Tassie Getaway

Tasmania’s second-largest city, Launceston sits pretty on the banks of the Tamar River. Arrive early? Distractions are endless. We suggest jumping on a boat to cruise the waterway, gliding through the Tamar Valley or up into Cataract Gorge. This rare natural phenomenon unites bushland with neat Victorian gardens, replete with ferns and exotic plants. Get a different perspective of the green cavern on the scenic chairlift, zipping you over the water to a lofty lookout. Consider yourself a bit of a gourmand? Some of Tassie’s top wineries are within easy reach. Sip your way around the Josef Chromy estate, Swinging Gate or Jansz before meeting the adventurous souls that will keep you company over the next week. Meet your Travel Director for a drink before embarking on your journey along Tasmania’s glorious east.

Arriving at Bridestowe Lavender Estate, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported straight to Provence. This bucolic patch of purple is a feast for all the senses(did you know lavender is a great sleep aid?). Then taste the wares, whether in lavender ice-cream or honey made from the 500,000 very happy bees that live here. Moving moments await at Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees, an avenue of sculpted trees, carved in homage of fallen WWI soldiers. It’s a poignant reminder of just how privileged we are to have Tasmania’s scene-stealing landscapes to gaze over today. Head out tonight to catch a glimpse of the little penguins that call Bicheno home.

Embarking on your Freycinet adventure, you may think someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time. The towering Hazards Range that backdrops your base gleams pink in the morning sunshine. Fun fact: the prized granite here was used to build the foyer of New York’s Empire State Building. The brilliant blue ocean curves into coves dusted with golden sand. And dusty greens patchwork Cape Tourville’s virgin eucalypt forest, stretching as far as the eye can see. Amid it all is Wineglass Bay, a gem-like crescent with gin-clear water. Rest up – you’re taking this in over a lunchtime cruise.

This morning, the GPS is set for the historic township of Richmond; explore the convict-built goal and bridge or browse the quaint boutique shops in town. Next, join us for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Risdon Cove. Kipli Takara (meaning food walk) is an immersive experience where guests are invited to walk the culturally rich landscape with palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) guides across this abundant natural pantry that was returned to Tasmanian Aboriginal ownership in 1995. You will be treated to a guided walk of this unique property, hearing about the history and current story of the area. Along the way guests are able to taste the native bush tucker currently in season and get a first-hand glimpse into how palawa continue to enjoy cultural foods and undertake culturally-centred land management across lutruwita/Tasmania. This experience includes a unique tasting of local, native flavours. This evening is at your leisure in Hobart.

Isle of the Dead, Pirate’s Bay Lookout, Devil’s Kitchen… the attractions around Port Arthur Historic Site give away the region’s grim convict heritage. But don’t be put off by the colourful names; the rolling green countryside, rugged cliffs and dramatic rock formations make this one of the most postcard-perfect pockets of the state. Explore what remains of the World Heritage Site with a historian – they know all the secrets that took place behind these walls – then enjoy a different perspective from the water on a scenic cruise. Tonight is at your leisure. We can recommend any number of stellar restaurants and wine bars to while away the evening in.

Today is one of decisions. Do you fancy lingering in Hobart’s city centre, exploring gallery-lined streets and taking in glorious Georgian architecture, either at your leisure or with a guide? Or perhaps you’re inclined to explore the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, occupying one of Australia’s most historically significant sites and home to an eye-watering 800,000 objects ranging from fossils to fine art. Maybe you want to end your Tassie adventure the way it began, savouring the state’s end-of-the-Earth wilderness areas. Take on Mount Wellington, with its glorious views of Hobart and beyond, or cruise to spot playful sea lions and ogle Australia’s highest sea cliffs around Bruny Island. The choice is yours.

Epic landscapes, tasty food and wine, historic attractions – we’ve packed a lot into the last week. Today, digest all your adventures as we bid adieu.