Inspiring Journeys Tastes of Tasmania 24/25

Meet your Journey Director and head out on a walking tour of the historic docks and Salamanca Place. Connect with the local artists as you explore the many galleries and shops hidden in the old sandstone warehouses. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of the vibrant Salamanca Market as you wander past hundreds of stalls overflowing with local produce, crafts, jewellery, freshly baked goods and artisanal cider. Working up a hunger, our next stop is lunch on the docks overlooking the majestic Derwent River. Enjoy a three-course dining experience which will give you a scrumptious taste of what’s to come and prepare you for your afternoon visit to Australia’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), located within the grounds of stunning Moorilla Winery.  Take a self-guided tour and immerse yourself in what is described by its owner as a “subversive adult Disneyland” before enjoying a relaxing ferry ride back to Hobart for a free evening at leisure.

Staying in:

• Crowne Plaza Hobart (1 night)

Every Sunday morning Farm Gate Market transforms an inner-city street into a bustling farmers' market. Situated just a block from your hotel, you’ll have the chance to meet the makers and growers as you wander through an ever-changing array of fresh, local produce that Tasmania has become renowned for. Later, head up into the Derwent Valley, a major hop growing region where you’ll see Oast Houses used for drying hops for beer making, scattered throughout this picturesque valley. Here you’ll meet owners Rod and Severine who will show you around their veggie garden, housed in an old asylum’s exercise yard, before enjoying a delicious three-course paddock to plate dining experience at their restaurant, the Agrarian Kitchen. Bellies full, take a wander around the historic Salmon Ponds which also once housed the oldest trout hatchery in the Southern Hemisphere. Finish off your visit to the Derwent Valley with a cider tasting before returning to Hobart for a free evening to explore at leisure.

Staying in:

• Crowne Plaza Hobart (1 night)

Travel to the working port of Triabunna just in time to catch the ferry to Maria Island. Rich in Aboriginal and European history, abundant in wildlife, and boasting spectacular views and remarkable geological features, this entire island is a National Park. Explore the convict-built Darlington township, take a walk to the Fossil or Painted Cliffs, or simply relax and recharge by the waterside with your packed lunch full of local goodies. You’ll be in good company with an abundance of wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, possums and even Tasmanian devils who all call the island home. This evening, enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony of your lodge situated on the shores of the national park as you watch the sun set, followed by a scrumptious BBQ dinner.

Staying in:

• Freycinet Lodge (1 night)

Today your adventure includes a Pennicott Lunch Cruise from Coles Bay to the picturesque Wineglass Bay. The bay boasts magnificent views of clear emerald waters surrounded by pink granite peaks. Spot friendly seals, hidden sea caves, beautiful waterfalls and diverse birdlife. Enjoy a ploughman-style lunch of smoked meats, salad, a cheeses served alongside locally baked bread, a sweet treat, and all the wine and beer you desire. Back on land explore more of the magnificent Freycinet National Park, where you may choose to hike the 90-minute round-trip up to the lookout to experience a panoramic aerial view of Wineglass Bay. For those seeking a slightly slower pace, take a guided walk to the lookout at Cape Tourville that affords you spectacular views across the ocean and rugged rocky outcrops. Later, you can take a leisurely walk along the beach or a swim at Honeymoon Bay before an evening at leisure at the lodge.

Staying in:

• Freycinet Lodge (1 night)

This morning after a light breakfast, journey north travelling through the quaint fishing villages of Bicheno and St. Helens before arriving at the glorious Bay of Fires, famous for its crystal-clear waters, secluded, white sandy beaches and orange lichen-covered granite boulders. Explore the Big Lagoon before heading to the southern end, where you’ll discover the Gulch at picturesque Binalong Bay. Here you can sit on the rocks and watch the world pass you by as you indulge in some of the best freshly shucked oysters that Tassie has to offer. From here you’ll leave the east coast and head west, stopping off at Pyengana Dairy Farm Gate to see the cheese makers at work. Take a tour of the property before enjoying a tasting of the local produce as well as a gourmet lunch platter. En route to Launceston, the capital of the north, you’ll stop at the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees, 25 sculpted statues depicting local soldiers who lost their lives in World War One. In Launceston, your Journey Director will take you on a circuit of this vibrant hub, known for its food and wine, culture and nature, before checking into your hotel and enjoying a night at leisure.

Staying in:

• Hotel Verge (1 night)

Today enjoy a full day paddock, plate and pantry tour, where you will be immersed in all the very best produce that this region has to offer. Try some saucy treats and a garden tour at the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company in historic Evandale. It’s then onto 41 Degrees South Salmon Farm where you’ll taste what is arguably the best hot smoked salmon in Tasmania before stopping at Deloraine for a wander and a bite to eat. This afternoon tour the Western Tiers Distillery and learn how the pristine water sourced from the Highland Lakes and botanicals found from the majestic mountain ranges close by, make this the perfect spot to produce spirits. Relax and taste some of their fine poitin (Irish spirit), vodkas and gins. Back at your hotel, you'll enjoy a Celebration Dinner with your Journey Director and fellow travellers.

Staying in:

• Hotel Verge (1 night)

This morning your Tasmanian journey concludes, and you are transferred to Launceston Airport for your onward flight