ARTISTS’ TOUR OF TASMANIA

The tour starts at 1.00pm on Friday November 22, at Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston.

The tour ends at 10.00am on Saturday November 30, at Ibis Styles Hotel, Hobart.

After meeting in the hotel lobby at 1.00pm, we enjoy a leisurely walk through the streets of Launceston as we make our way to the South Esk River. Here we enjoy our first afternoon of painting – capturing the stunning natural beauty of Cataract Gorge, one of Launceston’s most memorable locations. After refreshing ourselves at the Hotel, we walk to the award-winning Stillwater Restaurant, located in a beautifully restored flour mill on the shores of the Tamar River. Here we enjoy our first dinner together. Overnight Launceston (D)

We follow the picturesque Tamar Valley this morning as we head north to the mouth of the Tamar River, at Low Head Pilot Station. Here we have the whole day to immerse ourselves in the fresh ocean air and sketch or paint the rugged coastline, lighthouse or surrounding historic buildings, stopping for lunch at the classic Pilot Station Museum Cafe. Upon our return to Launceston, we have an evening at leisure. Overnight Launceston (B, L)

The quaint Brickendon Historic Farm and Convict Village will be the subject of today’s painting experience. Here we have a chance to explore the convict-built village, wander around the historic gardens of the Georgian homestead and outbuildings and choose a spot to settle in and paint. Afterwards we enjoy a very leisurely late lunch at Josef Chromy Winery, where we sample the very best of Tasmania’s wines and regional cuisine. This is followed by an evening at leisure. Overnight Launceston (B, L)

This morning will undoubtedly be a highlight of the trip – admiring the panoramic landscapes of ‘Glover Country’ at Patterdale and visiting the expertly renovated historic house and studio. Here we walk in the footsteps of colonial artist, John Glover, and experience the landscape and gardens he loved so much. Following a morning of exploration and painting we return to Launceston to participate in a workshop and show and tell session, sharing our artworks with each other. This evening, we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Launceston (B, D)

Departing Launceston this morning, we travel through the rich fertile plains of the Midlands, before stopping at one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Australia, picturesque Ross. Here we set up our easels, immerse ourselves in the heritage surroundings and enjoy a morning of painting en plein air. This afternoon we continue on to Richmond, where we have the opportunity to paint the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest stone span bridge in Australia, or the surrounding historic streetscape. This afternoon we arrive in Hobart where we have dinner together in a local restaurant. Overnight Hobart (B, D)

Making our way south, we find ourselves in the fine scenery of the Huon Valley, where agricultural land gives way to the rainforests of Tasmania’s south-west wilderness region. This morning, we breath in the fresh air, soak up the ambience and relish a morning of painting together in the great outdoors. Following our morning of painting we enjoy the stunning views, delicious menu, and award-winning wines at Home Hill Winery, before returning to Hobart for an evening at leisure. Overnight Hobart (B, L)

The historic suburb of Battery Point will be the subject of this morning’s painting session. Surrounding the famous Salamanca Place, the tiny lanes and quaint streets of Battery Point feature 19th-century sandstone and weatherboard cottages, which possess an eccentric charm, just waiting to be recorded by bold brush strokes. Afterwards, we head for MoNA – one of the most unique, inspiring and fascinating museums in the world. On our return we enjoy an evening at leisure. Overnight Hobart (B)

The finale of our trip is a day of sketching and painting at the Port Arthur Historic Site, a location that combines an amazing collection of heritage buildings, manicured gardens, and stunning natural surroundings. Here we have the whole day to absorb the beauty, be influenced by the tragic history and be inspired by the unforgettable location as we lift our brushes for the last time on this tour. Our farewell dinner this evening is at Landscape Restaurant, a premium dining experience surrounded by original artworks of John Glover and winners of the annual Glover Prize. Overnight Hobart (B, D)

The tour ends after breakfast in our hotel this morning. Before transferring to the airport for departure, you might like to explore the famous Salamanca Market, where you can mingle with the locals and enjoy the vibrancy and atmosphere from over 300 stallholders or visit some of the outstanding galleries of Hobart. (B)