About
Escorted & Fully Route-Charted
All Bitumen Roads Driving Adventures is all about having a good time. Nice cars, good friends, brilliant roads in some of the most beautiful locations on earth in company with like-minded adventurers. Each tour represents the highest standards of organization, first-rate hotels and exquisite dining. There are even road books, detailing the exact route as well as an experienced guide to smooth the way and ensure that each guest has the best experience possible. These are events organised as rallies, but without the restrictions and limitations of a competition event. There is no competition timing. Guests are given detailed road books that explain the correct route as well as a short history of the areas traveled. Roads are selected for the driving enjoyment. Unlike competition events, guests will be free to set their own agenda for the day. They can choose between a sleep-in and a leisurely breakfast or an early start with stops along the way to more closely inspect the local colour or they could hurry to their destination for a swim or spa before dinner with the group.
tours
Tasmania Tours
11 days $2,495 per person twin shareSnowy Mountains &
South Coast
6 days
$975
per person twin share
Hunter Valley
2 days $250 per person twin share(includes dinner) Every Month
Southern Highlands
2 days $250 per person twin share(includes dinner)
Every Month
New Zealand
14 days $2,995 per person twin share17 April - 1 May 2010
Tour of Tassie
the tour for those who enjoy driving...
My idea for the tour was for those who enjoy driving, fine dining and
comfortable accommodation.
The roads are based around the annual Targa Tasmania special stages. All sealed, they carry little traffic through breathtaking scenery with corners that are frequent and entertaining.
The accommodation utilises the best rooms in the very best hotels in Tasmania that I could find without going over the top on costs.
The food almost steals the show. Restaurants each night feature the best and freshest that Tasmania has to offer.
The schedule has been planned to be as flexible as possible. Apart from the overnight stops, you can set your own timetable. Follow the route chart through the Targa Stage Roads or take a short cut to the next stop for a spa and a nap or take time out to sight see or bushwalk through World Heritage Listed Areas.
Day 1. Sydney - Corryong
The roads are based around the annual Targa Tasmania special stages. All sealed, they carry little traffic through breathtaking scenery with corners that are frequent and entertaining.
The accommodation utilises the best rooms in the very best hotels in Tasmania that I could find without going over the top on costs.
The food almost steals the show. Restaurants each night feature the best and freshest that Tasmania has to offer.
The schedule has been planned to be as flexible as possible. Apart from the overnight stops, you can set your own timetable. Follow the route chart through the Targa Stage Roads or take a short cut to the next stop for a spa and a nap or take time out to sight see or bushwalk through World Heritage Listed Areas.
Leave Sydney. Take the Highway to Gundagai then onto some great roads through Tumut, Batlow, Tumbarumba before crossing the Murray and into Corryong. There is a comfortable Motel there that has a great restaurant.
Day 2. Corryong - Melbourne
More great roads as we head into Melbourne via the Murray Valley before climbing into the high country to Mansfield before winding our way down the Yarra Valley. Then board the Spirit of Tasmania for an overnight cruise across Bass Straight.
I have booked Porthole Twin Cabins and a car spot for each couple.
Day 3. Devonport - Cradle Mountain 255 Km
I have booked Porthole Twin Cabins and a car spot for each couple.
Disembark in Devonport. 5 km later you will be driving your first Targa Stage Road. The route chart will lead you through a number of famous Targa Stages, through sweeping farmlands, forests and small villages. Tonight's accommodation is at the recently renovated and world-renowned Cradle Mountain Lodge. We have reserved Spa Cabins for a little luxury.
Day 4. Cradle Mountain - Strahan 298 Km
There is time for a bushwalk before we hit the Targa Stages again. We start by winding through the mountain valleys of the northwest before tackling a very special snaking road to Zeehan. Then onto our overnight stay at Franklin Manor in Strahan. Once the grandest house in Strahan, Franklin Manor is now an amazing guesthouse with a much-awarded dining room. There is even a walk through underground cellar from which you may select your wine for dinner.
