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Tasmania
Forests still cover almost half of the island state of Tasmania, and the mix of heathlands, dry and wet eucalypt forests, and buttongrass moorlands provide diverse habitats for a range of species, including 12 endemic species. The sought-after but elusive Forty-spotted Pardelote is found in the southeast of Tasmania, and throughout Tasmania are Green Rosella, Dusky Robin, Scrubtit, Brown and Tasmanian Thornbills, Black Currawong and Black-headed, Yellow-throated and Strong-billed Honeyeaters. The endangered Orange-bellied Parrot is found in the southwest, but is difficult to find. Little Penguin, and well as visitors such as Rockhopper, King, Macaroni and Gentoo Penguins.
Birdwatching ToursFull Day Tour to Bruny Island – from HobartThe day tour provides a broad overview of Bruny Island with the chance to visit a number of different locations and habitats. This will include a visit to historic and scenically beautiful Adventure Bay to see beautiful beaches and cool temperate rainforests containing some Gondwana species, as well as endemic Tasmanian flora.
You will also visit Cape Bruny, which offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline and Southern Ocean (next stop Antarctica!), and “Inala”, a 500 acre private Land for Wildlife property which is home to a variety of threatened species and all the Tasmanian endemic birds, including Tasmanian Native Hen, Green Rosella, Brown Scrubwren, Scrubtit, Tasmanian Thornbill, Dusky Robin, Yellow-throated, Black-headed and Strong-billed Honeyeaters, Yellow Wattlebird and Black Currawong.
Inala is also a centre for conservation research and education, and the location of one of the largest known colonies of Forty-spotted Pardalote, an endangered bird that is only found in Tasmania (and of which half of the total population is found on Bruny Island). Learn of the conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitat. Return to Inala late afternoon and connect with a ferry back to Hobart (suggest the 4:30pm or 5:30pm ferry with an estimated time of arrival back in Hobart one hour later.
Tour Cost: AUD $620.00 per person, from Kettering based on 2 people travelling. Daily departures. We can arrange rental car and ferry transfers – costs on application. Tour Code: BH1BITo Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)
2 Day / 1 Night Bruny Island Tour – from HobartDay 1. This morning you will visit “Inala”, a 500 acre private Land for Wildlife property which is home to a variety of threatened species and all the Tasmanian endemic birds, including Tasmanian Native Hen, Green Rosella, Brown Scrubwren, Scrubtit, Tasmanian Thornbill, Dusky Robin, Yellow-throated, Black-headed and Strong-billed Honeyeaters, Yellow Wattlebird and Black Currawong.
Inala is also a centre for conservation research and education, and the location of one of the largest known colonies of Forty-spotted Pardalote, an endangered bird that is only found in Tasmania (and of which half of the total population is found on Bruny Island). Learn of the conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitat. There will also be a chance for a short visit historic and scenically beautiful Adventure Bay, where you will see a variety of habitats, which include beautiful beaches and cool temperate rainforests containing some Gondwana species, as well as endemic Tasmanian flora.
After lunch you will visit Cape Bruny, which offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline and Southern Ocean (next stop Antarctica!), a view of the second oldest lighthouse in Australia, and the chance to see a variety of interesting plants, echidnas and a variety of birds (including Tawny-crowned Honeyeater and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo) that inhabit these areas.
Return to Inala late afternoon, settle into your cottage and freshen up before dinner.
After dinner you will take a visit to see the Little penguin and Short-tailed shearwater rookery to view these birds returning to their burrows after dusk. Penguins can be viewed all year round, but Shearwaters are only present between September and April. Also a chance to see some of Bruny’s nocturnal wildlife (year round) such as Tasmanian pademelons and Eastern quolls which are now only found in Tasmania, as well as Bennett’s wallabies and Brush-tailed possums. Return to the cottage after the tour.
Day 2. Generous breakfast provisions comprised of fresh local produce will be placed in your cottage for you to prepare at your convenience this morning. Leave Inala after breakfast and travel to Adventure Bay to depart at 11.00am on an award-winning 3 hour eco-adventure cruise from which you will see stunning natural cliff formations, amongst the tallest in the world. There is a possibility of seeing seabirds such as Shy Albatrosses, and possibly White-faced and Great-winged Petrels, Fluttering and Short-tailed Shearwaters and Australasian Gannets, amongst other pelagic species. Being so far south, this is one of the best places anywhere in Australia to search for seabirds, and we may also encounter dolphins, seals, and perhaps even a whale.
Following the cruise, you will be transferred by coach and ferry back to Hobart.
Tour Code:To Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)
Nature Tours
4 Day / 3 Night Maria Island Walk – from HobartOne of Australia’s most awarded tourism experiences, this is a personalized 4 day guided walk on one of Tasmania’s most beautiful and historic islands. In small groups of eight guests with two local guides, the group walks along pristine beaches and through ancient Blue Gum forests carrying only light packs. At nights relax with candlelit gourmet dining and elegant accommodation in two wilderness camps and the heritage-listed Bernacchi House.
Day 01. Starting with an 8an hotel pick up, gear issue and briefing we drive to the coast and take a marine adventure in our private catamaran to the remote southern end of Maria Island, arriving in ample time to enjoy stunning views and walk through beautiful forest with abundant wildlife. Relax at the delightful Casuarina Beach Camp, take a swim in the sheltered bay and enjoy Tasmanian wine and fresh food.
