Tasmania Winter Wonderland - Christmas in July - Luxury 8 Day Tour

Get Ready for the Ultimate White Christmas in July: Tasmania Adventure!

Imagine a magical winter wonderland where the festive spirit is alive and the landscapes are covered in a beautiful blanket of snow, the air clean & crisp and the atmosphere is buzzing with wintery holiday cheer. Cue the Christmas Music. I can already hear Michael Bublé singing 'baby it's cold outside or Bing singing White Christmas whilst I sip schnapps in front of the fire.

Join us for a White Christmas in July: Tasmania Adventure tour. A 8-day journey designed to give you that European enchantment of a wintery Christmas combined with the rugged beauty of Australia's beautiful island gem of Tasmania.

Experience the Festivities

• Snowy Delights: Build snowmen, go tobogganing, have a snowball fight, and marvel at icicles and frozen streams. Explore the stunning snow-capped mountains and immerse yourself in the true essence of a white Christmas. Keep your eyes peeled for those adorable wombats playing in the snow!
• Cosy Comforts: After a day of snowy fun, warm up with mulled wine, peach schnapps, or a festive hot chocolate at our warm and cosy luxury accommodations. 
• Ugly Christmas Sweater Dinner Party: Celebrate with our little travel family at a fun ugly Christmas sweater dinner party! Enjoy a home-cooked Christmas meal, participate in a gift exchange, and showcase your most outrageous holiday sweaters.
• Festive Activities: Delight in the markets, get creative making gingerbread houses or Christmas wreaths, and savour whiskey and wine tastings as we journey through Tasmania.
  
• Cradle Mountain Lodge: Spend two nights at the fabled Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and an award-winning 3-course dining experience at the Highland Restaurant. Explore the surrounding wilderness, cozy up by the fire, and look for wombats in the snow. 
• Lake St Clair Lodge: Experience eco-style luxury set amongst the glorious backdrop of Cradle Mountain and the stunning Lake St Clair.  Enjoy Organic fine dining.
• Wilderness Railway: Hop on a Christmas-themed train ride on the picturesque West Coast Wilderness Railway. Experience the magic of the holidays as you travel through Tasmania's stunning landscapes.
• Festival of Voices: In Hobart, immerse yourself in the joyful sounds of the Festival of Voices. Enjoy performances, sing-alongs, and the vibrant holiday atmosphere of Tasmania's capital city.
• Wildlife spotting:  Wombats, Paddymelons, Tasmanian Devil's, Spotted-tail and Eastern quolls plus more.

Need to know:

• This experience is available to over 18's only. We do not accommodate children on this tour.
• Tour starts in Hobart and ends in Launceston.
• See below for full inclusions and exclusions.
• Price is based on Twin Share. Single supplement is subject to availability.

Full itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Hobart

• Morning: Arrive in Hobart and transfer to your 4* accommodation for a 2 night stay.
• Afternoon: Festival of Voices music event.
• Evening: Welcome dinner at Stockman's Restaurant, meet and greet.
• Additional: Optional visit to Mt Wellington for a chance to see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) if conditions permit.

Day 2: Exploring Hobart

• Morning: Meet for breakfast.  Explore Hobart on foot.
• Afternoon: River Lunch Cruise & MONA (Museum of Old and New Art).
• Evening: Festival of Voices music event.
• Night: Overnight in Hobart 4 * accommodation
• Additional:  Optional visit to Mt Wellington for a chance to see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) if conditions permit.

Day 3: Hobart to Lake St Clair

• Morning: Meet for breakfast before check out.  We depart Hobart for Lake St Clair via a play in the winter paradise of Mount Field.  Enjoy short walks, tall tree's (hopefully snow dusted), snow play, Russell Falls (considered Tasmania's most photogenic Waterfall) and the chance to encounter wombats and paddymelons.  
• Afternoon: Derwent Bridge.  Check in to your accommodation.  Afternoon at your leisure
• Evening:  Dinner at Tasmania's most famous organic restaurant & local Drinks on site.
• Night: Overnight at Lake St Clair Lodge 1 night.
• Additional:  A Ferry ride on Lake St Clair may be able to be arranged, subject to weather conditions and timing.  This is an additional cost.  Lake St Clair is Australia's deepest lake. The Ida Clair is the highest altitude Ferry in Australia.

