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King Island / Tasmania Itinerary
26 Sep to 11 October 2024
All Coach Transport, Flights, Accomodation, Meals & Tours
TRAVELWISE can organise your flights from any state to join this tour.
Day 1
07.30am - Depart Boomerang Beach
07.50am - Depart Palm Lake Resort
07.55am - Depart Forster Keys
08.00am - Depart Evermore, Forster
08.15am - Depart Tuncurry, Beach St Bus Shelter
08.40am - Depart Hallidays Point Caravan Park
08.50am - Depart Failford Caravan Park
09.50pm - Depart The Rock Roadhouse, Tea Gardens
10.30pm - Depart Paul's Corner, Salt Ash
11.45pm - Depart Ourimbah Rest Area
01.45pm - Arrive Ampol, Pheasants Nest (lunch at own leisure)
02.45pm - Depart Ampol, Pheasants Nest
04.00pm - Arrive Mercure Goulburn
07:00pm - Dinner Provided
Day 2
07:00am - Breakfast Provided
09.00am - Depart Mercure Goulburn
12.30pm - Arrive Albury Roadhouse (lunch at own leisure)
01.15pm - Depart Albury
04.30pm - Arrive Best Western Airport Motel, Melbourne
Meet and Greet at Best Western Airport Hotel, Melbourne any time after 02.00pm
Present to Reception with your Name / Travelwise. The receptionist will provide room key and guide you to your room.
07.30pm - Welcome, Meet & Greet 2 Course Dinner Provided.
Day 03
06.00am - Depart Best Western Airport Motel
06.15am - Arrive Sharp Airlines, 72 Hargrave Ave, Essendon (08.15am Flight Departs)
08.45am - Arrive King Island (breakfast provided)
King Island lies off the North-West coast of Tasmania, surrounded by rugged coastline with fresh seafood, famously good produce and the cleanest air in the world.
- Board bus – and be whisked off to enjoy a choice of Eggs + Pancake breakfast.
- Taking route via Pegarah Road we stop off at “Homesteader” Peter Gillett’s ex NSW Policeman & he is a published author and speaker (books available for purchase) who lives with an assortment of animals. Time Permitting to Naracoopa for photos, sight-seeing.
- On to GRASSY - town tour - overlooking Old Scheelite Mine, then on down to GRASSY port, lifeline for supplies, freight, and cattle. Viewing the Penguin and Mutton Bird rookeries, then drive along the man-made breakwater, constructed from the overburden from the underground Bold Head and Dolphin mines.
- Lunching on local Pies or Pasties at ‘The Brewhouse’, tasting their various home brews on their beautiful Lancaster Road property.
- While visiting our Island home you can have the opportunity of sampling our famous excellent local seafood and local produce.
- Continue to CURRIE through lush green pastures, viewing our famous King Island beef and dairy cattle grazing country, a visit to RAFF Angus Stud. Enjoy a most informing guided and informative Tour with Andrew. Returning to Currie passing the Hybrid Hydro Energy wind farm.
04.30pm - Arrive Boomerang By The Sea, King Island
06.30pm - Depart Boomerang By The Sea
06.35pm - Arrive King Island Club Inc (dinner provided)
07.55pm - Depart King Island Club Inc
08.00pm - Arrive Boomerang By The Sea, King Island
Day 4
07.00am - Continental breakfast provided
09.00am - Depart Boomerang By The Sea
- Board bus after breakfast heading North, and drive to Quarantine Bay overlooking Christmas and new year island taking in the exquisite view of the West coast of King Island viewing Wickham Lighthouse in the distance, then onto Penny Lagoon, one of the only three freshwater lakes in the world, for morning tea of scones, jam & cream, calling at Martha Beach known for popular surfing and fishing.
- On to Cape Wickham State Reserve, home to the local built Cape Wickham Lighthouse which is famed for being the tallest lighthouse in the southern hemisphere. Also, home of world-famous Cape Wickham Golf course
- Enjoy the magnificent views overlooking Victoria Cove while enjoying a Picnic Lunch weather permitting in the Whickham Picnic Shelter.
