Evi O and Andrew Grune invite you to explore Tasmania’s enchanting landscapes and wild botanical beauty.
Once part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, Tasmania separated from the mainland 12,000 years ago and has evolved its own unique fauna and flora. The wildlife is notably smaller and the likes of pademelons, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypuses, and a variety of birds have charmed their ways into our hearts. Our journey also brought us face to face with ancient trees; living giants that tell centuries-old tales through their existence. These trees are pivotal to larger ecosystems, providing homes for numerous species and acting as the planet’s lungs, teaching us lessons on the interconnectedness of life.
So step outside, broaden your perspective, and discover the enriching depth of connection within the natural world.
WINGLASS BAY
Savour the view
Traditional Custodians: Toorerno-maire-mener
Distance from:
- Hobart ~ 109 km
- Launceston ~ 122 km
- Devonport ~ 192 km
Car parking: Freycinet Dr, Coles Bay
Walk distance: 9.3 km return
Time: > 5 hrs
Difficulty: Medium
Climb: 411 m
Facilities:
- Picnic area
- Toilet
- Suitable for children
A place of stunning beauty & complex history
Rooted in the heritage of the Toorerno-maire-mener People, Wineglass Bay shines like a jewel within Freycinet National Park. As the park’s uncontested favourite location, the breathtaking vista of Coles Bay greets you upon arrival, setting the stage for the wonders that lie ahead. Unfortunately, Wineglass Bay has a dark history – the bay’s name comes from whaling activities in the early 1800s, which would turn the water the colour of red wine.
The journey to the lookout
The track to this splendid haven, accessible on a well-maintained path, is encircled by the lushness of native bushland, and the walk offers a chance to immerse in the area’s vibrant flora. The first lookout grants a soothing panorama of Coles Bay, merely a hint of the marvels to come. Progressing through the landscape, dotted with immense boulders, you ascend to a higher vantage point where Wineglass Bay reveals itself, its crystal blue water expanding on the horizon.
Reaching the bay
Descending towards the beach involves navigating down 1,000 steps through coastal bushland, unveiling a pristine stretch of white sand encased by dramatic granite formations. Catch your breath and spend the day swimming, snorkelling, or basking in the sun in the company of the bay’s wildlife: wallabies, kangaroos, and a variety of shorebirds.
The return trek
While the tranquil beauty of Wineglass Bay makes you want to stay forever, remember to allow sufficient time for the heart-thumping return trek up the hill.
PHILOSOPHER FALLS
Profound thoughts flow as freely as water
Traditional Custodians: Tommeginne
Distance from:
- Hobart ~ 218 km
- Launceston ~ 137 km
- Devonport ~ 74 km
Car parking: Butlers Rd, Waratah
Walk distance: 2.6 km return
Time: < 1 hr
Difficulty: Medium
Climb: 78 m
Facilities:
- Suitable for children
A waterfall with a historic legacy
Philosopher Falls is wrapped up in the story of James “Philosopher” Smith. In the financially challenging year of 1871, with many Tasmanians facing the prospect of relocating to Victoria, Smith embarked from Devonport on a solitary quest to naively solve the island’s financial woes. Accompanied only by his dog, he followed the stream leading to the falls and discovered tin at Mount Bischoff near Waratah – a find that would dramatically alter the island’s fortunes.
Walking through the rainforest
Venturing into the temperate rainforest en route to Philosopher Falls, you’re transported beyond human history to an epoch where the majestic giants of the Tarkine reign supreme. The journey unfolds with a leisurely meander beneath a verdant canopy of ferns, serenaded by the creek’s gentle flow, tracing the path of a historic water race drawing from the Arthur River.
A world of cascades & fungi
Amid this lush tableau, charming cascades punctuate the landscape, infusing it with life. The forest is awash with every shade of green, a vibrant backdrop where fungi flourish in the nooks and crannies, particularly resplendent in autumn. This section of the trail transforms the trek into a fantastical exploration, reminiscent of wandering through the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland.
The final descent to the falls
As the trail delves deeper into the wilderness, it embraces a wilder character, weaving under massive fallen logs and across rugged, stony ground, leading to a dramatic overhanging rock. A metallic staircase descends to a viewing platform, revealing the mesmerising sight of Philosopher Falls. The waterfall is a spectacle of natural beauty embraced by the dense rainforest. Returning from the falls, visitors carry with them the magic of the experience – a blend of Tasmania’s rich historical tapestry and the timeless allure of its ancient landscapes.
ROYAL TASMANIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS
A world of flora at your feet
Traditional Custodians: Muwinina
Distance from:
- Hobart ~ 3.5 km
- Launceston ~ 162 km
- Devonport ~ 202 km
Car parking: Lower Domain Road, Queens Domain
Walk distance: > 1 km
Time: < 1 hr
Difficulty: Easy climb 10 m
Facilities:
- Café
- Picnic area
- Toilet
- Suitable for children
An urban oasis with a rich history
Step into a botanical journey at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, underneath the stunning vista of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Prepare to meander through diverse habitats and collections, losing yourself in the splendour of both native and exotic plants. Right from the grand entrance, a towering sequoia tree sets the stage for the botanical wonders that await.
A walk through global gardens
The garden’s Chinese collection immediately captivates with its vibrant blossoms and intricate landscapes, while the serene lily pond plays host to gaggles of waterbirds. Journey through the Tasmanian native plant collection, where each species tells a story of survival and utility, echoing the heritage of the Muwinina people who thrived in this lush eucalypt bushland.
Discovering hidden gems
Allow the fernery, oak grove, and exotic palm collections to transport you across continents, each turn unveiling a new surprise. Don’t miss the whimsical floral clock, Anniversary Arch, and Gatekeeper’s Cottage. The heart of the gardens houses the Succulent restaurant, a perfect spot to replenish before continuing your exploration.
A place of reflection & learning
Marvel at the rose arbour and the Eardley-Wilmot wall, and possibly find a new friend/enemy in the curious and slightly aggressive native hens. The Japanese Garden, with its harmonious blend of wood, stone, and water, offers tranquil beauty throughout the year, highlighting the ephemeral charm of maples, waterlilies, and flowering cherries in their respective seasons.
A living, breathing community space
The Tasmanian Community Food Garden, rich in history and productivity, connects visitors to the land’s agricultural legacy, contributing to community welfare through charity programs. Buzzing with life, the herb garden attracts bees and butterflies, adding to the gardens’ vibrant ecosystem. For a glimpse into colder realms, the subantarctic plant house reveals the unique flora of Macquarie Island.
The perfect day out
With so much to see and experience, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens invites you to spend a day wandering its paths, absorbed in the beauty of the natural world. Be sure to bring a picnic blanket and let the gardens transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure in botany.
