2020 GeoEx Catalog

AmazingTasmania with aTouch of Melbourne TOURING · FOOD AND WINE | 14 DAYS · CUSTOM

M ore than a century ago, Mark Twain found Australia “full of surprises and adventures, and incongruities and incredibilities.” And it still is, though those incredibilities are spread over an area more than five times the size of Alaska. For this completely customiz- able trip, our Australia-loving crew zeros in on Tasmania, which seceded—not politically, but geologically—from the island continent long ago. After arriving in Launceston, one of Australia’s old- est cities, we explore Cataract Gorge, a wilderness right in the heart of town. Then it’s on to Cradle Mountain National Park, where the striking eponymous peak made up of dolerite columns dominates a glacially created land- scape of crystalline lakes, ancient rain forests, and alpine heathlands. We dally in Freycinet National Park, a scenic blowout that includes rambunctious geology and the powder-white sands of Wineglass Bay (one of the earth’s top beaches), before wandering among the towering trees of the Styx Forest, tucked within the Tasmanian Wilder- ness World Heritage Area.

On Bruny Island we encounter marvelous views of soaring coastal cliffs and a look at the island’s wildlife, such as short-tailed shearwa- ters, Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and quolls, amazing little carnivo- rous marsupials. Next

MARTIN ZWICK / DANITADELIMONT.COM

by ferry to Hobart, capital of this island state of immense natural beauty. We wrap up our visit back on the mainland with tasting and feasting in the famed Yarra Valley, Aus- tralia’s best-known wine region, and with a relaxing day to discover the artsy city of Melbourne.

offered year-round  from $16,425

Day 1  arrive in Launceston, Cataract Gorge ✦  2  Trowunna Wildlife Park, drive to Cradle Mountain ✦  3  explore Cradle Mountain ✦  4  on to Freycinet Peninsula ✦  5  Freycinet National Park ✦  6  drive to Mount Field National Park ✦  7  Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area ✦  8  ferry to Bruny Island ✦  9  cruise and wildlife outings ✦  10  ferry to Hobart ✦  11  explore Hobart ✦  12  fly to Melbourne, Yarra Valley ✦ 13  leisure time in Melbourne to relax or sightsee ✦  14  depart.

The Pacific JASON CHARLES HILL

ABOVE  Koalas, like this furry fellow, sleep about 20 hours a day.  BELOW  This aerial view of Wineglass Bay brings more of Mark Twain’s words to mind: “The air up there . . . is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? It is the same the angels breathe.”