This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
✓ Incredible sightseeing! Cruise and tour the Tasman Peninsula including Port Arthur, cruise Gordon River to Hells Gate, take your time to explore Cradle Mountain’s natural wonders, taste Tasmania’s finest produce during an intimate tour of Josef Chromy Winery, cruise Freycinet’s stunning Wineglass Bay and marvel at the beauty of 19th-century villages Ross and Richmond
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel with all arrangements made for you
✓ 10 days medium-size car rental, including unlimited kilometres and NIL damage excess
✓ 10 nights in stunning 4-star hotels and lodges
✓ 1 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel
✓ 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches including an intimate lunch and tour of Josef Chromy Winery – one of Launceston most renowned wineries
✓ Full-day guided cruise and tour of the Tasman Peninsula, including Port Arthur
✓ Cruise Gordon River on Captain’s Premier Upper Deck
✓ Cruise Freycinet National Park’s iconic Wineglass Bay from the adults-only Sky Lounge on the upper deck of Schouten Passage II
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
The best of Tassie with the flexibility of independent travel! Discover this breathtakingly beautiful island state’s stunning natural landscapes and rich history on an independent tour with all arrangements made for you. Along the way, sample Tasmania’s gourmet delights, visit local vineyards and distilleries and enjoy an intimate tour and lunch at a renowned Launceston winery.
Make your way to your accommodation. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities arranged for the day.
Consider exploring Hobart’s highlights such as Salamanca Place, Battery Point and constitution dock.
Check in & arrival information.
A taxi or Uber from Hobart airport to your accommodation costs approximately $90 per car. Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
Make your way Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Centre (some 450m from your accommodation) by 07.15am to embark on a full day guided tour and cruise of Port Arthur. Today you will join the ultimate Tasman Peninsula day tour. Your day includes a return guided bus tour from Hobart, award-winning 3 hour cruise, morning tea and lunch as part of three hours at the Port Arthur Historic Site. Please make sure you dress warmly for today’s cruise - even during summer months! Part of this journey will be in open sea.
Collect your rental vehicle from Avis Hobart city depot and drive to Strahan. As a suggested route, you may want to make a first stop at Mt Field National Park and take a short walk to Russell Falls. Continue driving towards the mining town of Queenstown before making your way to Strahan, your final stop for the day.
Approximate distance driven: 320km
Walk to Straham Wharf (approximately 170m from your accommodation) by 8am to join your Gordon River Cruise. Cruising aboard Spirit of the Wild you will experience quiet cruising with electric motors while taking in the tranquil surrounds of the Gordon River. Dedicated guides and character-based interpretation will take you through the history of this remarkable place as you cruise across Macquarie Harbour to Hells Gates and then on to the Gordon River. Your premier upper deck seat includes private viewing deck and lounge area as well as morning tea and lunch serving canapés, Tasmanian red and white wines, sparkling wines, beers, juices, tea and espresso coffee.
Your cruise returns to Strahan at approximately 2.30pm. Return to your hotel, collect your luggage, drive to your accommodation and prepare to explore your next destination: Cradle Mountain - Lake St Claire National Park.
Approximate distance driven: 145km
Today is at leisure for you to explore Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain - Lake St Claire National Park is one of the state's most special places, where ancient pines fringe glacial lakes and icy streams cascade down rugged mountains. You may wish to explore on foot on one of the many walks and hikes in the region, or set up the tripod and take some photos at the famous Dove Lake.
Take your time, sleep in and relax as the morning is free until check out time. Once ready, continue driving northwest to Stanley, nestled at the base of the Nut - a 143 metre high massif rising from Bass Strait and the sole remains of an ancient volcanic plug.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Take your time to discover the historic city centre of Stanley or make your way to the summit of the Nut for spectacular views across Bass Strait beaches and over the town. If you are feeling energetic you may choose to walk to the top (10 to 20 minutes walk). Alternatively, you can catch a chairlift, which operates from the 1st Thursday of September until the last Wednesday of May, from 9.30am to 4.30pm and it costs approximately $17 per person return or $11 per person one way.
Approximate distance driven: 180km
Today take your time to drive to Launceston. Along the way recommend you to stop at Burnie for lunch and maybe a visit to Burnie's Regional Art Gallery which is open on Saturdays from 11.30am to 4pm (the gallery may close during the winter monhts - please call ahead to confirm opening hours). Afterwards, perhaps pay a visit to Hellyers Road Distillery to withness how one of the finest single malt whiskies in the world is made. The distillery offers daily guided tours at 3pm for $19.50 per person. The tour takes approximately 30-40’ to complete. If interested, call them ahead of time to book and to check for alternative tour times that day.
Approximate distance driven: 230km
Today, make your way to Josef Chromy Winery & Restaurant by 10:30am for an intimate tour of its winery, before heading to the cellar door for a seated wine tasting flight and a two course lunch of fine Tasmanian produce with matched wines.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore Launceston
Approximate distance drive: 30km
Today, drive to Freycinet. The two most popular options for today's drive are:
1 - Drive from Launceston straight to Coles Bay. Arrive by lunchtime, explore the town or go for a walk or a drive along Esplanade.
