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ON THE ROAD: Tasmania
Tasmania’s rugged landscape, along with its exceptional food, wine and producer appeal, makes it the ideal destination for a long weekend escape.
Explore
Take the wheel and explore Tasmania at your own pace – where scenic drives lead to rugged coastlines, lush wilderness, and unforgettable paddock-to-plate moments.
Hobart and surrounds
southern tasmania
east coast
Huon Valley and the channel
launceston and surrounds
Elevate your road trip
The Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid is equipped with a 2.5-litre series parallel Plug-in Hybrid system, delivering power and performance. With luxury features such as the moonroof and heated and ventilated front seats, you can go further, see more, and get the most out of your trip.
The Lexus RX Plug-in Hybrid is a vehicle designed by the pioneers of luxury Hybrid SUVs. From the soft-touch surfaces to the ambient lighting, every aspect of the interior is carefully designed to enhance the overall driving experience, making it the perfect touring partner.
Charging a Lexus Plug-In Hybrid vehicle couldnʼt be easier. Charge at home by installing your own charger or plugging into a household outlet – or at a public AC charging station.
From coastal drives to misty highland highways and foodie-themed routes, Tasmanian road trips come in all shapes and sizes.
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Drive slowly, wind down the window and savour Tasmania’s crisp, clean air.
Make the journey rival the destination
The luxury is in the details
So you can keep exploring
Take your holiday to the next level with a Lexus Plug-in Hybrid. Start every journey using electric power, if sufficiently charged, before seamlessly switching to a hybrid engine for longer journeys or until you decide to recharge. That means more possibilities, performance and efficiency wherever you go.
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A historic waterfront precinct, a plethora of places to eat and abundant natural beauty make Hobart an easy city to love.
EAT | STAY | PLAY
Formerly a jam factory, this once-abandoned building in the waterfront precinct has been transformed into a character-filled hotel with a focus on local artists. Sandstone walls and original timbers showcase the artwork and the in-house restaurant, Landscape, is home to winners of the Glover Landscape Prize.
The MONA effect has changed the face of Hobart quite literally, helping to retell Hobart’s story in a new and contemporary way.
Located between the Derwent River and the wild slopes of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Hobart is a city where old-world charm and contemporary culture seamlessly blend. Tasmania’s capital, founded in 1804 as a penal colony, retains much of its historical architecture — from sandstone warehouses lining Salamanca Place to elegant Georgian cottages in Battery Point. Walking through Hobart feels like stepping through a living museum, but one that hums with modern energy. Today, Hobart is a haven for food lovers. Its culinary scene punches well above its weight, driven by creative chefs, pristine local produce, and a growing number of artisans redefining what Tasmanian cuisine can be. From waterfront fine dining to buzzing wine bars and bakery-lined laneways, the city offers flavours that reflect the richness of its land and sea. Local seafood, grass-fed meats, and foraged ingredients are celebrated with both innovation and respect for tradition.
Yet perhaps Hobart’s greatest luxury is its proximity to nature. In just minutes, visitors can go from sipping wine in a cosy bar to hiking mountain trails, wandering through cool-climate vineyards, or kayaking along the glassy waters of the Derwent. And with national parks, secluded beaches, and untamed wilderness right on its doorstep, Hobart is the perfect base for those seeking both culture and calm. Whether you’re here for the heritage, the flavours, or the fresh air, Hobart offers an experience that’s both grounded and gourmet – a city that invites you to slow down, explore deeply, and savour every moment.
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With its prime position on Hobart’s waterfront, MACq 01 offers guests both expansive views and easy walks to everything the city has to offer. Each luxurious room is named and designed for a different Hobart historical figure and their stories, giving guests the unique ability to immerse themselves in history as soon as they step through the door.
A walled garden that was once an exercise yard for a 19th century mental asylum inspires every beautifully executed dish created at this award-winning restaurant and cooking school. Located an easy 30-minute drive from Hobart, in the town of New Norfolk, The Agrarian Kitchen is the essence of Tasmanian cuisine and hospitality, whether that’s a long lunch, a cooking class or a light bite from The Kiosk.
Hobart’s strategic position on the Derwent River has fuelled its growth from a historic port to a thriving hub of culture and dining.
There are just 10 seats available at Omotenashi, a kaiseki restaurant hidden within a Lexus showroom, where Japanese tradition melds perfectly with Tasmanian produce. It’s an intimate dining experience with a multi-course menu highlighting the state’s finest seafood and produce and created with precision and intention. A must-eat for those who appreciate craftsmanship of the highest order.