Day 5. Strahan - Hobart 310 Km
First thing this morning is one of the highlights of Targa Tasmania. A stage from the outskirts of Strahan to Queenstown. Used by Toyota, BMW and Porsche to test and refine their cars, this is a must for anyone who enjoys driving. From Queenstown we climb the barren slopes of Mt Lyall and head through the Franklin River wilderness to Mt Arrowsmith, the longest of the Targa stages. There are more stages as we drop into the Derwent Valley and our Hobart home, the Old Woolstore. Located adjacent to the CBD, the Woolstore offers secure parking and is in the heart of the lively Dock district with plenty of great restaurants and bars within easy walking distance. We will use the 1 bed room apartments.
Day 6
A free day. Stay in bed, and then hit the Salamanca Markets. Visit some of the many historic sites around Hobart, go to the top of Mt Wellington or drive down to Port Arthur. A day to do your own thing.
Day 7. Hobart - Hobart 146 Km
Apple orchards and fishing villages set the scene for today as we head for the Huon Valley and the Targa Stages, which make up the Southern Loop. South of Huonville we will break away from the stage roads to visit Home Hill Winery and their great restaurant for lunch. The road home takes in some great stages around the foot of Mt Wellington.
Day 8. Hobart - Freycinet Lodge. 204 Km.
A nice short day. First stop is at historic Richmond where we cross the oldest bridge in Australia before heading up the East Coast to the famous Freycinet Lodge. There are great bush walks to try or just soak up the scenery before dinner overlooking Coles Bay.
Day 9. Freycinet Lodge - Launceston. 307 Km
From Freycinet we follow the coast north to Bicheno before turning inland onto the brilliantly named Elephant Pass. Home of one of the best pancake houses around and a great Targa stage. St Marys Pass takes us back to the coast and a shed that doubles as a cafeÃÅ that serves fresh crayfish for lunch during the season. Accommodation tonight is in luxury cabins within a vineyard with a wonderful restaurant prepared to give us a fitting farewell to Tasmanian cuisine.
Day 10. Launceston - Devonport
A lesuirely start to the day with a run through Launceston and onto the wonderful town of Longford. Now home to a Targa stage the streets once hosted the Australian Grand Prix with the likes of Brabham, Hill and Moss. We will visit the pub where Stan Jones once crashed and is now full of great motor sport memorabilia. We will then loop south through some beautiful historic villages before venturing into the central highlands and some brilliant driving roads. It didn't seem right to head up to the ferry in Devonport without a last taste of Tasmania's great roads.
Day 12
Off the Ferry and either hightail along the Hume back to Sydney as quick as you can or take a more leisurely run with a couple of days of scenic roads. I have not booked any accommodation for tonight. I suspect everyone will have a different idea of what they would like to do, so I have left it open.
Southern Sojourn
Sydney - Canberra - Snowy Mountains - South Coast
My idea for the tour was for those who enjoy driving, fine dining and
comfortable accommodation.
The roads; are all sealed, the vast majority carry little traffic through
breathtaking scenery with corners that are frequent and entertaining.
The accommodation; utilises the best rooms in the very best hotels that I
could find.
The schedule; has been planned to be as flexible as possible. Apart from the
overnight stops, you can set your own timetable. The route is fully route
charted and the road book has been upgraded to be even clearer than before
and will include maps so you can see where I have planned for you to go.
The schedule has been planned to be as flexible as possible. Apart from the
overnight stops, you can set your own timetable. Distances are about 300
Km per day so there is plenty of time for sightseeing and side trips.
Day 1. Sydney - Canberra
Leave Sydney. Take the Highway to Mittagong and then take to the back
roads. There are some wonderful roads around the back of Lake George in
the Canberra Wine Country. Accommodation for the night is at my favourite
hotel.
