As travelers seek safety amid social distancing, they are turning to remote and beautiful locations when travel resumes. Tasmania, 150 miles off the southern coast of Australia, with its pristine wilderness, and outdoor activities is an adventure lovers’ paradise.
Some of Tassie’s greatest assets are its hundreds of miles of unspoiled and deserted beaches and national parks that naturally allow visitors to socially distance. About 40 percent of the island is protected in national parks and reserves, and vast tracts of wilderness have UNESCO World Heritage status. Tasmania’s success in its handling of Covid, has been recognized by other Australian states and internationally.
Its wellness and nature adventure offerings are extraordinary - walking, mountain biking, yoga, foraging and fishing, without the crowds and surrounded by incredible wildlife.
Tasmania Walking Company has launched a collection of ten creative, wellness and adventure walks, including Three Capes Lodge ‘Yoga’ Walk. The walk, along some of the world’s highest sea cliffs, for only 13 guests offers peaceful meditations, restorative yoga, walking and journaling, scheduled around a challenging hike. At the end of each day, delicious Tasmanian food and wine, and spa offerings nourish the mind, body and soul.
Another walk lends a helping hand for Tasmania’s rare and threatened species, allowing travelers to help map and collect native montane conifer seeds along the Overland Track, the iconic five day bush walk traversing Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
For midnight swims in sparkling waters, kayaking and fishing with family and friends, there is Satellite Island, with no roads, shops, wifi, or other guests. Satellite, in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel in southern Tasmania, is an experience for up to 12.
Golfers heading to Barnbougle’s The Dunes and Lost Farm links courses can stay at Barnbougle. After a day of golf, indulge in hyper locally sourced seafood and wines and local whisky.
A small group can experience fly fishing in the central highlands, or exploring the Tamar Valley Wine Trail staying at The Granary, Cressy for up to six guests.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, bike and then stay at Dales of Derby on the banks of the Ringarooma River. The Dales sleeps up to 24 friends and family. Derby is also a gateway to the island’s east coast.
Explore walking tracks traversing rocky shorelines, heathlands and forest at The Cape House Dover, surrounded by 250 acres of wilderness on a private peninsula on Tasmania’s far south. Six can stay in a fully renovated farmhouse, with an outdoor hot tub and spacious deck.
Bangor Private Estate has a biking, walking and healing adventure, guided by Tasmanian Aboriginal healer and culture guide Sheldon Thomas with adventure specialist Ben Rea. The experience includes a customized ride, a walk foraging for bush foods and medicine, and a gourmet bush picnic.
For those keen to explore the national parks of Freycinet and Maria Island, Thalia Haven, Great Oyster Bay is four stone cottages, set around courtyards and olive trees. Gather around fireplaces or star gaze from the outdoor tub.
Tasmania’s beauty and appeal as a remote and safe destination was recently captured by writer Jennifer Murphy in the Houston Chronicle. “When a global pandemic was declared in early March, I was lucky to be in the safest place possible — an island, off an island, off an island in the South Pacific where wildlife outnumbered people.”
“Tasmania has emerged as the country’s Eden, home to the purest air, cleanest water, stunning beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Pair that with award-winning vineyards, small-batch distilleries, pristine seafood, farm-fresh restaurants and serious museums, and you have a destination that holds its own…”