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Tours

Tours conducted by Groups Tasmania

Partners day and half day tours

There are four half day and day tours offered, perfect for partners. These will operate on a minimum of 16 people.

Cradle Mountain

• Date: 4 July 05
• Length: 8 hour tour
• Cost: $80.00 per person
• Departure: 9:00 am

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Tasmania is the Cradle Mountain National Park. Today enjoy a day tour to this national park, with a stop at a quaint country township, enjoying a packed lunch at an alpine lake.

Note: This tour has some provisions for wheelchair access. Please contact Groups Tasmania - Telephone: +61 3 6331 0410 or Freecall 1800 462 827 (in Australia)

Sheffield

The town of murals. See how talented local artists have used the proud old buildings as their canvases to tell the history of the Kentish district. Arts and crafts are also among the important activities in the area and galleries and studios display high quality hand weaving, leatherwork and pottery.

Cradle Mountain National Park.

At the northern entrance to the Cradle Mountain, Lake St. Clair National Park, the Department of Parks and Wildlife has an interpretation centre. We then transfer to Dove Lake from where on a clear day you can see Cradle Mountain. Breathe the fresh mountain air as you enjoy a packed lunch.

Wine tour

• Date: 4 July 05
• Length: 5 hour tour
• Cost: $45.00 per person
• Departure: 11:30 am

The Tamar Valley to the north of the city is home to a multitude of cool climate vineyards offering full bodied reds and fruity crisp whites, reminiscent of the wines of south western Europe. Lunch is not included. It is recommended that you have something to eat prior to tour departure or pack a snack lunch to take with you. There is no opportunity to purchase lunch en route.

Note: This tour has some provisions for wheelchair access. Please contact Groups Tasmania - Telephone: +61 3 6331 0410 or Freecall 1800 462 827 (in Australia)

Tamar Ridge Wines, Kayena

This 55 hectare vineyard is set in the picturesque Tamar Valley near the unique Batman Bridge, and is the second largest vineyard in Tasmania. The wines produced under the Tamar Ridge label are riesling, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon. Also available under the Devil's Corner label is an unwooded chardonnay, pinot noir plus dry white and dry red wines. Enjoy some wine and cheese tastings here.

St. Matthias Vineyard, Rosevears

The slopes of St. Matthias Vineyard run down to the sparkling waters of the upper Tamar River. Cool climate pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet merlot grapes are grown here and then transformed into wine by Michael Gloverat the sister estate, Moorilla in Hobart. Sample wines in the church-like cellar door area that offers wonderful views of the river below.

Strathlynn Wine Centre, Rosevears

Strathlynn is one of Tasmania's most spectacular vineyard sites. Set in the beautiful river valley of the Tamar, with mountain backdrops and 100 year old tree avenues, it is a wonderful place to settle back with a glass of local wine. Taste wines from Pipers Brook Vineyard, Ninth Island Wines and Vintage Pirie. Cellar door sales available.

Historic homes

• Date: 5 July 05
• Length: 5 hour tour
• Cost: $69.00 per person
• Departure: 9:30 am

To the south of the city are some lovely historic estates that depict life as it was in colonial times. A packed lunch is included.

Franklin House, Launceston

The state headquarters for the National Trust, this is a georgian mansion built in 1838. Originally built for a prominent Launceston brewery and innkeeper it is a fine example of the architecture of the period. An outstanding feature of the interior is the woodwork, all from NSW cedar. The historic gardens have been maintained around the house, with the White Garden at the rear of the house being charmingly set out in a typical cottage style. The oak trees date back to 1838. The front garden is more formal with its clipped hedges and formally placed trees. A larger rose garden with unusual perennials has recently been created.

Clarendon House, Nile

Classified amongst the great country homes of Australia, the 1838 mansion was given to the National Trust by Mrs W Menzies in 1962 and subsequently opened as a museum after extensive restoration, which was completed in 1974. Travel the avenue of elm trees through the 3.6ha parklands that surround the homestead to where clipped hawthorn and box hedges form a fitting circle for the original carriageway. A large walled garden behind the house is filled with shrubs, old roses, perennials and herbs. Morning tea is included

Woolmer's Estate, Longford

This privately owned historical estate has been owned by the Archer family since 1816 and is a genuine example of living history. The house features many antiques, silverware and paintings. Woolmer's walled garden was established by Thomas Archer in the 1840s, and is now being restored by the Woolmer's Historical Foundation, replanting suitable trees, shrubs, roses and perennials. Also onsite is the National Rose Garden of Tasmania. This 2 hectare garden provides visitors with a unique journey through the evolution of the rose. It represents one of the finest collections of historic roses in the southern hemisphere.