Day 2. Canberra - Lake Crackenback
A great thing about Canberra is that you can be back on great roads 10 minutes after leaving the hotel. The plan is to head into the Brindabella Mountains. Stunning scenery and roads to match will keep you entertained. There is also a wildlife reserve with an amazing mob of kangaroos. We head down the highway to Cooma before exploring more backroads on the way to Jindabyne and Lake Crackenback resort.
Day 3. Lake Crackenback - Lake Crackenback
There is an easy start to the day with a quite run through Jindabyne, and
Berridale before things liven up on the way to Adaminaby which is a great
place for a break. We then head west on the Snowy Mountains Highway and
into the National Park and the old goldfields around Kiandra. Then onto an
amazing road through the heart of the mountains to Australia's highest
town, Cabramurra before snaking through valleys and peaks to Khancoban.
We then join the legendary Alpine Way and head back to Lake Crackenback.
Day 4. Lake Crackenback - Boydtown
First up this morning there are some wonderful, deserted, high country
roads through a unique landscape, I am sure you will be impressed. There is
time to stop and check out Dalgety, Nimmitabel and Bombala before the
road takes you on a spectacular descent to the coast. Home tonight is the famous Seahorse Inn on the shores of Twofold Bay.
Day 5. Boydtown - Mollymook
A short leg to commence the day, with a run into Eden and a visit to the waterfront. We then head up the coast to Tathra, where the pub and historic wharf are worth a visit as is the coastal road to Bermagui. It is another short drive to Tilba to sample another pub, the cheese factory and a great lolly shop. Heading north we drive through Batemans Bay and Ulladulla to Mollymook to our hotel and a well respected restaurant for our final dinner together.
Day 6. Mollymook - Home
A couple of loops today. The 1st will see us travel through Huskisson and
around the shore of Jervis Bay before heading into Nowra and up to Berry
to check out those stores. We will the loop through Kangaroo Valley,
Robertson, Jamberoo and a brilliant road into Kiama. From here it is an
easy run up the Freeway into Sydney and home.
Hunter Valley
Easily accessible from Sydney, the great roads of the Hunter Valley are often overlooked. We have found some brilliant little lanes as well as great open country roads.
Day 1. Sydney - Hunter Valley
The tour starts with the pick of the roads on Sydney's northwest outskirts before heading into the foothills of the Blue Mountains. There is time to seek out a comfortable cafe or browse through a few shops before heading up the mighty Putty Road and into The Hunter valley and Pokolbin for the night.
Day 2. Hunter Valley - Sydney.
We start the day with a series of wonderful, little used roads close to Pokolbin before swinging north into areas around Gresford. On the loop back to the wine district we travel on wonderful lane-ways. You can lunch in Pokolbin before heading back to Sydney.
Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands have long been a popular destination for short trips from Sydney and it is easy to see why. The scenery is stunning and there are lots of villages, each with a unique charm. There are some wonderful roads in the region and we have chosen some little known and seldom used stretches.
Day 1. Sydney - Goulburn
The tour commences at Richmond on Sydney's western fringe. We head into the spectacular Blue Mountains before visiting the legendry Jenolan Caves. There is time for a bit of exploration or just relax at Caves House before driving through Oberon and onto a very lightly trafficked, recently sealed road to Goulburn for our overnight stay and dinner.
Day 2. Goulburn - Sydney
We desert the freeway for deserted country lanes to Marulan, before wandering through picturesque villages perched above the escarpment. Eventually we drop down into Kangaroo Valley and onto Kiama in time for lunch. Heading home we explore gorgeous laneways through Jamberoo before climbing back up the escarpment and more laneways that deliver us onto the freeway north of Mittagong and an easy run back into Sydney.
New Zealand Tour
A special tour for those who enjoy driving, fine dining and comfortable accommodation: the Driving Adventures Tour of New Zealand's South Island is the ultimate Driving Adventure.
