Mister Weekender Tasmania Itinerary

- TASMANIA itinerary -

DAY ONE

- FLY INTO LAUNCESTON - Catch the earliest flight possible to Launceston so you have the whole day to explore. You can fly with Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Qantas. Hire a car when you arrive at the airport and drive 15 minutes to Cataract Gorge.

- CATARACT GORGE - A stunning piece of wilderness just a few minutes from the township of Launceston, a trip to Tasmania wouldn’t be complete without a quick hike here. I would spend about an hour here, explore the lush gardens, walk across the main bridge which offers stunning views, go rock jumping and enjoy a hike along the river. Entry is free but parking is limited so perhaps try to visit mid-week to avoid the crowds. Address: 74-90 Basin Road, Launceston Tasmania 7250 Website: www.launcestoncataractgorge.com.au

- JOSEF CHROMY VINEYARD - Due to its cooler climate, Tasmania produces some of the best tasting wine and sparkling wine in Australia. Reward yourself post hike with a cheese platter and glass of riesling at Josef Chromy Vineyard. And lucky for you, it’s only a short 20 minute drive from Cataract Gorge. Address: 370 Relbia Road, Relbia Tasmania 7258 Website: www.josefchromy.com.au

- BRIDESTOWE LAVENDER FARM - If you’re in Tasmania between December and February, you simply have to visit Bridestowe Lavender Estate. You can read about my recent trip on Mister Weekender. Its located 50 minutes west from Launceston by car if you don’t feel like a glass of vino or it’s an hour drive from the vineyard. Address: 296 Gillespies Rd, Nabowla Tasmania 7260 Website: www.bridestowelavender.com.au

- BAY OF FIRES - Bay of Fires will knock your socks off. It’s located just over two hours by car west of Bridestowe. You’ll need to drive through St Helens but that’s not a problem because it’s a gorgeous little town and even the drive between destinations is equally stunning. Address: Northeastern coast of Tasmania

- STAY - There are plenty of accommodation options in Bay of Fires. I’ve heard many good things about Bay of Fires Lodge and have my fingers crossed I’ll be able to stay there one day! Address: Mt William National Park, East Coast Tasmania 7264 Website: www.bayoffires.com.au

DAY TWO

- BAY OF FIRES - Bay of Fires extends from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point and I would happily suggest you explore the area for a full day and stay the night.

DAY THREE

- FREYCINET - Have breakfast at your hotel, jump in the car on sunrise, drive 2 hours south to Freycinet. As you’ll be driving along the east coast you’ll no doubt want to add an extra hour or so onto the trip to stop and take photos. Address: Eastern coast of Tasmania

- FREYCINET MARINE FARM - By now you’re tummy will start rumbling so drive to Freycinet Marine Farm for lunch and freshly shucked oysters plucked straight from the ocean. I also highly recommend getting the mussels too! Address: 1784 Coles Bay Road, Coles Bay Tasmania 7215 Website: www.freycinetmarinefarm.com

- STAY - When I stayed in Freycinet, I was very lucky to spend a couple of nights at Rocky Hills Retreat. I highly recommend staying here for its remote location on top of a hill, stunning open planned interior and of course, it’s highly sought after outdoor bathtub. You can read all about my stay on Mister Weekender. There really is nothing like jumping in a hot bubble bath, outdoors in the middle of the day with closed eyes and to the sound of eucalyptus leaves rustling above. And if you’re worried about what you’ll eat for dinner, don’t bother – Rocky Hills has a fully

stocked fridge and freezer jam packed with local Tasmanian produce. Too easy! Address: 11901 Tasman Highway, Rocky Hills, Swansea Tasmania 7190 Website: www.avalonretreats.com.au

DAY FOUR

- ROCKY HILLS RETREAT - You’ll want to spend a bit of time here, so I suggest having a big sleep in, enjoy the outdoor bathtub and surround, cook a hearty breakfast and then drive to Freycinet National Park, which is a 40 minute drive from Rocky Hills.

- FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK - When you get to the National Park, you will need to pay an entry fee of $12 per person, which is put pack into preserving the park. Your first stop should be Honeymoon Bay, read about my adventure on Mister Weekender. I would then suggest spending the rest of the day hiking over to Wineglass Bay, which you can find more detail about on Mister Weekender. Be mindful that the mosquitoes come out in force on sunset in the National Park so pack insect repellent! And as soon as the sun starts setting you have about an hour to hike uphill and over the hill to the car park before it goes completely dark. Address: Eastern coast of Tasmania Website: www.parks.tas.gov.au

Tip: Always try to avoid driving regionally in Tasmania at dawn, dusk and night. The native wildlife are their most rambunctious at this time and you will hit an animal or too. Not fun for the wildlife or your safety. So if you do have to drive at these times, keep a sharp eye out and drive slowly.

DAY FIVE

- PORT ARTHUR - Do enjoy another blissful morning at Rocky Hills before jumping in the car and driving two hours south to visit the historic convict site, Port Arthur. You can read up on my adventures on Mister Weekender. You could easily spend a whole day here but I think a few hours is enough. Address: 6973 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur Tasmania 7182 Website: www.portarthur.org.au

- HOBART - After a few hours exploring Port Arthur make your way north to the capital of Tasmania, Hobart – the drive takes about an hour and thirty minutes. I would spend the early afternoon exploring the city by foot and make sure you stop into MONA, the crazily beautiful Museum of Old and New Art (which you can read about on Mister Weekender) before catching a flight from Hobart Airport in the late afternoon/evening. Address: 655 Main Road Berriedale, Hobart Tasmania 7011 Website: www.mona.net.au