As the island state’s capital, no trip to Tasmania is complete without a stay in Hobart. Here’s how to spend a week in this beautiful and always surprising city
For those planning a trip to Tasmania, there is no better base from which to explore the island state than its lovely capital, Hobart, and perhaps no better accommodation than The Tasman. The hotel is located no more than a five minutes’ walk from the city, waterfront and Salamanca Market. Courtesy of the luxury hotel, here’s how to enjoy seven mornings, afternoons and evening while in Hobart.
Day one
One of Tasmania’s oldest national parks, Mt. Field National Park is full of biodiversity, including the world’s tallest eucalypt forest. Facial landscapes and stunning waterfalls are just a couple of the attractions sure to awe Mt. Field visitors.
No trip to Hobart would be complete without a visit to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). MONA immerses guests in its ‘weird and wonderful’ art while providing a wine bar and lawns for ambiance and relaxation.
Wind down for the day with dinner at Peppina, The Tasman’s award-winning trattoria style restaurant, with Chef Massimo Mele at the helm. The Italian-inspired cuisine relies on local produce while the restaurant prides itself on hospitality.
Day two
A morning spent touring the kitchen gardens at The Agrarian Kitchen is an ideal prelude to lunch at the same locale. The garden is set within the walls of an old exercise yard behind the Bronte building of New Norfolk’s Willow Court – Australia’s oldest continually run asylum.
Unwind during the afternoon with a wine tasting at Stefano Lubiana Wines. The family-run winery is set on the Derwent River estate and features the country’s first certified biodynamic vineyard – meaning Stefano Lubiana Wines are free from synthetic treatments, pesticides and additives. Be sure to try a glass of sparkling wine, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
A visit to Mt. Wellington (weather providing) gives the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of Tasmania’s vast wilderness. Multiple walking paths weave across the mountaintop with feature hikes like the famed Organ Pipes and the Zig Zag and Ice House tracks that reach Mt. Wellington’s summit.
Day three
A drive to the Tessellated Pavements gives Tasmania holiday-goers the opportunity to marvel at this unique rock formation while capturing pictures. Guest can continue to take in the natural beauty of the island by making their next stop Tasman Arch. Located inside of Tasman National Park, this natural bridge can be viewed from a car park observation platform or 0.9 kilometre loop path.
Fortescue Bay offers ample opportunity for afternoon relaxation while a Tasman Island Cruise can give travellers a new perspective of Tasmania. Evening drinks and food can be enjoyed at FICO, an intimate bistro and wine bar back in Hobart.
Day four
Bruny Island is rife with exploration options including multiple walks and museums like the Bruny Island History rooms. Hamperlicious on Bruny crafts hampers for both day visits and overnight feasts. Meanwhile, Island Scenic Flights elevates guests’ island views. For a taste of Bruny Island, visitors should be sure to check out fresh oyster on the beach or sample artisanal cheeses and whisky.
Day five
Tasmania’s storied past starts with its Aboriginal people whose culture can be experienced by joining the palwa kipli Aboriginal inspired food and bush tucker tour kipli takara tour. These 90 minute tours bring guests to the ‘natural pantry’ that was returned to Tasmanian Aboriginal ownership in 1995 and include catering of native foods and drinks.
For those feeling less adventurous but still wishing to experience some of the Aboriginal culture, following the Blak Led self-guided tour of lakapawa palawa niplaluna displays some of Hobart’s Aboriginal public art. Meanwhile, an afternoon spent at Art Mob means immersing oneself in one of the world’s most focused Aboriginal art galleries.
Day six
Port Arthur Historic Site brings travellers to another side of Australia’s past. It is one of the 11 sites that are part of the UNESCO Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property. Multiple daily tours – including a candle-lit ghost tour – provide insight to the historic site’s history and, perhaps, its present.
Nestled in the hills of Marion Bay is VAN BONE – an excellent choice for lunching. VAN BONE’s set menu brings the best of Tasmania’s tastes to the table in setting that’s focused on minimal intervention. Guests can venture onwards to Marion Bay Beach to try to catch glimpses of the sunset before imbibing in The Tasman’s ‘hidden gem’, Mary Mary.
Day seven
Culminate a week getaway in Tasmania by soaking in the beauty of Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay. There are multiple ways to explore Freycinet including by kayak, snorkelling, day walks and overnight hiking. Indulging in local seafood is possible at Freycinet Marine Farm or in Coles Bay. A Wineglass Bay Cruise takes visitors on a four and a half hour tour of the park’s highlights that are visible from the bay.