Standby Tours

The Fairy Penguins found in Tasmania are the smallest of the penguin species, the noisiest, and also the only penguins with blue and white feathers. Low Head Penguin Tours offer a unique nature experience to get up close and personal with our penguins as they return from the pristine waters of Bass Straight to nest in their burrows within the Low Head Coastal Reserve. This Reserve has the largest penguin rookery in Tasmania, and we have penguins returning every night throughout the year. Watch them swim to the surface, stand up and preen themselves before waddling up the beach. The penguin viewing is fully guided and takes approximately one hour, and including transfers to/from Launceston you need to allow 3.5 hours. You are welcome to bring a camera to capture your experience, but no flash photography is permitted. As it gets cool at night please wear warm clothes and wear sturdy shoes (sports shoes are ok). Please check website for availability. Dates that are showing not available may still be possible on request - contact tours@coachtourstasmania.com.au

Because of its natural beauty, the Cradle Mountain National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tasmania. Invigorating mountain air, spectacular scenery, iconic visit. Listed as a World Heritage Area by the United Nations to protect its unique pristine wilderness, its global significance is for all to see and experience. The viewing point for Cradle Mountain is from Dove Lake, and while you are there you have two hiking options. Firstly you may choose to walk around the lake which takes approximately two-and-a-half hours at a brisk pace. Alternatively, you may choose a selection of shorter 30-minute walks as well as a visit to Waldheim Chalet. Not everyone on the tour has to do the same option. The driver stays with the short walk passengers, and at a pre-determined time will return to collect the lake walkers. To finish off, time permitting, there is a waterfall/rainforest walk for everyone to enjoy. On your way to Cradle see the 'Town of Murals' Sheffield, and on your return enjoy a stop at Ashgrove Cheese.

Tasmania's east coast is fast becoming renowned around the world for its fluffy pure white sands and crystal clear azure blue waters. Granite rocky outcrops covered with orange lichen jut out into the ocean to separate a large collection of hidden away beaches. No crowds, just relaxing peaceful locations that offer you a chance to reflect on how wonderful Mother Nature is. This is the Bay of Fires. On your way to the Bay of Fires visit Bridestowe Lavender Farm, home of Bobbie Bear, for views of the lavender paddocks. Then onto the Myrtle Rainforest Walk on the Welborough Pass for a short walk through moss-covered trees and ferns. Prior to arriving at the Bay of Fires, we call into Lease 65 Oysters to collect some samples to enjoy at Binalong Bay. Visit the Main Beach for oysters, lunch stop and a beach experience. Then Harbour Point to view the orange-covered granite rocks, before a beach walk along the remote Taylor's Beach. Fantastic. After your beach experience, a comfort stop in St. Helens, and then head south to the St Mary's Pass where we head inland to pass through the contrasting grazing lands of the Fingal Valley and Northern Midlands.

While Coach Tours Tasmania offers a regular schedule to some fantastic tour locations, there may be some destinations and/or attractions that the travelling customer may wish to experience which is not available on any tour schedule. And also there may be a situation when the travelling customer may wish to have a private tour. Typically the cost of a private tour is similar to the cost of five passengers joining a scheduled tour, so will give a small group the option to have a private tour even though they may wish to travel on a regular itinerary. With the cost of a private tour, entry fees are at the passenger's own expense.

Bridestowe Lavender Farm is the largest lavender farm in Australia. The commercial lavender is in flower during Summer, and the spectacular rows of lavender are a major drawcard for north-east Tasmania. The flower starts to bud in late November / early December. By the middle of December, the farm is in full bloom, with rows and rows of purple flowers covering 260 acres. And while the flower starts to wilt towards the end of January, there are still patches of flowers in full colour into early February until the harvest as finished. Even outside these dates for prime viewing, there are other lavender varieties than flower all year round, so even in Winter, there are purples flowers to photograph. The shuttle service runs from Launceston to Bridestowe Lavender Farm in the morning. It is a 45-minute journey each way. Passengers get 2.5 hours at the farm itself, so after a short talk on the history of the farm, and an explanation on the specific variety of commercial lavender, about how it is grown and processed, then it is time to explore, take photos, visit the gift shop and even enjoy wonderful freshly cooked items from the cafe.