setting sun shines its final
rays of the day across Port Melbourne.
No meals are included onboard, however there is a range of food
available for purchase on board to suit different tastes. There is also a range
of bars to enjoy onboard.
(B)
Wednesday 19
Welcome to the Island State
6.00 am Arrive Devonport
After disembarkation from the ‘Spirit’ our AAT Kings coach and driver/guide
will there to meet us.
We begin our Tasmania Adventure and make our way from Tasmania’s port
town towards Launceston. Tasmania’s second largest city.
Upon arrival we have an introductory tour including Cataract Gorge -
wilderness in the city! Just two minutes out of town and you’re surrounded by
rivers, a gorge and exotic flora and fauna. Enjoy a walk across the suspension
bridge, spot peacocks or take the chairlift for an aerial view of this fascinating
urban wilderness, you decide.
Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner and drink with the Tour Director at our
hotel.
Accommodation: Mecure Hotel, Launceston
(D)
Thursday 20
Freycinet National Park
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel.
This morning we will see Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees in honour of
fallen WWI soldiers, the old mining town of Derby and then drive through the
lush myrtle rainforest at Weldborough Pass. We visit St. Helens at lunchtime.
Then get your camera ready for the spectacular and breathtaking Freycinet
National Park. We take a guided walk with a National Park Ranger that will
unveil astonishing views across brilliant blue water, forest and golden beaches.
Cape Tourville Lookout will astound!
Dinner tonight is included at our Hotel
Accommodation: Beachfront at Bicheno
(B,D)

Friday 21
Port Arthur
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel
En route to our morning tea destination of Copping, we will travel through
Swansea, Orford and Sorrell. Then chart a course for Port Arthur along an
impressive cliff-lined coast. We cross the 100 year old Denison Canal and the
historic once guarded checkpoint of Eaglehawk Neck. On our way to Port
Arthur we feast our eyes on the amazing vistas of Tasman’s Arch, Devil’s
Kitchen and the Blowhole. Then we cruise around the isle of the Dead and
take a fascinating guided walk of the Historic Site and prison. Test your nerve
on the optional lantern-lit Ghost Tour of Port Arthur.
Dinner tonight is included at our Hotel
Accommodation: Fox and Hounds Inn, Port Arthur
(B,D)
Saturday 22
Richmond – Hobart
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel.
This morning we head back over the Tasman Peninsula towards Hobart. We
drive through the Coal River Valley to the historic sandstone village of
Richmond, site of Australia’s oldest operational road bridge and a perfect spot
for lunch. Later we get up close and personal with Tasmanian Devils and other
native animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. We cross the Derwent River on
our way in to Hobart where the afternoon is yours!
Dinner tonight is included at our Hotel
Accommodation: Wrest Point, Hobart
(B, D)
Sunday 23
Hobart
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel
Morning free for you to explore Hobart at your leisure.
This afternoon we take an orientation tour including Battery Point, Salamanca
Place and Constitution Dock.
Accommodation: Wrest Point, Hobart
(B)

Monday 24
Russell Falls
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel
This morning we head west to New Norfolk and the magnificent Mt. Field
National Park. Tasmania’s oldest National Park is the location of the
spectacular three-tiered waterfall – Russell Falls, which is surrounded by
towering swamp gums. Then we take the winding journey up to Lake St. Clair
– amazing vistas await us. Back down to Queenstown, along the rainforest
bordered road of World Heritage protected Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers
National Park – a journey of exploration.
Tonight we dine at the Hotel
Accommodation: Chancellor Inn, Queenstown
(B,D)
Tuesday 25
Gordon River Cruise
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel
Today we travel to the fishing village of Strahan on the Macquarie Harbour
where we cruise the Gordon River – lunch is included. You will be awestruck
by the beauty of the dark waters, stained amber by buttongrass tannins,
reflecting the untouched wilderness and be amazed by the 2,000 year old
Huon Pine at Heritage Landing. Post cruise, the afternoon is yours. Use your
free time to relax or explore – enjoy an optional and highly recommended
train ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, or maybe visit the Huon Pine
Museum.
We will enjoy dinner together at the Hotel
Wednesday 26
Accommodation: Chancellor Inn, Queenstown
Cradle Mountain
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel
(B,L,D)
We travel past Lake Plimsoll through Tullah on the shores of Lake Rosebery,
Surrounded by forests and mountains and close to the Southwest
Conservation Area, to the sensational Cradle Mountain National Park. Once
there we will go up to Waldheim and gorgeous Dove Lake for spectacular
views of Cradle Mountain – make sure the camera’s loaded and the battery’s
charged, this is a scenic highlight - and the air – there’s none fresher! Next we
travel to Sheffield for a wander through this town of murals with its colourful
wall paintings that adorn the town’s buildings, enroute to Burnie.
Dinner tonight will be at our hotel
Accommodation: Beachfront Voyager, Burnie
(B,D)

