Heritage Gardens, Art & Tastes of Tasmania with Bruny Island

Discover Tasmania’s remarkable gardens in full bloom; its cooler climate and approach to cultivation bringing to mind the gardens of England. The heritage properties of Brickendon Estate and Woolmers Estate provide insight into Tasmania’s colonial history. Visit The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Australia’s second oldest botanical gardens, then admire the multi-tiered Russell Falls. Spend a full day on Bruny Island, savouring its gourmet food and spotting wildlife.

Itinerary

Day 1: Launceston City Tour, Cataract Gorge and Winery Visit

Our tour starts in Launceston at 2pm as we depart for a city tour of historic Launceston, also known as Tasmania’s ‘Garden City’ due to its numerous gardens and parks. We will visit 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.

Day 2: Old Wesley Dale, Private Garden Tour and Ashgrove Cheese Factory

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. 

Day 3: Brickendon Estate, Woolmers Estate and National Rose Garden

Today 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. 

Day 4: Historic Villages of Central Tasmania driving to Hobart – Oatlands, Richmond and Ross

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.

Day 5: Hobart – Earthenry Farm, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Henry Jones Art Hotel Private Art Tour

This morning we are treated to a visit to Earthenry Farm where we participate in a guided tour and flower arranging activity.  Later in the day we tour the grounds of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, a cool-climate garden with several unique collections, including Australia’s only subantarctic plant house. The gardens are also Australia’s second-oldest botanic gardens after Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Later, take a tour of the Henry Jones Art Hotel’s private art collection. This evening, enjoy free time to explore Hobart.

Day 6: Corinda House Private Garden and Russell Falls

After breakfast, visit the private garden of Corinda House and admire the symmetrical parterres and box hedges. Afterwards, see the spectacular multi-tiered Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park’s cool temperate rainforest, one of Tasmania’s oldest. Enjoy dinner out tonight at a local restaurant. 

Day 7: Salamanca Market and MONA or Barilla Bay Oyster Farm

Wander through Salamanca Market to see the local arts, crafts and produce on sale. This vibrant outdoor market is a firm fixture on Hobart’s weekend calendar. 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. This evening, enjoy Hobart at leisure and dine at one of its many restaurants. 

Day 8: Bruny Island – Jurassic Garden and Gourmet Food Tasting

Spend a full day on Bruny Island, a short ferry ride from Kettering. This gourmet food destination is known for its stunning beauty and abundant wildlife. Sample local produce and take in the island’s spectacular views from ‘The Neck’ lookout. Afterwards, we visit the captivating Jurassic Garden, a 1500-acre nature reserve that serves as a microcosm of the Gondwana supercontinent, before returning to Hobart this afternoon. 

Day 9: Hobart

Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.