Cherry Top Farmstay

The local area is home to several spectacularly scenic waterside spots, including Lilydale Falls (five minutes' drive), Cataract Gorge Reserve (30 minutes; also great for rock climbing) and the Tamar river (20 minutes), where there are several world-class spots for canoeing (bring your own, or take advantage of canoe and kayak hire in Launceston, 25 minutes away). For more outdoor activities, check out the mountain bike trails at Hollybank (10 minutes), George Town (30 minutes) or Trevallyn (25 minutes), or head out for a hike up to the summit of Mount Arthur (15 minutes), set amid gorgeous greenery deep in a forest reserve. For a walk that's easier on the knees, take a stroll around the fragrant grounds of the Bridestowe Lavender Estate (25 minutes), or book yourself onto a wine tour at any of the region's renowned vineyards. If wine isn't your thing, sample local beers instead at the ever-popular Boags Brewery (25 minutes) or Little Rivers Brewery (35 minutes), both of which are well-established and recommended by your hosts. Finally, while you're likely to see all sorts of wildlife while out and about, make sure to head to Tasmania Zoo (40 minutes) for a close-up look at some of Australia's most unusual creatures.