Exclusive signature experiences access little-known areas of the Freycinet Peninsula, with the added splendour of crystal-clear waters and curvaceous white beaches. 

Moments here can be as unique as wading out to enjoy fresh oysters in the waters of a nearby estuary. Or, perhaps if you are fearless, as gripping as kitting out in a full-body apiarist suit, and venturing into a nearby private apiary, overlooking the Hazards of Freycinet. It is without doubt that Freycinet is the adventure capital of Australia, and signature experiences are endless for visitors. 

Connect with nature in a meaningful way:

• About Freycinet
• About staying at Saffire Fracinet

A range of signature experiences: 

• Kit out in an apiarist suit
• Bring your wetsuit
• Pick up a paddle
• Save the devil
• Wineglass hike and cruise
• le Pique Nice experience

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Freycinet

The Freycinet Peninsula has formed over 400 million years and is effectively two eroded blocks of granite – the Hazards and the peninsula of Mount Graham and Mount Freycinet – connected by the sand isthmus (narrow piece of land connecting 2 larger pieces) that forms Wineglass Bay.

The national park and peninsula name also heralds back to France. Originally thought to be a series of separate islands, Abel Tasman in 1642 named it Schouten Island. This myth was dispelled 160 years later during French explorer Nicholas Baudin’s visit, when he re-named it Freycinet after two brothers and lieutenants on his expedition.

Today, visitors can explore significant Aboriginal sites which are found along the coastlines, dunes and estuaries. This heritage includes shell middens, rock quarries, rock shelters, stone artefacts and other significant sites.

About staying at Saffire Fracinet

The Saffire experience is made up of meaningful moments that capture the essence of Saffire and its close connection to the Freycinet area. For over 10 years, Saffire Freycinet’s range of unique and immersive experiences in Tasmania’s natural environment have received world-wide acclaim.

Distinct in its design, exclusive in its features and set apart by its approach to individually tailored experiences and service, Saffire features 20 accommodation suites, each with sweeping views of Great Oyster Bay and the Hazards Mountains and complete privacy from the neighbouring suites.

Saffire Freycinet’s concept and design are like no other in the country, capturing the essence of this unique region and connecting with its environment to bring an authentic and enriching experience for its guests.

Designed by award-winning Tasmanian architects Circa Architecture (formerly Morris Nunn and Associates), the buildings are conceptually organic, reflecting the surrounding environment. Saffire evokes a connection to the sea, through references of waves, sea creatures, sand dunes and a flowing, organic form.

Kit out in an apiarist suit

This unique hive-to-honey experience creates a link between Saffire guests and local producers of premium Tasmanian food and beverage.  “Rob Barker, horticulturalist turned up at Saffire one day selling his locally produced honey,” Saffire General Manager, Justin King explains.  “We tried it, realised it was exceptional and began using it in our kitchen immediately – but it was Rob’s passion for bees and the creation of honey that helped us realise there was a bigger opportunity here for our guests.” Now, with the safety and guidance of Rob ‘The Bee Man’ Barker, guests approach the hives to witness thousands of Tasmanian bees at work, and extract warm, fresh honeycomb to experience the breathtaking natural phenomenon of honey-making.

“With up to 60,000 bees per hive, beating their wings 230 times each second, this is actually quite an adrenalin-filled experience,” says Rob Barker, although his calming influence on both guests and bees alike ensures the bees are undisrupted throughout the encounter. Such immersion in nature is as fascinating as it is exciting, particularly as bees are the cornerstone of our ecosystem, without which our world would be a very different place.

The Freycinet Peninsula is rich in biodiversity, and Rob’s bees forage happily on the area’s flowering native flora such as the abundant and medicinal leptospermum scoparium (manuka), fragrant kunzea ambigua (tick bush),  and bursaria spinose (prickly box). The flavour of resulting honey is ever-changing with the strong seasonal variation, unlike monofloral varieties often found elsewhere. This results in a honey with a completely distinctive, unrepeatable flavour profile, and also has the highly sought-after medicinal qualities of manuka honey. “Talking to international guests, they’re shocked at the flavour in Rob’s honey because it has a terroir you just don’t get elsewhere,” says Chef, Todd.

