IPPS joint meet pre conference tour of Tasmania May 09

Wednesday 6^th May:  arrival and a welcome drink, accommodation.  Wrest Point Hotel

Thursday 7^th May: Depart Wrest Point hotel and travel via New Norfolk, Bushy Park to Russell Falls in the Mount Field National Park. We then move on to Tarraleah for lunch, (own account) and then arrive at “The Wall in the Wilderness” A work in  progress, The Wall is being carved from three-metre high wooden panels. The panels will tell the history of the harsh central Highlands region – beginning with the indigenous people, then to the pioneering timber harvesters, pastoralists, miners and Hydro workers. Continuing our journey via Lake St Clair and Queenstown with its unique barren landscape, we arrive in Strahan.

Accommodation: Strahan Village

Friday 8th May

After a full buffet breakfast we board the Gordon River Cruise vessel for a scenic cruise along the Gordon River (home of the Huon Pine) with a stop at Sarah Island. Lunch is provided on board. The cruise concludes at 2.30pm. and you have time to explore the sawmill and the dock area before seeing the play ‘The ship That Never Was”

Accommodation: Strahan village

Saturday 9^th May

After breakfast we head for the Strahan Railway Station to board the Westcoast Wilderness Railway for the journey through time along 35km track, stopping at stations of the past as your venture through impressive scenery.(lunch included) On arrival in Queenstown board the bus and drive via Zeehan, Rosebery and Tullah to Cradle Mountain.

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Chateau

Sunday 10^th

After breakfast, we drive into the Cradle valley to Cradle Mountain, looming above

Dove Lake, develop an understanding of glacial lakes and deep rugged gorges on the Cradle explorer guided tour. See unique alpine plants and animals, visit the Tasmanian Devil park, and enjoy the rest of the day explore the cradle region.

Monday 11^th May

After a full buffet breakfast we head to Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, guns Forestry nursery Somerset, and then to Sheffield (town of Murals), visiting Todd Miles- Clematis Cottage nursery, (lunch at the bakery). From here we go to Anvers Chocolate factory, on  our way to  Tamar Valley Roses (Tasmania’s premier rose grower), overnight at Launceston Country Club Villas.

Tuesday 12th May

After breakfast we head for Allan’s production Nursery in Youngtown, from which we depart for Scottsdale and visit Woodlea tree production nursery.  From Scottsdale we head for the sunny east coast and the towns of Bicheno, St Helens and Scamander, on our way to Coles Bay.

Overnight: Freycinet Lodge.

Wednesday 13^th May

After breakfast we have arranged a guided tour, to see the Wineglass Bay Lookout. 1 1/2-2 hours 1.3km,
a steady climb on an easy grade track rewards the walker at every turn. Imposing granite mountains, elevated bay views and boulderfields give a taste of the destination - the classic view of Wineglass Bay from the lookout.

From here we  travel to Swansea for lunch at the Bark Mill. After lunch head for Hobart stopping at Pulchella nursery @ Buckland. (Specializing in Tas. Native flora). Then onto Hobart and Wrest Point Hotel.

What will the weather be like!

Generally this time of year brings cool nights and clear days, but be prepared for possible rainy periods, especially on the West coast of Tasmania.

This tour is designed to give you an overall picture of our island, please come and enjoy.

Please Note: this tour may have some additions or deletions as we firm up our numbers.

Payment:   $400 deposit per person to be paid on booking balance by the  1^st.April 09

Refunds 100% up to  28^th Feb, 50% to the 1^st April, no refund after 1^st April09

Costs have been set at AU$1710.00 per person twin share and $2425.00 single.

Lunches will be your own cost except where stated.

Tour bookings will not be accepted after the 28^th February 2009.

Tour includes:

8 nights accommodation Federal group, bus hire including driver, tickets to “The Ship That Never Was’, Cradle mountain explorer tour, Emu Valley gardens, the Freycinet experience.