Tasmania, A True Gem - By Senior Consultant, Tiffany!

Tasmania is Overseas, isn’t it?

It is technically “over seas” for most of us, and also technically an island destination. And do you remember when there seemed to be a period of time when it was constantly left off the map of Australia? Well Tasmania, for those that have ever visited you, we know what a true gem you really are!

Having been a couple of times myself, always as a self-drive adventure (and with about 11 years between my visits), I thought it was great the first time – but the second time, Tassie had matured and diversified into so much more.

How many places offer amazing food experiences, iconic beers and wines, beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, vast and varied National Parks, and a strong colonial history… oh, and scallop pies?

A self-drive would have always been my first option for exploring, as this gave me flexibility in visiting as much of the island as possible, but recently I was so happy to see luxury, small ship line PONANT introduce options to get you to experience Tasmania from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.

Thought I would take a sec to talk about a few of my favourites. 

Tasmania Circumnavigation - November 2021

This lovely itinerary is incredibly port-intensive. It is a 9-night circumnavigation, leaving you plenty of time to extend, and explore inland Tassie or to head West and visit Stachan and up to Cradle Mountain.

Ponant will complement their beautiful spaces onboard with amazing views and experiences off-ship as well. Being a small ship experience, and with a smaller impact on their surroundings, they are able to visit ports many others cant.

There is so much to enjoy on this cruise. It is a true taste of Tasmania's landscape and a coastline you don’t get to experience from a car. And with that, a feast for your eyes and your tummy won't miss out, as King Island (say CHEESE!) and the Tamar Valley (it's always wine o'clock somewhere) are included.

Just in case you have any room left, you are then back on board to enjoy PONANT's French-influenced menu, with excellent local produce.

Click here to learn more! Or, keep your eyes peeled for later departures! 

Food, Wine & Yacht Race – being offered in December 2021, plus December 2022

Love this! And it's great we can already offer 2022.

The reason being that the Food and Wine Festival (Taste of Tasmania) is one of the best you will experience. And if you don’t book in advance, it is really hard to get in anywhere.

Excellent food from all over Tasmania, and Wine – and music, entertainment, performances, and shows – all down on the waterfront. And, if this is not enough, you get to spend New Year's Eve on the Harbour AND welcome in superyachts at the end of the Sydney to Hobart Race. 

If you have not had the chance to experience the start of the race here in Sydney, or to be on the water amongst it all and hear the crack of the sails as they billow in the wind, you will truly relish the spectacle as you are there at the end. 

These two cruises take care of where to spend Christmas, New Years', and have you completely forgetting about any resolutions of that 1st of January on a diet resolution.

Departing 2021 - Click here  OR Departing 2022 - Click here 

Once you have finished your sailing, take the time to explore for yourself. We can organise a coach tour or recommend a self-drive itinerary, personalised just for you! 

Don’t miss Stachan, jump on the West Coast Wildnerness train for a beautiful day trip, or sail down the Franklin-Gordon River inside the National Park to view incredible mountains and gorges.

Head on to Cradle Mountain where in summer or winter the view changes with the season, as does the wildlife. If you go in winter, ensure to stay somewhere with a private outdoor spa. The snow around you keeps your beers at perfect drinking temperature.

There are many different “food routes” you can take around Tasmania as well, so be sure to leave room for cheese sampling (Pyengana Dairy I can recommend), lavender ice cream from Kates Berry Farm in Swansea, the hugest oysters from Melshell Oyster Shack at Dolphin Sands, or fish and chips in St Helens or Bridport (the "Mediterranean of the South" this seaside village is known as). PLUS Farmgate experiences, local cafes, farmers markets, and plenty to wash it all down with…

Walks, walking trails, mountains to climb, nature to see. And all close to home.

For your specialised Tasmania enquiries, contact Tiffany on 1300 369 848 or email cruiseadmin4@ecruising.travel.