“I get a real buzz out of the interaction with the guests – showing and educating them about what happens in the hive, and then they get to taste it. It’s invaluable for a producer to be face to face with people when they’re trying your product. They’re always amazed at how unique the taste is, which is just such a positive affirmation for me,” says Rob. 

Bring your wetsuit

Bring your wetsuit, mask and fins to discover underwater life. And although you won’t be short of dive locations, the waters of Governor Island provide a mind blowing display of sheer rock walls, unplumbed crevices and caves, and are home to an unusually diverse range of colourful and captivating marine communities. The best way to dive in the reserve is from a live boat as the depth and reef are not well-suited to anchoring.

Pick up a paddle

Explore wondrous waterways up-close and self-propelled, or sea kayak the calm coastline of Freycinet National Park with startling views of towering pink granite cliffs. 

Whether you are a novice looking for a gentle ocean paddle, or an experienced river-rafter after the thrills of white water, take the opportunity to enjoy these waters under your own steam.

Save the devil

Meet the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial (pouched mammals). The “Tasmanian Devil Experience” offers you the rare opportunity to encounter Tasmanian devils in a natural setting, and to participate in the quest to save this endangered species from extinction.

Led by your knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit an open-range Tasmanian devil enclosure, where you’ll meet some resident population of Tasmanian devils and observe them as they feed and interact. You’ll hear the story of the Tasmanian devil and the crucial effort to find a cure for Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD)—the rare and contagious cancer that is threatening the devil’s survival.

You’ll also have the chance to contribute to and observe the devil population by participating in a visual health inspection of the devils. You’ll learn how to recognise individual devils, and use direct observation and remote camera imagery to identify and check each of the resident animals.

You’ll also learn of the vital work of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program and the critical research of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research and Professor Greg Woods. Saffire is one of the key partners in Dr Woods’ quest to find a vaccine for DFTD, and you’ll discover how you can be a part of the ongoing work to secure the survival of this important and fascinating species.

Wineglass Bay cruise or hike

For the first time, Wineglass Bay Cruises will be exploring the spectacular Freycinet Peninsula in winter, including a stop at the internationally acclaimed Wineglass Bay.

While anchored in Wineglass Bay, visitors will enjoy a Tasmanian Ploughman’s lunch filled with fresh local produce such as salmon, cheeses and chocolate, and matched with local beverages, cool climate wines, mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Alternatively soak up the views and walk through dense coastal woodland and past striking granite boulders, to the celebrated lookout.

The Freycinet Walking Tour provides a qualified and experienced walking guide, day packs, rain jackets, a water bottle, thermos, lunch, morning tea, sunscreen and water. Guests need a reasonable level of fitness to complete this walk.

le Pique Nice experience 

Imagine the taste of delicately aged cheese, a lovely burgundy and freshly baked baguettes – it’s enough to transport you to a provincial French kitchen. Now, combine that with the sights and sounds of the Australian landscape.

This unique experience takes guests on a guided 5km walk to explore a side of the Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay that is typically unseen by many. Guests will then arrive at a secret location nestled by the crystal white sands and azure waters of South Hazards Beach, to be met by Saffire’s renowned chef and indulge in the ultimate gourmet picnic experience, with a bounty of locally sourced produce with a French flavour – including charcuterie, oysters, barbequed seafood, free range meets, farmhouse cheese and petit desserts.

Guests then have the option to sip on locally crafted wines or treat themselves to some fun in classic French style – a game of Bocce with a drink of Pastis on the beach, or simply sit back and enjoy the view.

Explore Freycinet Peninsula with Sapphire Freycinet

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