Tasmania has been quietly killing it of late. The vast natural beauty and good clean air now keep company with wonderful dining, world-class luxury lodging, culture and art. And the secret’s out, but recent events might just make this the perfect time to visit when you can have a little more of this perfect piece of paradise all to yourself.
The below is a place to start – a luxury, private itinerary featuring loads of the best the island has to offer including Saffire Freycinet, Maria Island, Hobart, MONA and loads of other local treasures. With private options throughout this is a great option for avoiding crowds and includes many of our favourite places and experiences.
We tailor everything we do so if you have specific interests, a particular budget, brief or schedule to work to get in touch.
GETTING THERE
There are plenty of ways to reach Tas. these days including surprisingly competitive charter flights from Melbourne’s quieter, closer airports. This is how we’d do it, especially if we were trying to avoid the crowds…
Get a private, luxury transfer with one of our hosts from anywhere in Melbourne for the full Rockstar service. Fly from Essendon directly into Friendly Beaches airport, just a few short minutes from Freycinet by private transfer.
FREYCINET
Spend three night at one of Australia’s most spectacular luxury lodges – Saffire Freycinet. It’s a splurge to be sure but it’s tasteful luxury of the highest order with exceptional food and local experiences included. There are some other great options in the area like Freycinet Lodge and the Piermont to suit families, small groups and varying budgets.
Enjoy a private, guided hike around Wineglass Bay or some fly fishing. The oyster farm experience is a must and beekeeping is great for something a little different. You can go sea kayaking or exploring by ATV and for a little extra adventure, White Water Wall is one of the Island’s most spectacular rock-climbing experiences.
MARIA ISLAND
Head down to Hobart with your private Localing host via Maria Island, known locally as Tasmania’s Tasmania. This protected wilderness area is inhabited solely by abundant and varied native wildlife including devils, wombats, echidnas, ‘roos and more. The island’s hikes and short walks are stunning but the best way to explore it is with local adventure guide Ben and his specially designed electric mountain bikes.
HOBART
Your host will have you into Hobart in the late afternoon, stopping for a few treats in Richmond and the Coal River Valley on the way down. The Tasman is the place to stay but there are quite a few good options like the Henry Jones, Islington or MONA Pavilions. We’d suggest at least three nights in Australia’s southernmost capital city and its surrounds.
Dinners in Hobart, Can I get a hell yeah! Fico, Templo, Etties, Frank, Franklin, Dier Makr… A reason to visit all on its own. You’ve been warned. Let us know if you need help with reservations or you’re keen on a hosted nightlife experience.
Your exact schedule from Hobart will vary depending on your interests and the days of the week. The Saturday Salamanca Market and Sunday Farmers Markets are worth a little time and MONA operates Tuesday to Sunday. Either works well in combination with a few hours exploring the city with your Localing host to discover all the highlights and hidden treasures and a little local lore. Kunanyi, or Mt. Wellington is another essential with phenomenal views from here over all of South-Eastern Tasmania. Descending via mountain bike is a great addition if you’re thrill-seeking.
Thirty minutes from town in nearby New Norfolk is the Agrarian Kitchen – a wonderful restaurant, kitchen garden and cooking school. This is one of a handful of speciality foodie experiences worth asking us about if it’s your thing.
MONA
For your day at MONA, enjoy a private, hosted experience with a MONA concierge. It’s a totally different way to experience this phenomenal institution that’s less about art wank and more about inside stories, curious anecdotes and having a bit of fun with a wonderful host. A local meal at on-site ‘ Source’ is a great addition, as is a journey back to Hobart in the ‘Posh Pit’ VIP section of the MONA ROMA ferry.
CHOOSING A FEW OTHER DAY TRIPS
Our favourites from Hobart include PORT ARTHUR and THE TASMAN PENINSULA, MT. FIELD National Park and BRUNY ISLAND. Each is fairly accessible and blends natural beauty, local cuisine, wildlife and adventure. The history of Port Arthur is a major drawcard for the Tasman, as is the hiking at Cape Raoul as well as one of the best sea kayaking experiences on earth. Mt. Field is a stunning, temperate rainforest with excellent walking and the incredible Russell falls and can include a meal at the Agrarian Kitchen. Bruny Island is teeming with wildlife and farm-fresh produce and has some great coastal adventures including ones that focus on seafood. Give us a yell if you need extra details on any of the above or some help choosing and tailoring.
WHAT ELSE
The above is just a taster really. Launceston has great food, culture and history, and hiking or canyoning in Cradle Mountain is life-changing. We love the hikes and natural beauty at Walls of Jerusalem and cruising the Gordon River from Strahan is a very worthy addition.
HEADING HOME
Jump on a scheduled flight from Hobart or return the way you came, on a private charter flight with a return private transfer in Melbourne.
START PLANNING HERE, NOW.
