Escape to Tazzie! | 3-12 April 2025
I’m excited to bring the lovely Joanne Saunderson on to my Blogger at Large Tours team! Some of you have met her co-hosting my USA tour from Nashville to Memphis and New Orleans back in May.
Jo is a travel agent who also hosts tours for her own business as well as others, and has done for many years. We had a great time co-hosting in the US, so over a spa treatment and afternoon tea at the Cordis we had a “business meeting” (as you do) and put our heads together dreaming and planning how I could offer you, my dear reader, more tours to cover more fabulous places.
Well, this Tasmania Tour in April, is our start!
Jo will be hosting this 10-day tour starting in Hobart, and I think you’re going to love the itinerary she’s worked on for you. You can meet there, or she will help you with flights if you’d like. Some may wish to go on to other Australian cities too, pre or post the tour.
Here is the gorgeous Tasmania Tour itinerary:
Day 1 | Thursday 3rd April | Arrival Day in Hobart
Welcome to Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city and one of Australia’s oldest. Hobart offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, cultural attractions, and culinary delights and we can’t wait to share it with you!
Salamanca Story Walk
You will join a local history guide on an exploration of Hobart’s notorious convict heritage of Battery Point. Expect fascinating stories delivered with insight and passion, as we explore the remarkable lives of craftsman, clergyman, free settlers, merchants and convicts as they begun to quarry stone, hunt whales and building the foundations of Hobart by convict labour.
Admire the architectural treasures of Battery Point overlooking the River Derwent as we stroll through this stunning suburb.
Welcome Dinner | Old Wharf Restaurant
Old Wharf stands in the historical location of former jetties, piers, homes and taverns from where, since the 1800s colourful traders, merchandisers, exporters and explorers have shipped Tasmania’s renowned produce across the globe.
Chef Alvin Sim and his team acknowledge this history and curate a menu that celebrates and explores classic dishes – with a Tasmanian twist. Tonight we’ll enjoy a 3-course meal focused on seasonal and local produce.
Hobart accommodation: MACq 01 Hotel – a luxury waterfront hotel.
Day 2 | Friday 4th April | D’Entrecasteaux Channel
Hartshorn Distillery & Grandvewe Cheeses | Private tasting
Open just for ‘ewe’, enjoy a private cheese & spirits tasting with one Grandvewe Cheese’s excellent senior staff members.
Grandvewe Cheese are Tasmania’s only producer of sheep’s cheese, the property is also home to Hartshorn Distillery, the world’s only producer of sheep whey spirits. They are leading the way in not only some of the tastiest sheep cheese and spirits Australia has to offer but in sustainability and regenerative tourism too. Listen to their story while tasting some of their scrumptious offerings.
Five Bob Farm | Art Sculpture Trail | Diemen Pepper
A unique Tasmanian treasure with a working farm, orchard, art trail, bushwalks, kitchen garden, vineyard and venue that revel in breathtaking local surrounds.
Experience the captivating beauty of this ever-changing Art Sculpture Trail as we explore this remarkable artistic haven. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, this trail unveils a collection of sculptures that seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings.
The trail offers an immersive experience, providing an opportunity to engage with art in a setting that embraces the wonders of nature. It encourages contemplation, allowing you to connect with the artistic expressions and the messages they convey.
After a stroll along the trail, we will stop briefly for guests to purchase products from Diemen Pepper, Tasmania’s largest producer of Tasmanian pepper berry products.
Kunanyi/Mt Wellington
It’s fair to say the city is dominated by Kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Stand almost anywhere in Hobart and you’ll see its forested flanks. Few cities can equal Hobart for the natural magnificence of its backdrop, with kunanyi / Mount Wellington towering 1271 metres above the city. That’s almost 200 metres taller than the famed Table Mountain in Cape Town.
For Hobartians, “the mountain” is part of daily life: a place to walk, ride mountain bikes, play in the winter snow, and feel the reviving touch of nature, just a half-hour drive from the city centre.
Our visit to the mountain pinnacle is weather depending. It is always windy and cold up there, so please dress warmly no matter the season.
Day 3 | Saturday 5th April | Markets & Museum
Salamanca Market
Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s most visited tourism attraction and runs each Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm, rain, hail or shine.
