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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: xxxxTo 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 $2,150.00 per person. Includes all meals from Lunch on Day 01 to Lunch on Day 04. Departs Monday, Wednesday & Friday, subject to availability, from mid-October to end of April. Tour Code: NT4MITo Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)
4 Day / 3 Nights Icons of Tasmania Tour – from LauncestonThis is the perfect way to see a well-selected range of Tasmania’s iconic locations, nature, history, and food and wine. The small group tour travels with a maximum of eight guests.
Day 1 Launceston – Wineglass Bay - Bicheno Your day begins with an 8.30 am pick-up from the reception of your hotel. The morning is spent touring through the historic midlands to the sunny east coast of the Island. On arrival there will be ample time to explore the unsurpassed beauty of the Freycinet National Park’s white beaches and to admire the famous curve of Wineglass Bay. A return walk to Wineglass Bay lookout is on offer as well as a shorter cliff top walk around the lighthouse at Cape Tourville. If Wineglass Bay is too strenuous the expansive Friendly Beaches offer a pleasant alternative. Continue to your waterfront units in the fishing village of Bicheno. Dinner will be taken in the hotel. Later in the evening, in close proximity to the hotel, we will be offering a Penguin Tour, where you will view Little Penguins arriving from their day at sea.
Overnight in Bicheno. Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 2 Port Arthur Historic Site - Hobart
After breakfast tour along the cliff tops and pastures of our east coast before arriving at Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula. Your guide will bring the history of this penal settlement alive during your private tour. We have selected particular buildings on your personal route which enable you to experience the breadth of the Port Arthur story. Continue to Hobart via Richmond, a charming historic village with beautiful colonial sandstone architecture and the oldest bridge in Australia. Enjoy a free evening in Hobart with restaurant recommendations from your guide.
Overnight in Hobart. Breakfast & Lunch included.
Day 3 Bonorong Wildlife Park – Mt. Field National Park Your day begins with an 8.30 am pick-up from the reception of the Grand Chancellor Hotel. Travel to Bonorong Wildlife Park to experience the Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Wallabies, Echidnas, Quolls, Koalas and other Tasmanian animals first hand. Continue to Mt. Field - Tasmania’s first national park, situated in the heart of the island, which is filled with tall trees, waterfalls and stunning glacier-sculpted landforms. In the Park, you will have a delightful picnic along by the riverside, and enjoy a rainforest walk to Russell Falls and the Tall Trees. Free evening in Hobart.
Overnight in Hobart. Breakfast & Lunch included.
Day 4 Salamanca Market - Mt Wellington – Huon Valley Wine & Food
Start the day with a stroll through Hobart's legendary and colourful Salamanca Market, before exploring the Huon Trail. Meander along waterways and secluded beaches, past the coastal towns of Margate, Kettering and Woodbridge, stopping at Grandvewe Sheep Cheesery to discover how our local cheeses are made. Lunch will be enjoyed at the Hartzview vineyard with its spectacular mountain views, and then continue this scenic route following the Huon River to Huonville. Stop in at a boutique vineyard to sample their wines and complete the day with a drive to the alpine wilderness of Mt Wellington, the 1270m peak, which provides the dramatic backdrop to the city and offers stunning views over southern Tasmania (weather dependant). Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel in Hobart where the tours ends at approx. 5.00pm.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Tour Cost: AUD $2,050.00 per person, twin share. Single Room Supplement: AUD $390.00. Departs 2010: 23 June, 28 July, 25 August, 22 September, 13 October, 27 October, 10 November, 24 November, 08 December, 22 December. Departs 2011: 12 January, 26 January, 09 February, 23 February, 09 March, 23 March. Minimum 2 people, Maximum 8 people. 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.
