Essence of Australia & Tasmania

Lord Howe Island is Australia’s premier bird watching destination, with 14 species of seabirds breeding here in the hundreds of thousands.

Between November to June you can watch Red-tailed Tropicbirds performing their balletic, airborne courting rituals from the Malabar cliffs.

Lord Howe is legendary for fishing. Surrounded by Marine Park and with no commercial fishery, the diversity of species, terrain, methods – and the sheer abundance of fish – rank Lord Howe among the world’s top fishing destinations.

There are dozens of hot spots for hooking into monster pelagics such as Lord Howe Kingfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and Wahoo, as well as several species unique to Lord Howe.
And there’s a virtually untouched game fishery – featuring Black, Blue and Striped Marlin – as little as half an hour from the jetty. Lord Howe is protected by the world’s most southerly coral reef, which shelters the crystal-clear Lagoon. The local sportfishing ‘grand slam’ is to catch a Trevally, Silver Drummer, Bluefish and the endemic Double Header Wrasse in one session of sight-casting in the shallow waters of the Lagoon. (Bag limits apply to Bluefish and Double Headers, and a catch-and-release policy is encouraged).

Lord Howe Island’s abundant marine life and crystal clear waters attract divers from around the world to explore some of the best dive sites on the planet.

The coral reefs at Lord Howe Island are the most southerly (31° 33’S) – and among the most spectacular – in the world. The island is located at the crossroads of five major ocean currents, including the warm East Australian Current which runs down the Great Barrier Reef and down into the Tasman Sea. The island’s unique marine ecosystem hosts a diverse mix of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate species which is found nowhere else on earth; there are over 90 species of coral and 500 species of fish inhabiting the reef. Lord Howe’s underwater topography of trenches, caves and volcanic drop-offs adds to the awe-inspiring diving experience at the island.

The calm waters of the lagoon are ideal for kids. Paddle at the edge or snorkel above colourful corals just metres from the shore.

Hire snorkeling gear from the dive shops or at Ned’s Beach use the masks, fins, and snorkels stored there for the cost of a contribution to the ‘honesty box’.

Body surf at Blinky Beach, or swim in the open ocean at Ned’s Beach.

Although only 11km long and 2km wide, Lord Howe is laced with dozens of delightful, well-marked walking trails; nearly two thirds of the island is a Permanent Park Preserve.

The choice ranges from easy strolls at sea level through lush kentia palm and banyan forests, to moderate cliff-top hikes where you’ll see seabirds wheeling on the thermals, to the challenging 875 metre Mt Gower climb – rated as one of the best day treks in the world.

In addition to its many unmatched natural attractions, Lord Howe Island offers a wide range of outdoor activities for a variety of interests and fitness levels. It’s an ideal destination for families, or equally for a romantic getaway.

From bike riding along picturesque roads and surfing the island’s clean breaks, to a relaxing game of golf or lawn bowls in ideal surroundings, the island’s facilities and natural attractions are sure to keep people of all ages entertained. Lord Howe also boasts great conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing, provides tennis courts to tempt visitors and locals to a lively game, and is a popular destination for keen sailors.

Enjoy close-up interactions with soaring sea birds, playful marine mammals and a diversity of life on your way to Schouten Island aboard our purpose-built vessel, Saffire. The adventure also includes a visit to culturally significant sites of past and present inhabitants, including the Australian fur seal. Morning tea is included and prepared by the team of chefs at Saffire.

A wine lover's delight! At the local Freycinet Winery, you will learn the art of winemaking and indulge in some fine Tasmanian fare – and some wine tastings of course!

Don a pair of waders and visit a working oyster farm located in a beautiful setting within an internationally significant wetland and ornithological site. Develop an understanding for wetland and marine ecology,

Freycinet National Park is a must see during your stay at Saffire Freycinet. Join one of our informative guides on a walk to the lookout over Wineglass Bay.