It was Lark that kicked off Australia’s whisky renaissance and you can draw on its wealth of knowledge with a whisky-blending experience at its cellar door in Pontville, 30 minutes from Hobart. The historic buildings date from the early 1800s and are a stunning backdrop to the creation of some of the world’s finest whiskies and gins.
A pair of comfortable shoes is all that’s needed to tackle the plethora of city-adjacent nature walks in Hobart. Head to the Waterworks Reserve, five minutes from the centre of town, and take a well-maintained track up past the city’s original water pipeline, through lush tree ferns and moss-covered aqueducts to the Fern Tree Tavern.
The 30-minute drive from Hobart to Mount Wellington is worth it for its stunning panoramic views of the city, surrounding wilderness and the Derwent River.
From coastal drives to misty highland highways, foodie-themed routes and winery circuits, Tasmanian road trips come in all shapes and sizes.
STAY - Macq 01
STAY - henry jones art hotel
EAt – Omotenashi
eat – the Agrarian kitchen
play – lark at pontville
play – the pipeline track
The summit of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington has wonderful views of Hobart and much of southern Tasmania. Head to the summit’s west side for views deep into the South West Wilderness.
The most popular way to get to MONA from Hobart is by ferry, which takes about 25 minutes from Brooke Street Pier. Alternatively, you can drive, take a taxi, or use the bus. The ferry is recommended as it offers a scenic cruise up the Derwent River and is integrated into the museum’s design.
East Coast
To say the scenery on the East Coast is breathtaking is an understatement. The road unfurls before you, promising much and delivering more.
Tasmania’s East Coast is a place where beauty and flavour go hand in hand. Stretching from the ochre-hued rocks of the Bay of Fires to the pink granite peaks of Freycinet Peninsula, this coastal route offers one of Australia’s most scenic – and indulgent – road trips. The journey itself is part of the magic. As you wind south along the Great Eastern Drive, the landscape shifts between white-sand beaches, eucalyptus forests, and vineyard-draped hillsides. There’s a sense of openness and calm that makes it impossible to rush, and invites you to stop often – to take in a view, meet a winemaker, or taste something local and extraordinary. Food and wine are woven into the fabric of this region. The East Coast is home to boutique vineyards producing award-winning cool-climate wines, particularly crisp rieslings and elegant pinot noirs. Cellar doors are welcoming and unpretentious, often paired with farm-fresh fare and ocean views.
Seafood, naturally, is a highlight. Here, oysters are harvested within sight of your table and scallops come straight off the boat. Long, leisurely lunches at seaside restaurants or picnic tables loaded with local produce are the norm, not the exception. At Freycinet National Park, hike to Wineglass Bay for one of the world’s most iconic views, then toast the moment with a glass of sparkling. Further north, the Bay of Fires enchants with its vivid colours and untouched coastline – a place where time feels like it stretches out with the tide. The East Coast offers more than a destination – it offers an easy rhythm. A chance to slow down, breathe deeply, eat well, and reconnect with the beauty of land, sea, and the simple joy of the road.
Just a short stroll from Freycinet Visitor Centre, Honeymoon Bay is a secluded little bay inside the Freycinet National Park. Get there for sunrise or sunset for the best photographic moments.
The Freycinet Peninsula is packed with quiet wonder, whether you’re hiking, or just sitting to drink in the untouched, wild beauty of the area.
Windows are wide open and barrels of whisky are aged in sea air at Waubs Distillery, which sits right on the water’s edge in an old oyster hatchery in Bicheno. This truly maritime single malt whisky is meticulously crafted with water from the nearby Apsley River, malted Tasmanian barley and, soon, local and unique organic peat made of decayed local reeds, melaleuca tree and salt bush. Tours and tastings are available.
play – waubs harbour, bicheno
Set aside a morning to experience one of Australia’s most iconic views. The walk to the lookout will take about one and a half to two hours, with a steep section that is worth the effort. Or venture all the way down to the white sand beach (two to three hours return) to swim in crystal-clear waters.
play – wineglass bay
With its views towards the Hazards, the Homestead Restaurant at Piermont Retreat is the ideal place for a pitstop. Enjoy a drink on the terrace before a meal of local, seasonal dishes in an elegant dining room where a fire roars in winter and cool breezes waft through in summer.
eat – homestead, swansea
Tasmania is known for its southern rock lobster, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy it than at the Lobster Shack overlooking the Gulch in Bicheno, just metres from the fishing boat that catches them. Famous for its luscious lobster rolls, the Shack also serves Tasmanian drinks and fresh seafood to cook at home.
