Tasmanian Wilderness

Fly from Moorabbin to Burnie and travel to Stanley for a behind-the-scenes tour of Cape Grim Beef, known worldwide for its quality, and raised under some of the cleanest air conditions on the planet.

Enjoy a regional lunch at Highfield House, prepared by local chefs using the region’s finest ingredients, followed by a guided tour of the historic estate and homestead, rich with colonial heritage.

Later, explore the charming township of Stanley and its boutique shops before taking in panoramic views from The Nut via chairlift.

2 nights: Tall Timbers Hotel

Travel into the heart of the Tarkine — one of the world’s largest cool-temperate rainforests. Board a serene cruise along the Arthur River, absorbing the lush surroundings and unspoiled wilderness of Tasmania’s wild northwest. Learn about the ecology and indigenous significance of this region.

On the return, detour to the mossy Trowutta Arch — a hidden natural wonder surrounded by lush fern glades and towering myrtle trees.

This morning head out to the most northern tip of the Tasmanian mainland, to stunning Cape Grim in Woolnorth. Learn about the indigenous and western history of this remarkable region. Stand on the cliff tops of the Wind Farm, drive through dairy lands to the Cape Grim coastline and breathe deep, as they say the cape has the cleanest air on earth.

Retrace your steps, stopping in Smithton at the Duck River Pavilions to enjoy a cheese and honey tasting before a light lunch.

Returning to Burnie Airport, take off mid-afternoon and see The Tarkine from a different perspective as you fly south to Strahan. Arriving on the magnificent West Coast, check into your harbour view room at Strahan Village. Time to relax, enjoy the peace and tranquillity before dinner with a view over the harbour.

2 nights: Strahan Village, harbour view room

This morning travel to Queenstown to join a stunning three-hour journey aboard the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway, travelling in the premium Wilderness Carriage. As you ascend the rainforest-clad mountains, enjoy a locally inspired tasting menu and take in stories of Tasmania’s mining past.

Disembark at Rinadeena for a forest walk before returning to Queenstown. After lunch at the beautifully restored Paragon Theatre, return to Strahan.

In the evening, enjoy a light-hearted performance of The Ship That Never Was, followed by waterfront dining at Risby Cove — a local favourite for fresh produce and seafood.

Cruise deep into the wilderness aboard Spirit of the Wild. Glide through the pristine waters of Macquarie Harbour and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Enjoy the luxurious Premier Upper Deck with full-length windows, and take in the grand views while grazing on chef-prepared food and Tasmanian wines. During your six-hour cruise, stretch your legs on two accessible walking tours: at Heritage Landing, wander the rainforest boardwalk, and on Sarah Island, explore the ruins of a penal colony.

From the boat to the air, fly across the state to the delightfully named Friendly Beaches. Then, it is only a few minutes by road to the breathtaking Freycinet National Park and awe-inspiring Hazards Mountain Range.

2 nights: Freycinet Lodge, premier cabin

Board a luxury catamaran for an unforgettable cruise through Freycinet’s striking granite headlands and turquoise coves. Enjoy direct access to the bridge and a private deck in the Sky Lounge, where Tasmanian seafood, cheeses and wines are served as you soak up panoramic views of Wineglass Bay.

In the afternoon, relax at the lodge or take a gentle walk along Great Oyster Bay.

Dine this evening at The Bay Restaurant, renowned for showcasing the best of east coast Tasmanian produce.

Taste your way through the Freycinet wine region. Visit three small, family-owned wineries with a two course lunch curated from local produce.

The afternoon is complemented with a Tasmanian cheese platter at Craigie Knowe, the oldest vineyard on the East Coast.

Return to Friendly Beaches for your flight back over Bass Strait, arriving Moorabbin around 5.30 pm.