Featured image: King Billy Suite at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Photo: Emilie Ristevski & Tourism Tasmania
Spoiler alert, this is not your typical island honeymoon. But while the tropical cocktails may be in short supply, there is a glorious abundance of cool-climate charms. Welcome to Tasmania — Australia’s bountiful, wildly romantic, road-trip-ready southern isle. A place brimming with character and history, where waterfront cities and salt-white beaches give way to a hidden wilderness where tigers once roamed. A landscape washed clean by the purest air in the world, awaiting your discovery.
And the clincher? When mapping out a honeymoon road trip, the Apple Isle has size on its side, with many of the major highlights within two hours of one another. Just add a dash of luxe boutique accommodation and you’re good to go.
So, ready to enjoy a different kind of holiday isle? This super-scenic itinerary will unpack a swag of ideas for your edge-of-the-world escape.
Get excited: There are two main gateways to Tasmania. You can fly into Hobart, Launceston or Devonport or make your way to Melbourne and catch the Spirit of Tasmania across Bass Strait (vehicle and passenger-only fares available) to Devonport in a couple-perfect Deluxe Cabin.
For sheer convenience, we’re starting our engines in the capital Hobart (in the island’s south-east) which also offers a wealth of day trips if you have time to linger longer. Our top tip? The brilliant Distance & Drive Time calculator which will clue you up on whether you’ll make your accommodation by sundown (it’s very easy to get distracted here).
Day 1-4: Hobart.
Collect the keys to your top-shelf ride (it is your honeymoon after all) and treat yourselves to a couple of days at least in Tasmania’s vibrant, history-rich capital, set on the estuary of the River Derwent. Arrive on a Saturday to enjoy the beloved Salamanca Market in the historic docks area — a vibrant introduction to Tassie. From here you can climb the colonial-era Kelly’s Steps and wander the cafes, galleries, and 19th-century landmarks of Battery Place. Looking for a little old-fashioned romance? Heritage Horse Drawn Carriages will usher you around some of Hobart’s must-see sites, with their Royal High Tea Tour including fancy treats at Hobart’s oldest hotel, Hadley’s Orient Hotel (built by convict labour in 1834).
Art lovers can get their fix at the agent provocateur of the Australian art world, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), and don’t worry, they’ve got their own ferry. Leave from the Brooke Street Pier and plump for the Posh Pit access which includes drinks and canapes in the exclusive lounge bar and deck. Swanky. After a gob-smacking gallery tour you’ll need a drink, so pop over to MONA’s riverside cellar door Morilla or enjoy very fine dining at Faro.
Keen for a day trip? Feel the wind in your hair with a Peppermint Bay Cruise along the River Derwent and through the D’Entrecasteaux Channel or a visit to the convict heritage sites and Painted Cliffs of wildlife sanctuary Maria Island National Park. For a scenic gourmet getaway, it’s hard to go past Bruny Island. Half an hour from Hobart (plus a 20-minute ferry ride), this isle is famous for its oysters, cheese, chocolate, and whisky. Enough said, right? Although you could also leave Bruny until the end of your trip (see the Satellite Island section below).
Must-do: See the city from the top of kunanyi / Mount Wellington. Rising to 1,271 metres, this stunning landmark is just half an hour from the heart of Hobart and offers jaw-dropping views. It’s also one of the best places to see snow in Tasmania, so bring a beanie.
Memorable meal: Hobart is a foodies’ paradise with The Agrarian Kitchen Cooking School & Farm and The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery (half an hour away in New Norfolk) leading the pack with their paddock-to-plate ethos. Closer to town try the warmly welcoming European charms of Fico or, if you’re coming or going from Brooke Street Pier (launch point for the MONA and Peppermint Bay ferries), stop by Aloft. This superb dining space is perfectly poised on the top floor of the floating pier with a menu to rival those stellar water views.