- After lunch, we travel back, calling into -Reekara Community Complex-Local Craft and Kelp Craft (Top Shop)
- Returning to Currie -taking in the sights and visits such as the K. I. Dairy (Fromagerie) to sample a variety of their award-winning world-class cheeses
- On to Town Tour, of main town Currie. Visit to Currie Harbour and time permitting , visit King Island Crayfish Industries, next down to Kelp Industries- growing , harvesting, and hanging process explained. Via Admiral beach, on way back to Currie, call at Currie’s unusual Steel Lighthouse and Historical KING ISLAND Museum including the Wickham Lens room and Netherby ship wreck room. Wander through the rooms of the former Lighthouse Keepers Residence viewing the Island History.
04.30pm - Arrive Boomerang by the Sea, King Island
06.30pm - Depart Boomerang By The Sea
06.35pm - Arrive King Island Club Inc (dinner provided)
07.55pm - Depart King Island Club Inc
08.00pm - Arrive Boomerang By The Sea
Day 5
06.30am - Continental breakfast provided
08.00am - Depart Boomerang by the Sea
08.15am - Arrive King Island Airport (9.20am flight)
09.50am - Arrive Burnie Airport
10.15am - Depart Burnie Airport
10.30am - Arrive Table Cape Tulip Farm
It only happens once a year, but when the tulips start flowering during September and October the tiny town of Wynyard and nearby Table Cape become Tasmania’s hottest destinations! The rainbow of colours is breathtaking, but it only lasts for 4 weeks so you need to plan your visit wisely.
11.30am - Depart Table Cape
12.15pm - Arrive Hellyer Road Distillery (tour, tasting & lunch)
Visitors can enjoy a fully interpreted tour of the distillery (our famous whisky walk) to finds out the fascinating origins behind the brand and learn how the Hellyers Road crafts its award-winning single malt whiskies. Inviting you behind the scenes to learn about Tasmania’s famous “secret still”, we also provide guests with the opportunity to pour, wax and seal their very own bottle of our limited edition and highly sought after Hellyers Road Distiller’s Choice whisky - complete with Certificate of Authenticity and entry into the Hellyers Road Bottle Register.
02.15pm - Depart Distillery
02.30pm - Arrive Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden
Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is a remarkable private garden with a 40+ year history, built and operated by volunteers in the northwest of Tasmania. The 11-hectare property is located just 8km south of Burnie off the Ridgley Highway, and features over 24,000 select rhododendrons and companion plants from around the world. A spectacular display of blooms can be seen between late August and November, and striking Autumn foliage colours from March to May.
04.00pm - Depart Emu Valley
04.15pm - Arrive Upper Burnie Lookout
The best overview of the city is from the Wilf Campbell Lookout, locally known as Upper Burnie Lookout.
Offering fantastic panoramic views of the coast from the port and city's central business district through to Round Hill.
04:45pm - Depart Upper Burnie Lookout
05.00pm - Arrive Seabrook Hotel, Summerset
07.00pm - Dinner provided
Day 6
07.00am - Breakfast provided
09.00am - Depart Seabrook Hotel
10.30am - Arrive Cradle Mountain, Cradle Mountain Explorer Tour
Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, with its ancient rainforests and alpine heaths, is home to the world-famous Overland Track and iconic Cradle Mountain. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness Heritage Area, the park is one of the state’s most special places, where ancient pines fringe glaciers lakes and icy streams cascade down rugged mountains.
(Optional)
11.00am – Arrive Helicopter Flight Cradle Mountain & Fury Gorge - must be pre-booked $290pp)
The Cradle Mountain and Fury Gorge Adventure begins at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre where we take to the skies and track our way down to the picturesque Dove and Crater Lakes, with the splendour of Cradle Mountain behind.
