AAT Kings: Tassie Getaway 24/25

Tasmania’s second-largest city, Launceston sits pretty on the banks of the Tamar River. If you arrive early, there are near endless distractions to give you a taste for the Apple Isle. We suggest jumping on a boat to cruise the waterway, gliding through the Tamar Valley or up into Cataract Gorge. Alternatively, take a walk along the cliffs to see this rare natural phenomenon which unites bushland with neat Victorian gardens, replete with ferns and exotic plants. It’s also a sacred place for the palawa Indigenous community. You will feel your spirit soar. Get a different perspective of the green cavern on the scenic chairlift, zipping you over the water to a lofty lookout before meeting the adventurous souls that will keep you company over the next week (both own expense). The day is yours to fill as you please. Meet your Travel Director for a drink before embarking on your journey along Tasmania’s glorious east.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston (1 night)

Arriving at Bridestowe Lavender Estate, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported straight to Provence in France. This patch of purple is a feast for all the senses (lavender blooms from late Spring to early Summer). Wander neat rows of flowers while engulfed by soothing aromas (did you know lavender is a great sleep aid?). Then taste the property’s wares, whether in lavender ice-cream or honey made from the 500,000 very happy bees that spend their days here, fluttering amid flowers. Moving moments await at Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees, an avenue of  sculpted trees, carved in homage of fallen WWI soldiers. It’s a poignant reminder of just how privileged we are to have Tasmania’s scene-stealing landscapes to gaze over today. Head out tonight to catch a glimpse of the little penguins that call Bicheno home.

Staying in:

• Diamond Island Beach Resort (1 night)

Embarking on your Freycinet adventure, you may think someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time. The towering Hazards Range gleams pink in the morning sunshine. Fun fact: the prized granite here was used to build the foyer of New York’s Empire State Building. Beyond, the brilliant blue ocean curves into perfect coves carpeted with golden sand. And dusty greens patchwork Cape Tourville’s virgin eucalypt forest, stretching as far as the eye can see. And you get to take it all in on a Wineglass Bay lunch cruise.

Staying in:

• Eastcoaster Tasmania (1 night)

This morning, the GPS is set for the historic township of Richmond; explore the convict-built goal and bridge or browse the quaint boutique shops in town. Next, join us for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Risdon Cove. Kipli Takara (meaning food walk) is an immersive experience where guests are invited to walk the culturally rich landscape with palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) guides across this abundant natural pantry that was returned to Tasmanian Aboriginal ownership in 1995. You will be treated to a guided walk of this unique property, hearing about the history and current story of the area. Along the way guests are able to taste the native bush tucker currently in season and get a first-hand glimpse into how palawa continue to enjoy cultural foods and undertake culturally-centred land management across lutruwita/Tasmania. This experience includes a unique tasting of local, native flavours. This evening is at your leisure in Hobart.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart (1 night)

While the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site has a grim convict history, you wouldn’t know it today – the countryside is all rolling green fields and ocean views, best glimpsed on a Port Arthur guided tour with an in-the-know historian. The secrets they can tell… Today you will cruise around the Isle of the Dead, glimpse rugged sea cliffs from Pirate’s Bay Lookout, and marvel at Tasman’s Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Blowhole. Tonight is at your leisure in Hobart – we can recommend any number of stellar restaurants and wine bars. There’s no shortage in Tasmania’s cool little capital.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart (1 night)

Today is one of choices. Do you fancy lingering on a Hobart tour of the city centre, exploring gallery-lined streets and taking in glorious Georgian architecture, either at your leisure or with a guide? Or perhaps you’re inclined to explore 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. Maybe you want to end your Launceston to Hobart tour the way it began: savouring the state’s end-of-the-Earth wilderness areas. Take on Mount Wellington, with its glorious alpine forest and views of the River Derwent. Or cruise to spot playful fur seals and ogle Australia’s highest sea cliffs around Bruny Island (own expense). That’s an island, off and island, off an island.

Staying in:

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart (1 night)

Epic landscapes, tasty food and wine, historic attractions – we’ve packed a lot into the last week. Today, digest all your touring from Launceston to Hobart (those money-can’t-buy adventures and experiences) as we bid adieu.