Tasmania Escorted Journey 10-22 September 2027

 Your Tasmanian journey begins with a flight from Melbourne to Hobart, the island’s historic capital and Australia’s second oldest city. Founded in 1804, Hobart is a place where heritage sandstone warehouses line the waterfront, once bustling with whalers and traders, now home to stylish cafés, galleries, and boutique shops. Upon arrival, transfer to your central hotel and settle in for the evening. If time allows, take a gentle stroll along the historic harbour precinct, watching fishing boats and yachts in the marina as the scent of fresh seafood drifts through the air. Across the skyline, Mount Wellington rises majestically — its presence a constant backdrop to the city. Depending on the weather, you may choose to venture to the summit in the coming days for panoramic views. Tonight, we join for a welcome dinner sampling Tasmania’s reputation for fresh produce and cool-climate wines. This evening is all about relaxing into the rhythm of Tasmania before your adventures begin.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hobart (D)

 This morning, immerse yourself in Hobart’s lively Salamanca Market, held every Saturday along the historic sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place. One of Australia’s most famous open-air markets, it draws both locals and visitors with more than 300 stalls offering everything from handcrafted jewellery and art to artisanal cheeses, local honey, preserves, and fresh seasonal produce. Wander at your own pace, sampling delicacies and enjoying the vibrant street performances that give the market its festive feel. Afterward, take time to explore Battery Point, Hobart’s oldest quarter. With its narrow laneways, quaint cottages, and charming cafés, the area offers a glimpse of 19th-century colonial life. In the afternoon we will visit Cascades Brewery and Co and learn the art of creating one of the nation's oldest beer recepies. Finish your visit with a refreshing paddle.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hobart (B)

 Today brings a full-day exploration of beautiful Bruny Island, renowned for its wilderness landscapes and outstanding artisan produce. After a scenic drive and ferry crossing, begin a culinary journey that takes you from coast to countryside. Visit Bruny Island Cheese Company for tastings of handcrafted cheeses and local beers, indulge in sweet treats at the Chocolate Company, and sample golden Bruny Island Honey. A highlight is Get Shucked’s famous fresh oysters, enjoyed right by the water.  Along the way, enjoy encounters with Bruny’s dramatic scenery — from sweeping beaches and rugged sea cliffs to pockets of temperate rainforest. Hear stories of the island’s cultural and natural heritage as you journey between producers, blending indulgence with discovery. Return to Hobart in the evening with a deeper appreciation of Tasmania’s rich food culture and stunning landscapes.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hobart (B,L)

This morning, board the ferry along the Derwent River to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), one of Australia’s most daring and talked-about cultural attractions. MONA’s underground galleries challenge perceptions with provocative contemporary works and ancient artefacts, displayed in an extraordinary setting carved into sandstone cliffs. Wander at leisure, engaging with the interactive displays that make MONA so unique. For lunch, enjoy a four-course chef’s menu at The Source Restaurant, part of the Moorilla Estate winery adjoining the museum. With sweeping vineyard views, it’s the perfect setting to savour Tasmania’s renowned wines paired with seasonal produce. In the afternoon, take the return ferry back to Hobart, where you may choose to enjoy free time exploring local galleries, the waterfront precinct, or the leafy Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Dinner this evening is at leisure, with plenty of options for seafood, modern bistros, or casual dining near Salamanca.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hobart (B,L)

Journey south into the lush Huon Valley, long celebrated as Tasmania’s apple-growing heart. The day begins at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, where a guided cider and spirit tasting introduces you to Tasmania’s apple heritage. A shared lunch of local produce follows, accompanied by cider paddles and finishing with a warming apple pie paired with Willie Smith’s craft spirits. In the afternoon, continue to Home Hill Winery, nestled among rolling vineyards. Here, enjoy a premium wine tasting, sampling award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while soaking in the views. Along the way, take in the valley’s orchard-dotted landscapes, the Huon River winding its way to the sea, and perhaps spot roadside farm gates selling fresh fruit and jams. This tour blends Tasmania’s rural charm with gourmet indulgence, offering a genuine taste of the region. Return to Hobart in the evening, with time to relax before dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hobart (B,L)

