TASMANIA IN SPRINGTIME
2 – 9 OCTOBER 2023
ITINERARY
Tasmania’s cool spring is perfect for flowering trees, bulbs and rhododendrons; plus colourful shows of spring flowers. Painting with petals. Discover some of Tasmania’s finest gardens on this 8 day holiday. Meet some passionate gardeners and share their inspiration.
Monday 2 October 2023
Home – Devonport (D)
We begin the tour with a morning flight to Launceston then a coach transfer onto Devonport. Located on the banks of the Mersey River, gateway to the island’s scenic north-west. Check into our hotel for 2 nights. Welcome Dinner included this evening.
Accommodation: Gateway Hotel, Devonport
Tuesday 3 October 2023
Table Cape Tulip Farm (B/L)
It’s all about tulips today at Van Diemen’s Tulip Farm on beautiful Table Cape, where tulips are planted in giant coloured bands across the landscape. You will think you are in Holland! Travel inland to Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden that started in 1977 as a display garden for rhododendrons has been transformed into a magnificent series of terraces with lakes, bridges, pavilions, and gardens all planted with a superb collection of cool climate plants. Head back to Devonport along the scenic coast road with the evening free.
Accommodation: Gateway Hotel, Devonport
Wednesday 4 October 2023
Devonport to Launceston (B/L/D)
Bob Cherry is a master nurseryman. Having travelled the world collecting plants, he’s now retired to this beautiful corner of NW Tasmania. Incorporated the borrowed landscape and some original mature trees, he has made a beguiling new garden with an unforgettable sense of place. At the time of our visit, poppies, sweet peas and waratahs are picked daily. Spend time with Bob and Derelie this morning before heading to Nietta and Kaydale Lodge Garden. Two sisters work tirelessly to maintain and extend the garden their parents started: they’ve built superb stone walls and fences, an astonishing pear walk and a grand scale rockery. And when the sun goes down they get busy in the kitchen bottling, pickling and preserving all their fruit and vegetables. In spring it’s awash with tulips, fritillarias, erythroniums, trilliums and daffodils. Our home tonight is Peppers Silo Hotel overlooking the Tamar River in Launceston. Dinner is included tonight.
Accommodation: Peppers Silo, Launceston
Thursday 5 October 2023
Waterton Hall (B/L)
Historic Clarendon Estate is first up this morning, built in 1838 as an extraordinary statement of achievement for wealthy wool grower and merchant, James Cox and lovingly managed now by the National Trust. Free time for lunch in Evandale with a spot of shopping. Next stop is Waterton Hall, on the banks of the Upper Tamar River. Taste their award-winning wines. Check out their convict-built barn. Wander down to the boathouse and hear stories of the days when Waterton was a school for girls run by the Sisters of St Joseph’s. Afternoon tea is included.
Accommodation: Peppers Silo, Launceston
Friday 6 October 2023
Launceston to Hobart(B/L/D)
We’ll take the Midland Highway to Hobart today with a stop in historic Ross. This pretty riverside village was built by convicts and boasts beautifully preserved cobblestone paths and streets lined with grand old elm trees. Next is a garden that will inspire you with a romantic, classical design and generous, overflowing planting – all created using very little water. Check into our Hobart hotel for 3 nights. Dinner included tonight.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Hobart
Saturday 7 October 2023
Huon Valley (B/L)
First stop this morning is the famous Salamanca market. Then we’re heading down the Huon Valley for a visit to Willie Smith’s Apple Shed to learn about the history of the apple industry in the Huon, and the various heirloom apple varieties. Crawleighwood Garden is our last stop today, a large country garden nestled in the hills.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Hobart
Sunday 8 October 2023
Hobart (B/D)
Corinda Cottage this morning, a beautifully restored Victorian villa wrapped in a masterfully executed garden. Free time this afternoon to explore Hobart or an optional visit to the phenomenal MONA Museum of Old and New Art (confirm visit on booking). MONA’s subterranean architecture showcases the $110m private collection of David Walsh. Farewell dinner included tonight.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Hobart
Monday 9 October 2023
Hobart to Home (B/L)
A guided walk in the precinct of Hobart’s Royal Botanical Gardens with lunch included today. Transfer to airport for your afternoon flight from Hobart.
HOW TO BOOK
To secure your booking and make your deposit, please complete our online booking form. You will be contacted by a Ross Tours Travel Manager to confirm your details and preferred method of payment.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations received 180-120 days prior to departure will incur loss of deposit.
Cancellations received between 119-60 days prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellations received between 59-30 days prior to departure will incur a 75% cancellation fee plus any non-recoverable costs incurred.
Cancellations received within 30 days prior to departure will incur 100% cancellation fee.
Cancellations must be sent in writing.
Cancellation fee is based upon the total amounts paid including tours, airfares and all other travel arrangements.
Please refer to the Ross Garden Tours standard terms and conditions
TOUR INCLUSIONS
TOUR ESCORTED BY
CLAIRE BICKLE
- Air-conditioned motorcoach throughout tour
- Deluxe accommodation for 7 nights
- Flights to and from Sydney
- Breakfast daily, 6 Lunches & 4 Dinners
- Entrance fees to all gardens and sightseeing including Table Cape Tulip Farm, Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, Bob Cherry’s private garden, Kaydale Lodge, Waterton Hall, Clarendon House, Crawleighwood Garden, Willie Smiths Apple Shed and Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
TOUR PRICE
Twin Share land only $3,895 per person
Twin Share including air $4,295 per person
Single Supplement $950
All prices in Australian dollars
Prices based on minimum 15 passengers
Air price is based on departure from Sydney
DISCOUNTS
Earlybird $100 (book & pay before 2 June 2023)
Previous Traveller $50
Garden Clinic Member $25
OTHER TOURS
WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S WILDFLOWERS
Let Australian plant lover Colin Barlow introduce you to the diverse natural wonders of southern Western Australia. Meet milkmaids, honeypots, green kangaroo paws and mountain bells in the wild, and catch the extravaganza of the Kings Park Wildflower Festival.
Gardens of Monaro & Beechworth/Bright
From spectacular Monaro High Country to Beechworth’s glorious autumn colour, see it all in one tour. Experience ANZAC Day in the Snowy, country hospitality and exclusive private gardens. This is High Country at it’s best.