In Tasmania, winter is welcomed with arms wide open. Tasmanians are an inclusive bunch and their strong social ties bind locals and visitors alike. For Women’s Health Editor, Jacqui Mooney, Tasmania was the perfect escape from her usual big-city hustle to slow down, relax, rejuvenate and recharge. Just 48 hours in Australia’s hidden gem was enough time to get lost in the wild, unspoilt, break-free atmosphere that Tasmania has to offer.
When it comes to wellness, health and fitness, it’s the total package, with some of the most stunning views (and natural environments) in Australia. From exploring South Friendly Beach to running around Wineglass Bay, Tasmania in winter is truly spectacular, as Jacqui discovered.
Day 1
It was difficult to leave the confines of our cosy, private eco villa (with its gorgeous Scandi-inspired décor) but we rugged up and watched the sun rise over Wineglass Bay. We were lucky enough to have the insane views all to ourselves and spotted wallabies, seals and even a quoll on our jog there! How are we only a two-hour flight from Sydney? I feel like we’ve been transported to another world.
Our wellness weekend was just beginning. Our morning was followed by a three-hour kayaking expedition, breathing the freshest of air and exploring the Freycinet National Park via the surrounding crystal clear waters. With each stroke, I could feel myself unwinding and connecting with nature. Now I understand why people say winter in Tasmania cleanses the soul.
Day 2
One of the highlights of the trip was our intimate wine and seafood lunch cooked by our own personal chef on South Friendly Beach, a stunning spot so remote that it took 30 minutes to get there via luxury 4WD. The contrasting colours of the white sand with the rolling waves and monumental pink boulders was so incredibly beautiful and unique it made my heart fill with warmth. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.
Our entrée was a platter of local cheese, provincial antipasti and wine, followed by Tasmanian salmon and a homemade apple crumble tart for dessert. In Tassie, you really can see the paddock from the plate, even in winter – take me back!
Top picks
After exploring some of Tasmania’s undeniably beautiful landscapes all day, there’s no better way to top it all off than cuddled up next to the big stone fireplace at the Freycinet Lodge. Sit back and enjoy their botanical gin tasting while drinking in the spectacular views over Great Oyster Bay. From the hospitality we were shown to the love and care the locals show for their island, the people of Tasmania have a contagious passion for this spectacular part of Australia. They really do make you feel at home.
Winter must-do – Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires is one of Tassie’s most renowned conservation reserves with pristine waterways, moody vistas, orange granite boulders and white sandy shores – it’s a must do!
Pick your adventure! Grab your beanie and start the day with yoga Tassie-style on the white sandy shores of the Bay of Fires, followed by a scenic walk through the lush rainforest to St Columba Falls. If you have more time or you’re up for a challenge, explore the bay on some of the longer trails and camp out under the stars.
A great way to see the southern half of the Bay of Fires is by boat. Bay of Fires Eco Tours run tours year round and one of their most popular, The Garden Explorer, covers around 17kms of pristine coastline. It hugs the shore on the way north for a close-up view and then an offshore return trip gives you a panoramic view of the coastline, just as the early explorers would have encountered it. Different times of year bring a diverse range of sea life, including Humpback and Southern Right whales, dolphins, fur seals, and sea birds like pelicans and albatross.
