Exploring Tasmania’s raw natural landscapes, gastronomy, art, and burgeoning architecture scene will always demand more time, a slower pace, a deeper breath, and reflection. But we know that most travellers to our part of the world may only have a few spare days to visit, a week at most.

For this amount of time, we’ve put together a handful of local experiences that will give visitors a taste of the island where Cumulus was founded. This is the second article of a three part series.

Enjoying the state’s fresh produce is a quintessential experience. On the drive out of Hobart towards the island’s east coast, stop by the immersive Coal River Farm, a place where visitors can pick their own fresh fruit and sample the farm’s famous small batch cheese, chocolate, and confectionery.

From there, take in one of the best road trips in Australia, the Great Eastern Drive. Explore Orford’s calm beaches or stop off at the portside town of Triabunna, the gateway to Maria Island National Park and its collection of historic convict and industrial-era buildings.

An hour north, drink in the views of the Freycinet Peninsula and Hazard Mountains at Devil’s Corner — one of Tasmania’s largest wineries — offering local food, wine for all palates, and a taste of the dramatic landscape that’s to come. With its abundance of short and long walks, the Freycinet cannot be missed. If time permits, we recommend checking out Friendly Beaches, Blue Stone Bay, and the nearby White Water Wall. From this striking coastline, head west towards the central highlands.

The highlands pull travellers in, give them moments to stay in one spot, moments to experience Tasmania's raw natural beauty. Leave the car behind and stay at the Thousand Lakes Wilderness Lodge, ride around Lake Ada on an e-bike, try out some fly-fishing, or simply wander around the nearby borders of Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area.

Further into the highlands is Lake St Clair — Australia’s deepest freshwater lake — and the picturesque Pumphouse Point, a three-storey heritage-listed building turned luxury accommodation escape. But this is also a region known for its untamed wilderness. A place that can challenge visitors to leave their comfort zone and take on the unpredictable elements. For those experienced (and well equipped) travellers, the Walls of Jerusalem is a truly off-the-beaten-track destination that retains the island’s rugged natural character.

Further north, Cradle Mountain’s wild rainforests, rolling grasslands and roaming Tassie Devils deserve an entire day (or more) of natural immersion.

From the warm alpine welcome of the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, drive out towards the pristine waters of Dove Lake or set out on one of the many breath-taking hikes within this part of the World Heritage Wilderness Area. The hikes, which range from 20 minutes to nine hours, can guide visitors to Dove River’s 60 metre cliffs, the perfectly reflected views of Cradle Mountain on Dove Lake (if the clouds allow), and, during the autumn, the changing hues of the Fagus — Australia’s sole cold climate winter-deciduous tree, only found in Tasmania.