Six friends on a cross-country road trip ended up on The Oprah Show's stage...but that wasn't the end of their adventure! In Australia, these Ultimate Viewers hit the road again for another trip through Tasmania. Located 150 miles off Australia's southeastern coast, this island is home to miles of rugged coastline, spotless beaches, award-winning vineyards, historical sites, and some of the cleanest air and water in the world. Recreate their incredible trip with this complete itinerary.

Where We Stayed: 

Stewarts Bay Lodge at Port Arthur: Nestled between beaches, forests, the ocean, a national park and Australia's most profound historic site, Stewarts Bay Lodge at Port Arthur provides stylish accommodation and an abundance of wildlife in a tranquil bush setting.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel: The Henry Jones Art Hotel, a dedicated five-star art hotel, showcases the work of Tasmania's local artists. It was once a warehouse and a jam factory but has been transformed into a 50-suite hotel designed by award-winning architects. Located on Hobart's Hunter Street waterfront area, it incorporates manufacturing machinery, thick sandstone walls, elegant interiors and a magnificent glass atrium. This building has an amazing history, which the staff would be only too happy to share.

Where We Ate:

Taylor's Restaurant, Stewarts Bay Lodge: Perched on the banks overlooking the water, Taylor's Restaurant provides a natural bush setting.

Picnic Lunch Overlooking Port Arthur Historic Site: One of Tasmania’s most renowned chefs, Rodney Dunn, whips up a picnic lunch to remember, featuring the freshest Tasmanian produce.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery: This venue will give you an introduction to Tasmania’s renowned cultural heritage, as well as showcasing some of Tasmania’s finest food and wine.

Henry's Restaurant, The Henry James Art Hotel: A hearty breakfast will be just what you need to kick-start the day and where better to have it than in Henry's Restaurant.

What We Saw:

Port Arthur Historical Site: Port Arthur was established as a penal colony in 1804 and has recently been awarded World Heritage status due to its internationally recognized convict heritage. A guided walk through some of the 30 historic buildings and ruins on the site will give you an understanding of what it was like to be sent to Van Diemen's Land in the 1800s.

Meadowbank Estate Vineyard: With views over the vineyard and the ocean beyond, Meadowbank Estate Vineyard is the perfect place to stop and take in the scenery over a cup of coffee.

Bonorong Wildlife Park: Tasmania is the only place in the world that Tasmanian devils are found in the wild. Despite its reputation as a fierce beast, the Tasmanian devil is actually a timid creature that poses no danger to humans.

Salamanca Markets:
Set between graceful plane trees and mellow sandstone warehouses, this market attracts thousands each Saturday with its food, music, arts and crafts, collectables, books, curios, clothing, and jewelery. Salamanca Place's two street blocks are packed with stalls, and the aromas of coffee, freshly baked treats and vibrant flowers are heavenly. Look for surprises, from beer to bold ceramics, rare coins and vintage toys, with many cafés for refuelling.

What We Did:

Tasman Island Cruise: This cruise departs from a small jetty at Stewarts Bay Lodge. With an abundance of marine wildlife and towering sea cliffs (some of the highest in the Southern Hemisphere), this cruise will blow you away.

Coal Valley Wine Drive: This scenic drive takes you from Hobart's city center to the more relaxed and peaceful setting of the Coal Valley Wine Region where grapes grow fat and juicy in the rich fertile soils and clean air.

Where We Traveled:

Freycinet Peninsula – view itinerary

NEXT STORY

Next Story