WHAT IS A DERWENT EXPERIENCE?
A Derwent Experience is fun. And it offers something that you will not get anywhere else in the world - a wonderful day out and experience in the beautiful Derwent Valley and surrounding areas.
It is a curated small group experience that focuses on Tasting, Exploring and Relaxing.
Those who have been lured by iconic images of Tasmania really should experience the beauty of the land’s produce in the context of place.
And for Locals who lead busy lives, it is good to know you do not have to travel very far for a world class experience.
The Derwent Experience is all about connections - always seeking to promote positive connections.
WHAT ARE YOUR COSTS BASED ON?
Every group is different and the Derwent Valley and surrounds offer so much. We’ve carefully selected a price based on our knowledge of the location and any entry costs, quality food and beverages, as well as use of the luxury Derwent Experience Bus and travel to and from the Derwent Valley. Our prices are somewhat set but require some flexibility based on numbers and choice of itinerary.
WHAT ABOUT LARGER GROUPS?
Our own private bus can take up to 11 passengers comfortably with room for golf bags, luggage etc. If you love the concept of a curated day out but you have a larger group (up to 24) then please contact us for a quotation.
WHY DO WE EXIST? WHAT IS YOUR MISSION?
The Derwent Experience seeks to be much more than just another sightseeing venture for visitors.
Behind the word ‘experience’ in ‘The Derwent Experience’ is the goal to promote positive connections, and to contribute to the general well-being of people.
At a surface level we do provide all of the same benefits of a regular tour business, such as a Driver/Guide who will package the highlights of a location or region for you so that you get all of the colour and none of the drab.
While all you have to do is show up and relax - there are three more very important elements that we as a business also pay attention to.
They are:
The local people you will meet. These people are living and expressing themselves in ways that are true to their values, being creative, pursuing excellence in a quiet and peaceful corner of the world, and they have great stories to share. By visiting them and their enterprise, we connect you with all the elements of Tasmania that are in alignment with you - that is the inherent beauty of curating the day according to your preference.
The environment you will encounter. The Derwent Valley and the adjacent Central Highlands allow for a beautiful country drive that is neither too short or too long. The land and its soil, the river and its water, the mountains and forests, birdlife, wildlife and all of the wilderness are always ready to lift you up. The cultivation of small scale farming and production stands in stark contrast to our busy schedules. It is our belief that even a short amount of time spent here will evoke good things within you. The fresh air and natural light alone will benefit everyone, and getting close to moving water or looking up at a giant tree will fill the soul.
The overall dynamics of the group. There are two types of groups we love to cater for with our curated small group experiences: Work colleagues and close friends or family. Each group has a different motivation for doing an activity together that is out of the ordinary routine.
For Family and Friends it is often a celebration or a social cause. Taking time to celebrate brings us together and makes lifetime moments. For these occasions we suggest a focus simply on laughing and just being in a relaxed environment where transport and all of the catering is provided.
For a business who values their employees, investing in their well-being is a great investment and can bring both an immediate impact and ongoing positive results. We like to call our ‘out of office experience” a rejuvenation plan and a creativity booster. It is not only a reward and a thank you for the hard work, but done well and in a playful way, lightly lubricated with local produce, small group dynamics will generate laughter and the right type of support and affirmation that could really help individuals physically, mentally and emotionally.
Taken together, our mission is to allow you to “Taste, Relax and Explore” collectively for positive connections to be created or strengthened.
HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU CATER FOR?
Our own private bus can take up to 11 passengers comfortably with lots of storage room for Luggage, boxes and golf bags.
If your group is greater than 11 and you love the concept of a Derwent Valley Experience then our service is not limited to our own 11 passenger capacity mini-coach.
The reality is that 8 - 11 people is the ideal size for the majority of venues. Some venues we visit have vehicular access restrictions that would make even a minibus extremely difficult.
Sam is licenced for Light Rigid meaning up to 24 passengers. Beyond that we simply incorporate others into your custom itinerary and spread the love.
If you require transport, logistics, planning and execution support, then we can certainly offer a valuable service. Please contact us for a quotation.
PAYMENTS
The Derwent Experience requires pre-payment for all tours and events prior to departure. Payments are accepted by utilisation of the on-line booking system, credit card booking via telephone, or internet transfer.
Please contact us by phone or email to confirm availability of a seat if you would prefer not to use the on-line booking system. Tour places are not confirmed until payment is processed.
Once booking has been made you may choose to make a payment via direct deposit to our account: This is in fact our preference as it does reduce our fees which is always welcome.
