6D5N Tasmania’s Wilderness Icons

At the mouth of the River Derwent, Australia’s southernmost city embraces its history, but has one eye firmly planted on the future. You only need to visit Salamanca Place to see how forward-thinking purveyors and curators have transformed heritage spaces into restaurants, cafés and galleries. Step back in time once again at Battery Point, settled as a defensive outpost in the 19th century, and Constitution Dock – this is where yachts finish when competing in the annual Sydney to Hobart race. Put your destination into perspective from the summit of Mt. Nelson, offering a dreamy outlook over the Tassie capital.

Hotel
Best Western.

Not many people live in the West of Tasmania – even less visit. This is not for want of appeal. Mount Field National Park dials up the drama from the moment you arrive, delivering World Heritage listed wilderness in the form of soaring eucalypts (some of the tallest on Earth) and thundering waterfalls. Russell Falls will take your breath away in more ways than one. And just when you think nature couldn’t get any more humbling, you arrive at Lake St. Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia. It’s one of numerous waterways breaking your path to Strahan, gateway to World Heritage listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

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Strahan Village.

The inky waters of the Gordon River – given its colour by amber buttongrass tannins – are as eery as they are beautiful, the mirror-like surface only broken by your chariot out to Sarah Island. It’s hard to reconcile the beauty of this part of the state with its grim history as a penal colony; a place where convicts would fell Huon pines for boat building. Thankfully, they didn’t get to the 2,000-year-old pine that still stands proud at Heritage Landing. Early settlers didn’t mince their words when they called the treacherous entrance to the river’s harbour Hells Gates. You’ll understand why when you drift past. Cradle Mountain awaits to the north. If you’re content by the fire with a glass of wine – stay there. Otherwise, follow your guide into the night to spot Tassie devils.

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Cradle Mountain.

When the first thing you see is 1,545-metre Cradle Mountain, you know you’re in for a good day. This is your backdrop as you wander to Dove Lake, a natural magnet for Bennetts wallabies, echidnas, and pademelons. Just when you thought the west coast couldn’t get any more dramatic, ‘The Nut’ appears on the horizon. This 152-metre bluff created by the remains of an ancient volcanic plug guards over Stanley, an atmospheric fishing village with remarkably well-preserved heritage buildings. Browse boutiques at your leisure, or lace up your walking shoes – The Nut summit awaits.

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Tall Timbers.

While you may not see any shy, nocturnal penguins on your visit to the town of Penguin, you will find dozens of statues commemorating just how cute these creatures are. Be sure to snap a picture in front of the 10-metre-high installation. You’ll also want to have your camera ready arriving in Sheffield, home to a surprise collection of 60 murals telling the area’s history. All this exploring builds an appetite. Refuel at Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm, where happy cows contribute to award-winning cheeses – everything from cheddar and red Leicester to creamy Tasmanian blue are yours for the tasting.

Hotel
Best Western

There are few places in the world where you can leave the city behind and within minutes be amid an immense wilderness area. Launceston is one. Blink and you’re at Cataract Gorge, a yawning chasm carved by ancient rivers. This rare natural phenomenon unites bushland with neat Victorian gardens, replete with ferns and exotic plants. Get a different perspective of the green cavern on the optional scenic chairlift, zipping you over the water to a lofty lookout. You won’t want your time here to come to an end; it’s a good thing you have afternoon options. Perhaps linger in Launceston’s pretty streets, or get a taste for the region on a Tamar Valley wine tour. How you end your Tasmanian tour is completely up to you.