2 - Alternatively, and our recommended option, take a longer drive visiting Bridestowe Lavender Estate and the picturesque sea town of St Helen along the way.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate is located about 50 minute drive from Launceston and it is the largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. Activities and events change throughout the year with the seasons. Generally speaking, in summer you will find lavender flowers in bloom and it's perhaps the most photogenic time of the year. While during autumn lavenders flowers are pruned to stimulate growth, the Estate gardens come to life with changing colour leaves. Winter is the quietest season. Sitting in front of the fire, coffee in hand and watching snow covered Mount Arthur is the name of the game. During Spring many bulbs and shrubs in the gardens come to life once more to complement the landscape. For up to date information on what to do during your trip, visit Bridestowe Lavender Estate's website.
Once ready, continue driving to St Helens, the largest town on Tasmania's north-east coast and just a few kilometres away from Binalong Bay and the southern end of the beautiful beaches of the Bay of Fires. Options for a light lunch or coffee and cake abound abound in St Helens
Finally, continue driving south to Freycinet Lodge, your accommodation for tonight.
Approximate distance driven: Option 1: 180km, Option 2: 310km
This morning join your fully guided morning cruise. Cruise beneath the ruggedly beautiful pink granite cliffs that rise from the Tasman Sea, skirt forested capes and discover hidden, sea-swept bays. En route, you’ll encounter some of the peninsula’s remarkable wildlife including graceful white bellied sea eagles and prolific sea birds. Keep watch for pods of sleek dolphins, cavorting seals or if you’re lucky, the unforgettable sight of majestic whales on their yearly migration.
Today we have reserved the Sky Lounge for you. The Sky Lounge is on the upper deck of Schouten Passage II. The adults only lounge with banquette style seating for up to 26 passengers provides an intimate experience, with direct access to the Captains bridge and private viewing deck. Morning tea, lunch and beverages are included. Enjoy a smorgasbord of plump local oysters, alongside salmon and smoked meats, breads, cheeses and salad served with the east coast's renowned wines and artisan brews.
Wineglass Bay Cruises offer two pick-up points:
9.30am – 61 Jetty Road
10.00am – Freycinet Lodge Jetty
Please refer to your travel document for further details.
Leave Freycinet behind and drive south to your accommodation in Hobart. On the way, you may want pay a visit to the historic towns of Ross & Richmond.
Ross is arguably the finest nineteenth century village in Australia. Cobble-style paths and grand old elm trees line the main street, while the Ross Bridge, Australia's third oldest bridge still standing, is possibly the most beautiful of its kind left in the world.
The detail of its 186 carvings by convict stonemasons was deemed of such high quality that it won the men a free pardon.
Continue driving south to Richmond - a picture-perfect town in the heart of the Coal River Valley wine region that tells the story of an early Australian colonial village. The town's most photographed landmark is the Richmond Bridge. Built by convicts in the 1820s, it's the oldest bridge in Australia and offers a perfect picnic spot on the grassy banks of the Coal River.
Approximate driving distance: 240km
Today your Tasmanian Deluxe Road Trip comes to an end. Farewell Hobart as you make your own way to the airport (rental car drop off can be at the airport depot) for your onward flight or to continue the next part of your journey.
Check-out & departure information
Hotel check out is at 11am. You are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area if departing later.
Please note: Our packages are priced based on 1 or 2 people sharing 1 medium sized car. If you are travelling with more than 2 passengers, please reach out to our sales team for pricing and car upgrade options.
Upgrade to an Intermediate SUV - Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
You may want to upgrade your car hire to an Intermediate SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group K) or Similar for an extra $240 in total.
Upgrade to a Large SUV - Toyota Kluger or similar
Full Size SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group H) or Similar for an extra $850 in total.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of $300 per person (two people booking) or $600 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
Driving in Winter
Whilst Tasmanian roads are well maintained, during snowy weather in the winter months, some roads may be temporarily closed to all but all wheel drive vehicles. If travelling in winter, please consider upgrading your car hire to an all wheel drive one. See below under Car Hire Upgrade for more information & prices
Drivers Licence Requirement
Avis Australia will rent to drivers that present a current drivers licence. The renter has to have held the licence for 12 months. Avis Australia will not rent to any person on a Provisional or Probationary licence.
If foreign licence is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an International Drivers Permit (containing an English translation).
Age Requirement
Medium size cars, minimum 21 years of age
SUVs & larger vehicles, minimum 25 years of age
Additional Drivers
Additional Driver fees will apply to each individual additional driver - with the exception of the lead driver’s spouse.
* $5.00 + GST per day, per additional driver
* Max charge of $25.00 + GST per additional driver (5 day max charge)
It is essential that proof of a valid driver’s licence is provided and that the additional driver signs the rental agreement.
The Spouse of the Lead Driver includes someone (of any gender) they are married to or in a relationship with.
Digital Drivers License
A Digital Drivers License is not accepted. Drivers require a hard copy license until further notice.
Rates Include
Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF), Administration Fee, Goods & Services Tax (GST), Premium Location Surcharge (PLS) / Concession Recovery Fee (CRF), Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Unlimited Kilometres, Nil Damage Excess.
