While there will be variations based on the interests of the different people, weather etc., here is a rough schedule for the trip:
Day 1: Arrive in Hobart by 1:00pm for pick up by Eaglehawk Dive Center staff. Drop off at hotel to settle in and rest up a little. Check in at store to get tanks and weights etc. Barbeque dinner at the dive store either this night or following night depending on how everyone is feeling with the jet lag.
Day 2-6: 2 dives will be planned for each day with an optional third dive on some days. We typically meet at the dive store at 8am and return around 2pm if we are not doing a 3 rd dive. Land activities for the afternoon will include:
Port Arthur Historical Site: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this outdoor museum is the largest and most intact representative of the convict relocation period in Australia. There is plenty to see with 30 intact buildings, ruins,restored homes and a museum on over 40 hectares. We will spend an afternoon there followed by dinner.
The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is a wildlife park where you can visit many Australian animals including the infamous Tasmanian devil (nothing at all like the one in Looney Tunes!). There are regular informative sessions and feeding times for the Tasmanian devil as well as kangaroo, quall and wallaby feeding and bird shows. This is a great park where the animals run loose and you are walking on restricted pathways. One wide open area opens up and you are walking among kangaroos, wallabies etc….
Tasman National Park embraces the sky-high sea cliffs around Cape Raoul, Cape Hauy, Cape Pillar, Tasman Island and the craggy coast near Eaglehawk Neck. Bushwalking here is superb, and we will offer hiking in the afternoon after diving. Some of the highlights include the Tesselated Pavement, Tasman Arch and the Blowhole.
Day 7: After diving in the morning, we will say goodbye to our friends at Eaglehawk and return to Hobart. We will be staying at the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel in downtown Hobart- 10 minute walk to the Salamanca Market. Pour last dive of the trip may be a dive in a small estuary near on Hobart on the way to the hotel for those interested in photographing the rarest fish in the world- the Hand fish. The afternoon and dinner will be on your own in town. Breakfast is included in the package.
Day 8-9: We are offering two action packed land activities over the next three days. Based on the interests of the group, we will do two of the three outdoor activities below:
Land of Giants: Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington and Russell Falls: Enjoy a day full of wilderness, waterfalls and wildlife, all within reach of Hobart. Start with a series of short walks around Russell Falls and Lake Dobson in Mt Field National Park, located just 90 minutes drive from Hobart. Enjoy lunch in a scenic location within the park, then head to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary see native Australian wildlife up close, including Tasmanian devils, koalas and wombats. As we return to Hobart, top off the day with sweeping views over the city from the summit of Mount Wellington.
Maria Island: This state park has been protected for many years and the wildlife there knows it. Wallabies, wombats and more abound and are easily approached. There are countless walking trails of varying difficulty. The island has been kept as a preserve and has no modern amenities other than restrooms so we have arranged a catered lunch specializing in Tasmanian delicacies including local salmon, cheeses, lamb etc. It is also surrounded by a marine preserve loaded with seals, birds and other great photography subjects!
Tahune/ Forest Airwalk and Hasting Caves: This incredible site is now open again so we are excited to offer a full days activities in the park and a guided tour of the cave system.
Day 10: On this day people can decide to do one of the outdoor tours we didn’t do on the previous days, do a wine tasting tour or be an on your own in the beautiful city of Hobart. Visit the historic waterfront, tour the state of the art Museum of Old and New Art, check out the shopping etc. You can let us know by March 15 th if possible to ensure availability especially for the wine tour. After a farewell dinner, we will say our goodbyes as most will be leaving early the next day.
Day 11: Most of us have an early check out to catch an early flight back. Please let me know if you would like to extend your stay and we will make hotel/tour arrangements for you if you like.
