From the soaring mountain tops to the beautiful coastline Tasmania has it all!

Have a devil of a time on this island adventure!

March 13-23, 2010

Tasmania is packed with spectacular landscapes, ancient forests, beautiful ocean beaches and ice-carved highlands perfect for outdoor adventures. From Cradle Mountain National Park with its amazing peaks gorges to historic Launceston one of Australia’s oldest cities, there is a remarkable wealth of natural riches to explore. We’ll hike, bike, kayak and revel in the splendor of iconic scenes. Starting in Melbourne and ending in Hobart, our twelve-day adventure offers a big Tasmanian bite out of the untouched wonders of this island on the edge of the world..

Highlights:

• Spend two nights in each of two of Tasmania's iconic National Parks at the exquisite Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park lodges.
  
• Trek to the summit of Cradle Mountain with expansive views of the entire Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
  
• Glide across the treetops on a unique three-hour zip line canopy tour, gaining a bird's-eye view of Tasmania's beautiful forests.
  
• Hike along the Bay of Fires, then bike 100 km (over two days) along Tasmania's rugged eastern coast.
  
• Enjoy the lively antics of the residents of a Little Penguin rookery.
  
• Kayak on Wineglass Bay with its iconic blue waters and stunning white sand beaches.
  
• Explore Hobart by biking down (yes, relax and enjoy the ride!) from the top of Mount Wellington.
  
• Enjoy a leisurely paddle in Hobart harbor, complete with fish and chips served to our kayaks.
  

Dates and Price:
March 13-23, 2010: $3,495.00: A trip for gay men & lesbians.

Prices are per-person, based on double occupancy. Tours often fill up months before departure. We regularly update our travel schedule to show the status of this and other trips.

Travelling Alone?
So are most of the people who travel with us. You do not need to pay extra to travel by yourself. Prices are per-person, and the single supplement applies only if you'd like a room by yourself.

Location: Starts in Launceston, Tasmania and ends in Hobart

Price includes: Welcome reception; Accommodations, priced per-person, double-occupancy (we'll match you with a roommate if you like); Single bedroom when requested (subject to availability); Alyson Adventures tour director accompanying the group throughout the trip; Local licensed guides for hiking, biking, kayaking excursions; A wine tasting, highlighting a variety of Tasmania's vintages; All ground transportation within Tasmania; All listed activities including use of bikes, and kayaks; National Park entrance fees; Breakfast every day, five lunches, seven dinners; Three-hour treetops canopy tour in unique forest setting.

Not included: Airfare between home and Tasmania; Transfer to hotel in Launceston upon arrival in Australia; Visa for Australia (can be obtained online or from airline); Souvenirs, snacks, admissions; Meals not listed; Optional activities; Gratuities for guides.

1: Arrival at the Top of Tasmania

After your transoceanic flight and a connection through Sydney or Melbourne, arrive in the friendly city of Launceston, on Tasmania's northern coast. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon wandering through the town or on the boardwalk along the picturesque harbor of this seaport community.

We'll keep the day's activities pretty light, but we'll all meet for a welcome reception this evening, then get some rest to prepare for our hiking experience on Cradle Mountain.

2-3: To Cradle Mountain

This morning we head to Tasmania's best known National Park. Cradle Mountain's spectacular mountain peaks, deep gorges and pristine lakes are the most photographed and iconic symbols of Tasmania's natural beauty. Cradle Mountain is also one of the most glaciated areas in Australia and has Tasmania's highest peak, Mt. Ossa (1617m/5305ft). Today we will enjoy a 3 hour hike around Dove Lake with dramatic views of the mountain. Our accommodations for these two days will be in the elegant Cradle Mountain Lodge, in bungalows with views of the park. Tonight we will relax at our lodge and enjoy our welcome dinner and wine as we anticipate our exploration of this magnificent park.

The following day our goal will be to trek to the craggy summit of Cradle Mountain with expansive views of the entire Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (weather conditions permitting). This hike is challenging and requires good physical fitness but no technical climbing skills. The hike will take 5- 7 hours and require scampering over large boulders at the end to reach the final summit. Our rewards are unbelievable views along the way and, of course, unparalleled panoramas from the summit. (Less strenuous hiking is also available for anyone not wanting to tackle the summit trail.) Dinner will be on your own this evening in either the main dining room or the more casual bistro.

