Tasmania undoubtedly boasts some of Australia’s greatest driving roads, but the famous island-state has plenty more on offer. From breath-taking World Heritage sites and thrilling adventures, to the finest wining and dining, there’s something down here for every discerning traveller.
At Ultimate Driving Tours, we are always on the lookout for something a little different when it comes to accommodation and dining – something special, something unique and something our guests will be talking about long after they have finished touring with us.
Let us take you on a journey through some of the best places to stay and dine in Tasmania.
The best Tasmanian hotels
You really are spoiled for choice in terms of romantic luxury accommodation in Tassie, with everything from grand traditional hotels to unique boutique accommodation dotted around the rugged wilderness. Here are some of our personal favourites:
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MACq 01
We begin with MACq 01 – one of the most distinctive hotels on the island. Once home to both a shipping yard and a busy wharf market, MACq 01 is now a relaxed but luxurious hotel sitting right on the water of Macquarie Wharf in Hobart. This celebrated hotel prides itself on its storytelling as much as it does its opulence and comfort. Enjoy learning the rich history of the location while indulging in an array of bars and restaurants serving locally sourced menus.
Image: freycinetlodge.com.au
Freycinet Lodge
In a unique location where mountains and water meet bushland, Freycinet Lodge is a stellar option if you are enjoying the beauty of Tasmania’s east coast. This enchanting hotel is nestled in the magical Freycinet National Park, overlooking the waters of Great Oyster Bay. In addition to stunning views, this hotel offers spacious modern rooms and indulgence aplenty at any of the three gourmet restaurants. Of course, if you are up for a spot of hiking, you have one of Australia’s best national parks on your doorstep!
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Peppers Cradle Mountain
Peppers Cradle Mountain is a true wilderness hotel and the place to come when you truly want to get away from it all (without compromising on comfort of course). Sat on the cusp of the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Peppers is an elegant mountain hotel with an abundance of cosy corners. Guests stay in upmarket but relaxed wood cabins with views of the ancient forest, while two restaurants and a peaceful day spa allow for plenty of indulgence.
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Saffire Freycinet
We are not the only team that appreciates Saffire Freycinet – the hotel is plastered with awards, and has consistently been named Australia’s best luxury hotel by TripAdvisor. The resort is set on a picturesque site on the Freycinet Peninsula on the shores of Coles Bay. Made up of a spectacular main lodge and 20 lavish villas, this hotel combines laidback luxury and exceptional service, while dining at the exclusive Palate is an unmissable experience. Spend a few hours at Saffire Freycinet and you will understand why it’s held in such high regard.
Image: pumphousepoint.com.au
Pumphouse Point
Pumphouse Point is a truly mystical hotel, primarily for its awe-inspiring location. With half of the hotel in a converted pumphouse set 900ft out in Lake St Clair, the uniqueness of this Tasmanian accommodation is difficult to match. This blissfully peaceful retreat – which has a strict adults-only policy – offers cosy modern rooms and is renowned for its homely service and cooking. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the surrounding national park.
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The Tasman
Finally, we arrive at The Tasman in Hobart. Continuing the trend of distinctiveness, this Luxury Collection Hotel comprises three converted buildings, including an original 1840s heritage building, a luxury 1940s Art Deco building, and a modern Pavilion building that overlooks the water. Each elegant room is kitted with state-of-the-art technology and several luxury touches, while the location is ideal to explore the city’s vibrant waterfront.
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The finest Tasmanian dining
Tasmania’s culinary scene is best known for its fresh seafood, cheeses, and black truffles, not to mention wines, ciders and spirits. These delicacies are on full display at Tasmania’s many celebrated restaurants.
Our dining wish list is long, but our most recent favourites include the Highland Restaurant at the aforementioned Peppers Cradle Mountain. This restaurant is often regarded as one of Tasmania’s premier dining experiences, offering the best of cool-climate produce including seafood, cheeses and wines.
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Moving to the waterfront and Peppermint Bay – to the south of Hobart – is another excellent restaurant on our radar. Overlooking the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, this gorgeous restaurant prides itself on a seasonally changing menu as well as a wide range of Tasmanian wines.
Another personal favourite of ours is the vibrant Cellar Door & Eatery at Ghost Rock vineyard, near the Cradle Coast. You can dive into a wholesome modern menu featuring local produce, while washing it down with any of Ghost Rock’s extensive selection of fine wines.
Our favourite Tasmanian experiences
With captivating scenery, adventure at every corner and an abundance of culinary delights, Tasmania presents an embarrassment of riches. Below you will find some of the activities we like to do when relaxing in Tassie.
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Savour fine wines at Josef Chromy
Josef Chromy is a highly respected name in the world of fine wine and a visit to the state-of-the-art winery in the north of the island is guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling. Tastings take place in a picturesque setting overlooking the vineyards and lake, and include a range of the producer’s finest offerings.
Forage for truffles near Great Lake
As the largest natural freshwater lake in Australia, Great Lake provides some tasty scenery – yet not quite as delicious as the truffles you may find on a foraging excursion. Meander a special truffle farm near the lake to find some of the finest black truffles outside Europe, before rewarding yourself with a special lunch using these extraordinary ingredients.
Cruise up the river to Peppermint Bay
A catamaran cruise down the Derwent River to the picturesque Peppermint Bay is a must. Photo opportunities come frequently on this relaxed cruise, while you may also spot dolphins playing in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. On arrival, enjoy a seasonal dinner at the renowned Peppermint Bay Hotel (see above).
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Carve up Australia’s most thrilling driving roads
Tasmania is seen as Australia’s premier driving destination and for good reason. Jump in a supercar and traverse some famous roads, such as 99 Bends – a short but thrilling section of the Lyell Highway that twists and turns over the mountainous land. Or there’s the Great Eastern Drive, which is arguably one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Searching for the best experiences in Tasmania?
The best way to indulge in these experiences is to join us on our next luxury tour of Tasmania. On our Tasmanian Driving Tour, you can drive your own favourite car along a finely curated route of the island, taking in the best roads, the most decadent dining and some of the unique hotel experiences mentioned above. Reach out to our team today to find out more.
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