AAT Kings: Perfect Tasmania 26/27

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.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart (1 night)

From waterfalls to lakes to ancient moonscapes, today is a journey of contrasts. Not to mention blissful moments of soul revival. Exhale amid the tangle of forest that drapes Mt. Field National Park, where tiered Russell Falls casts a veil of mist over the flora. Forget your worries at mirror-like 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 on the wild West Coast of the island. Did you know you’re overlooking Macquarie Harbour, which is a whopping seven times the size of Sydney Harbour?

Staying in:

• Strahan Village (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• Cradle Mountain Hotel (1 night)

Spend the day in Cradle Mountain. At the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain is all moss-covered ancient rainforest 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 grazing. Pause at Waldheim Chalet, once the home of Gustav and Kate Weindorfer, a passionate husband-and-wife team who played a pivotal role in the park’s formation and protection. Being here, you can understand their vision: this pocket of paradise is like a salve for the soul, at once humbling and inspiring.

Staying in:

• Cradle Mountain Hotel (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston (1 night)

You’ll smell Bridestowe Estate well before you arrive – this lavender farm welcomes with soothing aromas (did you know that lavender is a soporific?) and addictive flavours in the form of lavender ice-cream or perhaps a spoon of honey from the half-a-million bees that graze the floral fields. 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 today, 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.

Staying in:

• Diamond Island Beach Resort (1 night)

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. Your boat will 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.

Staying in:

• Eastcoaster Tasmania (1 night)

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 (own expense). 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!

Staying in:

• Iron Creek Bay Farm (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart (1 night)

There’s something about Tasmania’s capital that encourages life in the slow lane. Perhaps it’s the calming watery outlook. Maybe the art-filled streets. Definitely the forest-clad mountain backdrop. You’ll quickly fall into step, on this day to spend as you will. Perhaps add on a Bruny Island Cruise to spot playful fur seals and ogle Australia’s highest sea cliffs? Or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Apple Isle on a scenic flight down to the great Southwest? (Both own expense). Or get your cultural fix with a visit to the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery. Celebrate Tasmania with your travel mates at dinner at a popular Hobart restaurant.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart (1 night)

If you can still count all the delicious things you have eaten and drunk, and all the epic things you have seen and done, two weeks down the track, we commend you. Now’s the time to re-live them with friends and family back at home.