The market extends the full length of Hobart’s historic Salamanca Place, from the silos end to the top of Davey Street. You will find a huge selection of locally made products and you can meet the makers, the artisans, the designers and producers.
With over 300 stallholders, the market includes fresh produce from local growers, hot coffee, delicious breakfast and lunch options, lots of gift ideas and plenty of handmade products.
Museum of Old and New Art | MONA
There’s one thing we can guarantee when visiting MONA, you’ll never see another museum like it. It’s the largest privately owned museum in Australia, built into the sandstone peninsula.
The weird, whacky, wonderful and downright bizarre all call MONA home. Located just up the river from Hobart, Mona’s subterranean architecture showcases the highlights (and lowlights) of David Walsh’s $110m private collection of art and antiquities, as well as hosting a busy exhibitions program.
Day 4 | Sunday 6th April | Free day in Hobart
Optional things to do are listed below.
Day 5 | Monday 7th April | Tasman Peninsula
Port Arthur Historic Site
Welcome to the captivating world of Port Arthur Historic Site, an extraordinary destination steeped in rich history and haunting beauty. Nestled on the scenic Tasman Peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site offers a poignant journey into Tasmania’s convict past.
At key locations across the historic site, Port Arthur Historic Site staff will share their knowledge with guests.
Tessellated Pavement
This geological phenomenon is a sight to behold, walk down to the waterfront to get the best view of these tile looking rocks. Don’t forget to take your camera with you, it’s a great place to snap some photos of our world class scenery.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary | Private 30 minute tour
A visit to Bonorong is a chance to come closer than ever to something wild and fragile. You’ll come face to face with animals that became extinct long ago in other parts of Australia — the same animals Bonorong are working hard to protect now.
Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people, a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. The skills and funds generated through the Sanctuary allow the staff to proactively address problems in their surrounding environment and communities.
Day 6 | Tuesday 8th April | Maria Island
Check out: MACq 01 Hotel
East Coast Cruises | Ile De Phoques
Maria Island is home to World-renowned geology, pristine beaches, protected marine habitats, mountain views and UNESCO World Heritage convict history. It is also a sanctuary for native wildlife and is a dream destination for visitors to experience dolphins, whales, fur seals, sea eagles, albatross, gannets, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, cape barren geese and possibly a Tasmanian devil all in one day!
Your cruise to the Ile Des Phoques will capture the stunning views of Maria Island, including famous landmarks such as the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, spring-fed waterfalls, limestone sea caves, cliff-top stalactites, Bishop & Clerk Mountain Range and the stunning granite cliffs of Maria Island’s east coast.
At the northern tip of Maria Island, the cruise will head north to the Ile Des Phoques, a 30 minute boat ride from Maria Island. On the way to this remarkable granite island, you can see albatross, dolphins, fur seals and whales (depending on the time of year) as well as majestic panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula.
Check in: Freycinet Lodge
Day 7 | Wednesday 9th April | East Coast
Check out: Freycinet Lodge
Wineglass Bay Lookout
A beautifully constructed track takes you up through coastal woodland, past striking granite boulders, to the lookout. This is a steep uphill walk—around 2.6km return for a total of about 1.5 hours—so walkers are advised to take advantage of the resting seats found along the way.
Once you’re at the saddle, it’s not far to the lookout platforms and a view that will reward your effort. An occasional bonus for some is the sight of whales or dolphins in the bay. This walk is best done in the early morning and afternoon to avoid the busy midday period.
Freycinet Marine Farm Lunch
Freycinet Marine Farm is home to some of the freshest seafood in Tasmania and the only mussel farm in Tasmania. Here you can feast on oysters, mussels, fish and scallops (seasonal).
When Julia and Giles Fisher purchased Freycinet Marine Farm in 2005 it marked the beginning of a wonderful journey; a journey with the aim of showcasing Tasmania’s best seafood produce to the world, via our restaurant and sales outlet on the Coles Bay Road.
“From the beginning we had the hope of building up a selection of the finest, freshest seafoods to share with visitors to our spacious alfresco eatery, today we can tempt you with Pacific Oysters and Tasmanian Blue Mussels from our very own farm here on the Freycinet Peninsula.”
