Private Gardens, Art & Taste of Tasmania

Enjoy a city tour of historic Launceston, known as Tasmania’s ‘Garden City’ for its numerous gardens and parks. We’ll also see beautiful Cataract Gorge, found surprisingly close to the city centre. Afterwards, enjoy fine local produce and a glass of wine at a nearby winery before we reconvene for a Welcome Dinner at our hotel.

Stay: Three Nights, Launceston, Peppers Seaport Hotel or similar

• Dinner

Explore two private gardens, including Old Wesley Dale, a peaceful English garden where hedges and walls abound, along with productive potager and lovely vistas that draw upon the ‘borrowed landscape’. A ‘ha ha’, walled topiary garden and conservatory all enhance the property’s English-style garden theme. We will also make a stop at Ashgrove Cheese Factory to sample their locally made cheeses. Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Launceston. 

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Today, visit the historic village of Evandale, as well as the extensive gardens of Strathmore, a residence built by convicts in 1826. Afterwards, explore the heritage gardens of Brickendon Estate, a magnificent family-owned property offering a unique insight into Australia’s colonial history. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the house at Woolmers Estate, which provides a fascinating reflection upon Tasmanian colonial life—it is also one of the most historically significant heritage properties in Australia. We will also have time to explore its National Rose Garden.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Discover the delights of central Tasmania with a visit to a private garden near Launceston. Continue on to admire the cottage gardens in the historic towns of Oatlands and Richmond. Arriving in the town of Ross, we pause to view its convict-built bridge, as well as the township’s cottage gardens, before making our way to Hobart.

Stay: Three Nights, Hobart, Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar

• Breakfast
• Dinner

After breakfast, visit the private garden of Corinda House and admire the symmetrical parterres and box hedges. Explore the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, a cool-climate garden with several unique collections, which include Australia’s only subantarctic plant house. Later, take a tour of the Henry Jones Hotel’s private art collection. This evening, enjoy free time to explore Hobart.

• Breakfast

At Prospect Villa & Garden, wander amid its 10 garden rooms, beyond which views extend across the Upper Derwent Valley. Afterwards, visit Russell Falls in Mt Field National Park’s cool temperate rainforest. Next, continue to Epsom House, one of Australia’s oldest houses. The property features many established trees, including elms, cypress, cedar and eucalypts. Enjoy a special musical soirée during this evening’s dinner at this heritage venue.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Wander through Salamanca Market to see the local arts, crafts and produce on sale. Later, perhaps visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) for an eclectic and internationally acclaimed art experience, or taste delicacies at the Barilla Bay Oyster Farm. You will finish the tour at the Hobart Hotel at 3pm.

• Breakfast