***FULLY BOOKED***
7 NIGHT UNCOVER TASMANIA CUSTOMISED TOUR
2 – 9 MARCH 2025
Claudia Moir is excited to present to you a tailor-made Tasmania tour especially designed for Friends of Te Papa. This small group tour includes some exclusive experiences not open to the general public and expert guides including an historian, a geologist and an ecologist for a deeper insight into Tasmanian landscape, history and heritage, Come and join us on this amazing adventure limited to 20 participants.
The following proposed tour is based on 16 guests + tour leader and includes:
- Your own private local tour guide
- Transport in a comfortable modern vehicle
- Hobart airport private transfers
- Guided commentary throughout areas visited
- 5 night’s accommodation at Movenpick
- 3 x dinners at some of Hobart’s top restaurants
- Tours around Tasmania Welcome to Hobart VIP guest gift package
- Salamanca Story Walk from bus with historian
- MONA entry fees + Posh Pit ticket
- Port Arthur Historic Site entry fees
- Private 2 hour tour of Port Arthur Historic Site
- Big Tree Hunting tour through Mount Field National Park with ecologist
- 2 x night’s accommodation at the award-winning Curringa Farm
- 2 x dinners at Curringa Farm
- 2 x breakfast hampers at Curringa Farm
- Curringa Farm morning farm tour + morning tea
- Willow Court history tour
- Lunch at The Quilted Teapot
- Salmon Ponds entry fees
- Derwent Estate wine tasting and lunch
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary private tour
- Cascade Female Factory – “Notorious Strumpets & Dangerous Girls” tour
- Geology walk on Kunanyi/Mt Wellington + Hobart
Tour Itinerary:
2 March: Welcome to Hobart
Hobart Airport transfers
Welcome to Hobart, Tasmania’s stunning capital city and one of Australia’s oldest.
Your private tour guide will meet you near the luggage carousel after your flight lands. They will have a sign with the group name.
Check in to the centrally located Movenpick Hotel. There will be time to get some lunch at your leisure (not included)
2.30 pm Salamanca Story ‘Walk’
Peter Lutz, a local historian & chef will join us for a history tour from the comfort of our bus this afternoon.
Expect fascinating stories delivered with insight and passion, as we explore the remarkable lives of craftsman, clergyman, free settlers, merchants and convicts as they begun to quarry stone, hunt whales and building the foundations of Hobart by convict labour. Admire the architectural treasures of Battery Point overlooking the Derwent river as we wander through the streets and step back in time.
Sit back, relax and take in the history of Hobart before going back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
6.00 pm Dinner at Tesoro | 2 course
Combining the best bounty from Tasmania’s growers, farmers and makers, at Tesoro they take great produce, great technique and great service to showcase the real art of Italian cuisine.
In true Italian style, they value humble, uncomplicated food; delicious, punchy flavour; quality, local produce, low food miles and low food waste.
For our welcome dinner we will enjoy a 2-course seasonal menu at Tesoro.
Overnight: Movenpick Hotel
3 March: MONA
9:00 am MONA | Museum of Old & New Art
There’s one thing we can guarantee when visiting MONA, you’ll never see another museum like it.
The weird, whacky, wonderful and downright bizarre all call MONA home. Located just up the river from Hobart, Mona’s subterranean architecture showcases the highlights (and lowlights) of David Walsh’s $110m private collection of art and antiquities, as well as hosting a busy exhibitions program.
Travel in style to MONA with a ticket for the Posh Pit on board MR1 or MR2. Take a seat on a sheep, or lion while you enjoy the included canapes, or tiny foods as MONA prefers to call them, drinks and of course, the incredible views up the Derwent River. Take the day to explore the museum and outside art installations. Return to Hobart at 5.00 pm (or earlier).
Overnight: Movenpick Hotel
4 March: Tasman Peninsula
Hotel collection
Please ensure you are out the front of your Hobart accommodation for an 8am departure. Your tour guide will pull in directly out the front of your hotel.
