4 days in the west and Cradle Mountain

Before you leave Hobart, stop in at Erda Cafe for a heartwarming breakfast and great coffee. The Omurice is a winner.

Hit the road towards Lake St Clair, a 2hr 40min drive from Hobart.

Stop along the way at hydro town Tarraleah for views from the Tarraleah Power Station Lookout.

Drive on past fields, forest and rivers until you reach the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel for a bistro lunch in front of the roaring fireplace.

Then, discover the area’s history carved into timber at the Wall in the Wilderness.

Make your way to the southern edge of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and check-in to the former hydroelectric pump station turned boutique hotel, Pumphouse Point, suspended over the glacial waters of Lake St Clair.

Put up your feet and let the in-house chefs take care of dinner.

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the lake, then check-out of your stay and head further into the winter wilderness with a 1.5hr drive to Queenstown.

Experience west coast storytelling at its finest on the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Hop onboard a steam locomotive to see the region’s lush, cool temperate rainforest up close and learn about the area’s rich mining history.

Before you head to the next stop, be sure to grab a coffee and bite to eat at Tracks Cafe located in the old Queenstown train station. 

Drive for 45min to Strahan and finish your day with a performance of Australia’s longest-running play, The Ship That Never Was, followed by a dinner of seasonal delights just down the road at Risby Cove Restaurant.

Check-in to Castaway Holiday Apartments for a cosy Off Season stay.

You’ll be sticking close to Strahan today. Take a short stroll from your accommodation to the esplanade for a morning fix at the Coffee Shack before heading off on a cruise along the Gordon River.

Feeling hungry after your cruise? Stop in for a casual lunch at the Kitchen in Strahan Village.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Huon Pine Shop and Gallery to learn about the remarkable timber: Huon pine. Peruse the fragrant wooden creations here and take one with you as a Tassie Off Season memento.

Tuck into a hearty dinner overlooking the water at Hamer’s Bar and Bistro before returning to Castaway Holiday Apartments for your forty winks.

Check-out of your accommodation and bid farewell to Strahan with a waterfront breakfast at Tracks on Point.

On your way to Cradle Mountain, stop into Zeehan to explore the Spray Tunnel.

 Then learn about local history at the West Coast Heritage Centre.

Keep making your way to Cradle Mountain, known for its iconic peak, winter snow and bushwalks.

Refuel at Tavern Bar and Bistro in front of the crackling woodfire before your evening wildlife adventure.

Visit Devils@Cradle, a peaceful refuge for Tasmanian devils and quolls. Experience the cuter side of devils with a twilight joey encounter in the crisp night air.

Settle into your stay at Cradle Mountain Hotel, keping warm and cosy while wildlife and wintry weather surround you at your Off Season stay.