Tasmanian Heartlands Experience

**The Off Season** Book between April 2nd and June 12th to receive a free day tour to Hastings Caves & Tahune Airwalk. Please enter your preferred date for Hastings Caves & Tahune Airwalk in the note section when booking, we operate this tour every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. 

Head to the heart of Tasmania on this bespoke three-day winter experience. This is no ordinary tour. On this epicurean and informative adventure you will gain deeper insight into what makes Tasmania unique with guided presentations by an ecologist, historian and astronomer. 

We head into the lush forest at Mount Field National Park with an ecologist. Spot glow worms as you stroll through temperate rainforest, past mossy glens and under giant man ferns to Russell Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Tasmania. This tiered waterfall will take your breath away. Then the ecologist will guide you through the Tall Trees Walk where you can discover more about the world’s tallest flowering plant – the giant swamp gum. The ecologist will take you to meet the giant trees of the Styx Valley and explore the densely forested banks and the intriguing undergrowth near the Styx River.

Delve into the history of the region with an historian. Discover the fascinating history of the Willow Court site in New Norfolk on a guided tour. The oldest, continually run mental asylum in Tasmania, Willow Court was established in 1827. The tour will walk you through the atmospheric landmarks and combine mystery and history to unleash your imagination. 

The mystery continues into the evening when we go stargazing. With little light pollution, Tasmania has a magnificently bright night sky lit up by countless stars and central Tasmania is the perfect place to see them.  An astronomer will lead you on a Night Sky Tour exploring constellations, planets, meteor showers, asteroids and comets and the Southern Cross. Rug up as we get lost in the stars and learn tips and seasonal changes that impact stargazing. 

Warm up by the crackling fire at Rathmore House, the cosy historic accommodation where we will stay during the experience. A sheep property settled in 1828, this is authentic country living at its best and the ideal base to explore the Central Highlands. Hearty fireside dinners prepared by acclaimed chefs are included with Tasmanian wine or delicious homemade non-alcoholic beverages. 

There’s an option to play some golf at nearby Ratho Farm on the oldest golf course in Australia, or do a winery or distillery tour to wrap up your Winter Heartlands Experience. With your travel, accommodation and meals sorted, this is a wonderful opportunity to warm up this winter in Tasmania. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Tall trees adventure

Walk beneath the giants with an ecologist who will share his knowledge about some of the world’s most rare and special trees. 

A guided history walk

Discover the history and mystery of the oldest mental asylum in Tasmania with a specialised historian as you walk through the atmospheric landmarks.

Stargaze with an astronomer