Cataract Gorge

• Date: 5 July 05
• Length: 4 hour tour
• Cost: $25.00 per person
• Departure: 9:00 am

Launceston is blessed with a spectacular natural reserve just minutes from the city. Today transfer to a starting point for a casual walk around this reserve before boarding a boat for a short cruise.

Note: This tour has some provisions for wheelchair access. Please contact Groups Tasmania - Telephone: +61 3 6331 0410 or Freecall 1800 462 827 (in Australia)

Cataract Gorge, Launceston

An expansive reserve minutes from the city centre, your coach will drop you off at the First Basin entrance. Cross the waters of the First Basin on the chairlift (own expense) that has the longest single span in the southern hemisphere, or walk around the First Basin via the Alexandra Suspension Bridge, to gardens filled with tree rhododendrons, spacious lawns and fern glades. Peacocks add to the colour. Then continue on the walkway alongside the Cataract Gorge to Kings Bridge and then on to Home Point.

Cataract Cruises, Launceston

The world famous Cataract Gorge is a wilderness area of outstanding beauty, only a stone’s throw from the Launceston city centre. Breathtaking views, natural beauty and spectacular scenery. Step aboard Cataract Cruises for a relaxing 50 minute cruise of this world renowned scenery, an enchanting journey through the ravine that was gouged out thousands of years ago. An intimate experience enhanced by an informative commentary on board the all weather vessel.

Pre-Congress and post-Congress tours

Pre-Congress and post-Congress tours may alleviate travel demand peaks in and out of Launceston. These will operate on a minimum of 16 people.

Pre-Congress west coast tour

Tasmania's remoteness offers some of the best world heritage and national parks in the country. See the beautiful wilderness through the state's south west and west coast.

• Length: 3 days
• Cost: $460.00 per person twin share

Single supplement: If you are travelling on your own and wish to have your own accommodation room, this will attract a single supplement fee of an additional $84. Please mark the box on the registration form if you wish to pay the single supplement.

Hobart accommodation: If you wish to stay in Hobart the night before the tour departs, a room at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, is available at a cost of $132.00 (room only)

Note: This tour has some provisions for wheelchair access. Please contact Groups Tasmania - Telephone: +61 3 6331 0410 or Freecall 1800 462 827 (in Australia)

Day 1

• Date: 1 July 05
• Destination: Hobart to Queenstown
• Stay: (overnight) Chancellor Inn Queenstown

The tour departs from the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, at 10:00am and makes its way to the rugged west. On the way you get to visit one of the state's most popular national parks where you also get to enjoy a light lunch, before continuing onto the historic mining town of Queenstown, negotiating the famous '99 bends' stretch of road as you approach the township.

Mt. Field National Park

This is one of Tasmania's oldest and most loved national parks. After a short walk through rainforest dotted with huge manferns and some of the tallest trees in the world, see the impressive Russell Falls.

Day 2

• Date: 2 July 05
• Destination: Wilderness railway
• Stay: (overnight) Chancellor Inn Queenstown

Today you get off the road and onto a restored historic railway.

West coast wilderness ABT Railway.

Set to become one of Tasmania's premier attractions, this restored 1896 rack and pinion railway will travel through one of the world's last pristine wilderness areas, crossing 40 bridges and wild rivers. This 35km journey from Queenstown to Strahan will pass through historic settlements and abandoned camps as well as over 200m up the 1:16 rack gradient.

And once in Strahan there is a chance for some sightseeing before coaching back to Queenstown.

Day 3

• Date: 3 July 05
• Destination: Gordon River

This morning it is back to Strahan for a cruise into the Wild Rivers National Park. Lunch is at your own expense.

World heritage morning heritage cruise, Strahan

The vessel departs Strahan and passes through Hell's Gates, the entrance to Macquarie Harbour, then visits a trout and salmon farm enroute to Sarah Island, Tasmania's first convict settlement, where a stopover allows you to explore the history of the ruins. Then travel up the Gordon River to Heritage Landing where you can enjoy a short stroll on the boardwalk through rainforest and see 2000 year old Huon pines.

Upon arrival back at the wharf it is straight onto the coach to scoot through to Launceston to be there in time for registration and welcome drinks.

Post-Congress east coast tour

Tasmania's island isolation offers visitors a variety of ecologies within close distances. See some fertile countryside, rainforest, peaceful coastal scenery and rugged cliffs.