EAt – lobster shack, bicheno
Perched on the edge of the ocean at Falmouth, this beautifully styled shack is truly a place to escape and unwind. Watch the sunrise over the waves each morning, marvel at star-strewn skies at night, relish a meal cooked by a private chef or enjoy a platter of local produce collected on your travels.
STAY - Whale song shack
Saffire Freycinet, a luxury lodge, sits within the Freycinet National Park and enjoys a jaw-dropping outlook over the Hazards from every room. But the views are just part of what makes this all-inclusive, all-suite stay such an incredible experience. Guided walks through pristine wilderness – including world-renowned Wineglass Bay – oyster-shucking in the waters of Great Oyster Bay and fine dining and wines are all wonderfully memorable elements of this experience of Tasmania at its most luxurious.
STAY - saffire freycinet
Driving the East Coast is very much a journey where turquoise bays, sleepy seaside towns and vineyards are revealed along the way.
The Bay of Fires is a bay on the north-eastern coast of Tasmania, extending from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point.
One of Freycinet National Park’s many secluded and untouched bays and beaches.
Southern Tasmania
Where the road ends, Tasmania’s wild heart truly begins. Going south from Geeveston, explore breathtaking views, ancient forests, and the gateway to the untouched beauty of the Southwest National Park.
Venture south from Geeveston, and you enter a different world – one shaped by vast forests, ancient mountains, and wild rivers. This is Southern Tasmania at its most remote and majestic, where the road gradually narrows and nature takes over. It’s not just a place to visit; it’s a place to feel small, in the best possible way. The journey itself is unforgettable. As you travel deeper into the Huon Valley, orchards give way to towering eucalypts and mist-shrouded hills. The landscape feels timeless, untouched. The air is cooler, the light softer. It’s the kind of country that invites deep breaths and quiet reflection. Past the sleepy town of Dover, the road winds toward Southport and finally reaches Cockle Creek – the southernmost drivable point in Australia. From here, it’s just footsteps into the vast Southwest National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Covering more than 600,000 hectares, this is one of the last true wilderness areas on earth – raw, rugged, and humbling.
Driving to Cockle Creek is the farthest point south one can drive in Australia. It is located on Recherche Bay on the edge of the Southwest National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
The spectacular Hartz Peak walk moves through subalpine forest, over fragile alpine heath, glacial lakes and rocky summit climbs, to offer panoramic views across Tasmania’s South West Wilderness.
Experience the majesty of Tasmania's old-growth forests, the power of the upper Huon River and spectacular views from the cantilevered viewing platform at Tahune Adventures. Stroll along easy bush trails to discover the world’s most accessible area of rare and beautiful Huon pines or take to the trees on an elevated walkway that threads its way through the wilderness, 30 metres above the forest floor.
play – Tahune adventures
If you’re an experienced walker, you’ll want to bag Hartz Peak while you’re in Southern Tasmania. The 7.4km loop will take about three to five hours and the 360-degree views from the top are worth it. Tasmania’s weather is unpredictable, so dress and prepare appropriately.
play – hartz peak
It’s been hailed by Tassie locals as the best sushi in the Southern Hemisphere and it’s created by chef Masaaki who moved to Tasmania in 2007. He’s only open on the weekends for lunch, but if you’re in the right place at the right time, this is sushi worth hitting the road for.
eat – masaaki’s sushi, geeveston
At this chic and moody bistro in the deep south forestry town of Geeveston, wallaby skins cushion the chairs and the menu focuses on game and hyper-local fare. There’s a nose-to-tail and root-to-fruit ethos here, so expect beautifully executed dishes with a singularly Tasmanian touch.
EAt – The old bank of Geeveston, geeveston
250 acres of pristine wilderness surround this waterfront cottage for two on Blubber Head. Enjoy the escape to nature at a property that’s also home to an abundance of Tasmanian wildlife, including wallabies, echidnas, sea eagles and more. Views sweep from Port Esperance Bay to the snowcapped peaks of the Hartz Mountains.
STAY - The boathouse, dover
Set on the banks of the Esperance River, The Voyager is a soothing oasis of calm with both indoor and outdoor baths and understated interiors designed for low-key relaxing. Gather produce on your drive south and spend time creating a meal to remember as you gaze out at the water.
