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Five-day luxe lover road trip

Award-winning accommodation with fine food and beverages, roaring fires, spa treatments and panoramic vistas of awe-inspiring wilderness. That’s the essence of your indulgent five-day Tasmanian getaway, but there’s also everything from a museum famed for artistic and culinary daring to a private scenic flight. Book well in advance, then hit the road in style.

Be a spirited traveller and follow this 5-day itinerary that will have you living the life of luxury in Tassie.

Day 1: Devonport to Cradle Mountain

Make a beeline for one of Tasmania’s natural icons, Cradle Mountain, which is only 75 minutes’ drive south-west of Devonport via route C132. Build up some self-indulgence brownie points with an invigorating walk – perhaps the easy but spectacular Dove Lake circuit. This trail winds around the lake reflecting Cradle Mountain’s towering twin peaks, and through temperate rainforest of ancient trees and moss.

Freshen up at your accommodation on the edge of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Offering a collection of cosy-meets-contemporary cabins and suites, Cradle Mountain Lodge is an ideal base for exploring this World Heritage wilderness.

Sink into a leather armchair by the lounge’s big open fire with a top-shelf Tasmanian craft spirit, or retreat to the lodge’s Waldheim Alpine Spa. For complete indulgence, book the spa’s Sanctuary. Designed for couples and small groups, it offers a sauna, steam room, hot tub and cold plunge pool. Soak up views of the Pencil Pine River while sipping local sparkling wine and nibbling chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Day 2: Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair

It’s a scenic three-hour drive on the Lyell Highway around the national park’s fringe to tonight’s accommodation, Pumphouse Point. This boutique accommodation nestled by and literally on Lake St Clair was formerly a hydroelectric powerstation, built in the 1940s. Its industrial Art Deco buildings have been reborn with contemporary style and comfort to die for.

The property immerses guests in a jaw-dropping landscape of glacial lakes, mountain streams and old-growth rainforest. Take advantage of the area’s many bushwalking trails, try fly fishing or mountain biking, slip a boat onto the water or simply sit by the fire with a wee dram of whisky and those wildly beautiful vistas.

There are three honesty bars, and you’ll also find complimentary treats such as Tasmanian wine, cheese and freshly baked bread in your room’s larder. In the evenings, join other guests around communal dining tables to discuss the day’s adventures over a hearty meal inspired by local, seasonal produce.

If you want to really live it up, choose Pumphouse Point’s most luxurious accommodation, The Retreat. Surrounded by bushland on the lake’s edge, this private, all-inclusive escape built for two is filled with locally crafted furniture, ceramics and two deep bathtubs – including an outdoor one for bliss under the stars.

Day 3: Lake St Clair to Hobart

You’re off to the state’s capital, which is 2.5 hours south-east via the Lyell Highway. A Hobart highlight is Mona, a private gallery with amazing, sometimes confronting art, radical architecture, its own vineyard and brewery, and some of Tasmania’s finest eating and drinking experiences. So try to find time to dine at The Source restaurant or relax over a cocktail at Void bar.

You could easily spend all day at Mona, but other indulgent Hobart options include a restorative facial at Quay day spa or shopping for locally crafted treasures. Try FIND Contemporary Jewellery Collective, Dick + Dora, and Grey and Felt.

Your night on the town begins with an aperitif – perhaps some of the world’s finest whisky at the legendary Lark Distillery’s city cellar-door-meets-bar, or cocktails among an extraordinary private collection of ancient fossils at Evolve bar. Another top option for fancy drinks is The Glass House, floating graciously at the end of Brooke Street Pier. Linger for dinner, or step upstairs to Aloft restaurant, where dishes created from fresh Tasmanian produce are served with grand views of Hobart’s harbour.

Or perhaps dine at your deluxe accommodation: the old-meets-new Henry Jones Art Hotel’s Peacock and Jones restaurant, or MACq 01’s glamorous Old Wharf Restaurant.

Day 4: Hobart to Coles Bay

Make a bright start today, because you’ll want to spend every possible minute on the Freycinet Peninsula, 2.5 hours north-east of Hobart via the Tasman Highway. The most famous sight among Freycinet National Park’s dramatic landscape of pink-hued mountains, impossibly blue waters and powder-white sand is Wineglass Bay, and there are few better ways to explore it than aboard a catamaran. Wineglass Bay Cruises' 4.5 hour voyage takes you from Coles Bay to this magical spot where you drop anchor and enjoy lunch. Likely companions include seals, seabirds, dolphins and, in season, humpback whales.

Allow ample time to enjoy your stay at Saffire Freycinet, part of the acclaimed Luxury Lodges of Australia portfolio. Nestled in bushland overlooking The Hazards mountains and Great Oyster Bay, this sophisticated, design-driven accommodation has just 20 suites. There’s a bounty of special experiences on offer here, from visiting Freycinet Marine Farm for oysters and sparkling wine, to pampering at the on-site spa. Or simply enjoy the priceless seaside panorama in the lounge before a decadent degustation dinner at Saffire’s Palate restaurant.

Day 5: Coles Bay to Devonport

Make the most of your time on the peninsula, perhaps with a Freycinet Air private scenic flight over Wineglass Bay and the region’s other natural wonders. There are 30-minute, 45-minute and one-hour options. Or splurge on a choose-your-own-adventure return flight to Maria Island, from a picnic to exploring the Painted Cliffs and UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict site.

From Saffire Freycinet it’s a three-hour drive to Devonport via Highway 1, where you will board Spirit of Tasmania for your journey home.

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