Where to stay: The superb waterfront ‘storytelling’ hotel MAq 01 or the richly atmospheric Moss which is right in Salamanca Place. Art lovers will be in heaven with a choice of the historic waterfront warehouses-turned luxe art hotel Henry Jones Art Hotel, the intimate and lovely Islington Hotel, and “super-flash luxury dens”, the MONA Pavilions.
Related: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Hobart
Days 4-7: Cradle Mountain
Driving time from Hobart: approx. 4 hours
Time to leave civilisation behind and dive deep into Tasmania’s famed western wilderness as you head towards the Gordon River and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. This alpine wonderland of glacial lakes, ancient rainforest, and majestic mountains is home to Tasmania’s highest peak, Mount Ossa, as well as a lively neighbourhood of native Australian animals including echidnas, wombats, wallabies, and even platypus.
Hardcore honeymooners may be eying off the epic six-day/65 km Overland Track which stretches from Lake St Clair in the south to Cradle Mountain in the north. There are huts and campsites dotted along the track but for a guided experience, the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk is brilliant, staying in private hut accommodation with the all-important food and wine taken care of along the way.
If you’re not sold on a multi-day trek, there are plenty of ways to roam this spectacular landscape with myriad trails and circuits for every fitness level. Chasing snowflakes? The region transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland in winter (and sometimes randomly in summer!) and is also a top spot to chase the Southern Lights (aurora australis) which turn on their magical polar show from around May to September.
Honeymoon highlight: After some seriously scenic exploration, treat yourselves to The Sanctuary (part of Cradle Mountain Lodge’s Alpine Spa) where you can enjoy a massage, bottle of Tasmanian sparkling, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and exclusive use of the hot tub, plunge pool, sauna and spa. Heaven.
Memorable meal: A gourmet picnic in the wilderness (your accommodation will sort it for you). Or for passionate hikers, a protein bar on a bucket-list mountain peak may be the ultimate honeymoon snack.
Where to Stay: If you’re not glamping it up on the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, retreat to wild-luxe Cradle Mountain Lodge (glorious, and be sure to ask for a King Billy Suite with private outdoor hot-tub) or enjoy a whisky by the wood fire at the gorgeous Pumphouse Point, Lake St Clair.
Days 7-9: Launceston.
Driving time from Cradle Mountain: 2 hours
Tassie’s northern hub of Launceston is the perfect way to segue from the lush alpine wilds of Cradle Mountain to the awesome east coast to come. In fact, you may find the state’s ‘second city’ the real surprise package of your trip. A vibrant food and art scene, elegant colonial and Victorian architecture, and bountiful wine country surrounds. What’s not to love?
Pop into Boag’s Brewery (circa 1881) for a refreshing ale — it’s conveniently located in the middle of town! — and stroll on to Cataract Gorge and First Basin. Just 15 minutes on foot along the Tamar River, this refreshing urban oasis is home to the world’s longest single-span chair lift, walking trails and lookouts, crystal-clear waters, and a Victorian garden complete with resident peacocks.
But wait, is that wine country calling? Time to sip your way around the Tamar Valley Wine Trail, just minutes from town, which takes in Tassie cellar door faves including Jansz, Pipers Brook, Clover Hill and Tamar Ridge. Enjoy a cycle tour through the vines at Josef Chromy, where you can also play wine makers and blend your own sparkling drop.
Romantics can cap off their ‘Lonnie’ layover weaving their way through the forests and farmland of northern Tassie to Bridestowe Lavender Estate where the hills are blanketed in lilac blooms through December and January. Picture perfect.
Or if you have King Island on your must-see list, take a direct flight (1.5 hours) from Launceston to this far northern isle where you can scoff mountains of their famous cheese and seafood, roam the scenic nature trails and coastline, and bunk down in gorgeous eco retreat Kittawa Lodge. There’s even two world-class golf courses for the fairway inclined.
Honeymoon highlight: A private heli-adventure with Unique Charters. Design your dream north Tassie itinerary (think picnicking among convict ruins on a private island or dropping by Wineglass Bay with a bottle of bubbly) and see this magnificent island from the air. Epic.
