5 Days in Tasmania
An island at the world’s edge, Tasmania’s wineglass overflows with dramatic sea cliffs; sandy and shell-strewn beaches; fresh-from-the-water seafood; traditionally crafted beverages; well-preserved wilderness; and ultimate marine and coastal experiences.
At a glance:
- Hobart (2 nights)
- Kunanyi / Mt Wellington
- Mona (Museum of Old and New Art)
- Seafood Seduction Tour
- Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park (2 nights)
- Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course
The Journey:
- Nearest Major Cities: Hobart - Launceston (via the East Coast)
- Duration: 5 days
- Mode of Transport: Car
Day One
Victoria Dock, Hobart, Tasmania
Arrive early in Hobart and start the day with breakfast or brunch in the historic village of Battery Point. Drive to the summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington for panoramic views over Hobart and surrounds or see it from the air on a 30-minute Par Avion Wilderness Tours scenic flight. Jump aboard the MR1-Fast Ferry berthing 20-minutes later at Mona, Museum of Old and New Art, the most controversial museum collection worldwide. Stay for a glass of wine and tapas style snacks before catching the last ferry home at 6pm. Enjoy dinner on Hobart’s waterfront. Overnight in Hobart at Henry Jones Art Hotel for two nights.
Highlights:
- Stroll Salamanca Markets for gifts and local produce (Saturday only) or have breakfast in historic Battery Point.
- Drive to the summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington or take a 30-minute scenic flight with Par Avion Wilderness Tours for panoramic views over Hobart and surrounds.
- Catch the MR-1 Fast Ferry to Mona, Museum of Old and New Art.
- Drinks and tapas at Source Restaurant, the Wine Bar, Moo Brew microbrewery or Moorilla’s wine cellar – onsite at Mona.
- Back in Hobart, go to Brooke Street Pier for wine or cocktails. Dine at The Glass House or Adrift.
Day Two
Crayfish, Tasmanian Seafood Seduction, Hobart to Bruny Island, Tasmania
Depart Hobart’s waterfront for full day aboard Pennicott Wilderness Journeys’ luxury cruise vessel, with enclosed cabins and comfortable leather seats. You’ll be one of 12 guests treated to an unforgettable day of indulgence and relaxation on the ‘Seafood Seduction’ cruise. After collecting an abundance of local seafood, the boat nudges onto a deserted Bruny Island beach – a chance to stretch your legs and feel the sand between your toes. Back on board, savour the best of Tasmanian produce, as fresh as it gets. Relax in good company and share a laugh with your companions. Overnight at the Henry Jones Art Hotel.
Highlights:
- Cruise down the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
- Picturesque landscapes and deserted island beaches.
- See your guide dive for sea urchin and abalone.
- Feast on freshly caught seafood accompanied by gourmet local produce and Tasmanian beverages.
Day Three
Penitentiary, Port Arthur Historic Site, Port Arthur, Tasmania
Depart early for the Tasman Peninsula. Stops along the way at Coal Valley Farm and Bangor Wine and Oyster shed should satisfy your hunger and allow a few hours wandering pleasure at Port Arthur Historic Site. Time permitting, stop in at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo to meet Tasmania’s unique wildlife, including the Tasmania devil. Continue up the East Coast hugging the coastline on the Great Eastern Drive to arrive in Coles Bay in time for dinner. Spend the night at Saffire or Freycinet Lodge.
Highlights:
- Stop in at historic Richmond village, wineries in the Coal Valley wine region or Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed.
- See a Tasmanian devil at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo.
- Time permitting, see Tasman National Park coastal formations from the land or from the sea with Roaring40sKayaking.
- Learn of Tasmania’s convict past at Port Arthur Historic Site.
- Travel the Great Eastern Drive to Coles Bay.
- Stay at Saffire Freycinet to access signature experiences like an oyster farm tour where you will dine at a table in the water enjoying oysters and sparkling.
Day Four
Wineglass Bay Cruises, Wineglass Bay, Coles Bay, TAS. © Tourism Tasmania & Supplied Courtesy of Wineglass Bay Cruises
Step aboard Shouten Passage II for a four hour cruise experience which takes you to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Stop for lunch at Wineglass Bay and enjoy some of Tasmania’s finest produce and beverages. In the afternoon visit Freycinet Marine Farm treating yourself to a seafood feast of fresh oysters, scallops, rock lobster, abalone, mussels and local wine. After dusk, join a penguin tour in Bicheno to get up close to the local penguin colony. Overnight at Saffire or Freycinet Lodge.
Highlights:
- Enjoy at day on the water with Wineglass Bay Cruises.
- Sit down to Freycinet Marine Farm’s daily harvest of rock lobster, abalone, oysters, scallops and mussels and local wine.
- Walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout or other short walks in Freycinet National Park (medium level 1.5 hours).
- Join an evening Bicheno Penguin Tour.
Day Five
Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links, Bridport, Tasmania
This morning, continue north on the Great Eastern Drive towards Launceston stopping at Iron House Microbrewery (45 mins) Pyengana Dairy (2 hours from Coles Bay), Bridestowe Lavender Estate or local vineyards. Try your hand at golf at Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm (1 hour 20 to the Airport). Finish your East Coast experience with a spot of fly fishing or simply a delicious meal and wine tasting at Josef Chromy Vineyard. Travel 15 minutes to the Launceston airport to catch your flight.
Highlights:
- Make regular stops as you travel sampling local produce at Iron House microbrewery, Pyengana Dairy, Bridestowe Lavender or wineries on the Tamar Valley Wine Route.
- Golfers visit Barnbougle Dunes & Lost Farm. A coastal golf course and day spa with views to Bass Strait it’s among the best Australian public links courses.
- Finish with food, wine tasting and fly fishing at Josef Chromy Wines.
