Day 1
Grab a car at the airport when you arrive and head straight to Richmond through the Coal River Valley, famous for its wine trail, where you will spend the next couple of nights. The Coal River Valley once known for it's coal mining, is now known as a superior cool climate wine region.
On the way to Richmond, stop in for a bite to eat at their exceptional cafe and a tasting of locally crafted chocolate and cheese at Coal River Farm. During summer, grab a bucket and and pick some berries or stone fruit, but don’t expect them to survive the car ride, they’re too good to resist! Alternatively, stop a little further along the road at Wicked Cheese, another local cheese maker and stockist of a large providore of meats, terrines, chutneys and sauces. Collect a picnic selection and double back to Puddleduck Vineyard for a tranquil spot by their lake for your BYO lunch, a glass of Puddleduck wine and enjoy the serenity.
After checking into your accommodation in Richmond, head off to explore this timeless historic village. Richmond is home to the Richmond Gaol, the oldest intact gaol in Australia, pre-dating Port Arthur by 8 years. Richmond Village has no fewer than 45 buildings dating back to Georgian times and listed on the National Estate.
Overnight: Richmond
Day 2
Waking up in historical Richmond allows you the time to explore the beautiful sandstone buildings and convict built bridge, constructed in 1823. The bridge is a great photo stop and provides picturesque views of the Coal River from either side of the bridge, especially in the early morning. Keep an eye out for the platypus that lives in the river, you might be lucky. For a small township, Richmond is rather packed with lovely art galleries. Make sure you take some time to stroll down the main street and some of the side streets to pop into the galleries to see (and maybe buy) beautiful handmade Tasmanian glass sculptures, wood carvings, paintings, photography, jewellery and more.
After a coffee and leisurely breakfast to refuel, join one of the local wine tour operators exploring vineyards not normally open to the general public. You’ll meet quirky viticulturists, traditionally trained winemakers and innovative entrepreneurs and have a good yarn and many tastings along the way.
Overnight: Richmond
Day 3
Today’s itinerary is action packed so get an early start this morning, grab a packed lunch from Richmond before you leave, then head to the Tasman Peninsula. Your first stop this morning is Fortescue Bay, so just follow the signs towards Port Arthur, along the A9 for approximately 1.5 hours, taking the C344 to Fortescue Bay.
Once you’ve arrived, put out that National Parks Pass you purchased from the Visitor Centre, as Fortescue Bay is a National Park, strap on your walking boots and take off on the Cape Huay walk, a four-hour return journey through heath and woodlands. You will encounter some of the most magnificent cliff views, with huge spires of Dolerite, known as the Candlestick and Totem Pole reaching high towards you. These spires are popular among abseiler's and climbers, and are amazing to watch from the vantage points along the walk.
You might also want to make sure your swimmers are handy, as a dip in Fortescue Bay after climbing the many, many stairs on the walk will be welcome!
Other ways to spend your time on the Tasman Peninsula is to take a trip to the Port Arthur Lavender Farm and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this same stunning coastline from the air. Osborne Heli-Tours can take you from their Tasman Peninsula base, just opposite the Lavender Farm on their Two Capes and Tasman tour, an exhilarating 30 minute journey over the rugged capes, Tasman Island and Shipstern Bluff.
After a full day of adventure and activity you’ve definitely earned a nice glass of wine, so head to your accommodation for the evening and relax with a good book. We recommend For the Term of his Natural Life, a novel published in 1874 based on the experiences of a semi-fictional character convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sentenced to life as a convict. Confronting at times, it will set the scene for tomorrow’s trip to Port Arthur.
Overnight: Eaglehawk Neck
Day 4
If you’re up for another early start, pack a thermos of coffee and a torch and head to the Tessellated Pavement before the sun comes up. Take the short downhill walk towards the rock formation at the bottom of the hill and settle in to watch the sunrise. Be sure to take your camera!
After a well-earned hearty breakfast (after yesterday’s hike), head to Tasman Island Cruises Booking Centre, located at 6961 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur and join the 3-hour voyage to see the cliffs from your walk, by sea. On the cruise, you will explore deep sea caves, waterfalls and travel beneath the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere with a knowledgeable and personable guide.
Following the cruise, spend a few hours exploring Port Arthur Historic Site learning more about the convict heritage of the region. Afterwards, you can either head towards your accommodation for a couple of hours, or continue your colonial education at the Saltwater River Coal Mine historic site. The site is approximately 25 minutes from Port Arthur on the circular drive around the Peninsula. While spending an hour or two here, take in the on-site interpretation on the spectacular 1 km track (one way).
In the evening join the Port Arthur Ghost Tour and experience the hauntingly beautiful way the site changes after sunset. The tours run twice nightly, timing will depend on the season and sunset time. Check your confirmed itinerary for your tour time.
Overnight: Port Arthur
Day 5
This morning, stop into the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo to learn more about the plight of the endangered Tasmanian Devil whilst experiencing the world’s first Unzoo! The concept behind the Unzoo is to reverse the human-animal relationship of most normal zoos and put the animals in control of their environment, so this is a safe and refreshing concept that really works for the Unzoo team.
Finishing off at Unzoo, pop across the road to Federation Chocolate for a chocolate tasting or to grab some travel goodies made by well known and respected chocolatier, Sarah Black who has crafted an innovative and ever evolving and changing range of handmade chocolate praline and truffles. If you have a later flight, you can always add in a quick walk at either Remarkable Cave (truly remarkable!), Devil’s Kitchen and the Tasman Arch. All three formations are great examples of the local geology and well worth a visit.
On the way back to the airport, gin and whisky lovers will want to make one final stop at Nonesuch Distillery, meet the owner, Rex, and grab a bottle or two of his small batch, hand-crafted spirits for ‘loved ones’ back home. Or maybe just for you!
If this itinerary appeals to you Contact us with your dates and we’ll make it happen!
Image Credits: Alistair Bett (Richmond Gaol), Jesse Desjardins (Three Capes Track - View of Cape Pillar), Alistair Bett (Penitentary - Port Arthur Historic Site), Sean Scott (Eaglehawk Neck Beach)