Launceston is a smallish town with a big garden of nature’s best offerings encircling it. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park with its ancient rainforests and alpine heaths to the west is a must go, the mythically-named Bay of Fires on the eastern coastline beckons with its otherworldly scene, Cataract Gorge Reserve, a 15-minute walk from central Launceston, is one of the rarest nature phenomenon in the world located so near to a city centre, and there’s always the verdant vineyards of Tamar Valley with great wines calling out kindred souls for an indulgent sojourn. And all of these can be explored from the charming city centre complete with elegant architecture, beautiful parks and a culinary scene that punches way above its weight. If your idea of a relaxing escapade is to discover nature’s best offerings in an unhurried pace with less of the crowds, a customised Launceston tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private will place you right in Tasmania’s northern surrounds, where you will surely belong in good company.
Gorge yourself on Cataract Launceston’s city centre is far from the urban cries of a bustling metropolis, but what is extra special is there is an even quieter oasis just a short wander away. Magnificent Cataract Gorge with its bushland, cliffs and the soothing South Esk River feel a million miles away from anything, even though it is just next to the city. Two walking tracks of different level of difficulty attract locals to explore the gorgeous gorge strolling through huge European trees and rolling lawns. Go during the late afternoon for a sunset experience, and stay on through the evening when the whole area is impressively lit at night. You may even spot a wallaby or two at dusk.
Zip through the night forest Light up your night through a zipline tour with the popular Hollybank Treetops Adventure. With only your helmet’s lamp leading the way as you fly over the trees in the historic Hollybank Forest with the stars high above you and the illuminated river below lending their glow, this exhilarating adventure will transport you to a whole other world. Covering 730 metres with a whopping top speed of up to 60 kilometres an hour, this is about as close to flying without wings as you can possibly get. You may even be able to spot nocturnal forest animals going about their rounds if you are lucky.
Wind down with wine Wine lovers rejoice! Tamar Valley boasts the best of Tasmania’s cool climate wines and there’s no better way to indulge in the tipple than with a personalised and intimate wine tour. Embark on a vineyard hop through the Tamar Valley Wine Route visiting boutique wineries and the professional wine makers, appreciate the wonderful wines and cheeses, and savour a delectable lunch and revel in the beautiful picturesque environment. Whether your poison of choice is a Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris or Pinot Noir, or even best if you are an equal-opportunity lover, you are bound for a fun and indulgent day out.
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Fix a date with nature and answer its call with a customised Launceston tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Hobart. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel.
This morning, visit the iconic Salamanca Market to shop for food, souvenirs, clothes and accessories. Next, spend some time at leisure to discover the urban delights of the city at Elizabeth Street Mall.
Salamanca Market
Today, enjoy a spectacular Gordon River cruise and be awestruck by the beauty and the untouched wilderness. Stop on Sarah Island for an insight into Tasmania’s lesser-known convict history at Macquarie Harbour Penal Settlement. See Hell’s Gate and Heritage Landing, site of the 2,000-year-old Huon Pine. Travel past the towns of Rosebery and Tullah as you proceed to your hotel on the boundary of the sensational Cradle Mountain National Park.
Cradle Mountain
This morning, it is time to explore the inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park. Visit gorgeous Dove Lake to marvel at spectacular views of Cradle Mountain and to spot wallabies, echidnas and pademelons grazing through the alpine heathlands. Gaze at rolling green hills and Friesian cows as you make your way past Table Cape, home of tulips, for views of Bass Strait, the lighthouse and coastline. En route, view picturesque Stanley as you head to Smithton, a town that sits in the shadow of a volcanic plug – the Nut – that rises 200 metres out of the ocean, for your overnight stay.
Dove Lake
Today, stop in Burnie for a guided tour of Makers’ Workshop, a place that honours Burnie’s history, innovators and artists. Later, travel east along the coast through the towns of Penguin and Ulverstone before heading south to Sheffield for a wander through the town’s colourful wall paintings that adorn the streets aplenty.
Towns of Penguin
This morning, visit Bridestowe Lavender Estate for a date with the resplendent lavender fields. Later, make a stop at Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees, planted in honour of fallen soldiers of WW1. Next, visit Pyengana Dairy Company to learn about the history of the farm and cheese making in the Pyengana area before you enjoy cheese tasting. Yum! After your lunch, stop at St Helens before you journey along the eastern coast to Bicheno for your overnight stay.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Today, get your camera ready for the spectacular and breathtaking Freycinet National Park. You will take a walk that will unveil astonishing views across brilliant blue water, verdant forest and golden beaches before making a stop at Cape Tourville Lighthouse and Lookout to take in the magical surroundings all at once.
Freycinet National Park
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.