Please note: The renter must always pay to Avis the following costs and fees:
The cost of repairing any:
· (a) ‘Overhead Damage’ means damage (excluding hail damage) to the Vehicle during the Rental Period above the top of the front and back windscreens, damage to third party property, caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything overhanging or obstructing its path, objects being placed on the roof of
the Vehicle, or You or any person standing or sitting on the roof of the Vehicle;
· (b) ‘Underbody Damage’ means damage to the Vehicle during the Rental Period caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything below the bottom of the door seal and the bottom of the front and rear bumper bars where Avis considers, acting reasonably, that the driver of the Vehicle is reasonably at fault for that damage;.
(c) You driving the Vehicle in a manner that results in total or partial inundation or immersion of the Vehicle in water or exposure of the Vehicle to salt water (including, without limitation, damage which occurs as a result of You driving the Vehicle through floods, creeks or rivers);
(d) damage to the Vehicle caused by a breach of clause 3, 4.1, 5.1 or 5.6 of the Avis Australia Rental Terms and Conditions (save, in respect of clause 4.1(m), for minor infractions);
(e) damage to a tyre or an Accessory not attributable to Fair Wear and Tear that is caused deliberately or recklessly by You;
(f) theft of the Vehicle, unless You report the Vehicle as stolen to the police immediately on becoming aware of the theft and provide a copy of the police report to Avis as soon as you receive it; or
(g) loss or damage to Your property, the property of a member of Your immediate family or of a person related to You if that loss or damage is from a breach of these terms and conditions.
The cost of any professional cleaning or odour extraction incurred by Avis because the driver or another person has been smoking in the Vehicle during the Rental Period and/or a reasonable administrative fee reflecting the cost of making arrangements for professional cleaning or smoke extraction.
For the purposes of paragraphs (a) to (g) above, any reference to You includes an Authorised Driver and any person You or the Authorised Driver allow to drive the Vehicle.
Rates Exclude
Airport Concession Fee, Fuel, Optional Extras (baby seats, snow chains etc)
Deposits
All rentals are subject to a deposit at the time of vehicle collection to cover miscellaneous/optional charges and may also have to cover the applicable insurance excess and a $100.00 fuel bond. A credit or debit card is required. Avis Australia accepts all major credit cards. Debit cards will be accepted if they meet the following requirements: Be issued by a recognised bank, Display the Visa or Master Card logo and hologram, Display the Cardholder Name and Display the Card Number. Prepaid and Reloadable Debit Cards as well as Travel Cards and EFTPOS cards will not be accepted.
The amount of the deposit is not debited to the card at rental collection; an authority only is taken until the conclusion of the rental when any applicable charges will be debited. All renters must provide a credit card or approved debit card to enable LINKT to directly charge their applicable toll fees.
Restricted Driving Roads/Areas
The below detailed driving restrictions apply to rentals on Avis Tour Rates. Should the Avis vehicle be driven over the restricted roads / areas detailed below, or on the Rental Agreement, Avis Coverage will be void. Vehicle hire is subject to satisfactory road and weather conditions at all times.
General
The vehicle must only be used on roads that are properly formed and constructed as sealed, metalled or gravel roads (Unless the Vehicle is a 4 wheel drive vehicle).
All vehicles cannot be driven on beaches or through streams, dams, rivers or floodwaters. Vehicles may not be driven above the snow line.
Avis full Rental Terms & Conditions can be found HERE.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,000.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Triple share is available on request for an extra $1,655. Mantra On Collins (Hobart) doesn't offer triple share room. An additional single room will be provided instead.
04 August 2024 Departure
Note that for this departure, Wineglass Bay Cruise Skylounge is unavailable due to annual maintenance so we will be using a luxury catamaran, Freycinet Explorer, to operate the Wineglass Bay Cruise. This vessel has leather seats, full walk around capacity, front and rear decks, one toilet and is enclosed, with 50 seats. Unfortunately, we will not be serving alcoholic beverages or hot drinks as they do not have the facilities on the vessel. This experience includes a boxed ploughman’s lunch with a complimentary cold drink.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Group Size
Minimum 2 people
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is a Independent style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults. The Sky Lounge during te Wineglass Bay Cruise is adults only. If travelling with children you will be instead booked on the Vista Lounge including lunch.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Upgrade to an Intermediate SUV - Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
You may want to upgrade your car hire to an Intermediate SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group K) or Similar for an extra $300 in total.
Upgrade to a Large SUV - Toyota Kluger or similar
Full Size SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group H) or Similar for an extra $850 in total.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of $300 per person (two people booking) or $600 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
A valid park pass is required for entry to all of Tasmania's national parks and it must be purchased by travellers directly through Parks Tasmania website or at National Park visitor centres
To complete this itinerary you will need a "Holiday Pass" which has a duration of up to 2 months and costs AUD 80 per vehicle. Concessions are available with the presentation of a current Australian Government issued Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
For more information on Tasmania National Park Pass & to purchase your permit, please visit Tasmania Parks website.
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