Sabrina Hahn: Travel to Tasmania for gardening tour of Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park

Tasmania is not only a delight for gardeners and naturalists, it’s renowned for having some of the best produce that attracts chefs from all over the world. In November 2024 and again in 2025 I will be leading an 11-day Tasmanian tour that encompasses some of the most beautiful private gardens and World Heritage wilderness sites and samples the many gourmet delights at top restaurants. Over the past eight years there has been a migration of top horticultural growers to Tassie from the mainland. One of the reasons attributing to the move is climate change; with its cooler climate, predictable rainfall and areas with fertile soil, it’s an obvious choice. The title of the tour is Tasmania: Art, Spring Gardens, Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park, so there’s something for everyone. The natural landscapes of Tasmania are dramatic and hugely diverse with 45 per cent of the Island sitting in reserves, national parks, and World Heritage sites. A boat cruise around Freycinet Peninsula to Wineglass Bay will give the group the opportunity to witness the remarkable wildlife found in the area. Sea eagles, dolphins, fur seals, albatross, shearwaters, little penguins and even whales make this area their home. We visit 10 gardens that are distinctly different from each other, formed by the surrounding landscape and giving the visitor a sense of place. Gardening Australia fans will be thrilled to visit Jennifer Stackhouse’s cool climate garden followed by visiting Wychwood — listed as one of Tasmania’s finest gardens. If you love peony roses, this will knock your socks off. Anne Le Fevre’s garden at Eggs and Bacon Bay is testament to commitment in creating a beautiful garden in spite of the nutrient-poor soil, salt-laden winds and steep slope. Anne has spent many hours dragging seaweed up the steep hill to grow brightly coloured perennials and wildflower fields that survive such harsh environments. Crawleighwood Nursery and Garden is in the Huon Valley and boasts at least one specimen of each Tasmanian conifer along with rhododendrons, Japanese maples and native rain forest plants. We visit historical towns, art galleries including MONA, museums and we stay at the magnificent Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is here we visit the Tasmanian devils sanctuary and learn more about their habits. Having completed the walk from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair at the age of 17, I’m thankful this visit will be far more relaxing and enjoyable. For more information on this tour and a complete itinerary, contact Australians Studying Abroad on its website asatours.com.au or call 03 9822 6899. Tip Always do some research before deciding on which tour suits your interests, fitness level and time limit. Small-group travel is a safe and fun way to explore new experiences and get the most out of your trip. Three jobs to do 1. Spray calendulas with Eco-fungicide to control powdery mildew. Always wash edible flowers before eating. 2. Winter spray citrus once harvesting has finished with a liquid copper spray. Check for crusader bugs and drop them into soapy water. 3. Check cabbages and cauliflower for tiny caterpillars that hide on the underside of the leaves. Pick them off and squish.