Special Offer

Separated from Australia’s mainland by 149 miles of sea, the island of Tasmania is literally and figuratively a place apart. My mother was raised there, and she said it felt as far away from the rest of the world as one can get. This distance means Tasmania has its own unique species and ecosystems, and has stayed largely unspoiled. Over ¼ of the state is protected land, boasting Australia’s deepest fresh-water lake, its largest tourism cave, rugged cliffs and river gorges, jagged peaks, and some of the clearest air on earth.

The cities are interesting as well, with locals that are individualists even by Australian standards. Hobart, the capital and Australia’s second-oldest city, has recently entered the tourism limelight thanks to MONA (the Museum of New and Old Art), an eclectic museum founded by professional gambler David Walsh. (The Jan 21 issue of the New Yorker has a fascinating profile on Walsh and MONA).

Our Australia partner The Tailor is now offering a one-of-a-kind, nine-day tour of this extraordinary island. You’ll begin in Hobart, where you’ll stay at the award-winning, Regency-style Islington Hotel. From here, you’ll make a day excursion to Tasman National Park, exploring the spectacular coastline and discovering marine and bird life on an eco-adventure cruise. Next is Saffire Freycinet, a luxury coastal sanctuary on the stunning East Coast. Your activity options here include guided nature walks, a visit to an oyster and mussel farm, birdwatching, and wine tasting. You’ll continue on to Quamby Estate, an historic country manor near the city of Launceston in the Tamar Valley. Here you can unwind with golf and tennis, walks in and around iconic Cradle Mountain, a cliff and cave escapade, and more wine tasting.