Account name: The Derwent Experience BSB: 067-101 Account: 10782556
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
Please refer to our terms and conditions. If your question is not answered please contact us.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
The basics are good shoes and a warm jacket. Your own water bottle is great, but there will be plenty of water provided along the way. Specific items particular to an Experience, Workshop or Activity will be communicated with each group.
The main thing to consider is the weather. We do travel in a climate controlled vehicle and all of the built venues we visit are very accommodating. But it is Tasmania so the biggest considerations on any given day are the possibility of strong winds and temperature fluctuations.
More specifically, it depends on the tour itself.
Wild Walk Wednesday - good shoes suitable for walking on trails, water bottle and layers are best as the body heats up after a short time of walking.
The workshops will have their own specific items and these will be outlined in each one such as your own camera equipment.
Golf: If Golf is a part of the tour then you can of course bring along your own clubs.
WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLE WILL I TRAVEL IN?
A Renault Master Bus 2019 Model Executive Class.
The Renault Master Bus comfortably seats 10 adults plus a Driver. There is provision for an 11th person to sit safely and comfortably on a middle front seat but they best not be too tall. There is over 3 cubic meters of luggage capacity which is plenty for golf bags, suitcases, and other equipment. It has large windows and is a smooth and quiet ride, ideal for touring.
This is the primary vehicle, but we do reserve the right to use other vehicles should it be in for a service, or should we have a requirement for more than one vehicle per day.
WHAT IS THE POLICY FOR BAD WEATHER?
Tasmania is a land of micro-climates and changeable weather. Tours will proceed in all weather unless average weather becomes extreme weather.
Safety and risk assessment will inform any change to a scheduled tour and this will be discussed with you. In the event of a cancellation based on safety and risk an alternative date will be sought before other options are considered.
As a last resort 80% of the cost of the tour will be refunded in the event of a cancellation due to bad weather, recognising that significant resource has been expended to justify a partial withholding.
WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON ALCOHOL?
Oils ain’t oils and neither is alcohol.
We focus squarely on the pleasure and enjoyment that tasting a beautiful drink will deliver the lucky person. All good alcohol worthy of paying good money for needs great ingredients, and it is the process or journey from raw ingredients combined with passion, hard work and science that adds a worthy layer of respect and appreciation once the senses are brought to life as the glass is brought to the nose and lips. The stories that glass holds can also bring enjoyment and can inspire you to also express yourself in unique ways.
We encourage responsible consumption of alcohol and will only invite you to taste in-situ and match with either food or the venue.
There is absolutely no consumption of anything other than water on the bus.
We reserve the right to eject a person from the “tour” based on intoxication, non-compliance with reasonable requests or rude, aggressive behaviour. If a person experiences an ‘unusual event’ we will care for them as if family.
There is a great story and connection to be enjoyed with good alcohol. We will lead and guide always towards this side of alcohol.
All that said, alcohol need not play a part in your day of ‘Tasting, Relaxing and Exploring’ but due to the FACT! that there are so many producers of award winning, nationally and internationally recognised, world class, “how lucky are we to have it so good” locally made boutique and craft drink options available to us - then a “Designated Driver” and safe, comfortable transport is a crucial element in your groups requirements.
ALCOHOL AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Derwent Experience is committed to running tours where participants are both happy as well as safe. In line with our duty of care to every single person, The Derwent Experience ensures that alcohol served and consumed on the tour is done so in a responsible way in accordance with the Liquor Licensing Act 1990. Please read our full CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL POLICY FOR GUESTS on the POLICY page.
CONSUMPTION AND YOUR SAFETY
It is the responsibility of participants to consume with safety according to their individual dietary requirements, including any food allergies, intolerances, or any other health issues. Food substitutions may be available with adequate notice. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
WHAT LOCATIONS CAN I CHOOSE FROM TO VISIT?
For detailed information of possible locations, please get in touch.
HOW CAN THE DERWENT EXPERIENCE CREATE AND DELIVER FOR US A SPECIAL DAY?
We are for groups. Small groups of family, friends and colleagues who wish to do something fun together and require at the very least a designated driver.
Our preference is that we are dealing with one person on behalf of the whole group.
You contact us and we discuss the date and other particulars. If you decide to proceed a deposit is required to secure the date. We can design for your group a customised itinerary and invitation that is just for your group.
WHAT ARE YOUR PUBLIC TOURS?
