Mainstay Australia

Sample Itinerary Only

EAST COAST

DAY 1

Arrive Launceston

Begin your day with an invigorating 15-minute walk to Cataract Gorge Reserve, where you can ride the Basin Chairlift to formal gardens and natural bush on the other side of the water. Before visiting individual Launceston attractions, consider cruising the Tamar River on the luxury catamaran MV Tamar Odyssey or taking an historic coach tram tour through the streets.  The commentary on the coach tram is a perfect introduction to this charming and elegant city.

DAY 2

The bounty of nature and the skill of the island’s winemakers are abundantly evident in a range of exceptional Tasmanian sparklings, pinots, chardonnays and rieslings, yours for the tasting at the cellar doors of the Tamar Valley’s many vineyards.  From Legana, 15 minutes’ drive from Launceston, the yellow and blue signs of the Tamar Valley Wine Route guide you from one outstanding winery to another.  Sample award-winning cool climate vintages and cheeses at the Daniel Alps at Strathlynn Wine Centre, before continuing on to St Matthias, Rosevears Estate and Iron Pot Bay vineyards.

DAY 3

St Helens, the largest town on the east coast of Tasmania, is a hub of commercial fishing.  Charter a vessel and head for the open ocean, where game fishing can deliver marlin of up to 200kg.  Alternatively, visit the dazzling beaches of the Bay of Fires and The Gardens near Binalong Bay, just north of the town.

Later you can tuck into some of the finest fresh Tasmanian seafood available, at the Captain’s Catch on the Esplanade.

DAY 4

A 45-minute drive from Bicheno is the delightful township of Coles Bay, in a sheltered nook at the northern edge of Freycinet National Park.  Dominated by jagged pink granite peaks with dramatic cliffs that drop sheerly into the sea, this park boasts one of the 10 best beaches in the world - Wineglass Bay, a perfect half-moon of gleaming white sand.  Kayak, swim or fish in the crystal-clear ocean, or take the 20-minute walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, about halfway to the beach itself.  There are many short and multi-day bushwalks in the park that are popular with independent walkers.  For a more structured experience, take a guided day walk, or a catered and supported four-day walk with Freycinet Experience based in comfortable private standing camps.  Alternatively, you can venture out to sea on a half-day or full-day guided coastal kayak paddle or with one of the charter boat operators along the East Coast.  Or perhaps take an evening wildlife tour.

DAY 5

Follow the scenic coastal highway for approximately one hour to Swansea, enjoying the east coast’s superb berries, breads, seafood, walnuts, olives and cheeses along the way.  Sample exceptional wines at local vineyards Coombend and Spring Vale, and call in to savour the home-grown fruit and ice-cream at Kate’s Berry Farm just south of Swansea. Visit the Swansea Bark Mill, Wine and Wool Centre before taking the 15-minute Maria Island ferry ride from the Eastcoaster Resort, located between Orford and Triabunna, to the Maria Island National Park.  Maria Island’s penal settlement is older than Port Arthur’s, wallabies range freely and the island is home to more than 80 species of birds.  Exploring the island’s history, flora and fauna requires at least a full day.

DAY 6

Take your time meandering through the historic townships of Buckland and Sorell before arriving in Tasmania’s capital city, an hour’s drive from Orford.

Hobart is so attractive that just sipping coffee under the sun umbrellas of Salamanca Place is an experience you’ll want to repeat many times during your stay.  The city stretches along the banks of the Derwent River, bounded on one side by Mt Wellington, a dramatic presence occasionally dusted with snow.  From its summit, views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and coastline give context to Hobart’s maritime heritage, which finds expression today in bright spinnakers on the water, fish punts at the docks and the slap of halyards on masts.

DAY 7

Hobart’s delights are not restricted to its heritage and natural beauty.  The Female Factory Historic Site and Island Produce Fudge Factory and Cascade Brewery will tempt you with their tours and products, or take a popular chocolate factory tour.   If your accommodation allows you to prepare your own meals, be sure to sample the fresh vegetables from the stalls of the Hmong community at Salamanca Market.

Leatherwood, a native rainforest tree, produces a distinctive flavour in local honey that is unique to Tasmania.  Try the bush and clover honeys too.  Our locally grown asparagus, exotic varieties of mushrooms, raspberries, cherries and stonefruit are also irresistible.  And of course, no visit to Tasmania would be complete without sampling a selection of the state’s wonderful varieties of apples - we pride ourselves on producing the best.