Day 1

• Date: 6 July 05
• Destination: Launceston to Scamander
• Stay: (overnight) Chancellor Inn Scamander

The tour departs from the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston, at 10:00am and makes its way to the coastal scenery of the east coast. On the way you will pass through the rich farming district surrounding Scottsdale and the rainforest around Weldborough. A packed lunch will be enjoyed where most appropriate. There are several routes to take, but this tour will go via the most entertaining.

The Sideling

An interesting stretch of windy road through rainforest that goes up and over the Sideling Range. Stop at a viewing spot near the top for fantastic views.

Weldborough Pass

The Weldborough Pass, where you will drive through rainforest abundant with myrtle and sassafras, marks the transition from the farming district surrounding Scottsdale to the coastal scenery near St. Helens.

St. Columba Falls

After a short walk through cool rainforest see Tasmania's highest waterfall, the St. Columba Falls.

St. Helens

In the north east corner of the state you get to pass through a quaint fishing village located on the deep water harbour of George's Bay. While fishing is still a major industry, game fishing tours off the coast plus marine farming in the bay have become prevalent in recent years.

Day 2

• Date: 7 July 05
• Destination: Scamander to Port Arthur
• Stay: (overnight) Chancellor Inn Port Arthur

Continuing down the east coast, detour into the Freycinet National Park for some sightseeing, and those of generally good fitness can visit one of the most photographed views Tasmania has to offer. Today enjoy a packed lunch.

After dinner tonight there is an evening tour.

Freycinet National Park

Walk up to the saddle in the Hazards: the jagged range of pink and grey granite peaks on the east coast peninsula that is the Freycinet National Park and from the lookout enjoy the view over the pristine beach of Wineglass Bay. This is an uphill walk that takes roughly 1.5 hours. Please ensure you have sturdy shoes and carry a drink. For those who don't wish to do the strenuous walk then enjoy a casual stroll along Richardson Beach and Honeymoon Bay. Also visit the Cape Tourville Lighthouse and see uniquely coloured rocks up and down the coastline.

Wielangta State Forest

An area with a long forestry history, it is now managed for timber production, tourism and conservation. Pass through relic rainforest within the Sandpit Forest Reserve and take a short walk that has informative signs explaining how this rainforest has remained intact from a prehistoric age.

Tasman Peninsula coastal features

Joined to Tasmania by a narrow isthmus, this peninsula was selected as the site for a penal settlement due to being able to guard it easily. The sheer cliffs, as seen at the Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen, combined with the violent currents shown at the Blow Hole, meant little chance of escape via the sea. Rumours of shark filled waters also discouraged convicts to swim for freedom. Soldiers and fierce mastiff dogs guarded the narrow isthmus. Other attractions to see (time permitting) are the Tessellated Pavement, Doo Town and the Remarkable Cave.

Port Arthur ghost tour

Since the 1970s unusual occurrences and sightings of apparitions have been documented at Port Arthur. Judges, reverends, visitors and staff have all had experiences. On the lantern lit Historic Ghost Tour you will hear stories and experience the atmosphere of the Port Arthur historic site at night.

Day 3

• Date: 8 July 05
• Destination: Port Arthur to Hobart

Spend the morning visiting a penal settlement, where entry includes a guided tour and a harbour cruise. Then, at an appropriate time (there isn't any rush), head off to Hobart with a visit to an historic township on the way. Lunch is own arrangements.

Port Arthur historic site

A guided tour will take you around the ruined buildings featuring over 30 buildings including the asylum, separate or model prison, penitentiary, church, guard tower, hospital as well as many cottages. Listen to the guides tell of atrocities to convicts in an attempt to break their spirit, which sent many insane. Read of the petty offences committed resulting in transportation from England. Rumours abound of ghosts, so keep the camera handy just in case.

Port Arthur harbour cruise

The 20 minute harbour cruise offers a unique interpretation including an introduction to ship building at Port Arthur, the boy's prison of Point Puer, the Isle of the Dead and a magnificent coastline which remains unmatched.

Richmond

Founded in the early 1800s, Richmond is a genuine village of slate and cobbles, handmade brick and mellow stone, cottages and manors. Wander streets lined with sandstone buildings that now serve as showplaces for the best of Tasmania's fine art and crafts. There are quaint tearooms serving Devonshire teas and all kinds of delicacies, old fashioned sweets and baked delights, while a georgian mansion offers fine fare. Places of interest not to miss are Australia's oldest freestone bridge and Australia's oldest catholic church.

After visiting Richmond we continue to the drop off point in Hobart, but detour to the airport between 4 - 5pm for those who are flying out today.

The drop off point is at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, and accommodation can be booked if so desired.