Tessellated Pavement
This geological phenomena is a sight to behold, walk down to the waterfront to get the best view of these tile looking rocks. Don’t forget to take your camera with you, it’s a great place to snap some photos of our world class scenery.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Welcome to the captivating world of Port Arthur Historic Site, an extraordinary destination steeped in rich history and haunting beauty. Nestled on the scenic Tasman Peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site offers a poignant journey into Tasmania’s convict past.
Welcome aboard for a short harbour cruise around the captivating Isle of the Dead and Point Puer, where history and natural beauty intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Set sail on tranquil waters as we embark on a journey that unveils Tasmania’s intriguing past and scenic wonders.
Please note we will need to check in 15 minutes prior for the cruise.
We will be joined by one of Port Arthur’s knowledgeable and passionate guides for a 2 hour private guided tour of Tasmania’s top attraction.
Richmond Historic Village
Historic architecture, fine food, vineyards with a view, and a mysterious convict past. There’s something for everyone in Richmond. Wander down the main street perusing the many galleries and antique shops, step back in time at Richmond Gaol or have a tipple at the Tasting House.
Standing on a rise above Richmond Bridge, the oldest in Australia, built by convicts in 1825, St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, built in 1837, is the country’s oldest surviving Catholic church.
Richmond was an important police district between Port Arthur and Hobart during the early days of settlement, with often dark history lurking amid the prettiness. Among the many convict tales that swirl around Richmond Gaol, the oldest intact jail in Australia, is that of Isaac “Ikey” Solomon, believed to be the model for Fagin in Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist.
Mures Upper Deck – Seafood
Mures Upper Deck, award-winning seafood restaurant is the flagship of a group of companies founded by George & Jill Mure over forty years ago.
With an international reputation for Tasmania’s world class seafood, Upper Deck is the ultimate seafood experience in Hobart. Mures are unique as they catch their own fish, source and prepare all our seafood to enjoy with stunning views of Victoria Dock. Here we will enjoy a two course meal.
Overnight: Movenpick Hotel
5 March: Heartland Experience
Please ensure you are out the front ready and waiting at 8am for our drive out to Mount Field National Park. *Please note, sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket are essential for today’s walk through one of Tasmania’s most stunning rainforests.
Mount Field National Park | Big Tree Hunting
As the winding road ascends through Mount Field National Park the stunning natural flora transforms, offering a constantly changing view as you climb to higher altitudes. Known as ‘the park for all seasons’, Mount Field is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and home to some of the world’s tallest eucalypt forests, as well as a unique array of alpine vegetation.
Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks and is also one of its most diverse. Spectacular glaciated landscapes compete for attention with cascading waterfalls, including the breathtaking, three-tiered Russell Falls – arguably one of the most impressive waterfalls in Tasmania.
Today we will explore the forests with an ecologist and one of Tasmania’s Big Tree Hunters. Wander through the ancient rainforest as they share their passion and knowledge for Tasmania’s stunning forests. Mount Field is home to some of the tallest flowering trees in the world, here we will try and map a tree.
Dinner and overnight: Curringa Farm Curringa Farm, located in Tasmania’s Central Highlands region will be our base for the next two evenings. Tim & Jane Parsons are sixth generation farmers. Their 750-acre farm is home to 3,000 sheep, many different crops and just over 12% of their property is under conservation with beautiful forest areas lining many parts of the farm.
6 March: Heartland Experience
9:00 am Curringa Farm
To start our day today we’ll join Tim or Jane on a farm tour, they’ll share with you their little slice of paradise.
We’ll enjoy a morning farm tour that includes sheep shearing, working farm dogs, viewing crops in season, forest walk and morning tea with fresh home-made scones with jam and cream.