STAY - The voyager, dover
Remote and spectacular – Tasmania’s vast Southwest National Park stirs the soul with dramatic mountain peaks cloaked in mist.
The Mount Anne Circuit is a collection of peaks composed of white quartzite capped by red dolerite – the geological anomaly makes the circuit a popular destination for the experienced bushwalker.
The robust Hartz Peak walk is best done in fine weather but hikers should expect inclement weather at any point. For a shorter walking experience, try Waratah Lookout, Arve Falls, Lake Esperance, or Lake Osborne.
Walking trails here range from gentle coastal paths to multi-day treks, each offering views of dramatic seascapes, ancient rainforests, and snow-dusted peaks. Wildlife is abundant, and the sense of isolation is profound. This is a region that resists commercialisation. There are no big resorts or bustling crowds – just peaceful waters, unsealed roads, stars so clear they feel within reach and stunning views of the Aurora Australis when the time is right. Whether you’re soaking in a view over Recherche Bay or simply standing still and listening to the wind in the trees, Southern Tasmania leaves an imprint. For those who crave space, silence, and a deep connection to the natural world, the far south offers something rare and beautiful: a chance to truly escape.
Huon Valley and the Channel
Leave Hobart behind and revel in the lush rolling hills of the Huon Valley. Swooping roads take you from the Huon River to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel with plenty of food and drink opportunities in between.
South of Hobart lies a region where time slows and the land feeds both body and soul. The Huon Valley, together with the stunning D’Entrecasteaux Channel, forms Tasmania’s southern gourmet heart – a tapestry of rolling orchards, cool-climate vineyards, and sheltered waterways that invite exploration and indulgence. Known historically as the Apple Isle’s core, the Huon Valley’s fertile soils once produced most of the nation’s apples. Today, its orchards still flourish, now complemented by boutique cideries, organic farms, and passionate producers breathing new life into old traditions. The apple may be iconic, but the valley’s bounty also includes berries, mushrooms, honey, and handcrafted cheeses – all served with signature Tasmanian warmth. Meandering south toward the Channel, the road hugs hillsides that spill into quiet coves and aquamarine bays. The D’Entrecasteaux Channel, separating mainland Tasmania from Bruny Island, is more than just scenic – it’s also home to some of the island’s finest seafood. Think plump oysters and wild-caught abalone, often served just metres from where they’re harvested.
Cygnet lies between the D'Entrecasteaux Channel on one side and the Huon River on the other and is the heart of the fruit-growing Huon Valley.
Drive into the the riverside village of Franklin and let the charm and history wash over you as time slows down.
Stunning views across the Channel to Bruny Island make this architecturally designed cellar door a worthwhile experience no matter what the weather. Brothers Matt and Jonny Hughes (the winemaker) are behind this boutique waterfront vineyard that’s worth pulling over for.
play – mewstone
This wood-fired sauna sets sail from a marina on the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, mooring near a secluded point so you can dive into refreshing waters once you’ve built up a sweat. The glass-walled sauna delivers stunning views and is a wonderfully Tasmanian start or conclusion to your day.
play – kuuma nature sauna, margate
If you’re partial to a pastry, drop into this wood-fired bakery on Cygnet’s main street. In addition to classic breads and pastries, you’ll find housemade gelato based on produce brought in by neighbours with a harvest abundance. There are also a few local pantry items to help you pull together an end-of-the-day platter.
eat – Poolish & Co, Cygnet
Four generations of Smiths have tended these orchards and now they offer a bustling café and restaurant as well as a roadside apple stall. Experience a tasting flight of their ciders alongside casual dishes that highlight local produce and look out for evening events featuring local musicians.
EAt – willie smith’s apple shed
Set amongst an English-style perennial garden this beautifully renovated cottage offers both charm and comfort. Located just a few minutes from Cygnet, Little Oak is an ideal base from which to explore all the Huon Valley has to offer.
STAY - little oak, cygnet
With previous lives as a hospital, a bank and an antiques store, this gracious building on the banks of the Huon has plenty of stories to tell. Now it’s been reimagined by stylist and cookbook author Michelle Crawford as a chic apartment upstairs and artistic event space downstairs. Stare at the river, read a book, and embrace the quiet.
stay – The Bowmont, Franklin
Huon Valley’s proximity to the ocean and the sheltered valleys create ideal microclimates for the region’s pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling wines.
Take in the scenic views and naturally elegant, intensely flavoured cool climate wines from Mewstone, a small, family-owned winery nestled in Flowerpot.