Memorable meal: It has to be Stillwater, located in the heart of Tamar Valley. This pioneering restaurant, housed in a colonial-era flour mill, is a foodie favourite for good reason, with the Stillwater Seven boutique hotel upstairs a worthy companion.
Where to stay: Industrial-luxe Hotel Verge, elegant Victorian-era boutique B&B The Florance, or Peppers Silo (yep, it’s a beautifully reimagined grain silo).
Days 9-11: Freycinet Peninsula & Coles Bay
Driving time from Launceston:2.5 hours
You’ve met the wild heart of Tassie, now switch gears for the glorious windswept coast. If you want to see the most of the coast, head from Launceston to the beautiful Bay of Fires region in the north-east. Stretching to the coastal hamlet of Binalong Bay, this is fast becoming a must-see for its distinctive ochre-dusted granite boulders, pristine beaches and charming townships.
But if you’ve indulged in Launceston a little longer than expected (and who could blame you?) we know you won’t want to miss the sugary arc of Wineglass Bay. So, motor directly to Coles Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula further south where pink granite cliffs, salt-white beaches, and magical national park are sure to be a honeymoon highlight. The (very) steep ascent to Wineglass Bay Lookout is so worth it for views of that Insta-famous curve and sapphire waters below. Say cheers!
Must do: After the thrills of Wineglass Bay, take in sunset at the low-key and lovely Honeymoon Bay, a secluded and picture-perfect cove overlooking Coles Bay on the western side of the peninsula.
Memorable meal: A fresh-from-the-sea feast at the Freycinet Marine Farm. Or for something a little fancier, try the delicious locally-sourced dishes and superb views at The Bay Restaurant at Freycinet Lodge or Palate at Saffire Freycinet. This last one’s just for guests, but hey, who wouldn’t want to stay at Saffire?
Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Australia’s Top 29 Landmarks Every Traveller Should See
Where to stay: The stunning Thalia Haven, Great Oyster Bay (they have an awesome outdoor tub) or Coles Bay icon Saffire Freycinet
Day 11/12 : Huon Valley
Driving time from Coles Bay: 3 hours
On your way back, overshoot Hobart and keep heading south to reach the verdant Huon Valley. Extending from Geeveston to the southernmost edge of Tasmania (of Australia!), this abundant region is home to historic apple orchards, charming waterside hamlets, and very scenic driving.
Pull over at roadside stalls for farm-fresh treats, take a mineral-rich soak in a thermal pool at Hastings Cave, and pop in for apple pie and cider at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, where fourth-generation growers tend trees that date back to 1888. It’s that kind of place.
Must do: Indulge your thrill-seeker side at Tahune Adventures, half an hour from Geeveston, where you can cross the mighty Huon River via 100-metre suspension bridge, hang-glide across the water on a vaulted cable, or splash your way down the Picton River in a kayak.
Memorable meal: Sushi-loving sweethearts are in for a treat at Massaki’s in Geeveston. Some say the best in Australia, we’ll let you decide.
Where to Stay: We love the sweeping views and ultra-private, luxury cottage feel of Shanleys Huon Valley
Days 12-14: Satellite Island & back to Hobart
Travel time: From Hobart, around 3 hours by sea or 20 minutes via helicopter. Or 5 minutes from Bruny Island.
For one last incredible Tassie experience, see Satellite Island. Serenely located in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, five minutes from Bruny Island, this pristine private isle was named for its epic stargazing and is ideal for newlyweds. You could either explore Bruny Island first (a 20-minute ferry ride from Kettering) and then take the five-minute crossing to Satellite Island. Or turn in your keys in Hobart and arrive directly on the island in style via helicopter or private sailing charter.
Bonfires at sunset, fossicking for treasures on the pebbled shore, and enjoying the luxury of time together and the sound of the sea. What a magical way to farewell Tasmania (for now) and begin your new chapter.
Want more?
Check out our 10 Must-See Attractions in Tasmania for Honeymooners. Tourism Tasmania also has all the up-to-date info on holidaying down here.