Lunch | Quilted Teapot
The Quilted Teapot will be our lunch stop today. You’ll find the Quilted Teapot within the grounds of St Matthew’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Australia. Inside The Quilted Teapot is a colourful patchwork and quilting shop with a quaint café, serving quality Tasmanian coffee, wide selection of teas, delicious light meals & refreshments.
We have organised for St Matthew’s Church to be opened so we can wander through this exquisite church, built in 1823. Your tour guide will share the story behind the church’s stain-glass windows, made in Germany over 120 years ago. These windows are to do this day considered some of the best in an Australian church.
Tasmania’s Most Haunted | Willow Court History Tour
Explore the Willow Court Historic Site with your knowledgeable tour guide as they take you through some of the site’s iconic buildings and landmarks. Your guide will combine history and mystery to captivate your imagination and lead you through over 190 years of unique Tasmanian stories.
Derwent Cliffs Walk
To end the day we’ll stop in the heart of the Derwent Valley, New Norfolk. Here we’ll drive pass the oldest continually licensed pub in Australia and on to our last stop. Following the calm Derwent River, we’ll make our way along the Derwent Cliffs track taking in the stunning views of the Derwent River and sandstone cliffs.
This is a grade 1 walk, with a steady path with most even surfaces.
Dinner and overnight: Curringa Farm
7 March: Heartland Experience
Check out: Curringa Farm
Please ensure you are ready to depart Curringa Farm at 8.30am this morning.
Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery and Gardens
Take a walk back in time amidst the beautiful gardens, historic buildings, hatchery and fish ponds – all set within the original 19th century English style public open space of superb trees, hedges and lawns.
If you are lucky while visiting the salmon ponds you may catch a glimpse of our local wild platypus. The Platypus would have to be this planets most unusual creature, looking like a Duck, Beaver and Otter all rolled into one. First thought to be a hoax by scientists with its bill and webbed feet like a duck, tail like a beaver and furry body like an otter.
Derwent Estate | wine tasting + lunch
Three generations of the Hanigan family are involved in the management of their historic Mt Nassau property, owned by the family since 1913. Given that over the last 100 years the property has at various times been involved with sheep, cattle, vegetable production, quarrying and the production of lime, the addition of viticulture in ’92 was not surprising.
Since then, Derwent Estate have been leading the way with their delicious award winning wines. Here we will enjoy a wine tasting of 4 of their best wines.
If the weather is in our favour, we will enjoy the wine tasting out on the front lawns. Alternatively, an area will be set up in ‘The Shed’ restaurant for us where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.
3.00 pm Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We’re a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. The skills and funds generated through the Sanctuary allow us to proactively address problems in our surrounding environment and communities.
A visit to Bonorong is a chance to come closer than ever to something wild and fragile. You’ll come face to face with animals that became extinct long ago in other parts of Australia — the same animals we’re working hard to protect now.
Drive back to our hotel in Hobart, own arrangements for dinner.
Overnight: Hobart, Movenpick Hotel
8 March: Salamanca Markets
8:30 am Salamanca Markets
Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s most visited tourism attraction and runs each Saturday from 8.30 am to 3 pm, rain, hail or shine.
The market extends the full length of Hobart’s historic Salamanca Place, from the silos end to the top of Davey Street. You will find a huge selection of locally made products and you can meet the makers, the artisans, the designers and producers.
With over 300 stallholders, the market includes fresh produce from local growers, hot coffee, delicious breakfast and lunch options, lots of gift ideas and plenty of handmade products.
The market is one of those special places where you can find plenty of handmade and home grown produce, mingle with the locals, enjoy the vibrancy and atmosphere, and discover the heart of a creative island.
We recommend visiting the markets first thing in the morning, as one of the largest outdoor markets in Australia, Salamanca markets can be quite busy by mid morning with thousands visiting each Saturday.
Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery | TMAG
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is Tasmania’s leading natural and cultural heritage organisation. It is a combined museum, art gallery and herbarium which safeguards the physical evidence of Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage, and the cultural identity of Tasmanians.
