Historic Rally
The Historic Rally is the perfect way for motoring enthusiasts to enjoy this unique destination and the Targa Tasmania. You will mix with competitors at the official start and finish of the rally and as you lead the field at some stages throughout the event.
This tour will guide you through some of Tasmania’s beautiful natural wonders and quaintest of towns via some of the event’s signature rally stages. You will also stop along the way to enjoy the history and scenery of the island and the some of the best food and wine available. It is an excellent mix of motorsport and leisure activities. You will be guided throughout by a local historic car enthusiast and receive a Targa Event DVD and other memorabilia.
Post rally extensions are available on request or you can return to Melbourne and continue your holiday on the mainland.
To qualify, the car you bring on this historic tour must be manufactured in 1979 or earlier. We can assist with, or arrange for you, the shipping of your car to Australia, flights and additional accommodation on mainland Australia or in Tasmania.
Sunday 26 April
Check in in the Port of Melbourne with your car for the overnight crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania departing at 2000h. Cabin accommodation with private facilities on board is included and there is a choice of restaurants and bars, lounges and a cinema for your entertainment. There’s a great atmosphere on board as it is usually full of Targa entrants.
Monday 27 April
Arrival in Devonport is scheduled for 0700h. From the ferry port you drive to Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for a Welcome breakfast. Afterwards you drive via various attractions and townships to Launceston and the Grand Chancellor Hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights on bed and breakfast basis.
This evening dinner at the Grand Chancellor Hotel is included.
Launceston is the centre of northern Tasmania at the head of the beautiful Tamar Valley – Tasmania’s most productive wine region. You can stroll along the waterfront, through the old town, take a tram tour or a river cruise, visit the local brewery, Australia’s oldest woollen mills or the National Automobile Museum.
Tuesday 28 April
This morning you drive the Prologue stage before the Targa entrants and then continue to your hospitality villa where you will enjoy lunch and can watch the field go through in comfort. In the afternoon you return to Launceston with the field.
In the early evening you board your coach, which will take you to the Silverdome to view the Targa cars at the official vehicle expo.
Wednesday 29 April
Today you can attend the official start of the Targa at the Country Club. Afterwards you drive the two morning stages of the rally ahead of the competitors and then head to the East Coast and Freycinet National Park. Accommodation is reserved for you at the Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay, on bed and breakfast basis.
Dinner this evening at the Lodge is included.
Thursday 30 April
Today is free to relax and enjoy as you wish, to sightsee at leisure and perhaps take a cruise around the peninsula to Wineglass Bay. The National Park is one of the east coast’s natural highlights featuring white sandy beaches, cliffs, secluded coves and excellent bushwalks. You will see orchids growing wild and maybe even a black cockatoo, a yellow wattlebird and wallabies. Coles Bay itself is dominated by spectacular 300 metre high pink granite outcrops.
Friday 1 May
Leaving your hotel at leisure you continue your drive south. The road hugs the coast for much of the way through small towns, passing conservation areas, bays and inlets. You then make your way across to Hobart where accommodation is reserved for you for three nights at the Wrest Point Hotel on bed and breakfast basis. The evening is free to enjoy as you wish.
The island capital has many sights, many of which can be reached on foot and a fine choice of bars and restaurants.
Saturday 2 May
This morning you drive to Parliament House to display your car on the lawns for the Targa Show & Shine event. It is Saturday so you must visit famous Salamanca Markets – located on the waterfront where the 1830’s sandstone warehouses are now galleries, stuidos, shops, restaurants and cafes. The afternoon is free to continue sightseeing at leisure or to take an optional excursion.
This evening dinner is included at Barilla Bay – home of the Tasmanian oyster.
Sunday 3 May
Take a light breakfast today as you head off into the Derwent Valley for an included brunch at Salmon Ponds. Set in beautiful gardens there has been a trout hatchery here since the 1860’s. You can stroll through the gardens where pools are brimming with trout and salmon and even feed the fish before taking brunch in the restaurant.
Afterwards you lead the Targa field to the final Hobart stage. You drive the final stage and lead competitors to the Official Finish. Enjoy the festivities at the finish, receive your Finishers Medallion and then enjoy an exclusive finishers dinner.
Monday 4 May
Leave Hobart this morning to drive north through the historic towns and villages of central Tasmania, stopping en route for sightseeing as you wish. In the late afternoon make your way back to the ferry port for the 2000h departure of Spirit of Tasmania to Melbourne. Once again onboard accommodation is included.
Tuesday 5 May
Early morning arrival in Melbourne.
Targa Tasmania - prices
Price per person sharing one car and accommodation throughout £1239
Single room supplement (except on Spirit of Tasmania) £460
To Ship Your Car to Australia
The distance involved in taking your car to Australia can be daunting. With expert assistance from one of the world’s leading logistics operators, Austorient Freight Services, we can arrange for your car to be shipped to and from Melbourne with the minimum of red tape. With over 25 years experience in the import and export of prestige vehicles your car will be in safe hands.
Arranging a carnet document for car is expensive and time consuming – with Austorient this can be avoided as a Temporary Import Bond will be placed on your behalf with Australian customs. Together with personal attention and guidance on finding the most effective and secure way of shipping your car, you will have more time to plan your personal travel arrangements. On your arrival in Melbourne you collect your car and start your holiday.
Call us for further information!
Arrive & Drive
The alternative way to compete in the Targa Tasmania! Make your way there and collect a race-ready car. Availability is very limited - call for further information on the cars and prices. |