The flight then takes us west as we descend and twist our way through the valleys and rivers to the entrance of Australia’s deepest gorge. The gorge is a staggering sight that must be experienced rather than described. From this jaw-dropping gorge, we climb our way up to the plateau to see the entire southwest mountain range unfold before our eyes. From here we can see Tasmania’s highest peak, Mount Ossa, and the famous Overland Track. Finally, we bring you past the Twisted Lakes and one last look at Dove Lake before returning you to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.
01.00pm - Arrive Cradle Mountain Hotel (lunch provided)
02.00pm – Depart Cradle Mountain
04.00pm – Arrive Strahan Village Strahan
07.00pm – Dinner Banquet at View 42 Restaurant
Day 7
07.00am – Buffet breakfast provided
08.00am – Walk across the road, Gordon River Cruise (buffet lunch provided, 08.15am Boarding)
Tasmania's best wilderness cruise. We will show you a side of Tasmania like no other: our award-winning Gordon River Cruises give you a unique perspective on our natural wilderness and the amazing west coast. The Gordon River is one of our natural wonders and an amazing location for a wilderness cruise. From deep within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area it winds its way through the rainforest to arrive at the wide expanse of Macquarie Harbour, then through the narrow entrance of Hells Gates into the Southern Ocean.
Your wilderness cruise departs from Strahan, a picturesque historic harbour-side village on the edge of Macquarie Harbour and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
Keep your camera at the ready... The Spirit of the Wild is the first boat on the Gordon River each day and the reflections on the water have to be seen to be believed. As one of the best things to do in Strahan, the half-day Gordon River Cruise is a spectacular way to experience this part of Tasmania.
02.15pm – Depart Gordon River Cruise short walk to the Huon Mill and Huon Pine Demonstration
A family owned and operated sawmill specialising in Huon Pine and other unique Tasmanian timbers. Operated from this location since the 1940’s and tin by the Morrison family for 4 generations, the Sawmill is steeped in local history. A talk and demonstration is held each day at approximately 3pm, please be at the mill by 2.45pm so you do not miss out!
03.00pm – Walk across the road to our accommodation Strahan Village
(Optional)
05.00pm – Walk across the road to the performance “The Ship That Never Was”
Australia’s longest running performance ‘The Ship that Never Was’ tells the dramatic and hilarious story about the last Great Escape from Sarah Island. The play is based on a real event which took place in 1834. The last ship built at the convict settlement in Macquarie Harbour was about to sail for the new prison at Port Arthur but was hijacked by ten convict shipwrights.
So begins the story of an amazing escapes, an extraordinary voyage and an intriguing twist in the tale of ‘The Ship That Never Was’.
07.00pm - Dinner provided ‘View 42 Restaurant, Strahan Village
Day 8
from 07.00am – Breakfast provided
09.00am – Depart Strahan Village
10.00am – Arrive Queenstown Station - West Coast Wilderness Railway
Board our heritage train* at Queenstown Station and head out to Lynchford, once a centre for pioneers, adventurers and those with gold fever.
Onboard, listen as our guide shares stories and guided commentary that will take you on a journey through the last 200 years, sharing the stories of the pioneering folk that once called this region their home.
Disembark at Lynchford Station and walk in their footsteps, pan for gold or take in the Pioneer Museum Room before heading back to Queenstown with a new appreciation for the railway and its stories.
*Due to unforeseen circumstances, early 2024 departures will be led by our newly refurbished, 1953 Drewry diesel locomotive in place of a heritage steam locomotive.
01.30pm - Depart West Coast Wilderness Rail
01.45pm - Arrive Paragon Theatre (lunch & movie - Franklin)
Built at a cost of over 5000 pounds by the Paragon Picture Co Pty Ltd as a "talkie theatre", the Paragon Theatre opened on October 28, 1933. A packed house of 1150 were enthralled by Mae West in "She Done Him Wrong"
The theatre enjoyed capacity crowds until the emergence of VCR in the late 1970's. Patronage declined and the theatre closed in 1985. Soon after, the building was shoddily repurposed as an indoor cricket stadium which closed after a few years and the building left derelict.
