Launceston and Tasmania’s North is going off this Off Season…here’s what’s on

The Nut PHOTO CREDIT: Emilie Ristevski.jp

From crackling fires and vibrant pinot noirs to the pungent aroma of truffles and afternoons gazing at moody ocean swells, a winter jaunt across northern Tasmania will warm your heart and soul. Point your compass north then go with the flow – these Off Season offers will steer you in unexpected directions. 

 

EAT 

Settle in for an intimate, chef-led feast at Launceston’s Stelo at Pierre's serving up five courses jammed with local produce. Don’t get too comfy though – you’ll be whisked into the humming kitchen for a personal tour before the night is through. 

 

Sniff, taste and sharpen your senses over blind cider tastings in the cosy back cellar at Brady's Lookout Cider in the West Tamar. Then upskill and create your own ‘Méthode Traditionelle’ cider to take home. 

 

Further north, don a jacket and boots to wander among the vines at Westella Vineyard and Cellar. Learn how wine is shaped by the seasons, then taste these influences over a fireside flight of pinot noir. 

 

PLAY 

In winter, Tasmania’s caves come alive with water. Wild Cave Tours offers subterranean explorations at Mole Creek, where you can gaze into mirror-still pools and feel the mist of underground waterfalls pouring over the rocks. 

 

Get lost in intoxicating aromas at a Bridestowe Lavender Estate fragrance workshop (and maybe even find your true calling?). Soak up the history of the Nabowla estate, then roll up your sleeves and get creative. 

 

On the forested outskirts of Deloraine, Truffles of Tasmania and The Truffle Farm Tasmania host hunting tours, where you can really get your hands dirty, unearthing aromatic truffles with the help of faithful hounds. 

 

STAY 

While you’re in Deloraine, rediscover romance among misty mountains and heritage charm. Renew your nuptial vows during a cosy stay at Blakes Manor (they’ve got all the details covered). 

 

On the north coast, Low Head Pilot Station is a beacon of warmth among wild winter seas. Pick from a range of cottage accommodation and be treated to a grazing platter and dinner for two, before following a parade of little penguins along the rocky shoreline. 

 

Looking for solitude and sanctuary? Head offshore to Flinders Island for a week at Sawyers Bay Shacks. After all your Off Season adventuring, rest and re-energise on this private patch of beachfront, curled up by the fire with a good book. They’ll even throw in a hire car for when you’re ready to see the sites. 

 

WANT MORE? 

This is just the tip of the iceberg (so to speak). Check out more northern Off Season offers: 

• Josef Chromy Wines Indulge in a winter-inspired five-course feast with paired wines. 
• Derby Bank House B&B Drop your bags then sink into a wood-fired hot tub hidden in peaceful gardens. 
• Ben Lomond Alpine Resort Gear up with skis or a snowboard for a day of snow play. 
• 41 Degrees South Tour the grounds of this salmon and ginseng farm, then tuck into its tasty produce. 
• Craggy Peaks Tasmania Toast marshmallows around the crackling campfire at this Rossarden bush retreat. 

*Source: Ellie Williams, Mkt. Communications, ellie@mktcommunications.com.au