Ready to disappear for a few days? These epic weekend getaways in Tasmania deliver jaw-dropping landscapes along with premium food and wine.
From moody coastlines to world-class culture, this island destination dances to its own beat. With just a few days to explore, you can cast away to remote islands, uncover wild landscapes in comfort or linger over exceptional food and art. Keep reading to discover the top weekend trips in Tasmania/Lutruwita.
Steam trains on Tassie’s West Coast
Hop aboard the heritage West Coast Wilderness Railway. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
What? Pair a heritage train ride with a superb stay at Strahan’s most polished waterfront address.
Tell me more: Ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway’s Rinadeena, Rack & Rainforest journey return from Queenstown, with stops at Lynchford and Rinadeena. Then unwind at Risby Cove, a tranquil sanctuary where bespoke suites sit a stone’s throw from the water’s edge on Macquarie Harbour, with an excellent waterside restaurant to match.
A design-led Hobart base for art and wine
Mona Pavilions makes for a stylish Hobart/Nipaluna base. (Credit: Brett Boardman)
What?Mona Pavilions puts you on the Derwent with priority access to Australia’s wildest museum. Pair a stay with Hobart/Nipaluna discoveries and an easy day trip into Coal River Valley.
Tell me more: Secluded in private waterfront bushland, the eight pavilions are uniquely adorned with artworks from Mona’s private collection and Tasmanian designer furnishings. In town, Peppina brings big-hearted Italian cooking to Salamanca Place, while Tolpuddle Vineyard and Caledon Estate reward the short drive out to Richmond with some of Tasmania’s finest cool-climate pours.
A charming escape to Richmond
Richmond Bridge is Australia’s oldest stone bridge built by convicts in 1825. (Credit: Alastair Bett)
What? A quick 25-minute drive north-east of Hobart delivers you to this historic town, situated in the heart of the Coal River Valley wine region.
Tell me more: With its impossibly cute sandstone buildings, many dating from the 1820s, and its landmark bridge (the oldest in the country), you could almost convince yourself that you are in the Cotswolds. Spend your time in the galleries, shops and cafes now housed in the town’s historic buildings or buy a bottle of local wine and cosy up next to an open fire. You’ll quickly see that Richmond is one of the top weekend getaways in Tasmania for history buffs.
A King Island weekend with wallabies aplenty
Soak in a private bath with stunning views of the Southern Ocean at Kittawa Lodge.
What? Out in Bass Strait, King Island has more wallabies than people, a reputation for very good cheese and a complete disregard for your usual sense of urgency.
Tell me more: At Kittawa Lodge (and two-bedder Kittawa Retreat, its latest luxury addition), everything feels far away in the best way. Glass-walled lodges open onto raw scenery, and days move slowly, regularly interrupted by wallabies outside the window. Your usual sense of productivity doesn’t stand a chance here.
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Discover Bruny Island on foot
Rest tired legs at communal cabins when hiking Bruny Island with Tasmanian Walking Company. (Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company)
What? The scenic Bruny Island Long Weekend walk balances wellness and indulgence in equal measure.
Tell me more: Designed for a long weekend, this three-day walking tour on Bruny Island with Tasmanian Walking Company follows tracks through bush and rainforest, along cliffsides and up rocky headlands, with stunning views as well as flora and fauna to be marvelled at along the way. Nighttimes are spent in a secluded and cosy camp, where guides replenish your kilojoules burned with delicious homemade meals. Take the entire family on one of the family-friendly departures.
A quiet night suspended over Lake St Clair
Pumphouse Point is the ultimate cosy lakefront accommodation. (Credit: Adam Gibson)
What? Tasmania’s most talked-about luxury stay, poised on a jetty over the southern hemisphere’s deepest lake.
Tell me more:Pumphouse Point is an industrial relic reborn as a wilderness retreat, set within a 1930s-built hydro pumphouse at the edge of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Sleep suspended over the water, thaw fireside over a Sullivans Cove whisky tasting, then wake to mist rolling across the glacial lake.
Wineries and wildlife in the Tamar Valley
Soar through verdant tree canopy at Treetops Adventure Hollybank. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
What? A northern Tasmanian itinerary to ignite the senses and restore the soul.
Tell me more: Around 30 minutes from Launceston, the Tamar Valley is Tassie’s largest wine region and renowned for its paddock-to-plate culture. Hop between cellar doors (make sure to pop in for a tasting flight at Josef Chromy Wines), zipline at Treetops Adventure Hollybank, explore maritime museums and don’t miss the penguin parade at Low Head.
