Historic Tasmania

  • 
                      Historic Tasmania
  • 
                      Historic Tasmania
  • 
                      Historic Tasmania

The Concept

Tasmania offers an opportunity to experience our unique colonial and convict past. Students will visit significant historic locations such as Port Arthur and Richmond Village. A feature of this tour also includes environmental wonders such as the Cataract Gorge in Launceston and a tour of Mt Wellington in Hobart. Students' understanding of Australia's past as a British Colony will be enhanced.

History

Itinerary Day By Day

DAY 1 SCHOOL - SPIRIT OF TASMANIA QUAY

Your tour starts from Geelong's Spirit of Tasmania Quay and check in for your overnight cruise to Devonport.

DAY 2 DEVONPORT – LAUNCESTON – PORT ARTHUR (B, L, D)

On arrival enjoy breakfast before travelling to Launceston to visit the beautiful Cataract Gorge, where natural beauty combines with examples of engineering and resourcefulness of community vision. Continue on the Midland Highway to Ross and historic Richmond Village with its old bridge and Richmond Gaol (entry not included).

This afternoon, travel via Eaglehawk Neck to your overnight cabin accommodation at Port Arthur. Tonight join one of Port Arthur’s famous lantern-lit historical Ghost Tours and hear gripping tales of ghostly apparitions.

DAY 3 PORT ARTHUR – HOBART (B, L, D)

Following breakfast, return to the Port Arthur Historic Site to meet your guide and learn about the rich history of Tasmania’s convict past. Cruise around the Isle of the Dead (entry on to the island not included), the final resting place for nearly 2,000 people buried here from 1831 to 1877. Allow time to walk around other sections of the convict buildings.

Continue to Hobart via the Blowhole, Tessellated Pavements Devil’s Kitchen, Tasman Arch and Sorell. On arrival enjoy some free time at Salamanca Place, Constitution Dock and Battery Point.

DAY 4 HOBART – DEVONPORT – SPIRIT OF TASMANIA (B, L)

Following breakfast, see the fantastic views of Hobart from Mt Wellington / Mt Nelson (weather permitting) before travelling back to Devonport for the overnight voyage back to the mainland on the Spirit of Tasmania.

DAY 5 SPIRIT OF TASMANIA QUAY - SCHOOL

Arrive back in Geelong's Spirit of Tasmania Quay then board your coach for your return to school.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (ADDITIONAL COSTS MAY APPLY)

Cataract Gorge Chairlift - Launceston

Experience breathtaking views of an ancient rock gorge while gliding over the landscape on the world’s longest single-span chairlift. Just 15 minutes from Launceston’s city centre, this remarkable wilderness offers scenic walking and hiking trails, vibrant gardens, and opportunities to spot peacocks and other wildlife. Explore the suspension bridge and stunning lookouts, each offering a fresh perspective on the natural beauty of the area.

Tahune AirWalk - Huon Valley

The Tahune AirWalk is an exhilarating, nature-based experience, set in the world-renowned Tahune Forest Reserve. The AirWalk is an elevated walkway that extends for 597m through the forest, providing a unique bird’s-eye view of the tree species and forest life. Half and full day educational programs available.

Jet Boat Rides - various locations

Experience the thrill of jet boat riding on this heart stopping combo of high speed slides and turns, 360° spins, power brake stops, wave riding and fish tails.

Hollybank Treetop Adventure - Launceston

Feel the adrenalin rush of a high-wire canopy ride as you fly above the treetops and Pipers River, along almost a kilometre of cable, on a guided zipline tour. The journey includes cable spans of between 15 and 400 metres, connected by tree platforms called ‘cloud stations’. Led by knowledgeable and highly trained guides, you will get an informative and entertaining outlook on the beautiful forest.

Port Arthur Historic Site Options:

• Isle of the Dead guided cemetery tour
• Point Puer Boys Prison tour
• Brick making

Maria Island visit

Travel via ferry to Darlington, the most representative and intact example of a probation station in Australia. Its 14 convict buildings and ruins are preserved in a layout that reflects the key features of the probation system in Van Diemen’s Land. The site has remained relatively unchanged since the convict era.

Salamanca Market - Hobart (Saturday 8am – 3pm)

The weekly market is a celebration of Tasmania’s creative artisans, local produce and talented musicians.

Museum Of Old and New Art (MONA) - Hobart

Free entry for students. Take a ferry or bus to the museum, home to Australia’s largest privately-funded collection of eclectic art.

Tasman Island Cruise - Port Arthur

This cruise explores the coast between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck. You will see amazing dolerite cliffs, sea caves and wildlife.

Cascade Female Factory Historic Site - Hobart

Originally a distillery, the site has housed female convicts, the Contagious Diseases Hospital and Boys Reformatory.

Bellerive Cricket Ground and Sports Museum - Hobart

The museum houses a display of cricket history and interactive exhibits

Derwent River “Disco” Cruise and Evening Transfer - Hobart

A great way to spend an evening in Hobart, enjoying music and dancing as you cruise the river.

Zoodoo Wildlife Park - Richmond

With a range of native, agricultural and exotic animals including Tasmanian devils, quolls, koalas, camels, llamas, goats, monkeys, Bengal tigers, rare white African lions and much more! The Safari Bus tour is an experience the whole group will never forget.

Inclusions
  • Return ship fares on the Spirit of Tasmania (4 berth inside cabins)
  • 2 nights cabin accommodation on the Spirit of Tasmania
  • 1 night accommodation in Hobart
  • 1 night accommodation in Port Arthur
  • Coach with air conditioning and seat belts in Tasmania
  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Entrance fees where applicable
Conditions
  • All travellers will be required to bring their own towel, re-usable water bottle and toiletries.