Taste of Tasmania

• 2 nights in 4-star hotel accommodation in Launceston & St Helen
• 2 nights in 3.5-star hotel accommodation in Sheffield
• 3 nights in 3-star hotel accommodation in Hobart & Orford

• 8 meals included

• Professional English-speaking tour leader from days 3 to 7

• Transportation by A/C Rosa bus or similar

Make your own way to Hobart for an early afternoon check-in to the centrally located hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure to experience some of the many highlights of Hobart.

We suggest you arrive in Hobart in the morning and drop your luggage off at the hotel reception prior to the check in time so you may walk to the nearby Salamanca Markets (only 600m walk away). Salamanca Market is located on Hobart’s waterfront and is one of Australia’s largest and most vibrant outdoor markets. Each Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm more than 300 stalls pop-up along historic Salamanca Place to showcase arts, crafts, jewellery, fresh food and produce, collectables and homewares.

Check-in is available from 2:00pm. If you are intending to arrive earlier, please advise the hotel before your arrival date. Luggage storage is limited, so they will try their best to have a room ready for you as soon as possible (subject to availability).

Please note: Salamanca Markets will only be possible for departure dates that fall on a Saturday.

Overnight: Travelodge, Hobart or similar

Meals included: None

Today is free at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Hobart.

Overnight: Travelodge, Hobart or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Meet in your hotel reception at 8am where you will meet your tour leader and depart Hobart. Head southeast to the Tasman Peninsula, home to the famed Port Arthur Historic Site, as well as a host of natural wonders. Port Arthur Historic Site is a special place of vivid history, cultural heritage, and stories so compelling that you’ll want to hear them again and again. It’s a place of global significance – one of the 11 places that make up the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites, and one of Australia’s favourite tourist destinations. Enjoy an easy walk around the grounds on a guided tour, followed by a 30-minute cruise out on the harbour. We will then have lunch at a local café (not included) before heading out to visit to some of the stunning coastal sites. Once we have had our fill of the Tasman, it is just over an hour’s ride to the accommodation for the night in the lovely Orford area.

Overnight: The East Coaster, Orford

Meals included: Breakfast

From one famous Tasmanian national park to another! After breakfast, continue up the coast to Freycinet National Park and its jewel, Wineglass Bay. The 1-2 hour return walk to the lookout is well worth the effort. There is a reason Wineglass Bay is on just about every Tasmania postcard. After our visit to Freycinet National Park, we will enjoy a lunch break at a local cafe (not included) and enjoy some leisure time exploring the town or coastline of Bicheno. From Bicheno, we drive up the scenic coastline (about an hour) to St Helen’s, the resting point for the evening.

Overnight: Panorama Hotel, St Helens

Meals included: Breakfast

The highlights keep coming with a morning visit to the Bay of Fires. We will have a stroll around the aptly named The Gardens at Binalong Bay checking out some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Australia. Deep red rocks and aquamarine waters, this is a stunning place, which we can leisurely explore for a few hours. In the afternoon, we will continue the journey towards the town of Sheffield.

In the 1980s Sheffield was a typical small Tasmanian country town in the doldrums of rural decline. However, some astute townsfolk came up with an idea that had been applied to the small town of Chemainus in Canada, to paint large murals on walls around town, depicting scenes from the district’s pioneer days. Sheffield is now a veritable outdoor art gallery, with more than 80 large-scale murals, a number that grows each year through the town’s annual mural-painting festival.

Overnight: Sheffield Motor Inn, Sheffield

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, we will pack ourselves some lunch, and then head off for a full day exploring one of the most impressive National Parks in Australia. About 1 hour drive from Sheffield, with its jagged peaks, lush greenery and abundant wildlife, Cradle Mountain has many reasons for attracting its visitors. The walk around Dove Lake is 6km long or takes 2-3 hours, undulating through alpine button-grass moorland, magnificent rainforest and alpine heathland. There are some short, steep sections with uneven steps to get the blood moving, so be sure to pack some sturdy walking shoes and clothes appropriate for walking, and a backpack to carry lunch and a water bottle. There are several short, easy walks in the area if you prefer a more casual walking day.

During the day there will be the opportunity to visit Devils@Cradle (entrance fee not included) - a world-class wildlife conservation facility, where you can see Tasmanian Devils and the closely related Spotted-tail and Eastern Quolls. These critters are almost impossible to spot in the wild, so it is a great opportunity to see them up close. Return to Sheffield in the evening for the night at leisure.

For those not interested in seeing the Tassie Devils up close, the alternative is to grab yourself a wine and sit by the fire at the iconic Cradle Mountain Lodge or take a stroll through the Enchanted Forest.