Join one of our guides for an easy two-hour tour, which combines two of the popular shorter walks of the Freycinet Peninsula. Your first walk will be around the Cape.

Take a coastal stroll along the beach from Saffire with our indigenous guide Mick Quilliam. Discover the history of the Oyster Bay people, taking in the beauty of the coastal tracks and rock platforms and the wonders of the fauna .

Unwind and absorb the breathtaking beauty of the Swanport estuary on this guided canoeing adventure at the mouth of the internationally significant Moulting Lagoon wetland. Observe the flocks of pelicans and gaze into the crystal clear waters teeming with marine life.

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Explore iconic Wineglass Bay on a guided 5km walk, taking you to the crystal white sands and azure waters of South Hazards beach. Loaded with history and untouched beauty, you’ll then be greeted by one of Saffire guides who will indulge you with a gourmet picnic of locally sourced produce, served with a distinctly French flavour. Enjoy charcuterie, local oysters, barbequed seafood and free range meats, farmhouse cheese and petit desserts before being ‘chauffeured’ back aboard our Saffire vessel via the peninsula’s spectacular fiery red coastline. Cost $450 per person, minimum four people.

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Come aboard our purpose-built vessel, Saffire, to discover the internationally acclaimed Wineglass Bay. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, you will stop off at one of many white sandy beaches that are dotted around the Freycinet coastline. Stretch your legs with a short, guided walk, or try your luck fishing with our skipper. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch before a leisurely cruise back into Great Oyster Bay. Cost is $395 per person, minimum four people.

With the Freycinet National Park on your doorstep, there’s a world of deserted islands, wild bushlands, secluded beaches and other Tasmanian attractions to explore. Our third-party experiences place you in the hands of local operators who have an intimate knowledge

Saffire Freycinet invites thrill-seekers on a quad bike tour along four-wheel drive tracks through coastal heathland to southern Friendly Beaches in the Freycinet National Park. Join our adventurous guides on an exciting and challenging half-day adventure. Early bookings essential! (A valid driver's licence is required to operate the quad bikes. Learner's licences are not accepted. Maximum of three drivers plus one passenger per tour permittted.) Cost $240 per person.

Love your food? Watch, learn and participate as one of Palate’s creative and delicious dishes is prepared from start to finish. This is an interactive, must-do activity for lovers of luxury dining.

Mountain biking offers an opportunity to observe Freycinet’s natural assets at close quarters. We’ll equip you with a bike, plus all the accessories you’ll need for a comfortable and memorable self-guided adventure.

Join one of our guides for an easy two-hour tour, which combines two of the popular shorter walks of the Freycinet Peninsula. Your first walk will be around the Cape Tourville lighthouse, with stunning views of the Tasman Sea and glimpses of Wineglass Bay. The second walk is to Sleepy Bay, where you will descend gently graded steps to the rocky shoreline, while learning about how the Hazards mountain range was formed.

Take a coastal stroll along the beach from Saffire with our indigenous guide Mick Quilliam. Discover the history of the Oyster Bay people, taking in the beauty of the coastal tracks and rock platforms and the wonders of the fauna and flora right on our doorstep. Sample local bush tucker, learn about tools and foraging and gain a greater understanding of time gone by and your own connection to country.

Enjoy close-up interactions with soaring sea birds, playful marine mammals and a diversity of life on your way to Schouten Island aboard our purpose-built vessel, Saffire. The adventure also includes a visit to culturally significant sites of past and present inhabitants, including the Australian fur seal. Morning tea is included and prepared by the team of chefs at Saffire. Cost $275 per person, minimum four people.

At Saffire Freycinet Tasmania, our highly skilled therapists and masseurs have the skill to help you achieve your highest health and wellness potential. Following your Spa Saffire consultation, your therapist will prepare a program of day spa treatments and therapies to reflect your personal needs and preferences. Men’s treatments are also one of our specialties.

Would you go to Versailles without visiting Paris? Enhance your Saffire experience by seeing the best of Hobart and surrounds.

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