In 2003 Dr Alex Stevenson took on the mammoth task to reopen as a 60 seat luxury cinema. Alex, and later wife Alice, spent 4 years restoring including painting the floor to resemble marble.
In 2012 they returned to their home in Zimbabwe passing the mantle on to Francisco Navidad who operated a cinema buffs club but with the decline of mining "Cisco" took the tough decision to close the Paragon in 2014.
In July 2017 we began our quest to return this gem of Queenstown's history into a thriving entertainment venue for all to enjoy once again.
Movie - Franklin
Eighth-generation Tasmanian and environmentalist Oliver Cassidy embarks on a life-changing solo rafting trip down the beautiful yet remote Franklin River. His goal is to retrace his late father’s 18-day expedition to attend the blockade that saved the World-Heritage listed national park from being destroyed by a huge hydroelectric dam project in the early 1980s.
Featuring never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with key players such as Bob Brown and Uncle Jim Everett, the eight-year-long 'Franklin campaign' is revealed as the most significant environmental protest in Australia's history; an inspiring example of the power of non-violent direct action to bring about lasting change.
04.30pm - Depart Paragon Theatre (short stroll through Queenstown across the Queen River)
04.45pm - Arrive Silver Hills Motel, Queenstown
07.00pm - Dinner provided
Day 9
07.00am - Breakfast provided
09.00am - Depart Silver Hills Motel
11.00am - Arrive The Wall, Derwent Bridge
The Wall In The Wilderness is situated at Derwent Bridge in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. It is Australia’s most ambitious art project undertaken in recent years. Greg Duncan has carved the history of the highlands in 100 metres lengths of rare Huon Pine panels.
The beautifully carved works set out in relief sculpture depict the history, hardships and perseverance of the people in the Central Highlands and pay homage to the individuals who settled and protected the area.
Duncan is already known for the uncanny realism he brings to his work and his pieces are sought after by collectors around the world. Each metre of the panels, including horses, thylacines and foresters represents a month’s work.
There is nothing like this anywhere else in Australia. The Wall is a world-class experience
12.15pm - Depart The Wall
12.30pm - Arrive Hungry Wombat (lunch provided)
01.30pm - Depart Hungry Wombat
03.30pm - Arrive New Norfolk (explore town at own leisure)
04.30pm - Depart New Norfolk
05.15pm - Arrive Rydges Hobart
07.00pm - Dinner provided
Day 10
07.00am - Buffet Breakfast provided
09.00am - Depart Rydges
09.15am - Arrive Salamanca Markets
The award-winning Salamanca Market is Tasmania's most visited tourist attraction and one of the largest outdoor markets in all of Australia. This iconic Saturday tradition brings Hobart's waterfront alive with a celebration of the senses. In a vibrant atmosphere of cultural commerce, over 300 stallholders line the street from sunrise where locally crafted products include Tasmanian timber treasures and homewares, unique clothing and jewellery, fresh and seasonal produce, artwork, leather goods, soaps and skincare, artisan cheeses, breads, wines and spirits as well as tasty ‘on the go’ eats. The historic sandstone warehouses form the background to this bustling event, with the waterfront beckoning just alongside.
11.45am - Depart Salamanca Markets (walk 8 minutes)
12.00pm - Arrive Harbour Lights Café via Brook St Pier (lunch at own leisure)
01.00pm - Depart Café (walk across the road)
01.10pm - Red Decker Tour of Hobart
Option
11.45am – 5-minute walk to Brook St Pier, Mona Ferry (boards at 12.00pm)
12.15pm – MR-1 Ferry Departs for Mona
12.45am – Arrive Mona, Museum of Old and New Art
Mona is Australia’s largest privately owned museum and art gallery. It is the experiment of its owner, Tasmanian gambler and collector David Walsh. We need art, he says. But for what? The museum is home to David’s private collection, showcasing everything from ancient Egyptian funerary objects and modernist masterpieces to a waterfall of words and machine that mimics the human digestive system. Perched on the River Derwent’s banks, not far from Hobart, the Mona site is also home to the Moorilla vineyard and winery, several bars and restaurants, Moo Brew craft brewery, luxury accommodation pavilions, library, cemetery and tennis court. The best way to visit is to jump aboard Mona’s super flash fast ferries—camouflaged, decked out with bars, sheep / tigers to sit on—which depart from the Hobart waterfront.
