Rainbow Designer Tour - Tasmania
Let the locals guide you

The pretty little village of Strahan sits on the banks of the second largest harbour in Australia - Macquarie Harbour…a vibrant and busy inlet with wonderful craft, sensational sunsets and good coffee.

In Strahan's front yard is one of only three temperate rainforests in the world. It is the embarkation point for cruising the mighty Gordon and experiencing a magical day in this World Heritage listed area.

Recognized for outstanding international significance, this wilderness houses flora and fauna unique to the habitat together with threatened bird and animal life and exciting stories of the rich and sometimes, outrageous history.

Part of this history is Sarah Island, the site of Australia's most infamous penal settlement where life was hell on earth and death seldom from natural causes! Yet the story of life on this island continually changes, causing intrigue and making a visit here a must.

The arrival of timber gathers and tree felling of the revered Huon Pine, together with the boom days of gold and silver, developed the port of Strahan and a number of buildings and jetties stand as a monument to those days of prosperity. Today's Strahan is sophisticated, stylish and taken at a more leisurely pace.

Ormiston House is your luxury retreat and a warm and friendly welcome is yours from Mike and Carolyn as they open the door to greet your arrival.

Ormiston House was built by Frederick Ormiston Henry, Strahan's founding father. He built the House for his family, with room to entertain guests and colleagues. Beautifully and respectively restored with today's needs in mind. A history gallery to explore and a cellar and lounge bar to enjoy. Perhaps champagne on the Widow's Walk overlooking the Harbour?

A day cruising with World Heritage Cruises on the mighty Gordon River is a must and then a laugh and chuckle that evening at the performance of the Ship That Never Was, rounds the day and completes the fantastic convict story, with the magnificent back-drop of Macquarie Harbour.

The wilderness is so beautiful as you cruise but also magnificent from the air, and flying at tree top, winding above the Gordon River and landing at St John's Falls leaves you breathless. A seaplane flight after a leisurely lie in and breakfast is the start to another great West Coast day.

Maybe a bottle of crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the cellar, glasses from the Port O Call and 2 freshly caught and cooked lobsters and head for Swan Basin and Macquarie Heads. How better could lunch be?

Back in time for a little read and rest in the gardens and then off with Mike on his 4WD Tour to Ocean Beach to witness the stunning sunset. Ocean Beach is 33 kms of white sand. First landfall west is Argentina! You are there with only the elements and tonight those are a red sunset over the ocean, wisp of a breeze - and a bottle of bubbles.

Next morning a walk through the Strahan galleries and of course that choice of a Huon Pine piece to remember this magnificent little town of Strahan and her wonderful people and spectacular wilderness.

The Rainbow Package includes:

2 nights First Class Accommodation at stylish Ormiston House including a hearty breakfast
World Heritage Cruise in the Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and onboard buffet
4WD Sunset Tour, Tasmanian sparkling wine and blissful serenity
From $800 for two or $1099 with 4 day car rental.

Are We There Yet

From Launceston or Hobart airport, pick up your prepaid Red Spot Rental Car and drive to the West Coast and the Village of Strahan. Your Welcome Packet contains a self-drive map to Ormiston House and vouchers for your 2 night luxury accommodation & cruise package.