AAT Kings: Tassie's Parks & Nature 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. Three hundred – that’s the number of stalls you’ll navigate this afternoon at Hobart’s mighty Salamanca Market. Get your heart started sampling gin and whisky or order a coffee while perusing made-in-Tasmania arts and crafts. The Salamanca precinct, amid historic sandstone buildings, is almost as pretty as the produce.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart (1 night)

The West Coast of Tassie is wild – in the best possible way. The air seems cleaner, the lakes cooler, the colours brighter, the waterfalls larger… as you’ll discover when the mist envelops you at tiered Russell Falls. This is part of Mt. Field National Park, the state’s most diverse nature reserve. Speaking of breaking records, Lake St. Clair is the deepest of its kind in Australia, carved by ice during glaciations over the last two million years. Pausing here puts life into perspective, in the best possible way. Skirt the World Heritage listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, before arriving in Strahan. Small in population but big in personality, the town overlooks the immense Macquarie Harbour. Did you know it’s seven times the size of Sydney Harbour? Locals-only insights like this are among the reasons why Tasmania touring is a must.

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)

Cradle Mountain owes much of its protected status to early settlers Gustav and Kate Weindorfer, who were pivotal in championing the conservation of the area. Their efforts are remembered at Waldheim Chalet, their former home, set among myrtles and King Billy pines that gradually give way to moss-covered ancient rainforests and deep river gorges, snow-tipped peaks and wild alpine moorlands. This is the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, carved by glacial waterways like Dove Lake. You can see why Bennetts wallabies, echidnas, wombats and pademelons live here – you, too, will find it hard to tear yourself away. If you’re a night person, consider enlisting to spot Tassie’s nocturnal animals, whether at a devil sanctuary or in the wild. Optional Cradle Mountain tours see you spotting elusive creatures. Where else in the world can you say you saw a devil feed? (Own expense)

Staying in:

• Cradle Mountain Hotel (1 night)

Begin your day with a visit to The Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Wander through 11 hectares of stunning gardens, ornate structures, and tranquil lakes, where over half the world’s 1,000 rhododendron species flourish. Dedicated volunteers have lovingly shaped this botanical haven, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a platypus! Next, travel east along the coast to Penguin, a town as charming as its name suggests. Then, at Mount Gnomon Farm, farmer Guy Robertson invites you to sample brews crafted from apples grown in his heritage orchard. Savour a paddock-to-plate lunch, rich in local flavours. Finally, continue to quirky Sheffield, the famed ‘Town of Murals,’ before winding your way through the scenic Meander Valley to Launceston.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston (1 night)

It’s no secret that Tasmania is renowned for producing some of the finest food in Australia, thanks to its clean air, pure water, and fertile soil. Begin your day at the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company, where you can sample delectable sauces, jams, mustards, and relishes. While indulging, take the opportunity to learn about the local produce and the unique ingredients grown right here in Tassie. By the time you arrive at Josef Chromy Vineyard, you’ll be ready to quench your thirst with a glass of Tasmania’s exceptional cool-climate wine, crafted to perfection. Next, prepare to be awe-inspired by Cataract Gorge. This stunning natural attraction boasts a lush blend of bushland and meticulously maintained Victorian gardens, all conveniently located within walking distance of the Launceston CBD. Don’t miss the chance to ride the longest single-span chairlift in the world, offering incredible views of the gorge below (own expense). This afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Launceston, known as the city of gastronomy, where culinary delights await. If your journey doesn’t end here, we highly recommend extending your adventure with one of our carefully curated optional tours to explore even more of Tasmania’s treasures!