Luxury winter holiday destinations

A cosy decadence reigns supreme during the Off Season.

Tasmania has four distinct seasons, and winter here comes with an added serving of luxury holiday destinations. Think personal chefs, boutique hotels perched on water, exclusive lodges, private islands, five-star winter resorts and high-end cellar doors. Attention to detail and a desire to create memorable experiences for guests to the island is driving a new kind of luxury tourism – discover sleek architecture, gourmet food and unforgettable landscapes. Better still, in the Off Season you’ll have it mostly to yourself.

Why choose Tasmania for your luxury winter holiday? 

Think of Tasmania as an island apart – a little different to the rest of Australia. This island surrounded by islands is a green jewel in the Southern Ocean, a fertile land producing some of Australia’s finest seafood, wine, whisky, cheese, meat, fruit and vegetables. It is also a land of luxury winter hotels and boutique holiday experiences, and winter is the perfect time to rug up, escape the crowds and sample these. Immerse in Tasmania’s Off Season and discover what winter is really about.

Secluded stay

On the rugged King Island coastline, kick back in luxed-out eco-accommodation at serene Kittawa Lodge. Each lodge has a wall of glass offering panoramic views of untouched Bass Strait coastline. You can even ogle the coastal views while soaking in a handmade concrete bath. No need to lift a finger: Kittawa will design a bespoke experience with local delicacies, premium wines and exclusive locally made body products. How about an in-house chef? Or a massage? Who knew living off grid could be so sumptuous.

City escape

Built around Hobart’s 1840’s St Mary’s hospital and a 1930’s Art Deco office block, the Tasman also features a sleek contemporary Pavilion wing. Expect lavishly appointed guest rooms, carefully restored features and locally sourced produce. At ground level, Peppina serves indulgent Italian cuisine while the Mary Mary cocktail bar will shake up an elegant creation. Check in to a suite, drop in for dinner or a late night Old Fashioned. There’s only one destination here: luxury.

Wilderness cruise

Float in boutique hotel-style bliss with On Board during a four-night winter odyssey along Tasmania’s striking east coast. Cruise past coastal peaks and stop at pristine beaches on this exclusive wilderness adventure. Marvel at Australia’s tallest sea cliffs, visit the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, comb Maria Island’s sandy beaches and cruise the turquoise waters of Wineglass Bay. Specialist chefs borrowed from Hobart’s best restaurants will feed your body while expert guides feed your mind. This is a luxury winter vacation, but a wild one.

Luxury lodge

Touted as one of the finest and easily living up to its name, Saffire Freycinet sets the bar that others must follow. Arguably one of Tasmania’s best resorts in winter, Saffire is set against the spectacular backdrop of the Freycinet Peninsula. Guests are treated to one-on-one service, all-inclusive degustation dining and immersive experiences – think shucking oysters in waders or gathering honey from Saffire’s hives. This luxury winter lodge also offers a day spa, as well as the kind of culinary offerings that become your new benchmark for indulgence.

Private island getaway

Rug up for a picnic like no other. Unique Charters will chopper you to a private island off the north-east coast of Tasmania – for lunch. Encircled by pristine white beaches and clear blue waters, remote Swan Island is yours to hike, explore or relax on. Find a cosy spot among the convict-era ruins and enjoy a gourmet picnic brimming with fresh local produce and sweeping ocean views.  

Cellar door experience

Perched in the hills of the Pipers River region is one of northern Tasmania’s celebrated vineyards. The climate here is ideal for growing traditional sparkling varieties: pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. Established almost forty years ago on the site of an old dairy farm, Clover Hill is now one of Australia’s premier sparkling houses. Here, wine makers use traditional methods, gaining a well-deserved reputation for uncompromising quality. Swing by and try some for yourself at the stand-out cellar door.  

Walking in style

Hike the soaring sea cliffs of Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula on Tasmanian Walking Company’s Three Capes Signature Walk. Cruise to Denman’s Cove, trek to luxurious Crescent Bay Lodge and look out for sea eagles as you summit Arthurs Peak. Relax into a massage or take an invigorating outdoor bath before dinner at cosy Cape Pillar Lodge, then hike through forest to the infamous Blade or spend a day lazing at the lodge. This four-day expedition combines rugged coastal scenery with knowledgeable guides and impeccable lodge accommodation.

Deluxe dining

Built from rammed earth and decked out in Tasmanian oak, Van Bone appeals to designers as much as it does foodies. The light-filled restaurant has broad views of the Marion Bay coastline and packs a serious culinary punch. Diners are offered a set menu of up to 14 courses sourced from local organic farmers, as well as Van Bone’s own orchard and vegetable garden. All meals are cooked over coals – or, as head chef Tim Hardy describes it, “kissed by fire”.  

Coastal retreat

Perched atop a cape among 60 acres in Tasmania’s far north west, Table House Farm is a luxe designer getaway. Play games or relax around a central fire in the spacious living room or take in the 360-degree views from a lounge set in its own tower. Sunset drinks, anyone? With four large ensuites, the farm makes an elegant Off Season stay for families and friends. Especially when you throw in a chef's kitchen, year-round kitchen garden, and, pause for effect…private beach.

Culture fix

Fiercely independent, one man’s vision has become one of the world’s must-see art galleries. Ancient artefacts sit alongside Damien Hirsts and Kandinskys, a machine pushes out human excrement and there’s even the Beatles’ original mixing desk from Abbey Road. Allow yourself at least half a day to immerse yourself in Mona. Better still, go all out fancy and book high tea for two at the Ladies Lounge, roll up for tastings of the Moorilla wine range, grab a table at decadent Faro, or check in to accommodation at one of the glamorous waterside pavilions.