North-east
A four-night return tour of Launceston, Bicheno, St Helens, and Bridport.
Distance: 709km
DAY ONE /
After disembarkation, head to the House of Anvers chocolate factory and café for a delicious Belgian breakfast, exploring the tasting room and museum before you go. On the way to Launceston, make a short detour to one of the magnificent Mole Creek Caves near Deloraine, then drop into Melita Honey Farm in Chudleigh for a tasting and to watch the bees at work. Once in Launceston, check in to Peppers Seaport Hotel, overlooking the Tamar River, then meander along the riverside to Stillwater, regarded as one of Launceston’s finest restaurants, for dinner.
DAY TWO /
Start your day at Design Tasmania, which houses an impressive collection of locally made furniture, then shop for food and wine at The Mill and The Pinot Shop. Take the slow route to Bicheno via Relbia wine country and the historic village of Evandale, with a stop at the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company for some of Tassie’s best condiments. Bicheno is just under two hours’ drive (via Lake Leake) – aim to arrive in time for the Bicheno Penguin Tour at dusk, then head for your self-contained accommodation at Bicheno by the Bay and enjoy a self-catered meal of Tasmanian produce.
DAY THREE /
From Bicheno, take the short drive to St Helens. The coastal route passes by Ironhouse Brewery, where you can stop and sample craft beers. Book a charter with Michael Haley’s Gone Fishing Charters and you may even catch your own dinner. If the fish aren’t biting, dine on local seafood at the Blue Shed Restaurant then head to Tidal Waters Resort for the night.
DAY FOUR /
Head for Bridport, taking a side-trip to Pyengana Dairy Company to try their awardwinning cheddar cheeses and ice creams, and make the short walk to view Saint Columba Falls. Bridport is the home of Barnbougle, where you can play a round of golf on one of its two iconic golf courses, have a spa treatment with a view before dinner, and book into one of the resort’s elegant suites for the night.
DAY FIVE /
Spend your final morning visiting vineyards in the Pipers River region, ensuring Delamere Vineyards and Bay of Fires are on your hit list. In season, from late spring through to the end of summer, pick your own fruit at Hillwood Berry Farm. Finally, drop into Bridestowe Lavender Estate or the Lavender House at Rowella to watch its perfumers at work. From Rowella, it’s just over an hour’s drive to the Spirit of Tasmania terminal.