Coast to Cradle

Depart Moorabbin Airport at 8.00 am, arriving in beautiful Strahan at 9.30 am.

Head east to Queenstown for an enlightening tour of a timber mill, gold and copper mining, ancient Huon pines and Lake Margaret - Australia’s oldest operating power station.

Dinner this evening is at View 42°, located in the hotel. Indulge in a Seafood Buffet (alternatives available) with panoramic views.

2 nights: Strahan Village, Harbour View room

Cruise the pristine waters of Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River aboard the Spirit of the Wild in the luxurious Premier Upper Deck with full-length windows while grazing on chef-prepared food and Tasmanian wines.

Later in the day, see Australia’s longest-running play, ‘The Ship That Never Was’, a dramatic and hilarious true story about the last great escape from Sarah Island.

Then, dine at Risby Cove Restaurant.

Fly to The Vale, in the centre of the state, then drive to the iconic Cradle Mountain Lodge. Lunch at the lodge, then the afternoon is free to explore.

In the Cradle Mountain National Park, you may spot Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna, wombats, and the highly inquisitive black currawong. After an early dinner, head to Devils@Cradle for a private sunset experience—a Tasmanian devil feeding session, a behind-the-scenes look at the animal nursery, and some close encounters with some of their youngest residents. Finish with drinks around the campfire serenaded by alpine devil’s calls.

2 nights: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, Pencil Pine Cabin

Head up to the stunning Dove Lake for a stroll on the boardwalk. Then explore the historic Waldheim Chalet and the ancient rainforests that surround it. After a picnic lunch, a gentle walk will take you to Pencil Pines Falls and Knyvet Falls.

Next, visit the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery and finally, the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre offers an interpretive display, a ranger station, and a park history.

Back to the hotel, settle into the Highland Restaurant for wine & cheese before a delicious dinner.

Leaving the highlands this morning, fly to Cambridge and visit the historic town of Richmond. There’s time for a wander of the town, a walk around the oldest gaol in Australia and the sandstone Richmond Bridge, built by convicts in 1825.

The next stop is Hobart Whisky, which is closed to the public. Meet the distillers and sample their signature Hobart Whisky, gin, vodka, rum and liqueurs. Lunch will be served in the Distillery Loft.

Upon arrival in Hobart, check into the Henry Jones Art Hotel, built in a waterfront warehouse – no two rooms are the same.

A walking tour of the waterfront area and historic town centre will build up an appetite for dinner in the hotel’s fine-dining Landscape Restaurant.

2 nights: Henry Jones Art Hotel, Deluxe Spa Harbour View room

An early start will have you flying the short distance to Bruny Island. Explore this beautiful island with local experts, who will introduce you to the island’s wonders – Cape Bruny Lighthouse, Neck Wildlife Reserve and Truganini Lookout. And so much wildlife – you may spot whales, white wallabies, eagles, echidnas, mountain dragons and more.

Lunch is set amongst the vines at Bruny Island Premium Wines.

A cruise rounds out the day – from Bruny Island and up the Derwent River into Hobart. The cruise ends at the Henry Jones wharf.

Indulge with your new friends at a final dinner tonight, overlooking the harbour at Macq 1’s Old Wharf Restaurant.

A ferry up the river to Mona (the Museum of Old & New Art) in their renowned Posh Pit starts the day. Spend a couple of hours wandering this one-of-a-kind museum and art gallery, stopping for a rest for a refreshing morning tea.

Frogmore Creek is the final destination—a beautiful vineyard and restaurant outside Hobart. Dine overlooking the vineyards while tasting some of the wines from this cool-climate growing region.

And then head back to the airport for your flight back to Moorabbin, arriving around 5.30 pm.