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 Tasmania, an isolated island state off Australia’s south coast, is known for its vast, rugged wilderness areas, largely protected within parks and reserves. On the Tasman Peninsula, the 19th-century Port Arthur penal settlement is now an open-air museum. In Hobart, the port capital, Salamanca Place's Georgian warehouses now house galleries and boutiques. Its Museum of Old and New Art has a contemporary edge.
Soak up history on Hobart’s riverfront cobblestone streets and wind through the Coal Valley’s cool-climate wineries. Experience Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness, great food and wine, compact cities and clean air. Hobart is gateway to historic Port Arthur, the wildlife of Bruny Island and Maria Island, and breathtaking Wineglass Bay in Freycinet.
This trip is extension to our main Southern Australia Gay Tour - May 8 - 18, 2017.
Day 00 - Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Depart Home on any regularly scheduled flight to Hobart, Tasmania, via Sydney or Melbourne.
Day 0 - Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Cross the International Date Line, an imaginary line on the surface of the Earth that runs from the North to the South Pole – and defines one calendar day from the next. Crossing the International Date Line adds one day (24 hours) traveling west, and subtracts one day (24 hours) traveling east.
Day 1 - Thursday, May 4, 2017
 Your arrangements commence. Your driver will be waiting for you in the baggage claim area. You will be transferred by private vehicle directly from Hobart Airport to your accommodation (approximately 25-30 minute drive).
Maximum baggage capacity per sedan is limited to two suitcases (weight limit 23kg/50 pounds each) plus two carry-on bags total. If passenger luggage exceeds this amount, additional charges may apply and will be at passengers’ expense.
Hotel: The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, 5*
Room: Standard Room
Day 2 - Friday, May 5, 2017
 After being collected from your accommodation this morning, head east across the Tasman Bridge toward Australia’s foremost historical site, Port Arthur. In the 19th century, Port Arthur was the British Empire’s most dreaded and far flung penal settlement. Have morning tea, then take a guided walk through the site to learn its fascinating, if a little gruesome, history.
The tour includes a cruise around the Isle of the Dead where over 2000 free settlers and convicts are buried in a little over 2 acres. On the return ride, stop at the blowhole, a unique geological formation along the Tasman Peninsula’s spectacular coastline, and at the colonial village of Richmond with some time to wander through town at leisure. One of Australia’s oldest towns, Richmond is known today for its high quality locally produced arts & crafts, the perfect place to pick up that gift for home. Return to your accommodation in Hobart around 5:30pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, 5*
Room: Standard Room
Day 3 - Saturday, May 6, 2017
 Morning & Afternoon are at leisure. Below are some sites you may want to check out.
Salamanca Market: The Salamanca Market operates every Saturday from 8:30am until 3:00pm. Set on Hobart’s historic waterfront, Salamanca Market is the Australia’s biggest, brightest and best outdoor market. Every Saturday, the Georgian warehouses of Salamanca Place look down on a bustle of color and music, as visitors and locals come to meet, eat and pick up a bargain or two. Market stalls and vendors sell everything from hot baked potatoes to antiquarian books, from hand-carved craft in Tasmania’s specialty timbers to sheepskin boots. The fresh fruit and vegetable stalls are simply superb – this is the place to grab the makings of a perfect Tasmanian picnic. Buskers entertain the crowds – on a typical day you might hear blues guitar, barbershop quartets, Irish harp, classical violin and the music of the Andes. The market is an outstanding cultural experience of Hobart.
 MONA, Hobart: MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, opened in January 2011 and is situated on the River Derwent just north of Hobart. It houses a diverse collection that ranges from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the worlds’ most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art. The building’s subterranean design and the owner’s unconventional and challenging curatorial approach make it a must-see for any visitor to Australia. The collection is currently valued at $US96 million.
MONA has three levels cut into the triassic sandstone of the river bank and includes 5,700 square meters (61,354 square feet) of gallery space, of which 1300 square meters (14,000 square feet) are touring galleries built to international museum standards. MONA takes a different approach to interpretation: there are no labels or wall texts. Instead, visitors are given a touch-screen device, which is sensitive to their location in the museum – showing them works in their proximity. Called the ‘O’, it allows visitors to select the level of information they need and to vote for works they ‘hate’ or ‘love’. There is an AUD$25 per person admission charge for visitors, to be paid on entry.
To get there, it’s 30 minutes from the Mona Brooke St Ferry Terminal (Hobart). Standard seats are AUD$20 per person, payable direct.
 Bonorong Night Tour
Guided Walking Tour – Shared Experience
Round Trip Transfers from City Hotel
Bonorong Park was established in 1981 and specializes in education, rehabilitation and release for orphaned and injured Tasmanian wildlife. This personal Night Tour allows guests to get closer to the amazing wildlife during the time they are most relaxed and active. During the excursion, you will observe native wildlife during their natural waking hours. Perhaps hand feed and pat a number of incredible Tasmanian species including tawny frogmouths, potoroos, sugar gliders, wombats, golden possums, kangaroos and more. Enjoy an extensive session on Tasmanian Devils where you meet them, learn their names, hear their individual stories and little known facts about this amazing, and endangered species. There are great up-close photo opportunities, while you see the native wildlife and learn about the perils they face.
The evening excursion is 2.5 hours, and includes a personal guide with a maximum of 12 per group at any one time. Wear warm casual clothes, closed toe shoes and you may need to bring a jacket. Cool drinks, coffee and snacks are available in the gift shop.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, 5*
Room: Standard Room
Day 4 - Sunday, May 7, 2017
 The full day Signature Tour allows you to sample the finest of Tasmania’s whisky, wine, beer and cider – all in one day. Designed to experience the best of Tasmania’s award-winning craft beverages. Please note, different places are visited on different days of the week depending on availability; however, Drink Tasmania will create the best and most diverse experience available on any given day.
Meet your guide at the Brooke Street Pier to begin the day with a complimentary tea or coffee from one of Hobart’s finest baristas at Bright Eyes. Discuss Hobart’s infamous history and the role that alcohol played during settlement, before trying the first cider of the day. Then head to the spectacular Huon Valley and your stop at one of the wineries. The region is renowned for its pinot noir and chardonnay varieties, and you will have the opportunity to sample several wines and perhaps walk through a vineyard. From here, the tour heads to one of the cider producers in the region, for tasting and time to purchase lunch (not included, own expense). After lunch, travel back towards Hobart to Lark Cellar Door for a dram of Lark Classic Cask single malt whisky, and learn why Tasmania is now producing some of the finest whisky in the world. Finish the day at one of Hobart’s craft beer producers to taste a paddle of four beers and learn about the brewing process.
Today’s tour ends at 5.30pm, at the Lark Cellar Door, 14 Davey St, Hobart. Lunch is not included today. A stop will be made for you to purchase lunch. Please dress appropriately for the occasion, while it may appear warm in Hobart, the weather can change throughout the day, so please ensure to bring warm clothes, comfortable shoes and your camera!
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, 5*
Room: Standard Room
Day 5 - Monday, May 8, 2017
 Please meet your driver in the designated area of your hotel for your transfer by private vehicle to Hobart Airport (approximately 25-30 minutes’ drive).
Maximum baggage capacity per sedan is limited to two suitcases (weight limit 23kg/50 pounds each) plus two carry-on bags total. If passenger luggage exceeds this amount, additional charges may apply and will be at passengers’ expense.
Fly Hobart to Melbourne to join the main tour.
Flight is not included in the quote tour rate.
Meals: Breakfast
This trip is extension to our main Southern Australia Gay Tour - May 8 - 18, 2017.
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