The roads are amongst the best driving roads on the planet, accommodation in the very best hotels on the South Island and the food almost steals the show: each night the best and freshest that New Zealand has to offer.
Day 1. Home - Christchurch
The roads are amongst the best driving roads on the planet, accommodation in the very best hotels on the South Island and the food almost steals the show: each night the best and freshest that New Zealand has to offer.
I have left everyone to find their own way to Christchurch on the airline of your choice. The first time we come together as a group will be for dinner at our lodgings, The Crowne Plaza Hotel in the heart of Christchurch.
Day 2. Christchurch - Christchurch
A relaxing start to the tour with plenty of time to look around the picturesque city of Christchurch, before driving down to the Banks Peninsula. Today is an ideal opportunity for a late afternoon drive to the French influenced township of Akaroa for dinner before a twilight drive back to the Crowne Plaza Christchurch. Highlight of the drive home is the stunning Summit Road that threads it's way along the rim of the extinct volcano. Twilight extends to 10pm at this time of year so it should be a beautiful drive.
Day 3. Christchurch - Blenheim
A great introduction to the variety of Kiwi roads. We head north through the suburbs of Christchurch before turning inland, pass the historic Weka Pass Railway on the Inland Road. This is an amazing 80 km section of twists, turns and climbs as we skirt the Kaikoura Range. We rejoin the coast just south of the township of Kaikoura, famous for it's sea-life and scenic cliff-top walk. The road then hugs the coast as we head towards Blenheim, the heart of the Marlborough Wine District and our home for the night, The Chateau Marlborough, a lovely modern hotel, in the heart of the town, with a great restaurant.
Day 4. Blenheim - Nelson
A nice short drive today so you have time to explore some of the delights of the local wineries, and there are plenty of them to explore. Once you get past the vineyards we head into the delightful port of Picton. Home of the inter island ferries, nestled amongst the hills at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound and the starting point for the tightest stretch of road I have ever seen. The picture perfect stretch clings to the shore of the sound for miles as we head to the holiday resort town of Nelson. We are staying a little out of town at the Grand Mecure Resort on the Monaco Peninsula.
Day 5. Nelson - Greymouth
It is into the mountains today. There is a short run clearing the outskirts of Nelson, then we start climbing towards Murchison, a white water rafting centre. There are some truly remarkable sections of road a we wind our way towards Westport on the wild west coast. Just before Westport we turn south to follow the coast past the Pancake Rocks, a spectacular rock formation riddled with sea caves and blowholes. It is then just a short drive into Greymouth and the grandest establishment in town, The Kingsgate Hotel.
Day 6. Greymouth - Fox Glacier
The road today threads it's way south between the mountains and the sea. First stop is the Greenstone Capital of Hokitika. There are a heap of tourist shops offering all sorts of Maori artefacts. The real highlights of the day however are the Glaciers. If you have not been up close to a glacier before, do not miss the opportunity. A guided tour is strongly recommended for safety. There are also plenty of places to take helicopter flights for an even better view. We are staying just out of Fox Glacier at the High Peaks Hotel, a relatively new Hotel with a reputation for great food and stunning views back towards the mountains.
Day 7. Fox Glacier - Queenstown
Mountains and waterfalls are on the agenda this morning. We skirt the coast to the village of Haast then turn into the mountains. There are some impressive waterfalls and great photo stops along the way. The road eventually drops down to the twin lakes of Wanaka and Hawea, home of more car commercials than you realise until you see the road, brilliant. Wanaka is the start point for the Cardrona Valley Road and the stunning Crown Range Road, a fitting and spectacular entrée to Queenstown, the adrenalin capital of the world. We are staying right on the waterfront in the Novatel Lakeside in the heart of the old town.
Day 8. Queenstown
Today is a chance to sleep in, take a walk through town or take in the more exciting delights of Queenstown. Bungy Jumps, Jet Boats, Whitewater Rafting, Hang Gliding, Hot Air Ballooning, Luge Rides, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding are all available as are some stunning Golf Courses.
