A Long Weekend Exploring the Raw West and North West of Tasmania in All Its Winter Glory 

In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, Rolling Stone AU/NZ spent four days exploring Tasmania’s raw west and north west. Tantalise your tastebuds with heady Off Season flavours in this flourishing agricultural country. Spend a night gazing at the stars beside a crackling fire and feel protected from the primal wilderness that abounds, or journey into frost-capped mountains for an encounter with Tasmania’s abundant native wildlife. Cruise along the Gordon River, watch as oysters are shucked right before your eyes or tour eerie convict ruins after dark. Wake up this winter and see for yourself how Tasmania comes alive like nowhere else in the Off Season. Be inspired with our sample four-day itinerary below: 

Days 1 and 2

Image: Gleneagle Tasmania | Photo credit: Krista Eppelstun

Winter forest bathing experience for four 

Get a group of four together and take advantage of Gleneagle’s winter forest dome package. Each dome sleeps two, and there are two domes available on the property, both nestled amongst spectacular native bushland. Ever wanted to have a bath under the stars? Now is your chance. Take it up a notch by pouring yourself a glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine and add some bubble bath as you relax and embrace the elements. There are plenty of delicious food options, too – did someone say cheese platter? Then relax by the fire pit with your loved ones – the perfect spot for toasting marshmallows and sipping on a Tasmanian pinot to finish off your day. Save up to $65 off each dome per night in the Off Season. 

Image: Tarkine Fresh Oysters | Photo credit: Tarkine Fresh Oysters

A freshly shucked winter treat

Ever had an oyster shucked right before your eyes? Don’t miss out on this special Off Season deal at Tarkine Fresh Oysters. For just $20, you’ll have someone shucking live oysters for you to devour at your table. The oyster farm is just 1.5 hours from your accommodation and is nestled on Tasmania’s north west coast in the town of Smithton, where the oysters are grown in some of the cleanest waters in the world. 

Image: The Anvers Chocolate Factory Photo credit: Tourism Australia

Afternoon chocolate tasting with the maestro!

Does it get much better than oysters and chocolate in one day? We think not! The Anvers Chocolate factory at Latrobe is located just 30 minutes from your accommodation and is a chocolate lover’s heaven. Hailing from Belgium, Igor Van Gerwen, the head chocolatier at Anvers, is known for his irresistible hand-made chocolate truffles, fudge and pralines, which he makes utilising fresh Tasmanian cream and butter. Anvers has viewing windows so you can see the factory in action, and there is a small museum on the history of chocolate here too. This Off Season, join the chocolate maestro for a one-on-one experience featuring stories of cacao hunting and a guided chocolate tasting. 

Days 3 and 4

Image: Strahan Village Photo credit: Jason Futrill

Cruise the Gordon River and stay at Strahan Village 

This winter, journey deep into the wilderness and experience Tasmania at its wildest and most wonderful. Stay two nights at Strahan Village and cruise the magnificent Gordon River on the award-winning Spirit of the Wild. Spirit of the wild is offering an upgrade to the cabin’s main deck window seating for anyone who stays two nights at Strahan village. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling glass windows as you gaze out at the surrounding beauty. You’ll be treated to a phenomenal chef-prepared buffet lunch while you take in the wonders of Tasmania’s west.

Image: Tracks Cafe Photo credit: West Coast Wilderness Railway and Sam Shelley

Enjoy decadent winter delights in Queenstown at Tracks Cafe

Cruise 45 minutes north east of Strahan to Queenstown to experience breathtaking hiking trails and uniquely Tasmanian wilderness. The iconic Queenstown Heritage Walk, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding rainforest, is not to be missed. Queenstown also serves as a gateway to the magnificent Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area known for its untouched wilderness, diverse wildlife and pristine rivers. 

Queenstown has been reinventing itself in many interesting ways over the past decade since the Mt Lyell mine closed. The town has a wonderful museum showcasing its rich history, providing insights into the lives of the miners who once lived and worked there. 

Check out Tracks Cafe’s special winter menu served right before the open fire. Warm beverages and decadent desserts are the only way to top off an adventurous day exploring Tasmania’s west coast. 

This article is produced by Rolling Stone in partnership with Tourism Tasmania. Explore more wild, weird and wonderful experiences during Tasmania’s Off Season