Art and Craft Escape - Tasmania

8 Days ex Hobart | AUD$1595* per person twin share | AUD$595* single supplement

31 October to 7 November 2007

Highlights and Inclusions

With a population of less than ½ million, and being more renowned for its wonders of nature, including great tracts of rainforest and decidedly unusual wildlife, Tasmania is forging a reputation for innovative art and design. Tasmania’s natural wonders are both the inspiration and subject for the works of many Tasmanian artists, and the catalyst behind this 8 day tour of Tasmania's leading art and craft communities, museums and studios.

The highlight of the tour is the Tasmanian Craft Fair, an annual event billed as the largest working Craft Fair in the Southern Hemisphere. Spread over 12 fantastic venues and 200 plus stalls, the Tasmanian Craft Fair attracts in excess of 30,000 visitors.

Day 1 | Wednesday 31 October, 2007 | Hobart (D)

Accommodation | Lenna of Hobart

Fly into Hobart. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at Alexanders Restaurant.

DAY 2 | Thursday 1 November, 2007 | Huon Valley (B,L)

Accommodation | Lenna of Hobart

After breakfast, depart Hobart for the picturesque Huon Valley. Call in to Regnans Gallery in Woodbridge, home to fine art, jewellery and furniture in a relaxing garden setting. Travel on to Woodbridge Hill Hand Weaving and watch the hand weaver create the most beautiful shawls, scarves and rugs from luxurious natural fibres. For something a bit different, call in at the nearby Grandvewe Sheep Cheesery where you can taste their organic wine, sheep cheese, yoghurts and ice-cream whilst admiring the spectacular ocean views.

Lunch at Fleurtys Cafe and Essential Oil Distillery. Specialising in delicious local fare, Fleurtys also produces blackcurrant essential oil and native pepper products. A truly unique operation located in a stunning rural setting. After lunch, travel to the small town of Cygnet. Home to a creative community of talented artists and craftspeople, Cygnet’s art and craft shops can be explored on foot. Head to the School of Wooden Boat Building at Franklin. Alongside the school workshops, visitors can view the history, construction, the tools, and the atmosphere of the wooden boat workshop. Travel on to Hobart. Dinner tonight is at your leisure. We recommend the many cafes and restaurants situated in the Salamanca area.

DAY 3 | Friday 2 November, 2007 | Richmond (B)

Accommodation | Lenna of Hobart

After breakfast, depart for one of the most charming places in Australia, the historic village of Richmond. Spend time exploring the 45 plus National Estate listed properties that make up this charming town. Heading back to Hobart, call in to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Take time to wander through Peter Cundall’s Vegie Patch, the Subantarctic Plant House, the Herb Garden, and other fascinating collections of rare and unusual flora. Back in Hobart, take time to explore the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. That afternoon, enjoy a guided Old Hobart Pub Tour and hear about Hobart’s colonial brothels, smugglers and interesting characters that frequented the waterfront area of Hobart. A free sampling of local bush liqueurs is included in the price. Lunch and dinner today are at your leisure.

DAY 4 | Saturday 3 November, 2007 | Oatlands / Launceston (B,D)

Accommodation | Prince Albert Inn

After breakfast, spend the morning wandering the renowned Salamanca Market. Held every Saturday, the market is a must-see for visitors to Hobart. Enjoy lunch at one of the many unique food-stalls at the market (not included in price). That afternoon, depart for Launceston along Tasmania’s Heritage Highway. Drive through the heritage township of Oatlands, home to the largest collection of colonial sandstone buildings in Australia. Browse through the exquisite woollen knitwear of Casaveen, a family run operation that produces its own wool from a herd of over 11,000 merino sheep. Depart for Launceston. Tonight, enjoy a 3 course dinner showcasing fine Tasmania produce at Quigley's Restaurant.

DAY 5 | Sunday 4 November, 2007 | Tasmanian Craft Fair (B)

Accommodation | Prince Albert Inn

After breakfast, depart for the Tasmanian Craft Fair at Deloraine. With over 200 exhibits spread over 12 venues, the day is yours to explore this fabulous Fair. Complimentary buses are available to transport you between venues. That afternoon, travel back to Launceston. Lunch and dinner today are at your leisure.

DAY 6 | Monday 5 November, 2007 | Tasmanian Craft Fair / Launceston (B)

Accommodation | Prince Albert Inn
After breakfast, the choice is yours to either experience further, the artistic delights of the Tasmanian Craft Fair, or take time to explore Launceston’s historic streetscapes on foot. The Tasmanian Wood Design Collection is a must-see attraction. Two city blocks from your accommodation, the centre is widely seen as being one of the world’s finest collections of contemporary designs in wood. The Collection combines the beauty of Tasmania’s natural timber stocks and the design skills of the State’s finest designer-makers. A short walk north along Tamar Street is the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. It enjoys an enviable reputation and national profile for its collections of Australian colonial art, contemporary craft and design, Tasmanian history and natural sciences. That afternoon, explore 1842, a working art and furniture studio housed in one of Launceston’s oldest commercial buildings. Lunch and dinner today are at your leisure.

DAY 7 | Tuesday 6 November, 2007 | Launceston (B,D)

Accommodation | Prince Albert Inn

After breakfast, enjoy a walk to Australia’s leading fine furniture design school, the Australian School of Fine Furniture. Here, you will have the opportunity to interact with the School’s students, teachers and Master craftsman. Walk on to Launceston’s unique Cataract Gorge Reserve - a piece of wilderness right in the heart of the City. It is a breathtakingly beautiful place and a vital part of the City’s psyche. For the adventurous, take the longest single span chairlift ride in the world across the actual Gorge (not included in cost). Lunch today is at your leisure. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the award-winning Stillwater River Cafe and Restaurant.

DAY 8 | Wednesday 7 November, 2007 (B)

Depart Launceston for your return flight home.

*conditions apply. Please call us on 1800 839 337 or email us for further information and courteous advice.