Wineglass Bay Photo by Daniel Tran
If you’re marrying in winter, there has to be no better place to take your honeymoon than Tasmania. Stunning scenery, amazing food and a plethora of adventures to be had. Today, let’s escape and take a honeymoon down south! If you’re a local or have travelled to Tassie recently and have anything to add to my lists, please leave a comment!
Five Fantastic Places To Stay
Cradle Mountain Lodge & Waldheim Alpine Spa
Tourism Tasmania & Emilie Ristevski
Right amid breathtakingly beautiful Cradle Mountain sits Cradle Mountain Lodge and Waldheim Alpine Spa. The closest accommodation to the mountain, Cradle Mountain Lodge is all about getting back to nature. Surrounded by walking trails, the pine cabins offer luxuries like log fires, spa baths, three onsite bars & restaurants and the gorgeously decadent Waldheim Alpine Spa. The lodge allows you to be wildly adventurous with a daily activity schedule, or just relax in your room and enjoy the sweeping views!
Supplied Courtesy of Saffire Freycinet
Saffire Freycinet is located on Tasmania’s East Coast and overlooks Great Oyster Bay & Hazards Mountains, Everything is a pure luxury here- perfect for your Tasmanian honeymoon! From the organic design of the buildings (which include Tasmanian woods) to the beautiful suites (all include king-sized beds with double shower & bath and guests staying in the Premium Suites enjoy their private plunge pool). There’s a day spa on-site and a divine restaurant featuring (of course) local produce, meaning you never have to go outside…unless of course that hike beckons!
Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Peppers always has some stunning properties and their Tasmanian property Peppers Calstock doesn’t let the team down! Set on 200 acres, accommodation is offered within the mansion built in the 1800s. There are seven guest rooms and two guest suites. The adults-only retreat has a French provincial style with beautiful food (overseen by chef Stuart Godfrey) served on-site.
Tourism Tasmania & Dan Fellow
Overlooking Mount Roland. Eagles Nest Retreat provides an intimate setting with panoramic views. The retreat is filled with locally crafted furniture, a fully equipped kitchen, dream chef service, in house massages and open fires. you can even take a spa underneath the stars!
Tourism Tasmania & Jason Clare
Right on the shore in Stanley (home of natural wonder The Nut), sits @ VDL Stanley, an architecturally designed boutique hotel. Housed in bluestone walls, VDL Stanley only has three guest suites, so privacy is ensured. Each suite features flat-screen TVs, coffee machines and luxurious “signature” beds! Each room has water views and the owners even provide a munchie box full of treats to keep you satisfied while relaxing your day away!
Five Fun Things To Do
I will admit I picked mostly adventures for “things” but Tasmania lends itself so easily to getting back to nature – because the scenery is so completely stunning. it seems a shame not to do something on your honeymoon that gets your feet thumping on the dirt or your arms rowing along a river. Plus there’s nothing more romantic than a quiet walk between two newlyweds.
Tourism Tasmania and Alastair Bett
Well, admittedly I did have to throw in a little bit of shopping! If you can get to Tasmania when the Salamanca Markets are on, they’re a ‘must visit’! They’re held every Saturday in Hobart and are a cross between a farmer’s market and an art & crafts market. There are dozens and dozens of stalls selling all kinds of odds and ends, beautiful foods, treasures and one-offs, plus buskers providing free entertainment too!
Overland Track
Tourism Tasmania & Tayla Gentle
The Overland Track is for true adventurists- it requires a booking and has a few shorter walks and a magnificent six-day hike between Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain. Through mountains, hills and valleys- this honeymoon adventure will take you back to the peace of nature with some of the most beautiful Australian landscapes you will ever see.
Gordon River Paddle
Supplied Courtesy of RACT Destinations
The Gordon River Paddle is a fresh way to see Tasmania- from the water! Departing from Strahan, the Gordon River Paddle takes you for a day of exploration. Accompanied by a trained guide, you’ll pass through some of Tasmania’s untouched landscapes and be enthralled with stories of moments past. All cruises include meals (fresh Tasmanian produce of course) and in the summer months a trip to Sarah Island.
Nat Mendham
If you’re staying close to Launceston, but still want a little nature, Cataract Gorge & Kings Bridge are only 15 minutes away from the city centre. There is a multitude of fun adventures to be had here- walking trails, a suspension, and most famously The basin chairlift which covers 457 metres. If you’re the type that likes to spend your holidays sleeping or with a good book, Cataract Gorge may be the perfect way to get some fresh air without the trouble!
Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
I must admit there is a lot of nature-inspired to-dos in this list, but it’s just because the landscapes are so marvellous! I did leave my favourite until last though- look at that view! Wineglass Bay is located halfway down the east coast of Tasmania. Both treks don’t take very long but provide a picture-perfect view. Alternatively, you can visit the Wineglass Bay beach- which has been named as one of the best in the world (and who can resist the crystal blue waters, white sand and perfect shape?). There are plenty of fun activities available too- snorkelling, mountain bike riding and sea kayaking to name a few!
Five Fabulous Things To Eat
On any trip, my favourite thing to do is to check out local produce (especially wine!) Tasmania is full of local delicacies and here are five of my favourites!
I love my cheese and Ashgrove Cheese is a family run business producing cheese from dairy milk fresh from the cows living on site. They specialise in Australian cheddar (with varieties spanning Rubicon Red and Crumbly Tasty), though they also get a little creative with varieties such as Lavender and wild wasabi! The cheddar factory allows you to view the process through the viewing room, have a cheese tasting and browse other local produce.
Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman
Honestly, could there be anything better than a chocolate factory? (In Adelaide, I always go straight to the Haighs Factory first to stock up)! You know I’d have to find you a decadent place of deliciousness to visit on your honeymoon! House Of Anvers in Latrobe, use Tasmania’s creams and butter to produce truffles, pralines, fudges and of course – pure chocolate! Not only can you visit the Museum of Chocolate (I think museums just got enticing!) but a tasting centre and a coffee shop specialising in..chocolate!
Sorrell Fruit Farm
Tourism Tasmania & Lap Fung Lam
After all that cheese and chocolate, you may need something a little healthy to kick start you for the rest of your trip! Sorrell Fruit Farm in Sorrell allows you to pick your berries and beans (and they have a lot of berries- from strawberries to loganberries, blackberries and even cherries) while enjoying the local birdlife. You can even pick up a few jars of jam, chutneys and vinegar made from the farm’s produce.
Tourism Tasmania & Bill Bachman
So we have pre-dinner cheeses sorted, dessert and even the health base covered – but what about something for dinner? Being in Tasmania, you have got to try the seafood and Barilla Bay at Cambridge is the perfect place to start. Fresh pacific oysters are available for your purchase (along with their blend of Worcestershire sauce) and their acclaimed restaurant pairs their local produce with local wines and other scrumptious delicacies!
Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Honey on crumpets your style? The Honey Farm in Chudleigh is a must for lovers of the bee! They make over 50 different types of honey (sent all over Australia) and their “farm door” showcases their entire range, the background to their process and every honey related product you can think of, including (my favourite) beeswax candles.
Want more?
A Honeymooners Guide to Tasmania’s Bruny Island
All images are © Tourism Tasmania. All Rights Reserved. Licensed to Polka Dot Wedding.
I grew up in Hobart and we used to drive to Richmond Village every Sunday. Quaint, quiet, historic and full of things to do. There are some lovely wineries nearby in the coal river valley (including puddleduck wines – a MUST visit) as well as some beautiful old B&Bs.
Also, if you’re visiting Salamanca markets – check out the Ball and Chain Grill for a great steak or Mures for fresh, fresh seafood (Tassie does seafood best). Take a walk through Battery Point for some amazing history nearby including the famous Kelly’s Steps.
Ooh, ooh – I can also definitely suggest taking a cruise around the Derwent river. These leave from Elizabeth Pier in Hobart (near Salamanca Market) and are very reasonable. Some include lunch or dinner. There’s also a ferry that goes over to the Casino in Sandy Bay.
Visited the island state over the summer…visited most of the places on your list and I too recommend all of the things on this list! There are so many amazing things to do in Tasmania! I love that place!
Yay! i love seeing my home get(good) publicity.
Another great place to stay in Hobart is red door apartment in battery point. Its so beautiful, and the view is amazing
picalilly and picolo are some very good eating too.
And i love meadowbank winey and puddle duck wines, both in coal valley.
I’m so glad that Hobart is being represented!
At this time of year, some places can get pretty cold, especially near Cradle Mountain. I would only recommend walking the overland track at this time of year if you are a seasoned walker and have the right gear, it is pretty snowy up there!
There are so many places to visit in Tassie. I’d recommend visiting Port Arthur, too. The historic site is beautiful and fun to visit at any time of year.
North Hobart is a great place to find food. On most nights of the week you can just stroll along and decide the type of cuisine you want to eat. It’s all delicious!
My husband & I went to Tasmania for our honeymoon in January this year. It was spectacular & beautiful, just breath-taking! We went to most of the places suggested above but our favourites were the Gordon River Cruise & the Overland track. We were also spoilt staying at the Cradle Mountain Lodge, relaxing by the fire sipping on wine! If you get the chance to go, it’ll definitely be worthwhile!
I’ve always wanted to wine and dine in Tasmania – one day! Cradle Mountain Lodge looks divine! They all do!!
Amazing! What a stunning location for a honeymoon or vacation – thanks for putting all these tips for dining and lodging 🙂
Completely loving all the further suggestions! Keep them coming!
we ‘did’ Tassie for our honeymoon and it was completely divine!! we LOVED Highfield House in Stanley http://www.historic-highfield.com.au/home.html Its totally amazing.
Tassie certainly has something pretty special to offer!
For a special treat – stay at Avalon on the beautiful East Coast – simply stunning
In the south – Peppermint Bay is an awesome dining option, and you can catch the ferry down from the Hobart CBD. Marque IV is also delicious and Prossers on the Beach is a must for seafood.
Fabulous wineries: in the North-West – Ghost Rock and Barringwood Park, and in the South – Meadowbank and Moorilla (both great dining options also).
Seriously consider a full day touring the wineries in the North(along the Tamar), and don’t let yourself become talked into being designated driver.
Also, buy an entertainment book and you’ll save yourself lots of $$ on eating out and activities – most of the top dining restaurants can be found inside with many offering 2 for 1 meals.
and….enjoy.
Ooh, this post makes me want to fly to Tasmania tomorrow!! I can’t wait for our honeymoon… Though, we’ll be going in July next year – do you think it will be too cold to enjoy Cradle Mountain properly? Although we want somewhere warm and snuggly, it would also be nice to get out and go for a hike!!
Oh i think it would be wonderful to go in winter- morning frosts, even snow! There should still be some hikes available – Cradle Mountain Lodge has over 20 just around it! http://www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au/assets/walks_tours.html
Awesome blog post about an amazing holiday to Tasmania. The pictures of Tassie are stunning. We got married in Cyprus last year and went on our honeymoon around Europe, but it looks like Tasmania has heaps to offer as well. Will definitely give Tassie a visit soon.