Tasmanian Wonders

AAT Kings trips seem to have changed since the new owners have taken over. We have travelled numerous times with Insight, Trafalgar, Costsaver, and AAT Kings. There was no "Be My Guest" experience on this trip. Something we really enjoy on these trips. Also the new company has brought in a thing called Global Tour Rewards. One of the rewards is recognition from your Tour Director. We have traveled with Trafalgar and associated brands at least nine times. Since the new company took over our recognition was a pair of socks each on our tour of the Outback this year and a single tea towel between the two of us for going on Tasmanian Wonders. Last time we were in Australia on tour with AAT we were presented with two small original paintings and on our Croatia tour we received a couple of lovely water colour prints. Also on previous tours we had become accustomed to the Tour Director handing out a little treat associated to the area nearly every day. For example, Kendal mint cakes or Tunnocks caramel wafers in Great Britain, or Pasteis de Belem in Portugal. There was nothing like this on Tasmanian Wonders. Seems to me the new company is trying to wring out every extra tiny bit of profit they can get at the detriment of the tour experience. We enjoyed the tour, but it could have been so much better with these small additions that we had become used to receiving. Another thing that we got used to was having a transfer to the airport when the tour finished. On this tour we had to arrange our own. So now back to the tour. The Tour Director was a native Tasmanian and knew a great deal about the areas that we visited and was very responsive and engaged with the guests. The coach driver did a great job and also was very sociable. Coach wasn't as nice as we have travelled on before. If you got the back seat in the rotation you couldn't see out the right window at all as the bathroom was there. Other coaches we have travelled on had the onboard toilet in the back stairwell so you could see out both sides of the coach. We saw lots of Tasmania although we didn't see quite as many of the native animals as we had hoped. We will have to think long and hard whether we should travel with the Trafalgar brand again or if it is time to move on to another company. They have changed from a family owned company to an American asset management firm. I feel they are in it for shareholder return rather than to provide a great touring experience and a better understanding of the world.

Tour guide awesome really knowledgeable . Driver friendly and chatty . Rooms and meals fabulous

Excellent trip, well organised, great Tour Director and driver. The 10 day trip gives an excellent taste of Tasmania and all it has to offer.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Tasmania tour with AAT Kings. Caroline and Sam were a wonderful team, knowledgeable, informative, friendly and helpful in every way. The group of fellow passengers was excellent, a good mix. The tour was comprehensive and diverse. Rugged but beautiful west coast which was wonderful to see, then an extreme contrast on the east coast with magnificent scenery around Freycinet. . We loved Richmond, and Port Arthur….both historic and unique. So much history in Tasmania. One criticism would be the big number of passengers…over 40, in total, which meant a full bus and very limited views when travelling, and some comfort compromised with virtually every seat occupied. Certainly would travel again with AAT Kings and would recommend them to friends.

Loved every minute of this trip. The itinerary was perfect. The opportunities to experience the beauty of this magical state were varied and sites well chosen. Loved seeing the fairy penguins in Burnie. Cradle mountain with the wombats was a highlight. Loved the Gordon River cruise. Accommodation was comfortable and staff were very welcoming. Meals were excellent . So nice to have a good breakfast before setting out. We would certainly travel with AATKings again.

Excellent trip, with excellent tour director and driver.

I was travelling on my own, enjoyed the company of the other travellers and really relaxed as I had no responsibilities except have a great time. Thank you 🌟

We had a great trip, it was well organised and our Tour Director Carolyn was very knowledgeable

Unfortunately this tour although the last of the season, turned out to be the worst experienced tour, after doing the same tour back in 2019. We missed spots that we were looking forward to eg. Stanley, The Nut, Bay of Fires and the Penquins at Bichenio for reasons we have since found out were not correct. The accomodation on two nights were far below standard for AAT/KINGS. The Tour director was lovely and knowledgeable maybe too personal and the Bus Driver were great. We were told the company has been sold, and if this is correct and this is the standard now. Then I will have to think outside the square.

Only wished I was 10 yrs younger.. Other than that I enioyed every bit of the journey around Tasmania. The Tour Leader and Coach Driver .exceptional and totally committed. I would highly recommend this trip. I agree autumn brings out the best with all the beautiful autumn colours etc. Thanking all for such a great trip.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour , some highlights were missed due to the time of year , but we knew that would be the case when we booked , as it was the last tour before the cold weather. Carolyn & Tom our tour director & driver were excellent, Carolyn obviously knows her stuff . The only small downside for us & most of the group was the lack of name badges to identify ourselves (everyone) which at times was embarrassing, as time went on you knew the face but forgot the name , AAT King were advised . The issue of using plastic was mentioned , but even a small card with your name on & pinned to your top would have done the job apart from that we finished the tour tired but looking forward to maybe another tour down the road . Also a big thank you to Tom for always being there to assist Bette with her walker . Cheers . John & Bette .

We have been on other AAT Kings trips but this was the worst one. Bus was great as was our driver, Tom. Tour Director, Caroline, was very nice but talked far too much every day, telling us every drawback there was to living in Tasmania. She also seemed to know everyone in Tasmania and was also related to half the State. We missed some interesting places which we could have gone to if we hadn’t spent so much time in places for morning tea and lunch - Smithton, Stanley, The Nut and Bay of Fires for eg. Some accommodation was good (Movenpick Hobart, Best Western Launceston, Cradle Mountain Lodge). Below average stays were at Burnie and Bicheno (really old rooms, not what I paid for nor expected). At time of booking I requested a twin room throughout the trip but the last 3 nights we didn’t get that, seems most on the trip got what they requested but not us.

From start to finish our entire experience was fantastic. All of the accommodation we stayed in was clean, comfortable and spacious. The meals included gave us various choices and were all delicious. The included experiences were again all interesting and great options. However, the two people who certainly made our holiday a very diverse and enjoyable journey were our excellent Coach Driver Tom and our amazing Tour Director Carolyn. The wealth of knowledge Carolyn has brought our journey alive. Carolyn certainly kept us engaged every day. We would love to travel with both Tom and Carolyn when we next travel with AATKings

It was a great trip and we were well looked after. The tour director and driver were great and very caring. Tasmania is lovely. Long days and early starts which is usual for a bus tour. Some hotels better than others.

Felt the whole tour was lacking in content. Accommodation was poor and food was terrible.