An expedition cruise through Tasmania’s south-west wilderness
Explore the wild side of Tassie’s south-west with On Board expeditions. (Credit: Tim Grey)
What?On Board offers two-night Port Davey expeditions blending luxury and remote adventure.
Tell me more: From Hobart, soar over Tassie’s untamed coast via sea-plane and board your luxe floating base, a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, from which you’ll explore UNESCO-listed Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. Huon pine forests, mirror-like waters, quartzite peaks and rocky coves promise endless awe; deepen the experience with guided walks and tender excursions. Comprising just a couple days, the cruise is one of the best weekend getaways in Tasmania for seeing dramatic scenery when short on time.
A short tour of Tassie’s East Coast
Stroll through floral fields at Bridestowe Lavender Estate. (Credit: Luke Tscharke)
What? An immersive five-day tour showcasing the best of Tasmania’s East Coast, packed with scenery, gastronomy and history.
Tell me more: Starting in Launceston and culminating in Hobart, the Tassie’s East Coast Highlights itinerary with AAT Kings will take you from the purple fields of Bridestowe Lavender Estate to the pink granite boulders of Freycinet National Park, with the chance to witness little penguins in Bicheno and delve into the history of Port Arthur along the way – a fabulous taster for first-timers to Tassie.
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Adventure and wellness at Cradle Mountain
Waldheim Alpine Spa in Cradle Mountain offers tranquil wellness experience. (Credit: Laura Helle)
What? When it comes to mind and body, the power of nature is undeniable – and Tasmania’s wilderness is a force to be reckoned with.
Tell me more: Cradle Mountain is widely known as an adventure capital – a playground primed for hiking, biking, kayaking and canyoning. Balance is key, and that’s where Waldheim Alpine Spa plays its part. Located in Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, this sanctuary comprises a sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunges, and full body treatments. Over at Cradle Mountain Village, the pine-built saunas are submersed in the wilderness.
A wild nature break on the Tasman Peninsula
See the popular Three Capes Walk under the soft glow of sunrise. (Credit: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)
What? An hour’s drive from Hobart on the southeast coast, the Tasman Peninsula blends brutal penal history and dramatic scenery.
Tell me more: The Tasman Peninsula makes for one of the best weekend getaways in Tasmania as it’s home to two of the island’s headlining attractions: the Port Arthur Historic Site and the breathtaking Three Capes Track. There is no better way to invest three days in this part of the state than by tackling the Three Capes Walk, taking in the edge-of-forever scenery and swathes of unspoilt wilderness.
A quaint historic sojourn in Stanley
Discovering the rugged coastlines and rich maritime history of Stanley. (Credit: Jess Bonde)
What? Sitting in the shadow of the Nut, a flat-topped volcanic plug, and allowing access to the untamed takayna/Tarkine wilderness, Stanley is the kind of remote town that mainlanders dream of finding in Tassie.
Tell me more: Base yourself at the wonderfully atmospheric Ship Inn and indulge in the blissful remove from the modern day-to-day. If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk to the top of 13-million-year-old The Nut, or take the chairlift; look out at the 360-degree views, and hopefully catch sight of seals and penguins below is a must.
A laid-back recharge in Cygnet
Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is nestled in the bountiful Huon Valley. (Credit: Stu Gibson)
What? Bordered by the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the Huon River, Cygnet is where Hobart locals escape for the weekend, with holiday ‘shacks’ scattered throughout the picturesque region.
Tell me more:Like many other locations in Tasmania, the area is known for its fruit production including apples, berries and cherries, but it also possesses a laid-back alternative lifestyle.The hamlet boasts craft stores, art studios and galleries to browse; follow the Huon Valley Studio Art Trail to find something to take home in addition to a sense of peace.
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Overlooking the winding Tamar River, the Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is where two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wine labels come together. Sip award-winning cool-climate wines and world-class sparkling while soaking up the vineyard views in one spectacular setting.
The fire crackles softly as you settle into a comfortable armchair, a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir warming your hands. Outside, rows of vines stretch across the Tamar Valley, their gentle contours framed by rolling hills and ever-changing skies. Or perhaps it’s a sunlit afternoon, and you’re on the terrace with a flute of PIRIE Vintage sparkling in hand, watching the valley shimmer beneath you as each crisp sip captures the freshness of Tasmania. At the Tamar Ridge and PIRIE Cellar Door, the setting in one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions is every bit as special as the wines.
