Perfect Tasmania

Your morning excursions delve deep into many of the things that make Hobart great: from the Mt. Nelson Lookout, offering dizzying views over the city and Derwent River; to historic Battery Point and the Cascade Brewery. End the tour at the leafy Botanical Gardens spotlighting endemic plants, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. From alpaca throws to woodwork, gin to garden-fresh vegetables, Salamanca Market is like creative Tasmania in a bustling snapshot. Grab yourself a coffee before navigating more than 300 stalls, wedged alongside the Salamanca precinct’s historic sandstone warehouses.

Waterfalls, lakes and ancient moonscapes – today is a journey of contrasts. Not to mention soul revival. Exhale amid the forest enveloping Russell Falls in Mt. Field National Park. Forget your worries at Lake St. Clair, the deepest natural lake in Australia. Sigh as you skirt the World Heritage-protected Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Then revel in the serenity of Strahan. You’re overlooking Macquarie Harbour, seven times the size of Sydney Harbour.

No day that involves a cruise is a bad day. Even better if it’s the deep, dark waters of the far-flung Tassie’s Gordon River. Soak up the silence of this untouched wilderness area on your Gordon River cruise en route to Sarah Island, the state’s oldest convict settlement. Today, the island’s haunting ruins have been reclaimed by nature, enveloped by forest and twisting vines. Your commute toward immense Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park sees you travel through tiny mining towns scattered amongst the mountainous wild terrain. Rest up – Cradle Mountain awaits.

Spend the day in Cradle Mountain. At the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain is all moss-covered ancient rainforests and deep river gorges, snow-tipped peaks, wild alpine moorlands and glacial lakes – case in point Dove Lake, where you may spot Bennetts wallabies, echidnas and pademelons. Pause at Waldheim Chalet, once the home of Gustav and Kate Weindorfer, the duo pivotal in the park’s formation.

Tasmania boasts stunning award-winning orchards and floral sanctuaries, and today, you’ll explore two of its finest. First, visit The Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stroll through 11 hectares of blissful woodland, where over half the world’s 1,000 rhododendron species thrive, alongside ornate structures, tranquil lakes, and perhaps even a platypus or two! Next, Mount Gnomon Farm, where farmer Guy Robertson passionately cultivates his orchard and crafts cider. Sip and savour a paddock-to-plate lunch showcasing the region’s rich flavours. Then, journey to quirky Sheffield, the famed ‘Town of Murals,’ before travelling through the scenic Meander Valley en route to Launceston.

It’s no secret that Tassie produces some of the best food in Australia – with its clean air, water and verdant soil. This morning, sample some oh-so-tasty sauces, jams, mustards and relishes at the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company and learn about edibles that are grown here. By the time you reach Josef Chromy Vineyard, you’ll have worked up a thirst. We’ve got you covered with a glass of one of the state’s finest cool-climate wines. Next, prepare for goosebumps with a visit to Cataract Gorge, a lush expanse of bushland and Victorian gardens within walking distance of the CBD. This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure to discover Launceston, the city of gastronomy and get a real taste of Tasmania.

You’ll smell Bridestowe Estate well before you arrive – this lavender farm welcomes with soothing aromas, and addictive flavours in the form of lavender ice-cream. Moving moments await at Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees, a series of trees carved with sculptures as a homage to fallen WWI soldiers. It’s a poignant reminder just how lucky we are to have Tasmania’s scene-stealing landscapes to gaze over. Be sure to head out tonight to catch a glimpse of the little penguins that call Bicheno home.

There’s a reason this part of Tasmania takes home top honours for its beaches – they were made for postcards. The brilliant blue ocean follows you through Cape Tourville’s virgin eucalypt forests, with dramatic coastline as far as the eye can see. Soak in the beauty of the breathtaking Freycinet Peninsula on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that contributes to the preservation of its wildlife. You’ll cruise past granite mountains, towering pink cliffs of the Hazards range, beaches fringed by dense bush, as you graze on a tasty Ploughman’s lunch while taking in the serenity of stunning Wineglass Bay.

This morning, head south to the shores of the Derwent River where local palawa will welcome you to country and show off some local bush tucker. Next stop is the historic township of Richmond; explore the convict-built gaol and bridge or browse the quaint boutique shops. Whilst here, visit Old Hobart Town, a unique, multi-award-winning model village depicting life in Hobart as it was in the 1820s. Your base tonight is secluded Iron Creek Bay Farm, enveloped by 70 hectares of orchards growing cherries, apricots, apples and grapes. You’re invited to pick fruits during your stay, whether on your own or during a guided tour and while you wander the grounds, you’ll likely meet resident geese, turkeys, ducks, chickens, sheep, alpacas, horses and white-bellied sea eagles. Most importantly, tonight relax, enjoy the sunset and savour some fine Tassie produce at the renowned farm restaurant!

While the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site has a grim convict history, you wouldn’t know it today – the countryside is all rolling green fields and ocean views, best glimpsed on a Port Arthur guided tour with an in-the-know historian. The secrets they can tell… Today you will cruise around the Isle of the Dead, glimpse rugged sea cliffs from Pirate’s Bay Lookout, and marvel at Tasman’s Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole. Tonight is at your leisure in Hobart – we can recommend any number of stellar restaurants and wine bars. There’s no shortage in Tasmania’s cool little capital.

There’s something about Tasmania’s capital that encourages life in the slow lane. You’ll quickly fall into step today, yours to spend as you will. Celebrate Tasmania with your Travel mates at dinner at a popular Hobart restaurant.