Day 4: Wilderness Railway and Cradle Mountain

• Morning: Breakfast and Check out of lodge. Morning exploration of Nelson Falls before we board the Christmas-themed train ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, includes refreshments.
• Afternoon: Stop over in Queenstown before we make our way to Cradle Mountain.   Check-in at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.
• Evening:  Enjoy a 3-course dinner at the highly acclaimed and award winning Highland Restaurant.  Nightcap by the fire.
• Night:  Overnight at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge for a 2 night stay.

Day 5: Cradle Mountain Exploration

• Morning: Breakfast at your leisure.  It's all about relaxation today.  Go on a short or long hike on one of the many wilderness exploration trails around Cradle Mountain. We'll be making the most of wildlife spotting opportunities today.
• Afternoon: Leisure time or additional walks.  Consider a rejuvenating spa experience at the Waldheim Alpine Spa. Pre-bookings are recommended.
• Evening: Devils at night experience to see Tasmanian Devils feeding.
• Night: Overnight at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Day 6: Cradle Mountain to Launceston

• Morning: Breakfast and check out of Lodge. Visit the quirky Tasmazia & Lower Crackpot & the town of Sheffield on route to Launceston
• Afternoon: Check-in at your Launceston accommodation.  Explore Launceston at your leisure.
• Evening:  Ugly Christmas Sweater Dinner. Get ready for a family style Christmas dinner party.  
• Night: Overnight in Launceston at a holiday home for a 2 night stay.

Day 7: Christmas Winterland Event

• Morning: Breakfast and travel to winter wonderland.
• Day: Enjoy the Christmas Winterland event with activities like tobogganing, Christmas wreath making, whiskey tastings, gingerbread house making and exploring festive markets.  Snow gear & toboggan equipment is included.
• Enjoy the Jacobs Ladder drive to the ski resort.
• This is an all day/night event - 10 to 12hrs.
• Night: Overnight in Launceston

Day 8: Launceston

• Morning: Breakfast and check-out of accommodation
• Explore the Tamar Valley Wine & Distillery region on a half day exploration.
• Afternoon:  Tour concludes at 2pm.  

Tour Highlights:

• Hobart: Boat tour, MONA,  Southern Lights possibility.
• Lake St Clair & Christmas-themed train ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
• Cradle Mountain: After Dark Feeding Tasmanian Devils experience
• Launceston: Wine and distillery tour in the Tamar Valley.
• Alpine Ski Resort - Christmas Winterland event with festive activities.
• Small group travel.  When you journey with us, you become part of our family, creating unforgettable memories together. Experience a heart-warming adventure, where every trip feels like a long awaited family reunion. Our Road Trips are designed to bring people together instantly and create a bond of camaraderie, warmth, friendship and respect.  We look forward to welcoming you into the Sky Road Trail Family.

INCLUSIONS:

• Driver/s and Tour Leader for duration of tour.
• Fully guided tour
• National Park Fees
• 7 nights accommodation
• 4 Dinners
• 7 Breakfasts
• 1 Lunch
• Morning/Afternoon tea where included in an activity.
• Toboggan hire
• Snow Gear hire: winter coat, winter pants, winter boots
• Wine & Distillery Tastings
• Festival of Voices concerts x 2
• Wilderness Train Ticket
• Tasmazia entry
• After Dark Feeding Tour - Tasmania Devils 
• Historic Lunch Cruise
• Xmas in July entry + activities of your choosing from those listed
• MONA entry
• Shuttle
• Natural Springwater supplied throughout the tour.

