One of the best and only ways to explore Tasmania’s stunning west coast is to hit the road. With ancient forests and unique experiences, a road trip through this region is an Off Season dream. Here’s a sample itinerary of what’s best in the west.

Eat: West Coast Gateway Cafe

Tucked away in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town of Tullah, West Coast Gateway Cafe serves up some of the best coffee and food in the area. An ideal spot to start your day or to fuel up for the adventures ahead – choose from the main cabinet or full menu, with highlights including the steak sandwich, lamb souvlaki, spinach fettuccine with roasted tomato or a mean potato cake.

The bright space, complete with a roaring log fire when the mercury drops, features historical images of the area’s gold mining past. You can also map where you’ve explored on their 3D model of the west coast.

Do: Hogarth Falls

This delightful bushwalk, which commences from People’s Park in Strahan, is nestled around a working harbour. Expect to be dwarfed by tall trees and pristine rainforest while you make your way along the easy creek-side track, which is 2.4 kilometres return. The cascading falls peak in winter after decent rainfall, with their presence heard before being seen. A mesmerising display of water, sound and light awaits (keep your eyes peeled for platypus along the way).

Do: Gordon River Cruises

Alternatively, rest your feet with a six-hour cruise. On the water, the west coast of Tasmania can be wildly different depending on the climate - from crisp, blue skies to moody clouds and mist. Gordon River Cruises departs from Strahan and takes you through the majestic Macquarie Harbour and onto several landmarks throughout the day. Guides share character-based interpretations throughout the trip, giving you an insight into the history of the area, as well as what it’s like now. There are two opportunities to explore the spectacular area on foot – one highlight is walking through the ancient Huon Pine forests at Heritage Landing, which are only accessible by boat. Guests can also get off at Sarah Island, a beautiful location with a dark and violent convict history. And on the boat you won’t go hungry. You’ll enjoy feasting on an extensive buffet menu plus a range of wines, juices and espresso.

On Saturday May 27, you can enjoy wine tastings, canapes, and wine of your choice, while hearing the stories of Ghost Rock Wines in a collaboration between Gordon River Cruises and Ghost Rock Wines, as part of the Off Season.

Eat: Risby Cove

After a long day of sightseeing, it’s time for dinner. On the site of a former Huon Pine sawmill sits Risby Cove, a boutique hotel and restaurant on the waterfront, just moments from the heart of Strahan. Views across the harbour are dotted with recreational yachts and commercial fishing vessels. The restaurant is open for meals from Tuesday to Sunday; a “feed me” option on those nights allows for either a two or three-course meal, showcasing local produce such as Little Swanport oysters, fresh caught fish, and wild mushroom risotto. An a la carte menu is offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, and lunch is served from Friday to Sunday. The drinks list has a healthy selection of local wines, beers, ciders and spirits. Continental breakfast hampers packed with fresh bread, orange juice, cereal and fruit yoghurt are offered year-round to fuel you up for your next adventure.

If you’re too tired to get back in the car after dinner, you can also take advantage of Risby Cove’s Off Season offer, which includes a two-night stay in either the studio or balcony suites and 10 per cent off the restaurant’s a la carte menu.

Stay: Salt Box Hideaway

Your last stop is where you’ll retire for the night. The picturesque Lettes Bay is dotted with lakeside shacks, built from 1921 onwards, as a place of respite for local mining and railway workers to escape grim manual labour. These days, it’s a quiet place to watch the weather ebb and flow, and to make friends with resident ducks. Salt Box Hideaway is an ideal spot to spend a night (or several) in the romantic surrounds of this sheltered bay. With the freedom to do as much or as little as you like, you can swim, fish or just enjoy the vista. There’s a nod to the area’s maritime history in the shack’s interior design, and an outdoor fire pit is the perfect spot to share stories, toast marshmallows and enjoy a glass of something from your travels.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism Tasmania. Explore more wild, weird and wonderful experiences during Tasmania’s Off Season.