Boats moored on the Huon River not far from The Bowmont.
Throughout the region, cellar doors pour cool-climate wines – especially pinot noir and chardonnay – often alongside seasonal menus that reflect the rhythm of local life. There’s a calm here that seeps into every experience, whether you’re sampling cider in a converted apple shed, picnicking by the water, or chatting with a cheesemaker in their farm kitchen. Framed by misty mountains and mirror-like waterways, the Huon and Channel region offers more than gourmet credentials. It’s a journey into Tasmania’s agricultural soul – a place where heritage meets innovation, and where every view is matched by something delicious on the plate.
Launceston and surrounds
Tasmania’s northern city was once one of Australia’s wealthiest and the architecture is there to prove it. It’s also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy – one of just 56 around the world.
Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city, is where heritage, hospitality, and world-class flavour converge. With its elegant architecture, tree-lined streets, and graceful Victorian buildings, Launceston offers a glimpse into Australia’s past while firmly embracing a future shaped by creativity, community, and cuisine. In 2021, Launceston was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a recognition of the region’s deep connection to food – not just in what’s grown and served, but in how it’s celebrated. This fertile corner of Tasmania is home to some of the country’s finest producers, from cool-climate winemakers and cheesemakers to small-scale farmers, bakers, and brewers. The result? A dining scene that is both refined and refreshingly grounded. Whether you’re indulging in a long lunch overlooking the Tamar Valley vineyards, enjoying a farm-to-table dinner in the city, or sipping a pinot noir poured by the winemaker herself, the experiences here feel intimate and authentic. Seasonal, local, and sustainable aren’t trends in Launceston – they’re a part of everyday life.
The surrounding Tamar Valley is a food- and wine-lover’s dream, dotted with cellar doors, berry farms, distilleries, and kitchen gardens. The cool climate and rich soil produce award-winning sparkling wines and delicate whites that rival those of Champagne and Burgundy. And all of this is set against a backdrop of natural beauty, with Cataract Gorge just minutes from the city centre and rolling hills stretching beyond. Launceston invites you to slow down, taste deeply, and connect – not only with the food and wine but with the stories behind each product and producer.
Launceston sits in the Tamar Valley, at the confluence of the North Esk and South Esk rivers.
Immerse yourself in nature and take your body temperature to new depths and heights in Tasmania’s iconic floating lake sauna.
Tasmania loves a sauna, and the Floating Sauna Lake Derby is the OG, in all its wood-fired, lakeside glory. Join a public session or book something more private to experience the health benefits (and sheer exhilaration) of sweating up in the sauna before diving straight into the refreshing waters of Briseis Hole (aka Lake Derby). You’ll be on a sauna high for the rest of the day.
play – floating sauna, derby
Carved from rock 65 million years ago, Cataract Gorge is a stunning 5km stretch of wilderness in the heart of Launceston. Take a stroll up the cliffside path, tour it by vintage cruise boat or take in a bird’s-eye view from the delightfully retro chairlift.
play – cataract gorge
Flaky, buttery pastries and crisp-crusted sourdough loaves line the shelves of this bakery-cum-café that’s a favourite with Launceston locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a coffee and croissant for breakfast and take a loaf with you for a picnic later on.
eat – bread + butter
Drop into this chic city wine bar for a glass or two from its well-curated wine list. If you’re feeling snackish, there are small bites on hand with larger plates also available if you’re staying for dinner. A private dining space and deck are ideal for larger groups.
EAt – havilah
Converted from former grain silos on the banks of the Tamar, this 108-room hotel offers expansive views and a newly installed helipad makes visiting wineries or golfing at Barnbougle quick and easy. Opt for a spacious room in one of the silos for the full experience.
STAY - Peppers silo hotel
Housed in a former flour mill just steps from Cataract Gorge, the seven exquisitely appointed rooms at Stillwater Seven bring together the best of Tasmania in terms of design, art, food and drink. Each suite has a unique character, and all enjoy views of the Tamar, a well-stocked minibar and luxury that rates high in the cosy stakes as well. Just downstairs is Stillwater, one of Tasmania’s best restaurants, and a must-do dinner.
STAY - stillwater seven
Book a stay at one of Launceston’s quaint Airbnbs or splurge and indulge in one of the town’s stunning historic hotels.
The misty beauty of the Floating Sauna Lake Derby.
Work up an appetite for Launceston’s bourgeoning food scene with a visit to Cataract Gorge.
