Join us for this 8 days escape to enjoy the scenic, culinary and cultural delights of Tasmania and regional Victoria.
SAVE $100pp! Book by 31 May.
Combining 2 nights in Tasmania, 2 nights in King Island and a traditional 3 night paddle steamer cruise along the Murray River.
Enjoy private charter flights, winery tastings, dining under the stars, regional cuisine and stunning scenery.
Cruising the mighty MURRAY RIVER
Spend your mornings waking up to the sounds of the rhythmic swish of the paddlewheels as PS Emmylou takes you back to a bygone era of romantic travel cruising the Murray River. During this cruise step off the vessel to experience tours highlighting places of geographical, historical and Aboriginal cultural significance as well as some quaint riverside wineries. With evenings spent on the river bank around a campfire and under a beautiful night sky, this journey is sure to provide many holiday highlights.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Private charter flights on a Dornier 228
• Tour the iconic lavender rows in full bloom at one of the world’s largest Lavender farms
• Enjoy a private tour of King Island
• Discover UNESCO World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain
• 3 nights in a luxury private cabin onboard the authentic paddle steamer Emmylou
• Riverside Grand Dining under the stars with an after-dinner campfire
• Visit to the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum
• Visit Lagoon Wetlands for a walk and Eco Cruise
• Explore Perricoota Station’s gardens
• Visit Morrison’s winery with complimentary tastings
• Fresh seasonal local produce prepared by your onboard Chef
• Sample a variety of locally produced wines
• Native wildlife in their natural environment
• Visit Torrumbarry Weir
We depart Melbourne on our flight to Launceston. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel. This afternoon is free to relax and enjoy Launceston. Tonight we have a welcome dinner at our hotel.
2 nights: Hotel Grand Chancellor
Today we take a full day to discover Cradle Mountain, travelling via Sheffield, the Town of Murals before heading up into the mountains through gorges, rain forest and button grass plains to reach the destination of Cradle Mountain, one of Tasmania’s most recognisable landmarks and one of Tasmania’s most visited attractions. We experience the unique flora, fauna and= geographical features of this UNESCO World Heritage listed National Park. After our visit in the park, we enjoy High Tea at Pepper’s Lodge before visiting the Interpretation Centre. We depart Cradle Mountain via Ashgrove Cheese before arriving back in Launceston.
This morning we take a farm tour at Bridestowe Lavender Estate, one of the world’s largest fine lavender farms in full bloom. We explore the estate on a private escorted driving tour around the beautiful fields, processing facilities and ornamental gardens. We finish our tour with a lavender food tasting session. This afternoon, we board our private charter flight on a Dornier 228 to King Island. On arrival, we tour some of King Island’s attractions. We visit Currie Light House before travelling to the unique Kelp Factory. We also stop at a King Island Cheese factory and King Island Distillery and finish our tour with a visit to the Scheelite Mine. Dinner tonight is at Boomerang by the Sea where we can enjoy the spectacular views from the balcony while we dine. After dinner we see if we can spot some of the local penguins.
2 nights: Boomerang by the Sea
This morning provides plenty of opportunities to view the birdlife of King Island as we journey to Shag Lagoon Bird Hide, spotting the beautiful water fowl as well as pheasants, peacocks and turkeys. We enjoy morning tea at the iconic top shop before continuing on to Quarantine Bay, taking in the views and interesting history of Christmas and New Year Islands located just off the coast. We then visit the shipwreck site of the Shannon at Yellow Rock River before making our way across to Penny’s Lagoon, a rare perched freshwater lake. After a lovely lunch at Salt and Thyme overlooking the lagoon, we visit Martha Lavinia Beach, a world class surf beach, before travelling past Lake Flannigan to Disappointment Bay, one of King Island’s most beautiful locations with a tragic shipwreck history. We continue to the most northern part of King Island to view Cape Wickham Lighthouse, the tallest granite lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere.
This morning we board our private charter flight to Echuca, where we enjoy some free time before boarding PS Emmylou for our Murray River cruise. As PS Emmylou departs from Echuca, you can relax and enjoy an afternoon Devonshire tea while taking in the stunning sights and sounds of the river. You will have plenty of time to chat with the skipper and learn about the history of the vessel or simply unwind in your private cabin. As the sun begins to set, Happy Hour starts, where you can enjoy a drink in the saloon before arriving at Layfield Lane for a grand dinner on the riverbank. The signature Australian BBQ, lit by candles and stars, sets the perfect mood for an evening of casual conversation and live entertainment around the campfire.
3 Nights: PS Emmylou
After a satisfying breakfast, we will embark on a half-day land and river tour, visiting the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum. This unique attraction is a celebration of Australia’s love of beer and features an extensive collection of over 17,000 cans and bottles from around the world. We’ll then experience the magic of the Murray River on our Eco Expedition boat, the Murray Explorer. After enjoying morning tea at the historic Echuca Wharf, we’ll embark on a journey upriver, immersing oursleves in the natural wonders of the Murray River. As we cruise, we’ll witness breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, all while learning about the rich history of the river from pre-European to early colonial riverboat days. Afterward, we’ll make a stop at a remote sandy river beach where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, surrounded by the beauty of this iconic Australian destination. Later, we will visit Morrisons Riverside Winery for a quick tasting of their fabulous table and fortified wines before returning to Emmylou for an afternoon tea service as we continue downriver towards Deep Creek Marina. In the evening, you can unwind with a fascinating documentary featuring archival footage of the paddlesteamers and communities of the Murray River.
Today PS Emmylou departs early in the morning for a full day of cruising towards Torrumbarry Weir with a mid-morning stop at the famous Perricoota Station. Join the skipper for a walking tour of the historic buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before continuing towards Torrumbarry Weir. Upon arrival, we can take a guided walk across the weir, visit the Interpretive Centre and learn about the Murray Darling Basin and the weir and lock system that dates back to 1923. Tonight, enjoy a delicious final dinner hosted by your Skipper with pre-dinner canapes and drinks as the sun settles over the weir. Listen to the river birds’ evening chorus and watch for kangaroos, wombats, and various bird species as the stars begin to appear during dinner.
This morning, early risers can enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast. A courtesy vehicle will then be ready to return us to Echuca, before our final transfer to Melbourne.
TOUR INCLUDES:
• Economy class flight from Melbourne to Launceston
• Private flights on a Dornier 228 aircraft Launceston – King Island & King Island – Echuca
• 2 nights at Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston
• 2 nights at Boomerang by the Sea, King Island
• 3 night Murray River Paddle Steamer Cruise
• Group transfer Echuca to Melbourne
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
MURRAY RIVER CRUISE INCLUDES:
• Luxury air-conditioned cabin with private ensuite
• All meals including morning and afternoon tea
• Chef prepared Regionally-inspired meals
• Onshore Tours as per itinerary
• Selected wine & beer with dinner service
• Espresso coffee, tea, soft drink & bottled water
• WIFI throughout the boat
2024 TOUR DATE:
30 September – 7 October
TOUR COST:
per person, twin share
BROCHURE
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