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West coast Tour

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This is our GROUP TOUR through the wilderness of the west coast and highlands.

It goes through very dramatic scenery, lots of it in World Heritage listed areas or alpine country. You can expect long distances between settlements, many hills and lots of rain. You don´t need to be exceptionally fit because you can join the support vehicle whenever you like.

For more information click on the "back to description" - button on the left.

Prices, Terms & Itinerary

Start- / Endpoint Hobart / Launceston Duration 9 days, 8 nights (without flight) Depature dates Thu 27.11.08 - Fri 05.12.08 Thu 22.01.09 - Fri 30.01.09 Thu 19.02.09 - Fri 27.02.09 Thu 26.11.09 - Fri 04.12.09 rentalbike included $ 100 reduction, when you bring your own support vehicle, tour guide included Accomodation category Price per person booking code Comfort category $2,190 twin share 2 a Executive category $2,590 twin share 2 b Economy category $1,790 twin share 2 c Hostel category $1,350 sharing 2 d supplement for one person in a room $750 / 650 / 450 / 200* (depending on category) * = single rooms not available everywhere ALL PRICES are displayed in AUSTRALIAN dollars (AUD)

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What we include

Extensive preparatory material (a fully comprehensive, pre-travel guide including road book), 8 nights in double/twin bed rooms comfort depending on category booked, single rooms are available for an additional fee), all transfers, all food and drinks until arrival, as mentioned in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = picnic-style lunch, D = Dinner, some breakfasts are to be prepared by the group), serviced rental bike with helmet (panniers on request for a small charge), all transfers and admissions according to the itinerary, national park entry fees, guide/driver, minibus (with air-conditioning) and custom-built trailer (for more than 4 guests), luggage and bicycle transport, minimum 4, maximum 11 guests.

What we do NOT include

Flight, evening meals and drinks, additional excursions and trips not mentioned in the itinerary, personal spending.

Tour itinerary

Day 1, arrival

If you join us here we will pick you up from the airport.
If you have just finished the east coast tour then you´ll have a day off to explore Hobart. You can visit the oldest brewery in Australia, do the mini cruise to Peppermint Bay or just enjoy the open-to-the-world atmosphere of the capital and it´s people. A trip to Mount Wellington and/or to the spectacular Tahune Airwalk (6 hours) or a plane excursion into the remote wilderness of the southwest could be arranged at extra cost (weather permitting).

Day 2, Hobart - Bronte Park (B/L)

Bus transfer out of the city to New Norfolk where there is very little traffic and you hop on the bike again. The landscape becomes more open and wilder all the time. Around noon we visit Mount Field National Park with its famous Russel Falls and many tall trees. Later we follow the “Wild Way”, one of the most fascinating roads in the world going through world heritage area. We stay in an old “Hydro village”, which was build for dam-workers. Cycling: 55 km (34 m), + Bus 100 km (62 m)

Day 3, Bronte Park - Queenstown (B/L)

We continue through this untouched World Heritage Area; the Wild Rivers National Park. It's a day for short walks in superb locations (e.g. Lake St Clair National Park, Donaghys Lookout, which offers a 360° view, and the famous Nelson Falls). Cycling 55 km (34 m), + Bus 64 km (40 m)

Day 4, Queenstown - Strahan (B/L)

In the morning there is time for checking out the town or for a 6 hour walk along wild Bird River through very beautiful rainforest (weather permitting). You may prefer to take a ride on the recently restored ABT 'Wilderness Railway' instead (at extra cost). If you prefer to cycle you will be pleased: the route follows a narrow, winding road with 243 curves, sometimes through beautiful and dense forest. Generally speaking there is more downhill than uphill! Cycling: 42 km (26 m)

Day 5, day off (B)

You can take a half-day Gordon River cruise into the spectacular wilderness, do other excursions or have a rest day. One option is to take the railway trip described in yesterday’s itinerary (all at extra cost and pre-booking is required).

Day 6, Strahan - Tullah (B/L)

Today’s route is also very beautiful and more or less on the flat for the first 40 km. There will be a lunch-break in Zeehan, where we can visit the local mining museum. Later we take a coffee break in the old mining town, Roseberry. It is possible to do the 3 hour return walk to 104m high Montezuma Falls (with a suspension bridge crossing). Our accommodation is situated at the very edge of a crystal-clear lake (swimming permitted). Cycling: 55 km (34 m), + Bus 34 km (21 m)

Day 7, Tullah - Cradle Country (B/L)

We'll drive you into famous Cradle Mountain National Park at 900 m altitude, where we can walk around romantic Dove Lake (about 2-hours) or do even longer walks. After lunch you can cycle again (more downhill than up), however there are some very steep sections where you can use the bus if you like. The lovely B&B near Gowrie Park (where most of the guests stay) has fine views and has often been rated one of the best by previous guests. Cycling: 50 km (31 m), + Bus 54 km (33 m)

Day 8, Cradle Country - Mole Creek (B/L):

Today takes us away from sub-alpine country and back into warmth through spectacular scenery and travelling mostly downhill! Once down on the flat we can visit Solomon Cave, the honey farm in Cluddah (there are over 50 different types of honey), an interesting animal park and / or do a 40min return walk to the Alum Cliffs. If there is still time you can cycle along the picturesque Meander Valley beneath high mountains. The last night is spent in romantic Mole Creek. Cycling: 50 km (31 m), + Bus 20 km (12 m)

Day 9, departure (B):

This trip ends with a 90mins long transfer to Launceston airport or to a destination of your choice in or around Launceston City, Tasmania's second largest city (pop. 80,000). We are sure you'll take home lots of lovely memories. Please note: due to the transfer flights from Launceston earlier than 9.30am are not possible.

Distance travelled: about 350km by bike and 650km by bus (depending on your fitness level).

Notes:
All distances are approximate and may vary. The cycling distances depend on your personal level of fitness, weather conditions, chosen options on that day, and other variables.
We strongly recommend not undertaking this trip without advice and assistance. Some stretches are extremely hilly and exhausting. You could easily run out of supplies while off the main roads or could find you cant make it to the next accommodation. In some areas accommodation can be booked up months in advance and the next available could be up to 50km (30 m) away. Equally difficult can be sorting out which are the important highlights so let us organise your trip!