15 October 2024
9 mins Read
Crystal blue lakes, secluded beaches, ancient rainforests and rugged mountains are the hallmarks of the Tasmanian wilderness, and wherever you go nature will be an essential part of the Tasmanian experience. From the wild western fringes to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches on the east coast and the lush World Heritage Area of the north-west – and all points in between – reconnecting with nature is easy in these three corners of the island. And, perfectly located to make the most of it, are NRMA resorts and lodges.
Reconnect with nature in Tasmania’s pristine beauty.
Overlooking the blue waters of Great Oyster Bay and with The Hazards mountain range as a backdrop, the Freycinet Peninsula is renowned for its scalloped beaches, pink granite outcrops and fresh seafood. Coles Bay, the peninsula’s only town, is 195km north-east of Hobart and 175km south-east of Launceston.
Freycinet Lodge is the only accommodation in Freycinet National Park, and the closest to Wineglass Bay, recently voted best beach in Australia, again. Freycinet Lodge is the perfect nature-based getaway, with a range of accommodations from elegant coastal pavilions to bushland cabins and family rooms. A strong focus on sustainability doesn’t come at the expense of comfort or efficiency. Raised boardwalks to protect the environment link each part of the lodge’s offerings and gorgeous water, mountain or bushland views are assured.
Book the Freycinet Escape Package for a three-night stay with a Wineglass Bay cruise, kayaking tour, $300 dining and bar credit and more.
Enjoy a blend of simplicity and comfort at Freycinet Lodge. (Image: Melissa Findley)
Surrounded by Freycinet National Park, the lodge is the perfect base for hiking. Freycinet’s many natural attractions are close by, and this is one of the best places on the East Coast for spectacular sunsets.
Wineglass Bay – one of Australia’s most famous beaches – is within easy reach by foot or on a short cruise – while Honeymoon Bay is just a four-minute walk from the lodge. Guided kayaking around the bay with Freycinet Adventures offers a different perspective. While the Wineglass Bay lookout is at the top of a steep hill, nearby Cape Tourville lighthouse is an easy walk or a five-minute drive away.
See incredible views when you hike at Wineglass Bay. (Image: Jason Charles Hill)
The Bay Restaurant at Freycinet Lodge offers seasonal menus using local produce, including Tasmania’s succulent seafood, and award-winning Tasmanian wines. This is a perfect spot for sunset cocktails on the deck and a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean.
To learn more about Tasmanian cuisine, join the Flavours of the East Coast hosted food and wine pairing, and for a more casual meal, head to Hazards Bar & Lounge, which offers a bar menu until late afternoon.
Savour local finds with sea views. (Image: James Vodicka)
Set on the edge of the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in the north-west highlands, the rugged silhouette of Cradle Mountain provides the backdrop for wonderful outdoor adventures. Get ready to explore the trails of the Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park, all just a stone’s throw from the Cradle Mountain Hotel.
Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre is 140km west of Launceston and 300km (a four-hour drive) north-west of Hobart.
Cradle Mountain Hotel offers stylish, comfortable and welcoming accommodation. For added luxury, opt for the split-level king rooms with private balconies and wilderness views, plus a sunken lounge area. Double sliding doors open up to fresh mountain air. After a day of adventuring, relax with an indulgent massage or spa session at The Retreat. Set within the hotel, The Retreat features a treatment room and two-person tub with wilderness views.
Book the Cradle Explorer Package for a three-night stay including shuttle tickets into Dove Lake, a hiking lunch pack, $200 dining and bar credit and more.
Relax in a cosy home away from home.
Walkers of all ages and levels of fitness are spoiled for choice at Cradle Mountain, with the Dove Lake circuit walk, Cradle Mountain summit walk, Marions Lookout and Knyvet and Pencil Pine falls all offering extraordinary experiences. For keen hikers, the multi-day Overland Track provides an unforgettable challenge. Ask at hotel reception for advice on which track to choose, or join a guided walk to learn more about the area’s history, geology, flora and fauna.
Wildlife encounters with wombats, wallabies and echidnas are common, and on a night spotting walk, you’re likely to also see possums, Tasmanian devils, spotted tail and eastern quolls.
The hotel’s Wilderness Gallery showcases the work of Tasmanian artists in nine exhibits and has a large retail store where you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir, featuring local products and gifts.
Stop over at Dove Lake. (Image: Nick H Visuals)
Altitude’s cosy lounge bar is the perfect place to unwind while planning your next move. Settle in by the log fire and sip on cool climate wines, local craft beer or a Tasmanian single malt whisky before heading in for dinner.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Altitude restaurant showcases local produce – including salmon and venison – matched with stunning mountain views. After dinner, a game of billiards will round off the night.
