Caves, creatures and Cataract Gorge

Drop into Bread and Butter in Launceston for fresh pastries and coffee to kickstart your day.

It’s a 1hr drive to Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary. Scout for furry favourites including Tassie devils, pademelons and wombats. Only in the Off Season, you can also hand-feed an elusive tawny frogmouth.

Nearby, the Hearth of Chudleigh is a convenient lunch stop set in an historic 1886 general store.

Next, bundle up for cool adventures underground at Mole Creek Caves. Marvel at natural wonders like sparkling crystals, underground rivers and amazing glow worm displays.

Feeling peckish? Head to Deloraine for a casual dinner in a former bicycle factory at the Empire Hotel.

Embrace cabin core at Cedar Cottage Meander and brave a Baltic dip in the lake followed by a steaming soak and hot cocoa under the stars.  

Enjoy a sleep in at your cosy cottage, get your farm gear on, then head out for breakfast at Deloraine Deli.

A 35min drive brings you to the World Heritage Convict Site of Brickendon Estate, near Longford. Explore the well-preserved convict-built farm village and meet the friendly farm animals. Daily feeding at 10.15am.

Drive up the Bass Highway for lunch at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm's cafe. Sample their hand-dipped chocolate-coated raspberries then stroll along the lakeside boardwalk to view the berry farm.

Book ahead to get your cuteness fix at Little Things Farm where you can join a farm walk and meet the mini goats. Snap up some goats milk souvenirs from the shop and try a tasty cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

For dinner, tuck into pizza at Bush Inn Brewhouse – kids even have a make-your-own menu.

Return to your accommodation and unwind by the outdoor fire pit (marshmallows optional).

Check out of your accommodation and journey through fertile farmland to Launceston.

Stop in at Juice Bar 55, near the waterfront, for a healthy snack, cold-pressed smoothie or coffee.

Cosy up with a blanket and take advantage of the hot cocoa station as you float past the cliffs of Cataract Gorge on a misty morning Tamar River Cruise.

Next, head to the Basin – the heart of Cataract Gorge – for a warming winter lunch at the Gorge Kiosk.

Walk off your meal with a wander around Cataract Gorge's easy First Basin loop track (900m circuit) which includes Alexandra Suspension Bridge.

As dusk sets in, snag the best seat in the house on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift for a winter-exclusive twilight ride (Thursday and Friday nights).

Bigger thrills and brighter lights await on a zipline, cliff jump or cliff walk night adventure at Penny Royal Adventures.

Calm the nerves with dinner and a welcome hot tonic at Best Western Plus Launceston's Tram Bar. Take advantage of a 10% discount on your Off Season stay.

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before setting out to explore the Tamar Valley.

Trace the banks of Kanamaluka / River Tamar north to Seahorse World in Beauty Point. Cradle a tiny seahorse in the palm of your hand or spy the critically endangered spotted and red handfish.

Next door, Platypus House is your best bet to see platypuses swimming and echidnas feeding.

Crossing the river, drive on to Bridestowe Lavender Estate, the largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. Tour the grounds then spark the senses with a hands-on fragrance workshop (book ahead). Light lunch included.

End your trip with a memorable dinner at Launceston’s popular Cataract on Paterson. Highlights include the seafood platter and their stone grill experience (served on 400 degrees Celsius volcanic stone). That’ll keep you warm for winter.