Inspiring Journeys Tastes of Tasmania 24/25

Welcome to Australia’s island state, home to the Tassie Devil and the world’s cleanest air! This morning you’ll meet your Journey Director and fellow travellers before taking a walking tour of the historic Hobart docks, 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 Markets 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.

After breakfast, you’ll journey north to Triabunna where you’ll board a ferry across to Maria Island. Rich in indigenous and European history, abundant in wildlife, and boasting spectacular views and remarkable geological features, this entire island is a National Park. Once on shore, explore the convict-built Darlington township, take a walk to the Fossil Cliffs or Painted Cliffs, hire a bike, 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 locally harvested scallops and oysters, or perhaps a succulent Cape Grim Scotch fillet from the state’s north west is more to your taste.

Staying in:

• Eastcoaster Tasmania (1 night)

Today your adventure begins with a wine tasting at Boomer Creek, a lovely family run, boutique style winery sitting high up in the hills with views to die for! Heading north your next stop is at the region’s oldest vineyard. Here you’ll meet the makers whilst you indulge in a lunch platter and try some of Tassie’s finest wines in their old barn. It’s then onto the magnificent Freycinet National Park where you may choose to hike the 90-minute round-trip up to the lookout to experience panoramic views of the world-famous 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 golden beaches hidden between rugged rocky outcrops. Your afternoon is at leisure as you check into your accommodation at Freycinet Lodge. Take a walk along the beach before your BBQ dinner, or if you prefer, just sit back on the balcony, and watch the sun go down with a cocktail in your hand.

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. On 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. On arrival into 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:

• Peppers Silo Hotel Launceston (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. Visit the home of hazelnuts and try some saucy treats 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 you’ll take a tour of 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, makes this the perfect spot to produce spirits. Relax and taste some of their fine poitin (Irish spirit), vodkas and gins. Heading back to your hotel, you’ll enjoy a special ‘Feed Me’ 3 course Farewell Dinner and Drinks with your Journey Director and fellow travellers..

Exchange phone numbers with your new friends as your inspiring Tasmanian journey concludes. After a relaxed breakfast, private transfer vehicles will deliver you to the airport for your onward flights, or your Journey Director will assist you with any Optional Tours you may have booked.