EFFERVESENCE ESCAPES GOURMET TASMANIA EAST COAST

Trip Overview 

Day 1: Hobart 

Arrive in Hobart 1:40pm with your coach and driver awaiting to transfer you to your room at the new Crowne Plaza Hotel. Afternoon tour of Hobart including Mt Wellington for spectacular views over the city. To wind up the day enjoy a private welcome dinner at The Henry Jones Art Hotel.

Day 2: Hobart

Begin the day with a full breakfast at the hotel to gear up for a morning guided walk around Salamanca Place and histroic Battery Point and learn the history of this infamous penal colony. From the waterfront, you'll make your way to Brooke Street Pier where you'll board the MONA Roma Fast Ferry to MONA, Australias most controversial & largest art collection. Return to the city in the late afternoon for dinner at Divine Surprise. 

Day 3: Bruny Island 

Enjoy an early full breakfast at the hotel to then be ready at 7:30am for pick up to experiance a day on the spectacular Bruny Island with the award winning Bruny Island Traveller - a full day of enjoying fine produce and amazing scenery. Be prepared for a delicious day out where you will enjoy award winning cheeses, premium wines and beer, freshly shucked oysters, handcrafted fudge, local honey and a delicious lunch at Pennicott's beachside restaurant with sweeping views of Adventure Bay. Meet and hear the stories of island producers including an exclusive cheese and beer experience at Bruny Island Cheese company and sweet taste sensations from Bruny Island Chocolate Company and Bruny Island Honey.  Get Shucked’s famous Bruny oysters will be served alongside lunch. Lunch is accompanied by two glasses of quality Tasmanian wine, beer, cider or juices. Return to Hobart around 5:30pm for dinner at the Lounge At Frogmore Creek. 

Day 4: Hobart, Port Arthur & East Coast

Full breakfast provided at your accommodation, before checking out. Explore the The Tasman Peninsula, one of Tasmania’s most visited destinations. Firstly, visiting Port Arthur Historic Site, hear the story of Tasmania’s famous UNESCO world heritage listed convict settlement. Your entry includes an introductory walking tour and harbour cruise. Departing Port Arthur early afternoon you will then travel along the stunning Great Eastern Drive to Coles Bay.  Pass through seaside towns along the way including Orford, Triabunna and Swansea. Arriving into Coles Bay late afternoon, home of the famous Freycinet National Park.  Check into your accommodation at Freycinet Lodge, the only accommodation nestled within the National Park, offering stunning views of Richardson’s Beach and the Hazards as a backdrop. Locally inspired dinner included in the evening. 

Day 5: Coles Bay 

Full breakfast at Freycinet Lodge. This morning you will join Wineglass Bay Cruises on a 4 ½ hour cruise.  Cruise the spectacular coastline of Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay. Discover a coast dotted with sparkling white sand beaches, including Cooks and Bryans beaches, only accessible by water or a full day bushwalk. Explore the inner passage of remote Schouten Island, home to little penguins and short tailed shearwaters, before heading into the Tasman Sea towards Wineglass Bay. You will be sitting in comfort in the  Sky Lounge on the  upper deck of Schouten Passage II. Sky Lounge provides an intimate experience, with direct access to the Captains bridge and private viewing deck.  Morning Tea, lunch and beverages are all included - Enjoy plump local oysters, alongside salmon and smoked meats, breads, cheeses and salad served with the East Coast's renowned wines and artisan brews. Return back to Coles Bay in the late afternoon and for anyone keen, you can take a short walk to Cape Tourville lighthouse or the more challenging Wineglass Bay Lookout - the  steep uphill walk is definitely worth it when you see the views ! Dinner by your choice at Freycinet Lodge.

Day 6: East Coast & Launceston 

Breakfast at Freycinet Lodge before checking out. Depart the East Coast today making your way to Launceston, via the beautiful North East Coast.  Arrive into St Helens (the largest town on the East Coast and home to the Bay of Fires region)  an opportunity to photograph this slice of heaven. Depart St Helens and travel via Pyengana and the famous mountain biking town of Derby making your way to Bridestowe Lavender Farm. An unforgettable experience at Bridestowe Lavender Estate - tour the working farm followed by the opportunity to purchase from their gorgeous lavender gift shop.  Arrive into Launceston late afternoon and check into your luxury accommodation at Peppers Silos Hotel.  Bringing history alive on the banks of the idyllic Tamar River, Peppers Silo Hotel provides a unique place to stay in Launceston. Very special Framers Market inspired dinner tonight at Red Feather Inn.

Day 7: Launceston 

Full breakfast at Grain of the Silos Restaurant. Departing at 10am, today you will experience Launceston’s stunning wineries.  Firstly make your way to Rosevears - Tamar Ridge Winery. You will then travel further up the Tamar Valley to Holm Oak Vineyard  “Discover the hidden secret of Holm Oak Wines.  Crafting delicious small-parcel, cool-climate Tasmanian wines in the Tamar Valley”. At lunch time arrive at Goaty Hill Wines - enjoy wine tasting followed by a relaxed lunch of local produce platters, whilst enjoying the stunning views from our cellar door. Return back to Launceston mid afternoon. Farewell dinner at  Black Cow Bistro. 

Day 8: Depart Tasmania 

Full breakfast at  Grain of the Silos, before checking out by 10am - time for a walking exploration of Launceston. Head to Launceston Airport around 2pm and fly out at 3.25pm – or stay on and see some more of the Apple Isle !  The Bay of Fires is just an hour way and is a world class walking trail, Cradle Mountain may also appeal to those interested in the great outdoors