Tasmania travel deals: Apple Isle lays out the welcome mat
The Apple Isle is emerging from lockdown with some great offers for locals and forward planners from further afield.
Many of Tasmania’s tourism operators are laying out the welcome mat for intrastate travellers. Here’s a selection of deals that will appeal to Tassie residents and interstate visitors when flights and ferries are back on the agenda.
READ MORE: Tassie and SA consider travel bubble | Unleashed Tassie locals head for the hills | Open the borders: tourism body
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Green shoots
The Apple Isle’s gardens are the focus of a nine-day tour that heads from Launceston to Cradle Mountain and Strahan on the west coast, before exploring the Derwent and Huon valleys and Hobart. Led by green-fingered host Jennifer Stackhouse, the Renaissance Tours trip includes visits to the likes of historic Culzean, Old Wesleydale, Crawleighwood, and Eggs and Bacon Bay Cottage. October 25-November 3; from $6250 a person, twin-share.
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Nature’s own
Luxury lodge Saffire Freycinet is reopening from July 15 and has a stay-four, pay-three deal for travel from September 1 to December 13. The property, which looks towards the spectacular Hazards range, comprises 20 private suites. Accommodation packages include full board and beverages, and spa credit; from $6300 for a luxury suite.
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Take a berth
The heritage-listed Ship Inn at Stanley, on the northwest coast, is offering three nights for the price of two for stays until December 31. The property has seven suites, each with a kitchenette that enables guests to enjoy breakfast in privacy. Other social-distancing measures include contact-free check-in and takeaway dinners and platters; from $190-$250 a night.
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Stay and save
Launceston’s Stillwater Seven, housed in an 1830s flour mill in Cataract Gorge, is serving up intimate dining experiences with accommodation at discounted prices. Tasmanian produce is central to the two- or three-course menu, from $80 a person, and diners can settle in for the night in one of the seven boutique rooms for $330, including breakfast and parking; for stays to October 31.
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Top of the lake
Thousand Lakes Lodge, which stands in splendid isolation on the wild Central Plateau, is reopening in September with a special offer for return guests. The “Just for 2” package includes two nights in a premium room; welcome cheese board and house wine; four hours’ ebike hire; picnic lunch; breakfast and two-course dinner each day plus late checkout. Applies to stays before October 31; $524.50 a night for two.
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Fancy flights
Boutique property The Woodbridge in New Norfolk, 30 minutes from Hobart, has a two-night accommodation package that includes a private winery experience by seaplane. Guests are whisked from the hotel’s Derwent River pontoon to Meadowbank Estate for lunch and a tour of the vineyard before flying back to the hotel. From $1355 a person, twin-share, with breakfast; available from October 1.
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Pedal power
Mountain-biking property Blue Derby Pods is opening up its unique cabins to Tasmanian residents in an accommodation-only opportunity. The twin-share pods, usually occupied by participants on guided three- and four-day rides, will be available on select Fridays and Saturdays for the rest of the year; from $295 a night (minimum two nights), including access to communal kitchen and dining area.
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Spirited approach
Free Spirit Eco-Pods is laying on the hospitality to welcome visitors back to Bruny Island. Guests in the two airy couples’ studios receive a barbecue pack from the local Snug Butchery plus a box of organic vegetables from a neighbouring farm, a bottle of regional wine and chocolates plus breakfast: $290 a night for two nights; for stays from Monday to December 17.
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Cosy burrow
Stays at the new three-bedroom Wombat Lodge on Quoin Farm, Flinders Island, attract a 20 per cent discount from September 1 to November 30. The cottage is suitable for six and has a chef’s kitchen. From $280 a night (two-night minimum); includes in-house breakfast, use of ebikes and unlimited Wi-Fi; catering packages available.
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Walk this way
Get 11 of your best friends together and book Tasmanian Walking Company’s Bay of Fires Lodge or Cradle Mountains Hut Walk and you can all enjoy a complimentary night at historic Quamby Estate, outside Launceston, before departure (valued at $4500). Included are a two-course dinner and breakfast. Valid for departures by January 31 next year. Bay of Fires from $1775 a person; Cradle Mountain from $2795; group bookings only.