7 DAYS TASMANIA FOR CONNOISEURS

Arrive in Hobart, Australia’s second oldest city. Its heritage buildings reflect a colourful colonial history found on convicts, whalers, merchants and seamen. Stroll Hobart’s waterfront to Salamanca Place with rows of Georgian sandstone warehouses converted into galleries, theatres, restaurants and cutting-edge boutiques. On Saturday mornings, there are over 300 stalls at the Salamanca Market (8.30am-3pm) with local produces, handmade arts and antiques. After lunch, depart on 25-minute ferry from Brooke Street Pier to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). The cavernous galleries are filled with controversial, thought-provoking works supported with free iPod touch for visitors.

Drive 40 minutes south to Kettering for a 20-minute ferry to Bruny Island. Join a three-hour shared wilderness cruise to spot Australian fur seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. Climb the timber stairs to the lookout above the Neck – a narrow, sandy isthmus connecting north and south Bruny Island – for 360-degree views over Adventure Bay. Sample artisan cow’s and goat’s milk cheeses and freshly shucked oysters and visit Australia’s southernmost vineyard.

Travel north for breath-taking views of Great Oyster Bay and Maria Island before stopping near Swansea for freshly made jams. Head to Freycinet National Park for a short walk or challenging hike to the top of Mount Amos with panoramic views of Wineglass Bay, Mount Freycinet and Mount Graham. Cruise past birds, whales and dolphins and sea kayak under the red granite cliffs of the Hazards Ranges.

Pack your camera for an outdoor adventure around Wineglass Bay. From one of Tasmania’s most celebrated locations, Wineglass Bay Lookout, walk the 11 kilometre Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit, looping around a portion of the Hazards mountain range down to beaches, coves and marshland, before returning to the top. Afterwards, sea kayak, snorkel or scuba dive around the bay, or swim in the sheltered waters of Honeymoon Bay.

Drive via Sheffield town, known for a series of colourful murals telling the story of the distinct pioneers and wilderness explorers. Next stop is Tasmazia and the village of the lower crackpot, the world’s largest botanical maze. Arrive at the Cradle Mountain in the afternoon, the jewel of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage. In the evening, get up close to learn about the social interactions and feeding habits of Tasmanian devils at Devils @ Cradle.

Take a 6km walk along the Dove Lake and beneath Cradle Mountain’s towering spires. Continue to the profound Cataract Gorge Reserve, a sacred healing place of Tasmanian aboriginals. Enjoy tour and lunch at Josef Chromy Wines, one of Australia’s Top 10 cellar doors, before heading to the beautifully preserved colonial town of Evandale.

Take in the sweeping purple fields of Lavender estate (summer). Bridestowe is the world’s largest privately owned fine lavender farm producing high quality flowers and perfume oils. Or head to Tamar Island Wetlands Centre (winter), home to diverse animal population including birds, frogs, fishes and threatened species. Transfer to airport for flight back home.