Check in: Peppers Silo Hotel, Launceston
Grain of the Silos | Let Us Feed You Menu
Tonight we enjoy the chef’s menu, Let us Feed You, here at the award winning Grain of the Silos restaurant, where we are also staying.
The owners have met each maker and each farmer, they know where their mushrooms grow, and they know how their meat is processed. With a focus on local produce and sustainability, you’ll soon see why this stunning restaurant has so many tourism and hospitality awards!
Day 8 | Thursday 10th April | Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain National Park
Cradle Mountain is Tasmania’s most recognisable landmark and one of Tasmania’s most visited attractions.
Located at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain Lake-St Clair National Park, Cradle Mountain is part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area. The surrounding landscape of ancient rainforest and alpine lands with colourful beech makes for any number of beautiful walks.
We recommend taking today to explore the 6km track, which is one of the premier walks in Tasmania. Starting from Dove Lake, a glacially carved lake directly beneath Cradle Mountain, the walk offers both intimate and epic views of the famous mountain.
The track undulates around Dove Lake, traverses beneath the mountain, then returns through magnificent rainforest to the starting point. The walk takes you through some of Tasmania’s special vegetation, from buttongrass to myrtle, sassafras, rare Fagus and ancient King Billy pine. Walk in a clockwise direction.
A shuttle bus takes visitors into the park and if you choose to walk part of the way the shuttle will pick you up at various points along the road.
Sheffield | Town of Murals
The township of Sheffield was once a bustling, busy town during the Hydroelectric scheme. Now, they’ve turned their sights onto the arts. Sheffield is commonly known as The Town of Murals, holding a weeklong international Muralfest each year, the town is a living art gallery. Explore over 150 murals across the town, visit the quirky shops on the main road or visit a local cafe for tasty locally sourced and made food.
Ashgrove Cheese
Ashgrove comes from a long line of milk lovers. For over 100 years, their family has been farming this fertile pocket of Tasmania, and since 1993 they have been crafting world-class cheese. It’s here that they produce fresh premium, velvety, vitamin-rich milk collected daily from their family farms. See the cheese factory and browse through their delicious, authentically Tasmanian produce.
Day 9 | Friday 11th April | Launceston + Oatlands
Check out: Peppers Silo Hotel
Wallaby Walkabout Tours | Aboriginal Cultural Connections
Come and explore the hidden gems of the Cataract Gorge on a walking tour to the Hidden Valley and Giant’s Grave. This tour can be a short 45-minute experience or longer, depending on what your interests are. The walking tour special interest area is the Aboriginal Cultural Connections to the Cataract Gorge and will identify bush foods and resources, some of which can be tasted.
Callington Mill Distillery + Heritage Tour
Callington Mill Distillery is located in the historic sandstone village of Oatlands, Tasmania. A distillery on a scale like no other in Tasmania which offers immersive and unique single malt experiences.
After our self-guided tour inside, we’ll head outdoors for the self-guided Heritage Tour. Oatlands is home to Australia’s largest collection of sandstone buildings, with 87 on the main street alone!
Check in: MACq 01 Hotel, Hobart for our last night
Day 10 | Saturday 12th April | Departure Day
Today is departure day.
A driver has been arranged to transfer you to the airport approximately 1 hour before your boarding time, 1.5 hours before your flight departure. Please let us know if you prefer to arrive earlier.
Optional Extras For Day 4
Deep to Dish Seafood Experience
Cruise in style and comfort aboard a premier power catamaran along some of the most untouched and idyllic waterways in the world. This half day culinary and sightseeing tour down to Bull Bay on Tasmania’s Bruny Island is a feast for the senses. Come face to face with towering sea cliffs, sandy beaches only accessible by boat and spot sea life such as dolphins, whales, seals and sea birds whilst sampling the freshest wild seafood caught and cooked on board.
Start the day with a seasonal fruit platter including Tasmanian cheeses and a selection of premium local wine, sparkling and beer. Throughout the day your skilled diver will harvest live periwinkles and sea urchins and will expertly cook these for you on board.
Prepare yourself for an indulgence of the highest order as a feast of Tasmanian seafood unfolds before you. Live Tasmanian abalone, tender and succulent, will grace your plate, while the exquisite flavor of Tasmanian rock lobster tantalizes your taste buds.