Day 9. Queenstown - Milford Sound Sound
This is my favourite day of the tour. The run out of Queenstown is through some beautiful scenery, a great winding road and out onto the valley floor and lovely NZ farmland. Te Anau is a pretty little town on the shores of a lake. The road from Te Anau is the real star. It is 120 Km of what has been rated the best Alpine Road in the world. It starts along the shore of Lake Te Anau before winding into a glacial valley. The scenery is straight from Lord of the Rings with some great photo's to be taken, particularly at the exit of the 1.2 Km Homer Tunnel, where the road snakes away towards the coast in a series of hairpin bends.
Milford Sound itself is everything it is supposed to be, We are staying the night on the Milford Mariner a purpose built cruise ship for what I am sure will be a highlight of the tour and a great place for a romantic Valentines Day Dinner with 20 close friends.
Day 10. Milford Sound - Invercargill
Milford Sound itself is everything it is supposed to be, We are staying the night on the Milford Mariner a purpose built cruise ship for what I am sure will be a highlight of the tour and a great place for a romantic Valentines Day Dinner with 20 close friends.
Breakfast is on the Milford Mariner we head back to shore where we get to re-run the awesome drive back to Te Anau. We then head to Manapouri before heading into some beautiful empty country and the south coast of the Island west of Riverton. It is then just a short hop into Invercargill, home of Burt Munroe and his Worlds Fastest Indian. These days Invercargill is better known for the nearby home of Bluff Oysters. I am sure they are on the menu at the Ascot Hotel, our home for the night.
Day 11. Invercargill - Dunedin
Today's drive loosely follows the coast through the Catlins to Dunedin. The Catlins are the great secret of the South Island, even the locals have not been there and it is stunning. There is plenty of time to take side-trips to visit, seal colonies, caves, waterfalls and even a fossilised forest. We are staying at the Motel on York, 200 metres from the Octagon, the centre of this beautiful university city that is packed with colonial buildings, boutique shops and good restaurants.
Day 12. Dunedin - Arrowtown
This is another contender for my favourite day of the tour. Leaving the hotel we follow the shore of Otago Harbour to Port Chalmers before heading up the amazing Blueskin Road. We rejoin the Highway and head north to Palmerston before turning inland and climbing wonderful empty roads to the Central Otago Highlands. Picture, open under-populated undulating plains ringed by serious mountains. The day gets even better as we get close to Cromwell as this is the centre of the Central Otago wine district, home of some of the best Pinot Noir on the planet. Home for the night is the Millbrook Lodge Golf Resort. If you are into your golf, this is the place. There is time for a quick round before dinner at their superb restaurant.
Day 13. Arrowtown - Lake Tekapo
Today is a reasonably short drive, time to allow the golfers another round. Our drive for the day heads back up the Crown Range Road to Wanaka but take time to visit the Cardrona Pub on the way through. We then take a few back roads before joining the Highway at Tarras before climbing Lindis Pass and passing the villages of Omarama and Twizel. You can catch a great view of Mt Cook from Lake Pukaki before arriving at Peppers Resort at Lake Tekapo. This is a great place for a relax and will give you a chance to take stock of what a fabulous place the South Island is.
Day 14. Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
Our final days drive takes us over Burke Pass and back onto the Canterbury Plains where our adventure began, but before we hang up the keys we skirt the base of the mountains past Methven and Mt Hutt. The tour ends back in Christchurch at the Crowne Plaza for our farewell dinner.
Track Days
TIMETABLE:
- 8:00am -- Office open - If it is your 1st time please arrive early to ensure all the paperwork and licences are in place for 9am
- 8:15am -- Cafe open - Coffee and Egg and Bacon rolls
- 8:50am -- Drivers Briefing
- 9:00am -- Track Open - I will commence with a convoy of cars. I will lead to show the correct line, everyone who wants to can have a lap behind me before shuffling to the back of the line.
