Southern Wilderness & Gourmet Islands by Private Plane

Our private plane is bound for the Furneaux archipelago off Tasmania’s north-east coast. Alighting on Flinders Island, the largest of the group, we visit the island’s noteworthy lookouts, including Trousers Point and Walkers Lookout. After a welcome lunch of fresh, local produce, we take to the skies again for the short hop to Burnie. From here, a scenic drive brings us to the west-coast town of Strahan. Our hilltop hotel overlooks its charming harbour surrounds. Pre-dinner drinks are served here, before we savour a sumptuous seafood buffet dinner at View 42°, also conveniently located within our accommodation. 

Today we cruise an exquisite stretch of the Franklin-Gordon Rivers National Park aboard Spirit of the Wild. As we take in the splendour from the vessel’s Premier Upper Deck, our personal guide shares their knowledge and passion for the world-famous region while we enjoy a lunch of local delicacies, accompanied by Tasmanian wines and beers. Back in Strahan, we take our seats in the Richard Davey Amphitheatre, where history is brought to life in the highly-acclaimed play The Ship That Never Was. Afterwards, dine at Risby Cove restaurant, a short walk from our hotel.

Following breakfast this morning, we set out on a two-hour drive to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. At Dove Lake, within the park, there will be opportunities to capture indelible reminders of this magical setting. A short drive then brings us to Waldheim Chalet, former home of Gustav and Kate Weindorfer. The modest dwelling also once served as the area’s first accommodation. From here, take a walking tour across the landscapes of Cradle Mountain, discovering the flora and fauna of the World Heritage-listed site. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Cradle Mountain Lodge. Our plane then flies us from Burnie to King Island. At Wild Harvest Restaurant, we raise our glasses during a Farewell Dinner that heroes the produce of King Island. We then head our separate ways, retreating to either King Island Hotel or Boomerang by the Sea. 

After breakfast we tour Currie township, then make the gastronomic pilgrimage to the King Island Dairy for a cheese tasting at the altar of Australian cheese. Afterwards, we set off for Cape Wickham on the island’s craggy west coast to view Australia’s tallest lighthouse. Lunch is served at Cape Wickham before our early afternoon flight back to Melbourne.