8 Day East Tasmanian Deluxe Road Trip
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
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.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ 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 & enjoy an easy hike to the Dove Lake Circuit , taste Tasmania’s finest produces during an intimate tour of Josef Chromy Winery, cruise Freycinet’s stunning Wineglass Bay and marvel at the beauty of Ross & Richmond - two nineteenth century fine villages
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel
✓ 4 days Hertz Group H car rental including unlimited kilometers & Hertz Maximum Coverage (NIL damage excess including glass & tyres and waives liability for theft or loss to vehicle)
✓ 7 nights in stunning 4* hotels & lodges
✓ 7 breakfasts and 3 lunches
✓ Full day guided tour of Cradle Mountain & an easy hike the Dove Lake Circuit
✓ An intimate lunch and tour of Josef Chromy Winery - one of Launceston most recognised wineries
✓ Cruise Freycinet National Park’s iconic Wineglass Bay from the adults only Sky Lounge
✓ Full day guided cruise & tour of the Tasman Peninsula including Port Arthur
✓ 7 Day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information
✓ Only $99 deposit per person
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Make your way to your accommodation. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities arranged for the day.
Check in & arrival information.
A taxi or Uber from Launceston airport to your accommodation costs approximately $35 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.
You will be picked up from your hotel between 7am to 7.30am. After departing Launceston enjoy a short stop in Sheffield – The Town of Murals. Sheffield is a small and quirky rural village, in the foothills of the mountains. Sheffield is Tasmania’s own outdoor art gallery, featuring over 100 paintings on the walls of buildings across the town. The artwork depicts the history of the Cradle Mountain region, and is a great taster of what is to come, before we continue onwards into the mountains.
Arriving into the Cradle Mountain National Park, we prepare for the walking opportunities ahead of us. We aim for around 4 – 5 hours in the National Park, to really make the most of the trails. We begin with a series of short walks to Rainforest City and Pencil Pine Falls, 2 short and easy walks that introduce us to the area.
Our main hike for today's tour, begins from Dove Lake with 2 walking options available. Here you can choose your preferred main walk. There is the iconic Dove Lake Circuit which is a 6 kilometer track, classified as easy and usually takes 2-3 hours. This is one of the premier walks in Tasmania, the track undulates around Dove Lake and traverses beneath Cradle Mountain. All the magnificent flora can viewed on this walk, with buttongrass, myrtle, sassafras, fagus and King Billy Pine along the way, along with epic views of Cradle Mountain. For the more active and avid hiker, we offer the chance to climb to the loftier heights of Marion’s Lookout. This is around 4 kilometers but is classified as a medium grade hike, with some steep sections. Marions Lookout sits at 1200m, and provides breathtaking 360 degree views of the surrounding World Heritage wilderness area.
We stop along the way for a lunch break, enjoy a rest by a quiet stream, watch the famous and friendly Cradle wombats in their natural habitat, or take the time to photograph the landscapes. Learn some of the local history as we visit Weindorfer’s Chalet and see the ancient King Billy Pines on Weindorfer’s Forest Walk.
On our return to Launceston, we stop and sample some local tasty products at the award-winning Ashgrove Cheese Factory.
We return to Launceston approximately 6.30pm after a huge yet unforgettable Cradle Mountain day. Cradle Mountain is the backdrop for a truly memorable and not to be missed Tasmanian experience.
This morning pick up your rental car from Hertz Launceston Downtown and make your way to Josef Chromy Winery & Restaurant by 11am 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' 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
Make your way to 61 jetty Road by 09.30am to 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.
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.
Once in Hobart, please return your vehicle to Hertz city depot. After hours drop off is available.
Approximate driving distance: 240km
Make your way Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Centre (some 450m from your accommodation) by 07.30am 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!
Today your Tasmanian Deluxe Road Trip comes to an end. Farewell Hobart as you make your own way to the airport for your onward flight or to continue the next part of your journey.
All Renters and any additional drivers must present a full, valid national Drivers License that meets the following requirements:
1. The Drivers License for all drivers must be presented at the time of rental
2. Drivers License must be in English
3. If not in English, it must be accompanied by an International Drivers License or Permit by a certified English translation
4. Chinese Driver’s Licenses are acceptable, but they must have a China Notarial Certificate (CNC):
a.Is valid for driving the vehicle;
b. Is not a learner’s permit;
c. The driver has held for at least twelve consecutive months; and
d. Satisfies any other conditions on the Rental Agreement or in any additional terms
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
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of $150 per person (two people booking) or $300 (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.
Digital Drivers License
A Digital Drivers License is not accepted. Drivers require a hard copy license until further notice.
Deposit
All rentals are subject to a deposit to cover additional costs. A min of AU$200 applies for Metro Locations, $200 for Remote Locations, $200 for Licensee locations and $400 for 4WD locations in Sydney and Melbourne if using a credit card in the name of the renter. A cash deposit is not accepted.
Rates Include
Unlimited Kilometres, Maximum Cover (MAX), Admin Fee Recovery (AFR), 24Hr Breakdown Roadside Assistance, Goods & Service Tax (GST)
Rates Exclude
Airport/Ferry Concession Fee Recovery (ACFR), Fuel, One Way Fees (approximately $40 payable to Hertz directy in Launceston) Optional Extras (baby seats, snow chains etc), applicable Locations Fees.
Damage Excess for Cars
NIL
Young Renters Fee
Where a renter is aged between 21-24 a young driver fee of $16.50 inclusive of GST (Capped at $115.50 in each 30 day period) will apply for Standard passenger vehicles.
Hertz Standard Terms and Conditions can be found here
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request:
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
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 $1490 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.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
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.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
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.
Upgrade to a Hertz Group V vehicle
You may want to upgrade your car hire to a Hertz Group V, Medium AWD, 5 Doors, Toyota Rav 4 or Similar for an extra $206 in total.
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.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
You can opt to drive your own vehicle. A total of $150 per person (two people booking) or $300 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price.
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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