Perfect Tasmania

Strahan

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 of its kind in Australia. Sigh as you skirt the World Heritage-protected Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Then revel in the serenity of Strahan, overlooking Macquarie Harbour, seven times the size of Sydney Harbour.

Cradle Mountain

No day that involves a cruise is a bad day. Even better if it’s the deep, dark waters of the Gordon River. Soak up the silence of this untouched wilderness area en route to Sarah Island, Tassie’s oldest convict settlement; today, haunting ruins have been reclaimed by nature. Your commute toward immense Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park visits Rosebery – tagline: “welcome to the rainforest, don’t complain about the rain” – and tiny Tullah, population 165.

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’ll likely 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.

Launceston

Tasmania has its fair share of award-winning gin and whisky distilleries, as well as small boutique breweries. Among them is a seaside tap house found in the petite town of Penguin. Sit back and enjoy a tasting paddle of local brew while taking in the views overlooking glorious Bass Strait. Continue your palate expansion at Mount Gnomon Farm. Farmer Guy Robertson is as passionate about his orchard as he is the cider he makes. Sip your way through a Be My Guest lunch. Continue to quirky Sheffield, the ‘Town of Murals’ and through the Meander Valley to Launceston.

The following day explore Cataract Gorge at your leisure. This enormous cavern is just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Launceston.  By the time you reach Josef Chromy Wines, you’ll have worked up a thirst. The afternoon is your leisure, perhaps sign up for an optional cruise along the Tamar River. 

Bicheno

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 an 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.

Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay

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 golden beaches as far as the eye can see. Soak in the beauty of the breathtaking Freycinet Peninsula on an experience that contributes to the preservation of its wildlife. You’ll cruise past granite coastline, towering pink cliffs of the Hazards range, beaches fringed by dense bush, and the gentle shores of Coles Bay.

Hobart

Freestone Point was once home to the world’s largest wood chip mill, built on the unceded lands of the Paredarerme people. It’s had a philosophy change, and is now intent on charting a sustainable path. As if your Welcome to Country at Oyster Bay wasn’t humbling enough, you’ll then have the chance to visit beehives and worm farms, and assist horticulturists in propagating seeds to regenerate the area. The GPS is now set for the historic township of Richmond; explore the convict-built gaol and bridge or browsing the quaint boutique shops in town. This evening is at your leisure in Hobart.

The next day visit World Heritage listed Port Arthur. This historic site has a grim convict history, you wouldn’t know it today – the countryside is all rolling green fields and ocean views. Only the place names give its heritage away: cruise around the Isle of the Dead, glimpse rugged sea cliffs from Pirate’s Bay Lookout, and veer past Tasman’s Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole. 

Your last day in Hobart is at your leisure to explore as you please. 

Depart Hobart