Cosy up by the log fire at Altitude’s lounge bar.
Getting to Strahan, on the rugged west coast, is part of the adventure. Although just 300km from Hobart or 270km from Launceston, the winding roads to Macquarie Harbour offer plenty of pit stops to walk in lush rainforest or explore the towns along the way.
With Ocean Beach and the Southern Ocean on one side and the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area on the other, Strahan sits on the traditional lands of the Toogee people. Founded in 1877 as a base for tin miners, fishermen and forestry workers, Strahan was once the second busiest port in Tasmania.
Strahan Village’s range of accommodation includes beautifully appointed individual cottages and terraces along the waterfront, built in the style of 19th century Strahan. Premium contemporary hotel rooms are also on offer, the best of which have sweeping views of Macquarie Harbour. It’s easy to walk anywhere in Strahan, but you can also hire bikes from Strahan Village reception for a spin along the foreshore.
Book the Ultimate West Coast Experience Package for a three-night stay including two tickets for a Gordon River Cruise, $300 dining credit and more.
Take in sweeping views of Macquarie Harbour
On a Gordon River cruise aboard Spirit of the Wild, marvel at mirror-like reflections, go ashore to wander among tracts of ancient rainforest and explore the ruins of the former penal colony on Sarah Island. It’s easy to see why activists in the 1980s fought for the Gordon River to be protected, leading to the Gordon and Franklin Rivers being declared a UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Other natural attractions include Ocean Beach, the golden Henty dunes and Hogarth Falls. Jump aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway to learn more about the area, and for a night out like no other, enjoy the hilarity and drama of Australia’s longest-running play The Ship That Never Was (bookings essential), which has been entertaining visitors to Strahan since 1994.
Glide through lush rainforests with the Gordon River Cruise.
Taking its name from the ‘roaring forties’ winds that travel across the Southern Ocean, View 42˚ restaurant highlights the bounty of local seafood: oysters, whole ocean trout, smoked salmon and more. Buffet dinners also include hearty hot dishes, all with the best views in town. For casual dining, head to Hamer’s Bar & Bistro on the waterfront for pub grub, or a quick snack at The Kitchen.
Before heading home, stock up on King Island triple cream brie, leatherwood honey and locally-prepared relishes, mustards, fruit vinegars and jams.
Delight in seafood and views at View 42˚.
At the southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, this namesake lake is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake – carved out by glaciers over millions of years. The lake is fringed with ancient pine forests, with imposing mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. There is something almost ethereal about this place, with morning mist floating over the water being a common sight.
It’s a popular home for native wildlife, too. Bennetts wallabies and pademelons are ways to see, and a lucky few will also spot wombats, echidnas, quolls, and even platypus.
Book into the adults-only retreat paradise that is Pumphouse Point. Once an industrial site, these two industrial buildings have been restored to offer boutique accommodation. Poised on the edge of glacial Lake St Clair in Tasmania’s central highlands region, be immersed in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. With only 18 rooms, what you really get here is the luxury of enjoying nature in peace. Disconnect from the outside and rejuvenate or explore.
Book the Pumphouse Indulgence Package for an all-inclusive stay complete with dining, local wines, massage vouchers and more.
Book into the adults-only Pumphouse Point.
Here, it’s all about adventuring into nature. Guests of the hotel can fill the day with walks (from leisurely lakeside strolls to beautiful forest trails), fish, spot wildlife or enjoy picnics on their own schedule. E-bikes are also available for hire. Once your exploring is done, head inside to cosy up with a good book or a board game.
Indulge in leisurely lakeside strolls.
Your only option around here is to dine at the hotel, but that’s the only option you need. The nightly rate includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, which involve carefully curated menus focused on local produce.
Join fellow guests at communal-style breakfast and set menu dinners. An in-room larder is stocked with artisan cheeses, charcuterie, olives and snacks that are perfect for a picnic in the wilderness for lunches, or an indulgent platter by the fire. Snack on freshly baked sourdough throughout the day (perfect with the aforementioned picnic goodies).
These member-owned destinations, offer My NRMA members first access to special offers, exclusive discounts and savings on other local experiences. But everyone can save with summer packages that combine accommodation, dining and local experiences.
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No thanks, I like to travel solo
I travel to the north west of Tasmania regularly and wonder why the beautiful drive from Launceston to Stanley is rarely mentioned in Tasmania’s travel promotions. Especially notable are the views of the mountainous Western Tiers, the magnificent coastal scenery, especially from Devonport to Wynyard, rich farm lands, Boat Harbour beach, Table Cape, Stanley, The Big Tree and of course the Tarkine.
To my mind, much more to offer than the East Coast other than Wine Glass Bay.