Day 02. Walk from Reidle Bay across the rare land formation of the isthmus to Shoal Bay to stroll five fabulous beaches. Explore the convict cells of point Lesueur and visit an ochre pit at Bloodstone Point – one of the original ochre sources for Tasmanian Aborigines. Put your feet up at White Gums Camp, where native birds will entertain you while you sip wine on the deck and anticipate dinner.
Day 04. A chance to relax and enjoy the serenity of Darlington and walk through the tall Blue Gum forest, to the convict brickworks and heritage reservoir and around to the world class fossil cliffs. Enjoy a champagne lunch overlooking the stunning Freycinet peninsula, followed by a gentle tour around the convict settlement and industrial ruins of Darlington itself as you soak in the atmosphere. Return to Hobart with an optional Hobart airport drop-off connecting with flights departing from 5.00pm.
Tour Cost:AUD $2,400.00 per person; AUD $2,450.00 from 26 December 2016. Rates are for twin-share; single supplement rate is AUD $1,800.00 Includes all meals from Lunch on Day 01 to Lunch on Day 04. Departs Daily, subject to availability, from 1st October 2016 to 30th April 2017. Tour Code: NT4MITo Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)
4 and 5 Day Icons of Tasmania – from HobartThis Tasmania tour allows you to experience the magic of Australia’s island state and brings you into contact with rugged wilderness, endemic wildlife, beautiful beaches, a sense of history and the best of contemporary Tasmanian hospitality. Designed by people who know and love Tasmania, this small group tour incorporates Tasmanian icons such as the famous Cradle Mountain (5 day tour only), Wineglass Bay, the Tasmanian Devil, the convict ruins of Port Arthur, the vibrant Salamanca markets and will take you off the beaten path to discover some of the hidden treasures of the island.
Day 1/SATURDAY ARRIVAL HOBART – AIRPORT TRANSFER Arrival in Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart and transfer to your accommodation. You might like to allow time to stroll through Hobart’s legendary Salamanca Markets and visit Tasmania’s newest attraction, MONA. The Museum of Old & New Art is one of the world’s most unique and controversial museums. View the largest private art collection in Australia with its fascinating blend of ancient and modern art. Accommodation: Hotel Style Hobart, 4 star Meals: Not included
Day 2/SUNDAY BONORONG – MT FIELD NATIONAL PARK
TToday, travel to Bonorong Wildlife Park to experience Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Wallabies, Echidnas, Quolls and other Australian animals first hand. Continue to Tasmania’s oldest National Park, Mt Field. Explore the green forest canopy of the National Park with a rainforest walk to Russell Falls and a beautiful circuit via Horseshoe Falls and the Tall Trees. Here you crane your neck to see some of the tallest trees in the world. Accommodation: Hotel Style Hobart, 4 star Meals: B/L
Day 3/MONDAY TASMAN PENINSULA – PORT ARTHUR – FREYCINET Enjoy a scenic drive to Tasmania’s East Coast. Explore the Tasman Peninsula where you will visit Port Arthur and hear the story of Tasmania’s famous UNESCO world heritage listed convict settlement. The Tasman Peninsula off¬ers stunning scenery as well as many interesting geological features such as Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch. Continue to the Freycinet Peninsula with its exceptional beauty, pristine white sandy beaches and granite coastline. Accommodation: Lodge style Freycinet, 4 star Meals: B/L
Day 4/TUESDAY FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK – LAUNCESTON
This morning there will be time to explore the unsurpassed beauty of the Freycinet Peninsula. Take an interpreted walk to the world famous Wineglass Bay lookout for some stunning photo opportunities. Continue your journey to Launceston for an introductory tour and explorethe scenic Cataract Gorge where the Tamar River forces its way through sheer rocky cliffs.
(4 Day Tour guests depart conclude the tour in the afternoon of this day) Accommodation: Hotel Style Launceston, 4 star Meals: B/L
Day 5/WEDNESDAY CRADLE MOUNTAIN – LAUNCESTON DEPARTURE After breakfast leave Launceston and travel to UNESCO world heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Your guide will introduce you to the many endemic fauna and flora species of the region whilst enjoying picturesque views of the spectacular craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain. After lunch return to Launceston where your guide will bid you farewell. Meals: B/L
Tour Cost: • 4 Day Icons of Tasmania AUD $1795 per person based on twin/double share accommodation • 5 Day Icons of Tasmania AUD $2195 per person based on twin/double share accommodation
Departs:Tour departs every Saturday from Hobart. The 4 day tour finishes in Launceston in the afternoon of day 4 (Tuesday) and the 5 day tour concludes in the afternoon on Wednesdays.
Tour Code: NT4ITTo Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)
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Day 03. Head inland to green forests that are a prime habitat for the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote. Take the gentle inland track to Hopgrounds Beach and the Painted Cliffs or continue to the 709-metre summit of Mt Maria for breathtaking views. Finish the day with a sumptuous banquet and accommodation in the historic colonial home once occupied by Italian entrepreneur, Diego Bernacchi.