02.00pm - Depart Red Decker and board Mountain Coach
03.00pm – Arrive Mt Wellington Summit, Pinnacle Observation Boardwalk
04.00pm – Depart Summit
04.40pm – Arrive Rydges Hobart
05.00pm – Depart Mona
05.15pm - Arrive Rydges Hobart
07.00pm - Dinner provided
Day 11
07.00am - Breakfast provided
06.55am - Depart Rydges (Option1)
Bruny Island Traveller is a full day tour from Hobart. Taste your way across Bruny Island, visiting some of our renowned artisan producers on an all-inclusive gourmet wilderness adventure whilst discovering the spectacular scenery and cultural heritage of Tasmania's favourite island. 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.
07.55am - Depart Rydges (Option 2)
Port Arthur Historic Site is a special place of vivid history, cultural heritage and stories so compelling; 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 it’s one of Australia’s favourite tourist destinations. Come and discover the real people and living history of Port Arthur Historic Site.
05.20pm - Arrive Rydges Hobart
07.00pm - Dinner provided
Day 12
07.00am - Breakfast provided
09.00am - Depart Rydges Hobart
09.30am - Arrive Old Hobart Town Miniature Village & explore Richmond at own leisure. Walk across Richmond Bridge to board the coach
11.00am - Depart Richmond
12.30pm - Arrive Ross (lunch at own leisure)
01.15pm - Meet at Tasmania Wool Centre for Tour
Through its heritage exhibition area, The Tasmanian Wool Centre is committed to the historical preservation of the village and immediate regions, by collecting stories, images and artifacts. The Centre also has a commitment to providing a repository for the information and artifacts relating to the establishment and on-going development of the wool industry for the region.
In its formative years, Ross benefited from the prosperity of its surrounding land owners who directly employed villagers or supported the businesses that developed. As a result, Ross evolved into the beautiful Georgian village it is today.
This story is told in the Wool and Heritage galleries with many artifacts, pictures and documents on display. The smell of sheep’s wool pervades the air as you enter the Wool exhibition. A re-created shearing shed complete with thrown fleece on its sorting table and manual wool press provide a glimpse of past times. Included as permanent exhibits on loan from the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston are “The Canticle, 1966” a large woollen tapestry by John Coburn, “Primary Bind” 1985, a sculpture by Les Kossatz and Stephen Walker’s Ermenigildo Zegna Perpetual Trophy 1963.
02.30pm - Depart Ross
04.00pm - Arrive Swansea Motor Inn, Swansea
Day 13
07.00am - Breakfast provided
08.00am - Depart Swansea
09.00am - Arrive Wineglass Bay Cruise, Freycinet (sails at 09.45am)
Wineglass Bay Cruises is a 4½ hour cruise of the waterways surrounding Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay on Tasmania's East Coast.
Cruise the spectacular coastline of Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay. Be enthralled by the stunning granite coastline, including the dramatic pink peaks of the Hazards range.
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. Look out for various hidden sea caves, blowholes and waterfalls amongst the sheer granite cliffs.
Take in the sheer beauty of Wineglass Bay from the rarely seen perspective of the water, a shimmering crescent of white sand fringes spilling into glass turquoise waters.
Uncover the rich history of the region, including aboriginal heritage and tales of early explorers and entrepreneurs.
02.45pm - Depart Freycinet
03.30pm - Arrive East Coast Nature World, Bicheno
East Coast Natureworld is the perfect place to experience Tasmania's unique animals (Devils), birds and reptiles. Operating for over thirty years, Natureworld offers a more intimate, interactive, and ultimately enjoyable experience with Tasmanian wildlife.
