Historic Tasmania

  • 
                      Historic Tasmania
  • 
                      Historic Tasmania
  • 
                      Historic Tasmania

The Concept

OK, so you have decided to take the students to Tasmania. There are so many great things to do, so we have listed here one of our most popular school programs.

If you decide to add or change some options around this program, or perhaps create your own itinerary then we have listed some options on the following page.

This 5-day tour introduces students to beautiful Tasmania, where our colonial and convict past have been largely preserved. Student experiences include crossing Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania and a guided tour of memorable Port Arthur.

Students will discover stunning Tasmania, gain a better understanding of Australia's convict history and marvel at our amazing natural wonders. 

History

Itinerary Day By Day

DAY 1 SCHOOL – SPIRIT OF TASMANIA OVERNIGHT CRUISE

Travel by coach from school to Melbourne’s Station Pier, to check in for your overnight cruise to Devonport on the Spirit of Tasmania, (based on inside four berth cabin).

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

An early morning arrival in Devonport. Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Launceston and 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 Caravan Park. 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 heritage-listed penal settlement 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)

See the fantastic views of Hobart from Mt Wellington or Mt Nelson (weather conditions permitting) before travelling back to Devonport for the overnight voyage back to Melbourne.

DAY 5 MELBOURNE – SCHOOL

Early morning arrival at Station Pier, then return to school by coach.

Options:

at additional cost

Cataract Gorge Chairlift (Launceston)

A chance to appreciate, and photograph, the spectacular views of this ancient rock gorge, riding the world’s longest single span chairlift. Set in Launceston’s unique wilderness, just 15 minutes from the city centre, Cataract Gorge also has walking and hiking trails, peacocks and wildlife, gardens, a suspension bridge and lookouts with spectacular views.

Tahune AirWalk (90m From Hobart)

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

Experience the thrills 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:

50-90 minute guided walks
• Amazing Race
• Isle of the Dead guided cemetery tour
• Point Puer Boys Prison tour
• Brick making

Windeward Bound Tallship Cruise (Hobart)

Enjoy a two hour cruise on the Derwent River.

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

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

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

Zoodoo Wildlife Park (Richmond, near Hobart)

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 coach transfers (school - Spirit of Tasmania - school) metro schools only
  • 2 nights on the Spirit of Tasmania, in a 4 berth, inside cabin
  • Quality coach with air-conditioning, DVD and seat belts
  • 1 night cabin and 1 night motel accommodation
  • Port Arthur Ghost Tour
  • Port Arthur Historic Site walking tour
  • Cadbury Visitor Centre video presentation
Exclusions
  • Airfares (contact G.E.T Educational Tours for the best available airfares)