 Depart Hobart and journey along Tasmania’s scenic East Coast. The first stop is the historic town of Richmond, home to Australia’s oldest stone bridge and a cluster of Georgian buildings housing charming cafés, art galleries, and the Wicked Cheese Company — perfect for tastings. Continue to Kate’s Berry Farm near Swansea, famous for its homemade jams, chocolates, and berry-inspired sweets, all enjoyed with sweeping coastal views. The road then hugs the shoreline, revealing breathtaking vistas of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Arrive in Bicheno by late afternoon, a relaxed seaside town where penguin colonies nest along the shoreline and waves crash dramatically against the rocks. After dinner, you might join an evening penguin tour for a chance to see the little penguins return from the sea.

Overnight: Beachfront Bicheno (B,D)

Today is devoted to the spectacular Freycinet Peninsula. Begin with a scenic drive into Freycinet National Park, where granite mountains rise above clear blue bays. Depending on the group’s pace, there is time for a short walk to the famous Wineglass Bay Lookout, offering one of Tasmania’s most iconic views. Lunch is enjoyed at Freycinet Lodge, with its panoramic outlook across the Hazards mountain range. In the afternoon, visit Devil’s Corner Cellar Door, part of the Brown Brothers family of wineries. Here, a curated tasting introduces you to their premium sparkling, Pinot Noir, and cool-climate whites, all set against the striking backdrop of Moulting Lagoon and the Hazards. Relax with a seafood platter or grazing board if you wish, before returning to Bicheno for the evening.

Overnight: Beachfront Bicheno (B,L,D)

 Continue your journey north along Tasmania’s rugged East Coast to the breathtaking Bay of Fires, renowned for its striking orange-lichen-covered boulders, pristine white sands, and sparkling turquoise waters. Take time to enjoy a leisurely coastal walk, breathe in the fresh sea air, and capture photographs of one of the island’s most iconic natural landscapes. Later, visit Priory Ridge Wines, a boutique vineyard perched on rich volcanic soils, where a tasting flight of seven carefully crafted wines offers a glimpse into the dedication and artistry of this small, family-owned producer.

In the afternoon, stop at Ironhouse Tasmania for a relaxed tasting experience, sampling a glass of wine or locally brewed beer alongside a selection of artisanal cheeses.

Overnight: Beachfront Bicheno (B,D)

Travel inland today toward Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city. En route, enjoy more East Coast scenery before arriving in a city defined by elegant Victorian architecture, leafy parks, and a vibrant riverside precinct. This afternoon, embark on a 50-minute Tamar River cruise aboard the Lady Launceston. The electric-powered vessel glides quietly past Kings Wharf, Seaport, and the rowing course at Home Point before entering the spectacular Cataract Gorge. Towering cliffs, native bushland, and sculpted gardens frame this natural wonder, a highlight of northern Tasmania. Back on land, explore the Seaport boardwalk with its restaurants and cafés, or wander through Royal Park to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.

Enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor (B,D)

This morning begins with a guided tasting at Josef Chromy Wines, one of Tasmania’s premier wineries. Set among picturesque vineyards and lakes, the experience includes a two-course lunch at the acclaimed restaurant, perfectly paired with the estate’s wines. In the afternoon, continue exploring the Tamar Valley wine route, visiting boutique cellar doors (venue to be confirmed) where you can sample cool-climate Pinot Noir, Riesling, and sparkling wines. The valley itself is as memorable as the wines — dotted with orchards, lavender fields, and river views. Return to Launceston in the late afternoon, with free time to stroll through City Park or enjoy dinner in the city’s growing restaurant scene.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor (B,L)

Today is another opportunity to immerse yourself in the Tamar Valley’s renowned wine and gourmet scene. Travel through rolling hills and vineyard-lined roads, pausing at cellar doors for tastings of exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines. Lunch is enjoyed at a winery restaurant, where regional produce — cheeses, seafood, and artisanal breads — complements the wines. The day balances indulgence with scenic touring, as the valley offers some of Tasmania’s most tranquil rural landscapes. Depending on timing, you may also visit artisan producers such as honey farms or berry growers, showcasing the diversity of Tasmanian flavours. Return to Launceston for a final evening, perhaps raising a glass to the journey shared.

Overnight: Grand Chancellor (B,L,D)