Tassie Getaway

Welcome to Australia's smallest state, fascinating Tasmania! (Flights to arrive prior to 4.30pm). Arriving early? Why not kick off your trip along the east coast of the island in Launceston and get to know the city and surrounds exploring the beautifully preserved historic cityscape, Victorian architecture, and century-old parks. See colonial paintings and the extensive zoology, botany, and geology collections at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Then kick back and indulge in the city’s vibrant culinary scene at one of its riverside restaurants. Or, dive into nature at Cataract Gorge exploring its hiking trails and suspension bridge, jumping in its swimming pool, or enjoying the views from the world's longest single span chairlift. This evening, meet your Travel Director and companions before embarking on your journey tomorrow along Tasmania's glorious east.

Begin your day breathing in the scent of lavender on a decadent, sensory experience at Bridestowe Lavender Estate, producer of high-quality lavender since 1922. This patch of purple (lavender blooms late Spring to early Summer) is a feast for all the senses. On your tour with a Local Specialist discover the farm that produces one of the only single flower honeys in the world and watch the oil extraction process that dates back to the 1920s - paying tribute to the farm’s inspiration from the lavender fields of southern France. Treat yourself to a homemade lavender ice cream, when in season, stroll the fragrant fields, and time-travel viewing vintage memorabilia in the Old Tractor Shed. Continue to Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees site, a tribute to the brave Tasmania soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, to stroll along the avenue of trees and delve into the role the ANZAC soldiers played at Gallipoli. Spend lunchtime in St. Helens before following the picturesque East Coast to Bicheno. Tonight, take a short walk down to the water's edge to view Little Penguins in their natural environment.

Sure to be a highlight of your Tasmanian getaway and the best way to view the area, you’ll take to the water for a four-hour cruise around the breathtaking Freycinet Peninsula. Your Local Specialist knows all the best places to spot wildlife as they take you from the gentle shores of Coles Bay past sea caves, towering pink granite cliffs, beaches, and through the inner passage of remote Schouten Island - home to penguins and short tailed shearwaters. You’ll then pull into the pristine waters of Wineglass Bay lined by white sand, where you’ll anchor for a ploughman's lunch. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience contributes to wildlife preservation. Soak in the peaceful scenery while learning about and keeping on wildlife watch for sea eagles, pods of bow-surfing dolphins, cormorants, seals lazing on granite boulders, and even migrating humpback and Southern Right whales breaching on the turquoise waters. Back on dry land, drive through dry eucalypt forests to Cape Tourville where you’ll stretch your legs and take in the views of blue water and golden beaches. Pass through the seaside towns of Swansea and Triabunna before arriving at your hotel overlooking stunning Maria Island.

• Cruise Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Head south to the banks of the Derwent River, where a local palawa host welcomes you to Country and introduces the tastes and stories of native bush tucker. In the village of Richmond, discover the convict-built bridge and gaol, or browse the boutique-lined streets. At Old Hobart Town, take in the intricately crafted model village depicting life in 1820s Hobart. Your Stays with Stories experience tonight is Iron Creek Bay Farm, set on 70 hectares of orchards brimming with apples, cherries and grapes. Pick fruit straight from the trees or join a farm walk to hear the land’s story. Later, tuck into bold, seasonal dishes made with local produce, a flavoursome reflection of the region and the rhythm of Tasmanian life.

Today’s travels see you Dive Into Culture, taking you through Tasmania’s history at Port Arthur Historic Site with a Local Specialist. You’ll cross Eaglehawk Neck to the Tasman Peninsula where we hit the water again on a cruise around the Isle of the Dead before your tour on this famous penal settlement. Your guide will show you the ruins, cathedral, and cells of Port Arthur while sharing stories of its beginnings as a small timber station and the convicts who left their mark on this former a place of hardship and punishment - some of whom also contributed to the shipbuilding industry. After an insightful morning, return to Hobart and your accommodation past the craggy cliffs of Pirate’s Bay Lookout and unusual rock formations of Tasman’s Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, and the Blowhole. Watch the waves swirl and churn, pausing to appreciate its raw beauty that’s unlike anywhere else in the world.

• Port Arthur Historic Site Visit

Your last full day is yours to see the best of Hobart and its surroundings. Perhaps visit the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, occupying one of Australia's most historically significant sites and home to an eye-watering 800,000 objects ranging from fossils to fine art. You could also choose to explore outside of Hobart on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, a cruise along the rugged coastline of Bruny Island viewing Australia’s highest sea cliffs and craggy formations, listening to the sounds of ‘Breathing Rock,’ delving into deep sea caves, and passing through the narrow passage where the Tasman Sea meets the Southern Ocean. This journey in Tasmania’s wilderness may also reward you with fur seals, dolphin, migrating whale, and sea bird sightings. As you conclude your Tassie travels, toast to your encounters with the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty at dinner in one of Hobart's popular restaurants.

This morning after breakfast you'll be transferred to Hobart Airport for your onward flight. Enjoy your last morning together reliving the highlights of your Tasmania getaway and saying farewell to your newfound friends (flights anytime).