04.45pm - Depart East Coast Nature World
05.45pm - Arrive Panorama Hotel, St Helens
07.00pm - Dinner Provided
Day 14
07.00am - Breakfast Provided
09.00am - Depart Panorama Hotel Bay of Fires Tour
The slice of coastal heaven that is the Bay of Fires stretches over 50 kilometres from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north. This beautiful part of Tasmania’s east coast has been named by Lonely Planet as the picturesque travel destination in the world and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Australia.
11.00pm - Depart Bay of Fires
12.45pm - Arrive Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees (lunch provided)
Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees are trees sculpted into World War One soldiers in Dorset, Tasmania. The 25 statues depict the fallen men they were planted for in 1918. During a ceremony at the railway reserve at Ringarooma Road (renamed Legerwood in December, 1918) trees were planted in honour of fallen soldiers. As the names were called out, a relative of the soldier came forward to hold the tree before planting. In 2001, a report indicated that the trees were no longer safe and the community were devastated that the memorials would be lost. By 2004, it was decided that each of the stumps would be carved into the likeness of each soldier. A chainsaw carver, Eddie Freeman of Ross, was asked by the Legerwood Hall and Reserves Committee to sculpt the masterpieces. Various scenes depicting world War One were also carved. Walk along the avenue of trees and take in the World War One history displayed. Notice the Weymouth Pine at each end of the avenue representing Gallipoli and the Anzac soldiers who fought during this time.
01.45pm - Depart Legerwood
02.45pm - Arrive Bridestowe Lavender Farm Tour
The lavender flowers are in bloom and we harvest these throughout the summer. Bridestowe’s bees pollinate the flowers and begin producing our signature lavender honey. The endless curved rows of lavender blooms will take your breath away and create a memory to last a lifetime.
03.45pm - Depart Bridestowe Lavender Farm
05.00pm - Arrive Pennyroyal, Launceston
07.00pm - Dinner provided
Day 15
07.00am - Breakfast provided
09.00am - Depart Penny royal
09.45am - Arrive Bass & Flinders Maritime Museum, George Town
In 1798, explorers Bass and Flinders were dispatched to Van Diemens Land to ascertain if it was an island or not. Sailing with a crew of eight aboard His Majestys Colonial Sloop Norfolk, they took shelter in the Tamar River, anchoring off what is now George Town. Explore the tale of Bass and Flinders and Tasmania’s rich Maritime History at the Bass and Flinders Maritime Museum.
11.00pm - Depart Bass & Flinders Maritime Museum
11.45am - Arrive Seahorse World & Platypus House Tour, Beauty Point (lunch provided)
Our working seahorse farm gives you unique access to these magical creatures. An educational tour will lead you through The Cave of the Seahorse, working Seahorse Farm and the Wonders of the Southern Ocean Aquarium, ending with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hold a beautiful seahorse in the palm of your hand.
Nestled on the water in the beautiful Tamar Valley, Platypus House offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch live Tasmanian Platypuses and Echidnas in daylight conditions and undercover!
02.30pm - Depart Beauty Point
02.45pm - Arrive Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre
04.30pm - Depart Beaconsfield
04.45pm - Arrive Penny Royal, Launceston
07.00pm - Dinner provided
Day 16
07.00am - Breakfast provided
08.45am - Depart Penny Royal
09.00am - Arrive Launceston Airport (various flights to home cities)
TRAVELWISE can organise your flights to your home city from this tour.
02.00pm - Arrive Sydney Airport
03.00pm - Depart Sydney Airport
04.30pm - Arrive Ourimbah
05.30pm - Arrive Paul's Corner, Heatherbrae
06.00pm - Arrive The Rock, Tea Gardens
07.00pm - Arrive Hallidays Point
07.20pm - Arrive Tuncurry
07.30pm - Arrive Forster
08.00pm - Arrive Boomerang Beach