These are our regular public tours running part of the week that highlight the very best of the Valley and surrounds, where you can join even as an adventurous individual or couple. They are Wild Walk Wednesday - AM and PM, Derwent Valley Long Lunch and Golf and Whiskey Highlander. These tours require payment in full and must be booked with at least 48 hours notice, especially as we must make advance reservations with restaurants, wineries, distilleries etc.
WHAT ARE YOUR THEMED EXPERIENCES?
These could also be termed workshops. They are in essence a particular skill or activity led by an expert guide. From this experience you can pursue a passion or an interest with like-minded people. For example photography, art, cold exposure and deep breathing, mindfulness, goal setting, Leadership/Team Building.
WHAT ARE YOUR PRIVATE AND SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCES?
Your day your way. You have a date in mind, and you have people in mind, you just need a partner to help make it happen. From a designated driver who can execute the logistics as you require, all the way to curating the perfect special day according to your preferences and budget.
This service is for a minimum half day (4 hours) full day (up to 16 hours), and multi-day (up to 2 nights and 3 days).
An Itinerary is offered based on initial conversation with quotation. Deposit to secure and full payment prior to tour starting.
WHAT ARE YOUR PREMIUM AND EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES?
These are similar to our private and small group experiences, but with even more care.
We have transport, we have connections and we have a desire to deliver exceptional service. All of that adds up to us being able to arrange very specific experiences catering to inbound VIP’s who have limited time but know exactly what they want when it comes to an activity.
So our focus is not on the finest room in the best hotel, or arranging a special car, but rather on securing the best combination packages that cannot be booked over the internet or by an out of town agent.
Examples include Hunting and Fishing where the best guide and accommodation is needed for the time that is right just for you. Transfers, supplies, and concierge style support are included.
Whether it is yourself booking directly or your Assistant on your behalf, it can all be arranged very efficiently through our service.
DOES THE DERWENT EXPERIENCE CATER FOR CORPORATE AND BUSINESS ?
Yes, of course we can.
Every group is different and surrounding Hobart there are so many wonderful locations and activities ideal for an “out of office experience.”
The Derwent Experience is able to deliver an outstanding half or full day for up to 11 people with a dedicated luxury mini-coach and a hands on Owner who is ex-corporate sector as well as a Certified Health Coach.
We believe that a regular Team Building or Leadership Team event should be taking place as part of any businesses sustainability and growth.
We curate everything for you and make it easy to execute. Think of The Derwent Experience as a partner that like an in house personal assistant can just make it happen. Pending availability of course.
If you are thinking about a social activity to celebrate, reward, motivate, get creative or do some actual business, then The Derwent Experience can plan a wonderful day and then help execute it for you.
It starts with an email or phone call. If you tell us the date/s and key criteria, we can quote and then take care of everything.
We also offer Corporate Wellness and Coaching. Download this PDF for a more detailed offering of “Wellness, Coaching and The Derwent Experience
WHAT IS YOUR CORPORATE WELLNESS PROGRAM?
The Derwent Experience offers curated small group experiences and Torque Coaching offers personal, group and Corporate Coaching for Health and Well Being. This means we can offer small to medium business in Southern Tasmania something unique and valuable - a holistic, personalised and flexible approach to providing support and resources at very affordable rates.
Download this PDF for a more detailed offering of “Wellness, Coaching and The Derwent Experience
WHO OWNS THE DERWENT EXPERIENCE?
The Derwent Experience is owned and operated by Sam and Fiona Bradley. We are a local family who not only love to share the many activities that can easily be experienced from Hobart - no matter what your groups interests are, but who also love to promote positive connections and interactions.
Together they are raising two little humans, navigating all of the necessary regulations and compliance to run a business in our great State and Country, and working hard to offer you something special - an Experience to be enjoyed immensely on the day and also to look back on fondly in the months and years ahead.
Sam is also a certified Health and Wellness Coach who has backpacked and sailed around the world, has been a tour guide around Australia, and is energised by other people having a good time.
TOURS SUITABLE FOR A PERSON WITH A WHEELCHAIR OR REQUIRING ADDITIONAL SUPPORT?
We endeavour to be as inclusive as possible so please do contact us to discuss particular requirements so that we can tailor the experience as much as possible.
There is room in the bus to carry a couple of wheelchairs comfortably, and assistance getting in and out of the bus is of course provided. Most of the venues we visit are wheelchair and access friendly.
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE?
The Derwent Experience holds public liability insurance in its responsibility to both participants and venues. In the event of a claim, all dealings will be managed by our policy holder.