A special deal at one of Tasmania's tourism gems

I am constantly being asked where travellers to Tasmania should spend time when they visit. 

I have two "go to" destinations that offer a real taste of Tasmania: splendid wilderness, excellent accommodation and access to local wine and food experiences without breaking the bank. 

One is Cradle Mountain Lodge (somewhere I have stayed regularly for over two decades) and the other is Freycinet Lodge with its fabulous views. 

Think white sandy beaches, walking to Wineglass Bay and watching the Hazards mountains at sunset. And all those great East Coast cellar doors just a short drive away. 

RACT members are being offered a very special deal for a night at Freycinet Lodge - but only until November 4.

Spend the night nestled in coastal bushland luxury while savouring local cuisine with the "East Coast Indulgence Package" from $399 for two people. 

The package includes one night’s accommodation for two adults; a $100 food and beverage voucher to spend at The Bay Restaurant, Hazards Bar & Lounge or Richardson’s Bistro; à la carte breakfasts for two and an afternoon sampling the region’s wine and canapés at the hosted Flavours of the East Coast wine tasting (valued at $160).

When I dined recently at The Bay, the food was as good as it has ever been. 

But be quick, the deal expires at 5pm on Thursday and is only available for travel until December 24. Smart cookies might also consider upgrading to one of the luxury Pavilions (above). 

You can book here: https://reservations.freycinetlodge.com.au/11370?ProdID=729411&LanguageID=1#/guestsandrooms

Calling all wine lovers in Tasmania this weekend

Take in the historic cellar door at Spring Vale, the lovely lake views at Milton, the platters at Boomer Creek, or a special tasting event. 

I spent last weekend enjoying the opening events of Tasmania's Great Eastern Wine Week, an 11-day festival of vinous and gourmet pleasures. 

The event concludes this weekend, so this is your last chance to get along to one of the many highlights.

Stretching along 221km of coastline known for the quality of the local cool-climate wines, the GEWW comprises nearly 50 events held at the region’s boutique wineries and other local venues. 

It offers a chance to meet the winemakers, the growers, the producers, and the people behind the wine, like Tom Wallace from Devil's Corner (below). 

Visitors can combine a tasting or two with mountain biking in St Helens, a boat cruise on the Bay of Fires, exploring Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay or a visit to Maria Island to see the wombats. 

Alternatively just kick back in the rustic luxury of resorts like the lovely Freycinet Lodge.

Many of the events are sold out, including a friendly wine taste-off between local Italian stallion Claudio Radenti (above) from Freycinet Vineyard and his close friend from the Derwent Valley, Stefano Lubiana. 

Many events are still open, however, or just pop into venues including Devil's Corner, Gala Estate and Craigie Knowe.

You'll find the full program here:  https://eastcoasttasmania.com/great-eastern-wine-week/