The two brands now share a beautifully refurbished cellar door, giving visitors the opportunity to sample both still and sparkling wines from the Brown Family Wine Group’s luxury portfolio in a single stop. Alongside the shared tasting space, they’ve also introduced a range of premium experiences tailored to each brand.
Tamar Ridge’s story began in 1994, when vines were planted at Kayena in Tasmania’s Upper Tamar Valley. Guided by renowned viticulturist Dr Richard Smart – the “Flying Vine Doctor” – the vineyard quickly gained a reputation for quality, with a new winery established in 1998 and the Tamar Ridge label born.
Sit outside to soak in the sun as you enjoy Tamar Valley views. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Today, New Zealand-born head winemaker Tom Wallace leads the cellar, brings his passion for cool-climate winemaking to help shape Tamar Ridge’s reputation for elegant, expressive wines.
Founded by Dr Andrew Pirie in 1995, PIRIE helped prove the island’s potential for world-class cool-climate sparkling.
Crafted in the traditional method from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Valley, PIRIE Tasmania sparkling wines are celebrated for their fine beads, depth and elegance. With a collection of trophies, gold medals and top honours behind them, these rare vintages showcase the very best of the state’s sparkling wine.
Brown Brothers – now known as the Brown Family Wine Group – acquired Tamar Ridge, PIRIE and Devil’s Corner on the island’s east coast in 2010, extending the legacy of a family wine company founded in 1889 at Milawa in Victoria’s King Valley. The company has continued its pursuit of exceptional cool-climate vineyards, recognising Tasmania’s unique potential in a changing climate.
Location
Get cosy by the roaring fireplace. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is set on the west bank of the Tamar River, just 20 minutes north of Launceston and around two and a half hours’ drive from Hobart near the riverside village of Rosevears in northern Tasmania. Stretching more than 60 kilometres along the river, from the mouth near Launceston north towards Bass Strait, the Valley is a vast patchwork of vineyards, orchards, farmland and historic townships.
Style & decor
Come for a regular tasting, or book an experience. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase panoramic views, while outdoor decks make the most of the surrounding scenery. Inside, the refined contemporary interiors strike a balance between modern luxury and the natural surrounds, with a double-sided fireplace to linger by. A Tamar River view creates a warm focal point. Natural wood accents add a sense of place, including a handcrafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table that anchors the space with understated elegance.
Wine experiences
The cellar door’s curated wine experiences pair award-winning wines with local produce and the stories behind them. For those who prefer a leisurely visit without a set itinerary, the cellar door also offers cheese platters and small plates, best enjoyed with a glass in hand while taking in those Tamar River views.
Come for a taste, stay for an experience.
PIRIE & Oyster Experience
Taste the best of PIRIE matched with oysters. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
A true taste of Tasmania comes to life in the PIRIE & Oyster Experience, created in partnership with Tasmanian Oyster Co. Exploring the connection between merroir and terroir – the influence of the sea and soil on flavour – this guided tasting pairs three premium oysters from different Tasmanian growing regions with three expressions of PIRIE sparkling wine: the NV, 2021 Vintage and Blanc de Blanc.
As each oyster and wine pairing is revealed, guests discover how Tasmania’s unique landscapes shape flavour, from the mineral freshness of the ocean to the elegance and precision of cool-climate sparkling wine.
Pinot Noir Blending Experience
Try your own hand at mixing. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
For those who want to step behind the winemaker’s bench, the Pinot Noir Blending Experience offers a hands-on journey into the art of creating great wine.
Guests taste through three to four individual Pinot Noir clones from the previous vintage, each revealing its own personality through aroma, structure and character. Guided by the cellar door team, visitors explore how these individual components come together to create balance and complexity – before attempting their own blend.
Will you recreate the house style, or create something entirely original? This immersive experience offers a fascinating insight into the craft, creativity and precision that goes into every bottle.
Supreme Indulgence
Settle in for true indulgene. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
The most elevated experience at the cellar door, the Supreme Indulgence (PIRIE Sparkling with Caviar tasting) is a celebration of luxury, refinement and Tasmania’s exceptional produce.
Priced at $99 per person, the tasting pairs PIRIE Tasmania’s most distinguished sparkling wines with carefully selected sturgeon caviar, chosen to enhance the elegance, texture and finesse of each cuvée. Hosted by an expert member of the team, the experience unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of fine bubbles, delicate flavours and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
