Family Adventure: Tasmania’s East Coast

Arrive into Tasmania’s charming capital and collect your rental car to begin your family adventure in the Apple Isle. Drive yourself to your waterfront hotel, the exceptional MACq01, whose storied spaces reveal the very essence of Tasmania. Settle in and explore the historic setting, dine on local produce in the Old Wharf Restaurant or enjoy a drink at the harbourside bar before turning in.
MACq 01 Hotel 

This morning meet your A&K guide who will escort you on a private walking tour of Hobart’s urban centre. Discover the city’s hidden secrets, stroll through laneways and arcades, peer inside quirky shops, admire street art and appreciate the architectural layers of the city.

This afternoon make your own way to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in time to join the shared “Feeding Frenzy” with your own personal guide. Bonorong is Tasmania’s largest wildlife rescue service with an army of volunteers doing important rescue and rehabilitation work. This is a rare opportunity to get up close to many different native animals while supporting the incredible work being done here.

Enjoy the abundant activity here: hand feed wombats, cockatoos and Tassie devils; meet two species of quoll and learn how to spot their differences; stroke the koalas as they chew on fresh gum leaves; watch the tawny frogmouth swallow its food whole; spot secretive, and little known, Tasmanian bettongs in their grassy nests; see the sweet-toothed sugar gliders come out for dessert; and much more. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.
MACq 01 Hotel | Meals: B

Another incredible wilderness experience is in store today as you make your way to the Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy supported Raptor Refuge, a not-for-profit organisation on a 20-acre property outside of Hobart. This inspiring refuge reflects a committed dedication to caring and protecting Tasmania's natural wildlife, rehabilitating injured birds and releasing them back into the wild. The proximity of the refuge to the birds' natural habitat is a great advantage to rehabilitation. The facility has three of the largest raptor flight aviaries in the Southern Hemisphere, purpose-built to flight train wedge-tailed eagles, sea-eagles and other birds during their recovery from injury.

Exclusive to A&K, your visit to the Raptor Refuge will provide a level of access beyond anything that is offered to any other visitor. Additional to touring the aviaries and tactile displays, you are invited into the bird care and exercise areas for a behind the scenes experience which may include beak trimming, eagle weighing, or any of the other interesting husbandry techniques that allow Raptor Refuge to take the very best care of their patients for the duration of their recovery, and to adequately prepare them for their release back into the wild.

Your visit also includes the chance to watch the Peregrine falcon, one of the fastest birds of prey, soaring through the flight tunnel, as well as the chance to see wedge-tailed eagles in flight in Australia's largest flight aviary. You will leave with a greater understanding of the wild beauty and strength that these birds possess, as well as an appreciation of how Raptor Refuge manages these creatures, from the grass-roots organising of bird rescues, to the more complex level of long term planning and wildlife policy.

On conclusion, make your way back to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
MACq 01 Hotel | Meals: B

This morning head out of Hobart and drive yourselves to Port Arthur, one of Australia’s most important convict sites just 1.5 hours from the city. Port Arthur was the perfect place for a prison – remote and isolated by both the foreboding natural landscape and deep tempestuous seas. Despite the perilous odds, escape attempts were frequent and took many forms. When you arrive, join the ‘Escape from Port Arthur’ shared tour which reveals the extreme measures taken by convicts, whose desire for freedom far outweighed any fear of the consequences. Learn about those who risked everything to escape.

Later continue your journey up the east coast to Freycinet National Park and your stunning eco-lodge subtly set into the rugged landscape and overlooking the sparkling waters of Great Oyster Bay.
Freycinet Lodge | Meals: B

Take to the water today out of Coles Bay on a shared exploration along the shores of Freycinet aboard luxury catamaran Schouten Passage II. Be enthralled by the stunning granite coastline, including the dramatic pink peaks of the Hazards range. Discover a coastline dotted with sparkling white sand beaches, including Cooks and Bryans beaches, only accessible by water or a full day bushwalk.

Explore the inner passage of remote Schouten Island, home to little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters, before heading into the Tasman Sea towards Wineglass Bay. Look out for various hidden sea caves, blowholes and waterfalls amongst the sheer granite cliffs. Take in the sheer beauty of Wineglass Bay from the rarely seen perspective of the water, a shimmering crescent of white sand fringed by  glassy turquoise waters. Uncover the rich history of the region, including its aboriginal heritage, and hear tales of early explorers and entrepreneurs.
Freycinet Lodge | Meals: BL

Today is yours to further explore Freycinet National Park. Head out on foot to discover the area’s forests, beaches, bays and mountains. Paddle a sea kayak through nearby waters, rent an e-bike or jump aboard a quad bike for more adventure. Or simply relax at the lodge, or on a deserted beach.
Freycinet Lodge | Meals: B

Farewell Freycinet and continue your self-drive adventure north to the riverside city of Launceston where a thriving food and wine scene can be found amongst the vibrant Georgian streetscapes. Settle into your distinctive landmark hotel set on the banks of the idyllic Tamar River.
Peppers Silo Hotel | Meals: B

A full day at leisure to explore Launceston and the Tamar Valley.

Peppers Silo Hotel | Meals: B

Return your rental car to Launceston airport in time for your onward flight.
Meals: B