- 9:30am -- Track open to all.
- 12:30am -- Lunch - track closed.
- 1:15pm -- Track open.
- 4:00pm -- Track closed for the day.
- 11 July
- 19 Spetember
- 5 December
testimonials
"I highly recommend a tour with David, his professional organizing and personality are first class. Last year we completed the Tassie Tour that David put together with ten couples, he organized a fantastic itinerary which was greatly enjoyed by all."
Maurice Drent
Maurice Drent
Discover great roads in great company and have great fun in one of the unspoilt regions of the world. Then this is a must do.
David's organisation was superb and he guides you through hidden gems of paces and along sensational roads. It was all so good I want to do it all again.
Mike Booth
Despite 4 previous trips to Tassie the tour took us on amazing roads with
spectacular scenery not seen before. The meals, good wine and accommodation
that followed each day's drive kept well up with the standard, and the day's
route left time to spend enjoying the environment. A great 10 days!
Elizabeth Wood
I had a wonderful time. I thought the group was so much fun. All from
different walks of life. Even though I'm an oldie, I felt very happy and
comfortable.
Bethany Shaw
Yes a great vacation experience got back and wanted to restart the trip.
Rob Starkey
I'm still carrying around a few extra pounds to remind me
of the great time I had over indulging with a great bunch of people.
Whatever happened to "what happens on tour, stays on tour"???
What I ate certainly didn't!!! So my only complaint is that I had TOO
good of a time.
Stephen Pryor
What a trip, we had been to Tasmania before but you took us to beautiful valley's and places we could never find on our own. Great roads, fantastic people, wonderful fun.
John & Lyndall Bacon
At a time when many cars can get to illegal speeds in second gear and cornering fast gets you a little bent finger being waved or arrested, then a day exploring you and your car's capabilities in a safe environment is essential. David's track days are organised so you can do as many laps as you like while providing instruction and guidance to obtain the best from yourself and machine. And all this in a relaxed and social environment. There is no better way to hone those driving skills in your own street car.
Mike Booth
galleries
Some of our group outside The Convent, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley
Selecting the dinner wine. Cradle Mountain Lodge, Tasmania
The Spiky Bridge near Bicheno, Tasmania
Heading out of Wollombi, Hunter Valley, NSW
Crossing Reece Dam, Tasmania
Classic 240Z at Wakefield Park Track Day
Well loved older Porsche at Wakefield Park Track Day
Checking the maps, Mansfield, Victoria
The Western Tiers near Sheffield, Tasmania
Road-side, "Handymans Dream" Tasmania
Freycinet Lodge Sunset, Coles Bay, Tasmania
You can just make out the road snaking down to Tumut Pond, Snowy Mountains, NSW
Early Morning Drive, Dalgety, NSW
High plains road, Cooma, NSW
Great road, great scenery, Kiama NSW
The Boat House, Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Road-side picnic, Tasmania
Our accommodation, Strahan, Tasmania
Mt. Lyall, Queenstown, Tasmania
Climbing out of Queenstown, Tasmania
The car park of The Convent, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley
Classic 240Z at Wakefield Park Track Day
Classic 240Z at Wakefield Park Track Day
Classic 240Z at Wakefield Park Track Day
Classic 240Z at Wakefield Park Track Day
history
Drive A Porsche
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- An insurance excess applies in the case of an accident.
- Drivers must have a full unrestricted license.
- Drivers must be minimum of 25 years.
- Non driving guests are welcome to travel as passenger/navigator.
contact
Driving Adventures
David Thomas
6/399 Barrenjoey Road
Newport NSW 2106
Australia
P: 61 (0) 418 473 916
e: david@drivingadventures.com.au
David Thomas
6/399 Barrenjoey Road
Newport NSW 2106
Australia
P: 61 (0) 418 473 916
e: david@drivingadventures.com.au