Thursday 27
The Nut, Stanley
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel
First up today is a guided tour of the Paper Makers’ Workshop, located on the
site of the old paper mill at Burnie. Rolling green hills and Friesian cows – this
morning you will think you are in a butter commercial as we make our way to
Table Cape, home of tulips, for views of Bass Strait, the lighthouse and
coastline. We arrive at Wynyard for morning tea. Then picturesque Stanley is
in our sights as we head west for lunch with a view of ‘The Nut’. On arrival we
visit Highfield Historic Site, unique amongst colonial residences in Tasmania. It
was built by the Van Diemen’s Land Company and is a rare example of
domestic architecture from the Regency period, which is characterized by
refined decoration that is geometric yet elegant.
Accommodation: Beachfront Voyager, Burnie
(B)
Friday 28
Burnie – Launceston
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel
We travel east along the coast through Penguin and Ulverstone. Then it’s off
to Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory for a presentation on cheese making and
some delicious product testing – yum! We finish up in Launceston with a
Farewell Dinner at our hotel.
Accommodation: Mecure Hotel, Launceston
(B,D)
Saturday 29
Launceston - Home
Enjoy breakfast at our Hotel
We have the morning to run around Launceston and do last minute
sightseeing and/or shopping.
We will be transferred to the Airport in time for our flights home
1.35 pm Depart Launceston on Qantas Airways Flight QF 5742
2.40 pm Arrive Melbourne
4.30 pm Depart Melbourne on Qantas Airways Flight QF 133
11.10 pm Arrive Auckland

TOTAL PACKAGE COSTS:
PER PERSON SHARE TWIN $ 6,368.00
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ADD $1,356.00
All prices are per person and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, tax increases, airfare
and/or operator increase until final payment is received. Prices are based on a group size of 15 passengers
and may need to be re-costed if group size is smaller. If there are insufficient numbers to warrant tour
being escorted, booked passengers will have the option of cancelling their trip or continuing with travel
arrangements unescorted.
Price Includes:
• Round trip economy class airfares
• All airport departure taxes
• All transfers as shown
• All accommodation (with private facilities) as shown
• Meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
• Sightseeing with admissions as shown
• AAT Kings private air-conditioned coach
• Services of an experienced Tour Escort throughout (subject to minimum numbers)
How to book:
To make a booking, please complete both sides of the booking form and return to us along with your
deposit.
Deposit:
A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 per person is required to secure your booking.
Balance:
The balance of your tour is due for payment by 15 July 2012.
Documentation Required:
A valid and current New Zealand passport is required. If travelling on other than a New Zealand passport,
further documentation may be required. Please advise. Please note that your passport must be valid for 6
months after your return to New Zealand.
Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance is very strongly recommended to provide cover for health, baggage and personal effects,
loss of monies through cancellation, additional expenses incurred through illness, travel delay and/or
interruption and personal liability. We use QBE Travel Insurance and have included details on our booking
form.
Cancellation Fees:
Cancellation fees of $500.00 per person will apply – plus any additional Operator cancellation fees.
Airline Tickets once issued are non refundable.

AAT Kings:
AAT Kings have been chosen to take us on our sight-seeing tours as specialized tour operators in Tasmania.
Everything they do is about bringing your holiday to life – from the big picture to the finest details, they are
passionate about take you on a journey that shares the spirit of Tasmania. Explore a different world each
day – from the abundant wildlife and the rich colonial history and heritage to the natural produce and the
enticing cool-climate wines. The itineraries combine organized touring with plenty of free time so you can
shop, explore or spend a relaxing evening in a local restaurant. A great range of optional excursions,
cultural experiences and exhilarating adventures can be added to your holiday.
AAT Kings say “Our holidays are so flexible they might not even feel like an organized tour – but just a
brilliantly organized personal holiday!”
The air-conditioned coaches are the newest in Tasmania. The luxurious, modern vehicles feature onboard
comforts like reclining seats with seatbelts, panoramic windows, restrooms and two-door access. Chat, sit
back and relax, or listen to your Tour Director tell you about the places you are visiting as your driver takes
you there.
The Spirit of Tasmania
Cross Bass Strait in comfort in a Twin Cabin, suitable for one or two passengers. Twin cabins feature 2 single
beds, porthole window (subject to availability), and private bathroom facilities. All cabins have airconditioning
with adjustable controls, a powerpoint, wall mounted reading lights, handing space, a desk and
wall mirror. Bedding, towels and soap provided.
Once you've set sail, you'll find a whole world of entertainment! There's always something to do when you
travel with Spirit of Tasmania, including portable entertainment players (Shipmates) available for hire at
AUD20 – enjoy movies, comedy, cartoons, music etc. On board cinema - showing movies at 8pm and 10pm
– free of charge. Gift shops, gaming lounge, internet access etc.
Enjoy a meal on board or relax in one of the bars. Choose from two dining styles; a la carte or buffet. Snacks
are also available at the bars and gift shop.