4-5: Launceston

Launceston is small quaint city with plenty of history, nightlife, Victorian architecture, and great food and wine. It is also an ideal base to explore the many natural and historic attractions of the Tamar (the Valley of the Senses). After a late morning arrival we will walk on a boardwalk path along the river to Cataract Gorge, a lovely wilderness area close to the city center. This dramatic site has nearly vertical cliffs along the banks of the South Esk River as it enters the gorge. Walking and hiking trails, freshwater pools, the world's longest single span chairlift, abseiling and rock climbing, and beautiful Victorian gardens will tempt us to linger but a healthy hike to several stunning lookouts will have to suffice. This evening we will enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent local restaurants.

The next day we have a special treat for our amusement and exploration. On the Hollybank Treetops Adventure we will enjoy a glide across the treetops in this unique forest canopy tour, gaining a bird's-eye view of Tasmania's beautiful forests. For 3 hours we will experience Australian nature and learn about the growing and vibrant Tasmanian forests. Gliding along wires and attached by harnesses, we will be led by knowledgeable and highly-trained guides through the treetops and above the Pipers River. The journey includes cable spans of between 15 and 371 meters, connected by tree platforms called "cloud stations." This evening will be free to choose your own venue for dinner from the many tempting choices.

6: Bay of Fires

Stretching south from Mt. Williams National Park is The Bay of Fires, a long sweep of white sand named by early European explorers after they spotted Aboriginal fires along the coastline. This beautiful wild stretch of undeveloped land offers plenty of scenic and seaside delights and we will hike along rugged trails in order to see as much of this fascinating area as possible. In the afternoon, we switch from hiking to biking, and ride to Bicheno (40 km) and our hotel resort for dinner and relaxation. Bicheno is a lovely harbor town with beaches, seaside views and a quaint fishing village atmosphere.

Tonight at dusk we will have the unique treat of stepping outside our resort for a guided tour of a penguin rookery, where the Little Penguins return nightly to feed their young.

7-8: Freycinet National Park

In the morning, we will bike from Bicheno to our next accommodation in Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park, a ride of 42 km on slightly undulating terrain.

We check into our lodge and store our bikes, then take an easy walk to Wineglass Bay with its iconic blue waters and stunning white sand beaches. It has been voted one of the top ten beaches in the world year after year by several publications such as Outside Magazine and CondeNast Traveler, so of course we will want to jump in for a swim.

We'll enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant, luxuriate in the pristine waters and then take a water taxi to our lodging for the next two nights, the Freycinet Lodge. Perfectly situated at a spectacular waterfront location, the lodge is within the boundary of the National Park and a perfect base for exploring this amazing region.

After breakfast on our second day at Freycinet, we will set out for a three hour kayak expedition in the bay. Coles Bay is at the head of the large Great Oyster Bay and the sea kayaking is superb. This afternoon and evening are free to explore the park at your own pace or just relax by the water and enjoy the sunset.

9-10: Hobart

Today we head to Tasmania's capital city. Hobart is a charming city rich in colonial history and surrounded by natural beauty. We'll get acquainted with Hobart by biking down (yes relax and enjoy the ride!) from the summit of Mount Wellington. After our descent we'll take a quick pedal around town to get oriented and then enjoy a paddle in the harbor, complete with fish and chips served to our kayaks! Tonight is at liberty to try one of the many fine restaurants in the city.

The following morning we will enjoy a leisurely hike in Mount Field National Park, about 1.5 hours from Hobart. A locals' favorite, the National Park is stunning example of rainforest and old growth trees amidst spectacular mountain scenery, alpine moorlands, lakes and waterfalls. There is also an abundance of wildlife here. We return to the city for a free afternoon. This evening we will celebrate our Farewell Dinner with typical Australian fare at Blues Skies Cafe on the water's edge in the center of Sullivans Cove, the working Port of Hobart.

11: Departure Day

Today we head to home, but leave a bit of our hearts in Tassie, a land of wonder and inspiration. We hope you've had a devil of a good time!