EXCLUSIONS:

• Flights
• Insurance
• Hotel Transfers on arrival day or after departure day
• Meals not listed as included
• Items of a personal nature
• Additional activities not listed as included

Lake St Clair Lodge:

• Rugged Wilderness, breathtaking beauty, luxury eco-friendly accommodation, Lake St. Clair Lodge is one of only 2 resorts built within a World Heritage listed area in the world. To achieve this status, Lake St. Clair has developed state of the art eco-friendly cabin accommodation that makes your experience of this beautiful location unforgettable.
• Dining: dining in our relaxed restaurant you can gaze out of the huge bay windows to views through the trees, over the lake and to wild mountains beyond. We are the first resort in a World Heritage Area to offer fully organic menu choices, and we are proud to be able to bring this to your table. Our philosophy is based on organic, seasonal, wholesome, uncomplicated food, prepared and cooked to the highest standard. Where possible our produce is sourced on the island. This translates to a treat for your taste buds. In addition we cook using Lake St Clair water, the water is naturally alkaline due to the dolerite mountains it flows through. Alkaline water is known for promoting health and wellbeing.
• Bar: In the Trapper & Miggins bar we love to showcase the best of Tasmanian beer, wine and spirits. We work closely with our local distillers, brewers and wine producers to ensure you experience only the finest Tassie tipples. 
• Cafe: Our high quality dining experience is not limited to the restaurant. If you prefer a more informal experience we can assure the same high quality organic produce in the cafe menu. We are renowned for our Overland Burger with hand cut chips, and all of our pizzas are made in house right down to the organic pizza base. 

• Cradle Mountain Lodge is considered one of Australia’s iconic wilderness experiences.  Offering a unique experience, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and an abundance of flora and fauna. Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure and immerse yourself in the beauty of Tasmania’s premier wilderness region. Whether you’re seeking rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation or an adventure exploring the great outdoors, Cradle Mountain Lodge has something to offer. So come and explore the stunning natural beauty of Tasmania’s premier wilderness region at Cradle Mountain Lodge.
• Dining: Considered a destination in its own right, Highland Restaurant is recognized as one of Tasmania’s premier dining experiences, featuring an ever-changing, seasonal menu and multi-award-winning wine selections. The Highland Restaurant is where you will enjoy Cradle Mountains lavish buffet-breakfast which puts the spotlight on local produce and a pristine dinner experience that showcases local-Tasmanian ingredients. 
• Bar: Tavern Bar & Bistro provides a warm, casual, rustic tavern atmosphere complete with a roaring log fire, pool table, and television. Bistro style meals are served for lunch and dinner daily. The Bar provides a wide selection of beverages and is the perfect place to enjoy a social drink at the end of an exciting day of exploring Cradle Mountain. 
• Spa Services: The Waldheim Alpine Spa has a dedicated therapeutic area known as The Sanctuary – this includes a steam room, sauna, large hot-tub and cool plunge pool, as well as a relaxation lounge. Book your spa service treatments before you arrive to ensure you don't miss out.

Devils @ Cradle

• The spectacular and pristine wilderness of Cradle Mountain is home to the mysterious and secretive Tasmanian Devil. Devils @ Cradle is a unique Tasmanian conservation sanctuary located at the entrance to the spectacular World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Whilst we concentrate primarily on the Tasmanian devil, the sanctuary is also home to the closely related Spotted-tail and Eastern quolls. Tasmania’s three largest carnivorous marsupials are all now threatened in one way or another in the wild.