Please note, the itinerary may vary considerably depending on driving and weather conditions around Cradle Mountain, especially in winter.

Overnight: Sheffield Motor Inn, Sheffield

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

The fun is not over! Yesterday was all about nature, and today is all about indulgence. We will make our way to Launceston through the Tamar Valley to check out the region’s famous wineries (1 tasting included) and local producers together with some general sightseeing along the way. Roll into Launceston in the afternoon and check in for our final night in Tasmania.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, take the opportunity to explore the Harvest Launceston Community Market at leisure which is conveniently located across the road from your hotel accommodation.

Each Saturday an asphalt city car park is transformed into a vibrant award-winning community farmers’ market that brings locals into town to shop for fresh produce, catch up with friends and neighbours and support the local economy. Harvest Launceston is also often featured on the “must-see” list for visitors to the State. The Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market was established to bring the ‘world’s best produce from the producer to the people’. In essence, Harvest Launceston creates a sense of place from a barren carpark to a hub of social exchange that has become a vital asset to local communities.

After exploring the market in your own time, return to the hotel for check out and make your own onwards travel arrangements.

Meals included: Breakfast

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 18th of March 2024.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $685 applies. 

Departure Dates 

2023

July: 5, 19

September: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

October: 7, 14, 21, 28

November: 4, 11, 18, 25

December: 2, 9

2024

January: 6, 20

February: 3, 17

March: 2, 16

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Departure Cities

Hobart

Accommodation Used

3-4 Star (self-rated)

Hobart: Travellodge 

Orford: The East Coaster

St Helens: Panorama Hotel

Cradle Mountain: Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village

Launceston: Hotel Grand Chancellor

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed no later than two weeks prior to travel.

Extra Nights

Not available at check-out. 

Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people.

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for Children 12 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Bedding Configuration

Double or twin bedding (subject to availability).

Adjoining/Interconnecting Rooms

Subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. Please inquire upon booking if you require this option.

Minimum group size 12, maximum group size 18 per vehicle.

The tour operator specialises in small-group tours, and the vehicle supplied is appropriate for the number of guests in the group. While the vehicle is not the size of a coach and lacks their luxury, we expect that you'll be so blown away by the wonderful Tasmanian scenery all the same

Please note: this tour requires a minimum of 12 passengers to operate and departures are not guaranteed until this minimum number is met. Please refrain from booking travel arrangements such as flights prior to receiving a confirmation email that your departure date has hit minimum numbers and is now guaranteed. This confirmation email will be sent at least 60 days prior to the departure date, and if minimum numbers are not met a date change or refund will be offered. 

• Flights / transfers

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Optional gratuities/tipping 

• Optional activities/tours 

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance (Strongly recommended)

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide:

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group. 

Tour Leader: 

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however, they are not required to have specific knowledge of art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Hobart

The climate of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is oceanic, with mild, rainy winters and cool, quite rainy summers. At these latitudes (the island is located between 40 and 43 degrees south latitude), the western currents prevail throughout the year, with a series of disturbances that bring rainfall especially on the west side of the island. The wind blows frequently as well.

Hobart is located in the southeast, and receives 570 mm of rain per year, which is not much, but the rains are well distributed over the seasons (although summer is the least rainy season), and often occur in the form of frequent drizzle and brief showers. Here is the average precipitation.

The average temperature in Hobart ranges from 8.5 °C in July to 17.5 °C in January and February. So, summer is cool, but winter is mild, although the wind can exacerbate the sensation of cold. Sometimes, especially in June and July, a cold air mass can reach the island, and in the hills and mountains of the interior, snow and frost can occur. In Hobart, in the coldest nights, the temperature can drop to around freezing (0 °C) or slightly below.

Tasmania is not completely sheltered from the hot wind that can blow in summer from the Australian deserts, although this wind arrives here more rarely and with less evident effects. However, the temperature can sometimes approach or reach 38/40 °C, although heat waves do not last long, and at night, the temperature becomes almost always acceptable again.

COACH TOUR

Meals:

8 meals in total are included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements, however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to luggage, you must carry your own luggage from the coach to the hotel room and back to the coach. The driver will assist with the uploading and off-loading of the luggage from the coach.

OTHER

Fitness Level Required / Mobility:

Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so, unfortunately, our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile. 

Please note: This tour includes some walks on uneven surfaces, in natural areas. You will need to be capable of sustaining walks of up to 2 hours which include some elevation.

Gratuities / Tipping:

Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. Tipping is optional and at the customer's discretion.

Tipping for all services provided on tour is always a matter of personal discretion, however, please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.

Sightseeing:

Please note: In the event entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, may be adjusted or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.