$525 per person
Red Decker | City Sights Hop on Hop off
Join the official sightseeing tour of Hobart; choose from 20 different stops featuring the best sights and attractions in and around Hobart. Hop-on and hop-off as many times as you like or stay on board and do the 90-minute city loop tour – the choice is yours!
The open-top double decker buses provide unrivalled views of this beautiful city, including local landmarks such as the River Derwent, Tasman Bridge and kunanyi/Mt Wellington as well as an abundance of colonial architecture and city streetscapes.
The City Loop locations include the MONA ferry terminal at Brooke Street Pier, Salamanca Place, Battery Point, Wrest Point Casino, Sandy Bay Village, Cascade Brewery, Cascades Female Factory, Hobart CBD, Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, Maritime Museum of Tasmania, Hobart Convict Penitentiary, Hobart Aquatic Centre, The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and Victoria Dock.
24-hour ticket: $40 per person
Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum
The Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum stands on the waterfront in Hobart, near the wharf from which the SY Aurora sailed south to Antarctica with Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-14 on board.
This world-class small museum gives visitors an historic insight into the daily lives of the AAE expeditioners who spent two winters living and working in the windiest place on Earth – the true home of the blizzard.
The Mawson’s Huts Foundation’s mission: the ongoing conservation of the unique historic buildings that were built as the base for Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-14 at Cape Denison on Commonwealth Bay in January 1912. Assisted by enthusiastic volunteers and staff, profits from the Museum go towards the Foundation’s efforts to conserve of the original huts in Antarctica.
Adults: $15 pp
Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery | TMAG
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is Tasmania’s leading natural and cultural heritage organisation. It is a combined museum, art gallery and herbarium which safeguards the physical evidence of Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage, and the cultural identity of Tasmanians.
TMAG is Australia’s second-oldest museum and has its origins in the collections of Australia’s oldest scientific society, the Royal Society of Tasmania, established in 1843. The first permanent home of the museum opened on the corner of Argyle and Macquarie streets in 1863 and the museum has gradually expanded from this corner to occupy the entire city block.
The TMAG precinct is one of Australia’s most historically significant sites. Included in the precinct is Tasmania’s oldest surviving public building, the 1808-10 Commissariat Store; the Private Secretary’s Cottage, built prior to 1815 and originally adjacent to old Government House; and Tasmania’s first federal building, the 1902 Custom House.
Free entry (gold coin donations welcomed)
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is Australia’s cool climate garden, with a number of unique collections including Australia’s only Subantarctic Plant House. With a total of 14 hectares to explore, visitors can take time to relax and explore or tailor a walk based on personal interest.
The RTBG is a highly modified and artificially managed environment. The amassing of the overall botanical collection since the early 19th century, which now forms the basis of the RTBG’s values, demonstrates a high degree of technical achievement in the establishment of over 6,000 species, varieties and cultivars of plants comprised of a diverse range of species exotic to Australia and Tasmania as well as those that are indigenous to the State, held in 42 identifiable collections.
Free entry (gold coin donations welcomed)
Tour Costs and Ts & Cs
Secure your spot on this fabulous Tasmania Tour for $1000pp today.
NZ$5,550pp twin share
If you’d like your own rooms throughout the tour, there is an extra supplement of $2,085.
*Minimum of 12 required for this tour to go ahead.
Price includes:
- Welcome gift pack
- 2 Private airport transfers
- 7 days with extra guide
- 8 Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- Salamanca Sorty walking tour
- Grandvewe Cheese private tasting
- Visit Five Bob Farm & Art Sculpture Trail
- Mewstone Wines & tasting
- MONA Museum fee
- MOMA Posh Pit ferry tickets
- Port Arthur Historic site entry fee
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary private tour
- East Coast Cruises Ile De Phones cruise & lunch
- Freycinet National Park entry fee
- Ashgrove Cheese Tasting
- Cradle Mountain National Park entry fee & shuttle
- Wallaby Walkabout Cultural Connections Experience
- Callington Mill Distillery Tour & Tasting
- Your host Joanne Saunderson
Price excludes:
- Flights to and from Hobart
- Travel insurance
- Spending money for meals not included above and incidentals
- Optional extra day 4 tours
If this sounds like you, request the Registration Form today: [email protected]
We can’t wait to host you on this gorgeous tour of Tasmania!