The tour commences at Melbourne Tullamarine airport with an included REX Airlines group flight to King Island departing at 14:45. Arrive in King Island at 15:40 and transfer to the hotel.

This evening, join tour leader Mark Dickenson for a welcome briefing and introduction to the island’s history, followed by dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

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This morning, travel by coach across King Island’s windswept landscapes to the iconic Wickham Lighthouse, one of Australia’s tallest and most striking coastal beacons. While the lighthouse itself remains an active maritime site and is not open to the public, spend some time exploring the surrounding area and learning about the island’s rich seafaring history.

Later, continue to the renowned King Island Dairy, established in 1892 and long celebrated as one of Australia’s finest specialty cheese producers. Benefiting from the island’s clean air, rich pastures and pure rainfall, the dairy produces a distinctive range of artisanal cheeses that reflect the unique environment of King Island. Here, enjoy a light lunch and tasting showcasing the award-winning cheeses and local produce.

Return to the hotel in the mid-afternoon for some time at leisure before dinner.

(BLD)

Begin the day with a visit to the King Island Historical Museum to learn about the island’s past, from early European settlement to the resilient current-day community that has shaped life here.

After lunch, visit King Island Gallery, featuring a diverse collection of paintings, photography and handcrafted pieces produced by Tasmanian artists and inspired by the island’s landscapes, wildlife and coastal life.

Later, enjoy a private spirits tasting at King Island Distillery, known for incorporating native botanicals and pure island water in their distinctive gins and spirits.

(BLD)

This morning, check out of the hotel and visit Currie Lighthouse, built in 1879 and standing proudly at the edge of Currie Harbour. Enjoy a guided tour and gain insights into the lives of the lighthouse keepers who once maintained this vital navigational aid.

After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to King Island Airport for a flight to Launceston on the Tasmanian mainland (Economy class flight included in tour price).

Then, continue to Launceston and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before enjoying dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

(BLD)

Today, visit the Bridestowe Lavender Estate, located in Nabowla. Established in 1922 by London perfumer C.K. Denny, it is renowned as one of the world’s largest privately owned lavender farms. With over 100 years of Tasmanian legacy, the estate is famous for its picturesque purple fields and high-quality lavender oil that originated from lavender seeds sourced from the southern French Alps.

Continue to Lilydale Falls, set within a peaceful nature reserve featuring two scenic waterfalls surrounded by lush, fern-filled temperate rainforest and moss-covered banks.

Then, explore local artist Rynne Tanton’s vast collection of unique ceramics at his Crickhollow Pottery studio. Established in the mid-2000s, Tanton’s studio is renowned for producing distinctive ceramics deeply influenced by the Tasmanian landscape and nature.

(BL)

Today, visit Woolmers Estate in Longford, a premier UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. This site is known for being one of Australia’s most intact 19^th-century rural pastoral estates, showcasing colonial history, convict-built structures and the National Rose Garden. Founded by Thomas Archer, the estate was established around 1817 and continuously occupied by his family until 1994.

Later, experience the award-winning cool-climate wines at the renowned Josef Chromy Winery. Enjoy lunch at the estate’s restaurant and explore the historic 1880s homestead and picturesque grounds, complete with a tranquil lake, 100-year-old oak trees and sweeping vineyard views.

The evening is at leisure.

(BL)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Launceston Distillery, housed in Tasmania’s oldest commercial aviation building. The distillery is highly regarded for using locally sourced ingredients, including malted barley and pure South Esk River water, with a specialisation in Tawny cask maturation.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a café in nearby Evandale, a beautifully preserved historic Georgian village.

Upon arrival, continue to the airport for a mid-afternoon flight to Flinders Island (Economy class flight included in tour price).

Check in to the accommodation and enjoy some free time before dinner.

(BLD)

This morning, explore Flinders Island, renowned for its rugged natural beauty. Start with a scenic drive to Strzelecki National Park, at the island’s southern end, and marvel at a landscape of granite peaks, coastal heathland and secluded beaches. Along the way, enjoy a short walk along the lower slopes of Mount Strzelecki to view native dendrobium orchids in bloom during spring.

In the afternoon, travel across the island’s rural landscape to Unavale Vineyard, a boutique, family-run vineyard known for its cool-climate wines. Enjoy a light lunch and tasting of the vineyard’s small-batch production wines.

Return to the accommodation in the late afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure before dinner.

(BLD)

This morning, transfer to Castle Rock to explore the distinctive granite outcrop and surrounding coastal heathland. Take a short walk to enjoy the views over the nearby coastline and gain a sense of how the island’s geology has shaped the landscape.

Next, head to the North East River and walk along the riverbank to observe the diverse birdlife and the interplay of tidal flats and the surrounding hills, offering a glimpse into the island’s unique ecosystems.

Stop at Killiecrankie Beach for lunch, known for the famous “Killiecrankie diamonds,” small topaz crystals that occasionally wash up along the shore.

Return to the accommodation in the mid-afternoon.

Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant.

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This morning, travel to Cameron Inlet and visit the private home of a King Island local, best known for her many years’ experience rescuing wild wombats. about the orphaned wombats under her care at the vast, 100-acre property.

After lunch, visit Wybalenna to explore the historic chapel and Settlement Point. Learn about the experiences of the Aboriginal community and the island’s early European settlement, gaining insight into this important chapter of Flinders Island’s history.

This evening, celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell dinner with Mark and fellow travellers.

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After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Flinders Island Airport for a flight to Melbourne Essendon Airport, arriving at 14:00.

Tour arrangements conclude upon arrival at Melbourne Essendon Airport. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your onward flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation, either before or after the tour, and travel insurance (strongly recommended).

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Note: At time of publication (April 2026), most but not all garden visits were confirmed. Private owners, in particular, are reluctant to commit more than two to three months prior to the visit. Therefore, while we undertake to operate the tour as published, there may be some changes to the itinerary.