TMAG is Australia’s second-oldest museum and has its origins in the collections of Australia’s oldest scientific society, the Royal Society of Tasmania, established in 1843. The first permanent home of the museum opened on the corner of Argyle and Macquarie streets in 1863 and the museum has gradually expanded from this corner to occupy the entire city block.
The TMAG precinct is one of Australia’s most historically significant sites. Included in the precinct is Tasmania’s oldest surviving public building, the 1808-10 Commissariat Store; the Private Secretary’s Cottage, built prior to 1815 and originally adjacent to old Government House; and Tasmania’s first federal building, the 1902 Custom House.
1.00 pm Cascade Female Factory | Notorious Strumpets & Dangerous Girls
This in-person storytelling experience takes visitors on an emotional journey through the stories of seven remarkable convict women who faced life’s hardships with resilience. These women were often underestimated, belittled and forgotten. Seen by society as “notorious strumpets”, but there was so much more to each and every woman. Through their lives learn about how female convicts were treated by society and how they sometimes managed to overcome prejudice and inequality to succeed – despite all odds.
3.00 pm Kunanyi / Mt Wellington Geology Tours
It’s fair to say the city is dominated by Kunanyi / Mount Wellington – stand almost anywhere in Hobart and you’ll see its forested flanks. Few cities can equal Hobart for the natural magnificence of its backdrop, with Kunanyi / Mount Wellington towering 1271 metres above the city. That’s almost 200 metres taller than the famed Table Mountain in Cape Town.
This afternoon we will retrace Charles Darwin’s 1836 ascent to the Kunanyi/Mt Wellington pinnacle from the coastal suburb of Sandy Bay. This journey, which only involves some light walking, reveals the geological splendours and sweeping views of Hobart.
Furthermore, the private geology tour offers a comprehensive experience of the area’s fundamental geology and its importance. Hannah will navigate you through crucial sites that were instrumental in Darwin’s research. You will also learn to apply traditional geological methods to classify different rock types. Depending on the tides, the tour may also include a visit to an old volcano near Long Beach, an area once explored and recorded by Charles Darwin.
Dinner | Old Wharf Restaurant
Chef Alvin Sim and his team acknowledge this history by creating a menu that celebrates and explores Tasmania’s traditional family dishes. Reimagined and refined, this menu gives the nod to our past while championing our celebrated produce and boutique Tasmania growers.
A three-course farewell dinner will be arranged.
Overnight: Movenpick Hotel
9 March: Departure Day/Airport transfers
Hobart Airport transfers
Your private tour guide will transfer you to the airport today.
Price per person: $4690 (Twin Share) – flights additional (ask Claudia for a quote).
Single supplement: $1,100 (if a single room is preferred, but please note that a single room can only be guaranteed for the 5 nights in Hobart, for the 2 nights at Curringa farm you may need to share a room with another traveller of the same gender).
If you are a solo traveller and don’t want to pay the single supplement, we will try to match up with another solo traveller.
Price is based on a minimum 16 passengers, maximum 20
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person is required to secure your space on this tour. Balance payment 90 days prior departure. Deposit is refundable in case that minimum numbers for the tour are not reached. Once full payment is made, it is not refundable if the booking is cancelled within 90 days of departure. We highly recommend to take out travel insurance at time of booking, please ask me for a quote.
To book contact:
Claudia Moir – NZ Travel Brokers Mangawhai
phone: 09-431 5899 mobile: 021-431 589
email: [email protected]
Trading as a member of NZ Travel Brokers Ltd, TAANZ Bonded & IATA Accredited, Level 7, 1 – 19 Fitzherbert Avenue, Palmerston North 4410
Be quick to secure your place. “I believe that life is all about experiences created by special people and amazing places we visit” Claudia Moir NZ Travel Brokers Mangawhai
Image credits: Feature image: The 3B’s. all other images: Claudia Moir, NZ Travel Brokers Ltd.