710km
31
5
Experience the best of winter in north-west Tasmania with a five-day itinerary featuring truffle hunting, cultural tours, animal encounters and cosy farm stays.
The must-do activities
- Hunt for truffles, then eat them.
- Stay on a quaint farm with miniature goats, ducks and chickens for company.
- Take a guided tour to learn about Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) culture.
Day 1: Launceston and the Tamar Valley
Fuel up for the journey ahead with a hearty breakfast and smooth coffee roasted in-house at Tatler Lane by Sweetbrew in Launceston’s city centre.
Head to the nearby waterfront then drift through Cataract Gorge with a steaming hot chocolate in hand on a Tamar River Cruise.
Drive 25min north into the Tamar Valley for an indulgent sparkling wine and caviar tasting experience at Pirie.
Return to Launceston for an afternoon stroll through City Park. Dine on local grass-fed beef at Black Cow Bistro before settling into your boutique stay at Hotel Verge.
Day 2: Launceston to Penguin
Start the day with coffee and a small bite at Frankie’s Coffee House in Launceston.
The north west is a hotspot for truffles, especially during the Off Season. Drive for 45min to the Truffle Farm in Deloraine to hunt for these fragrant treasures, then enjoy the aromatic fungi over molten handmade s'mores, paired with Tasmanian wine.
Still hungry? Indulge in a decadent winter lunch of Dutch apple or chocolate-raspberry pudding at Anvers Chocolate Factory.
Drive to Hideaway Farmlet in Penguin for a one-of-a-kind sleepover and hang out with the farm's mini goats. Time your trip with a winter full moon and stay an extra night for a picnic of local produce with moonrise views.
Day 3: Penguin to Stanley
Say goodbye to the (goat) kids and check out of Hideaway Farmlet. Then head to the Berry Patch at Turners Beach for breakfast.
Next, drive to Wings Wildlife Park at Gunns Plains to meet local wildlife.
Head to Sisters Beach for lunch at Little Sisters General Store.
Then continue on to Stanley and take in views of the Nut rising dramatically from the sea, before climbing all the way to the top on the Nut walk.
Step into the past at Stanley Hotel for a dinner of local north-west produce – fresh fish, Cape Grim beef, oysters and more.
Finish the day with a beachfront stay at the Inlet – Stanley and a Tasmanian pinot noir paired with gooey local cheese.
Day 4: Smithton
No need to pack your bags – make the most of your two-night stay in Stanley and enjoy a morning cuppa with an ocean view at your accommodation.
Then hit the road for Colony Cafe at Blue Hills Honey for breakfast.
Drive to nearby Smithton to see robots milking cows at Duck River Meadows Robotic Dairy then pay a visit to Tarkine Fresh Oysters for a plate of plump winter bivalves, made sweeter by the cool Off Season water temperatures.
Head back to Stanley to pick up breakfast supplies at Providore 24 before indulging in a decadent seafood dinner at award-winning seafood restaurant, Hursey Seafoods.
Return to the Inlet – Stanley for the night. Make the most of the late check-out time and stay up late gazing at starry winter skies.
Day 5: Stanley to Launceston
Start your day slowly with artisanal bread and coffee beans picked up yesterday from Providore 24.
Then check out of your accommodation and drive 40min to Boat Harbour Beach.
Enjoy a 1.5hr cultural walk with tunapri Patuyala - Palawa Guided Tour, soaking in expansive views of the north-west coast while learning about the area’s cultural heritage.
On your way back to Launceston, drop into Ulverstone to work up an appetite at Pedal Buggies Tasmania, then pick up some lunch supplies on your way to Leven Valley Vineyard for a winter wine tasting and DIY winter feast.
Return to Launceston and reflect on your loop of the north west over a dinner of seasonal delicacies at Grain of the Silos.
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