Itinerary

Day 1: Launceston - Tamar Valley - Cataract Gorge

Dinner

Fly to Launceston or sail on the Spirit of Tasmania to Devonport, before your hotel transfer this morning. A tour of Launceston's sights begins at 2.00 p.m. from the hotel. See beautiful Cataract Gorge and enjoy local produce and a glass of wine as you gaze over the fertile Tamar Valley.

Day 2: Historic Gardens

Breakfast, Dinner

Visit a range of private gardens, including historic Woolmers and Brickendon plus Strathmore and Panshanger gardens. Visit the National Rose Garden which displays all of the recognised rose families and represents one of the finest collections of historic roses in the Southern Hemisphere, ranging from the earliest European and Chinese roses through to the roses of the 21st century. See charming Evandale and Longford villages and enjoy morning tea at the Gourmet Sauce and Topiary Garden.

Day 3: Sheffield

Breakfast, Dinner

See unusual plants at Wychwood and the fascinating Sheffield murals. Visit the beech, holly and oak trees of Villarett Garden, around which the gardens have been developed since 1977. Sample delicious fare at Ashgrove Cheese Factory, then visit Culzean Garden, an English-style woodland garden set around an elegant Georgian house. The central feature of the garden is a magnificent 1.2 hectare man-made lake surrounded by many different water iris and other bog plants. Enjoy a gourmet dinner at Stillwater Restaurant tonight.

Day 4: Historic Villages

Breakfast, Dinner

Discover the delights of central Tasmania today with a special visit to Dunedin Garden in St Leonards. Admire the charming cottage gardens of historic towns including Oatlands, Richmond and Campbell Town with its National Trust classified buildings. At Ross visit the famous convict-built bridge, see the quaint township and view cottage gardens.

Day 5: Hobart Gardens

Breakfast, Dinner

Visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens - home to the largest collection of temperate climate plants in Australia. Established in 1818, the gardens offer wonderful vistas of the Derwent River and house a range of exotic and native species in theme plantings including Japanese, Chinese and American. See Pete's Vegie Plot, as featured on Gardening Australia. Head to Corinda and admire the box hedges and pleached lime walk. Enjoy a garden visit and the lovely scenery of the Huon Valley.

Day 6: New Norfolk Garden - Russell Falls

Breakfast, Dinner

Visit historic Runnymede House, an 1840s sandstone Regency villa and its formal and cottage gardens with two 100 year-old lemon trees. At Prospect Villa wander amid ten garden rooms protected by 170 year-old walls. Walk to Russell Falls in Mt Field National Park.

Day 7: Salamanca Market - Home

Breakfast

Wander through colourful Salamanca Market. Then visit Barilla Bay Oyster Farm and, on a guided tour, learn how oysters are farmed. Transfer to Hobart Airport for your flight home.

Gardens & Gourmet Discovery of Tasmania