7 must-try Tasmanian luxe experiences

Go on, treat yourself – whether for a few hours or your entire getaway. Helicopter in for a round at one of Australia’s best golfing destinations. Or board a boutique cruise exploring wilderness usually only accessible to hardcore hikers. This is the ultimate wish list of Tasmanian experiences.

Take your holiday straight to the top with a hot air balloon ride offering epic views of Tasmania’s north-east. It’s a memorably quiet, still experience, because balloons naturally glide with air currents. Hot Air Balloon Tasmania take off with a maximum of four passengers, but to fly like VIPs (and maybe pop the question!) book their exclusive flight for two.

Visiting Australia’s most audacious art museum always rocks, but the Mona Like a Rockstar experience turns it up to 11. After complimentary drinks and finger food in the private lounge of Mona’s ferry, enjoy a cocktail on arrival. Explore art ancient and new, then settle in for a long lunch at the museum’s Faro Bar + Restaurant.

Want to really rock out? The Full-on Turrell Experience’s indulgence includes access to all the mind-blowing James Turrell light installations and a night in the luxe Mona Pavilions.

Book early for a table at Gourmet Traveller magazine’s 2024 Restaurant of the Year, The Agrarian Kitchen. Or for an even more brag-worthy visit, join a cooking class led by its chef and co-founder Rodney Dunn.

The Agrarian Kitchen also offers classes hosted by renowned guest chefs, bakers and more, as well as gardening classes in this heritage venue’s walled kitchen garden.

Offering three celebrated courses with Bass Strait views, plus dining, day spa and accommodation, Barnbougle is high on golfers’ bucket lists. It makes you feel like a winner even when the scorecard says otherwise.

For that hole-in-one feeling book Unique Charters’ Barnbougle Golfing Day, which includes helicopter transfers. Play a full round, or choose the short course and pause for a vineyard tasting on the return flight to Launceston.

Fancy sampling some of the world’s finest sparkling wine at the source? It’s closer than you might think, as the Tamar Valley’s House of Arras has won awards ahead of the best of France’s Champagne region.

Their premium 40 Years of Tirage experience showcases three wines that have each been bottle-fermented for 13-14 years (so a decade more than most vintage sparkling). Helicopter transfers are among the optional upgrades for this private al fresco masterclass plus gourmet picnic.

Bliss out with some “me time” or a special couples experience at Saffire Freycinet’s luxurious day spa. Will you pop in for a facial? Or linger with a package that includes multiple treatments, from a hot-stone massage to milk-bath soak?

Consider blissing out some more with drinks, a meal and even a night or three at this resort with breathtaking vistas of coastal wilderness.

Saffire Freycient is one of only two Luxury Lodges of Australia in Tasmania. The other takes sea views to the next level: custom-built in 2023, On Board’s catamaran carries a maximum of 12 guests on expedition cruises of two to six nights.

Most itineraries focus on the state’s jaw-dropping south-west wilderness, which is difficult to access by land. Get on board if you like exploring with comforts and culinary delights rather than backpacks and camping.

Start your luxe holiday right with a deluxe cabin on Spirit of Tasmania – but get in quick, they sell out fast!

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.