Festival of Voices 

• This festival celebrates the transformative power of singing that brings people together. Inspired by the age-old tradition of gathering around a fire, this Tasmanian winter event series has become Australia's leading singing celebration. Since the first Festival in 2005, our series of events has become a symbol of warmth and community, drawing 30,000 people during the Festival period. The Big Sing Bonfire, where it all began, remains a vital part of the Festival, symbolising the joy and vitality of singing together. The program includes various music styles, including choral, contemporary, and cabaret, attracting music lovers worldwide. Experience Festival of Voices with opportunities to attend concerts, participate in learning and development sessions, and engage in informal singalongs. It's an immersive blend of entertainment and development, ensuring a well-rounded celebration where all can enjoy a shared passion for singing.

• Sing along to Christmas Carols and dance to live music. Browse the Christmas market for winter treats with a festive cocktail or two in hand. Toast smores around the firepit and watch Mt Gnoman Farm cook a feast over flames. Sample local tipples including, whiskey, wine & Cider as you watch the stars come out.
• Tobogganing and Snow Play: Pick up your toboggan, and rug up. Build snowmen, toboggan and have snowball fights. You might even catch a glimpse of the resident wombat Trevor enjoying the snow! Once Jack Frost starts nipping at your toes, return to Base at the bottom of the mountain for a mulled wine or hot chocolate around the fire pit as you wait for the Christmas in July Extravaganza to begin.
• Whiskey Masterclass: Join Adams Distillery, award-winning Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky, on a tasting tour. Find out about the important role of premium Tasmanian ingredients in the process and how Adam’s Distillery makes the most of its pristine natural surroundings. Finally, finish the tasting with their infamous coffee whisky liqueur.
• Wreath Workshop:  Festive wreath-making workshop. Sip on mulled wine as Genna guides you through the process of making your own natural wreath to style your front door. Pick from a whole host of florals, and decorations to make a wreath perfectly suited to you. Enjoy the holiday music, twinkling lights, and a complimentary mulled wine or hot cocoa.
• Gingerbread House Workshop:  create a festive gingerbread house. You'll be provided with everything you need to make a gingerbread house fit for a gingerbread king! Construct your own, or get into a building crew of up to 3 and work together.

Tasmazia and Lower Crackpot:

• Discover the magical world of Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot. Tasmazia is one of the world’s largest maze complexes with eight mazes to explore, including four mature botanical mazes, planted in viburnum and Chinese honeysuckle. Tasmazia prides itself on being politically incorrect and there are humorous quotes and surprises to be found throughout the complex. You can wander the amazing Village of Lower Crackpot, built to 1/5th scale, with each building having a unique Tasmanian story, or find the embassy of your fore-bares in Embassy Gardens where over 40 countries are represented. 

MONA: 

• a museum, or something. In Tasmania, or somewhere. Catch the ferry. Drink beer. Eat cheese. Talk crap about art. You'll love it - as described by the Museum of Old and New Art Hobart.

Hobart Historic Lunch Cruise:  

• Cruise across the Derwent River and under the Tasman Bridge. The boat trip will take about 1.5 hours, with the captain providing an interesting live commentary. Includes one course meal.

West Coast Wilderness Railway - Christmas in July:

• Hop onboard the Lynchford Express for a 40-minute return heritage steam trip through Queenstown. We'll disembark at Lynchford Station and soak up the Christmas-themed station decorations, pan for gold like the old timers and enjoy a festive nibble or mulled wine in Con’s Cribroom before returning to Queenstown onboard.  Your Wilderness carriage experience includes a glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine or juice and indulge in a locally inspired light menu as you board your train journey. 

The Boring but Important information:

• All activities and tours are subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen events
• All activities are subject to availability - upon booking. Book early to avoid disappointment.
• Participants should be mindful of their health and capabilities and avoid attempting activities beyond their limits.
  
• Minimum numbers of 8 are required for this trip to proceed.
• Terms and conditions apply, see our website.

• Travel Insurance is compulsory when travelling with Sky Road Trail
  

Join us for a week of festive fun, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable memories. The White Christmas in July: Tasmania Adventure is the perfect escape to celebrate the holiday season with snow, laughter, and the warmth of good company. Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience – book your spot today and make your winter dreams come true!