Tasmania 101: Your Travel Guide To This Australian Gem
Stunning natural scenery, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and some of the freshest, tastiest oysters in the world – what’s not to love about Tasmania? Located just under a three-hour flight away from Brisbane, this picturesque island state offers the perfect escape from the everyday commotion of city living.
In February, I was lucky enough to explore Tasmania for six days with my family and, let me tell you, we absolutely fell in love with it. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a foodie, an art lover, or someone who just wants to kick back and relax, a holiday in Tasmania caters to every taste and interest.
So, next time you need to hit pause on your life and get away, here’s a go-to guide for discovering all that Tasmania has to offer.
Stay: Satellite Island, Tranmere, Battery Point
Satellite Island is truly your own secluded slice of paradise. With the whole island to yourself, spend the days exploring the Tasmanian wilderness, shucking your own oysters, and relaxing on your private oasis. A great base for chilling out and exploring Bruny Island, I recommend relaxing and unwinding here for a few days before setting up camp in Tranmere, a quiet suburb boasting beautiful lake views located just outside of Hobart, to explore the city. Or, if you’d rather be a bit closer to the action, Battery Point is another great option, with its charming houses and central location.
We stayed at this holiday home in Tranmere and couldn’t recommend it enough!
Eat: Pearl + Co, Frogmore Creek, Port Arthur Lavender
Fresh seafood is where Tasmania shines. With a growing number of fantastic cafes and restaurants popping up all around the state, expect an array of farm-to-fork dining options showcasing the finest local produce. Situated on the waterfront of Victoria Dock, Pearl + Co serves up delicious dishes with killer views. Looking for a place to long lunch? Frogmore Creek is a vineyard boasting inventive, delectable dishes and quality wines in a beautiful setting. And if you’re on the hunt for a tasty bite in a serene setting, Port Arthur Lavender provides just that, with their 18 acres of lavender fields, lakes, and rainforest.
Shop: Salamanca Place, Salamanca Markets, Hobart CBD
While in Hobart, head down to Salamanca Place, where history and culture meet retail therapy, and explore the eclectic mix of art galleries, boutiques, and artisanal shops. If you happen to be there on a Saturday, you’re in for a treat! Transforming into a bustling market with over 300 stallholders selling handmade products, fresh food, and so much more, you definitely won’t want to miss out on the Salamanca Markets. As you venture further into the city centre, you’ll find a number of hidden gems offering everything from vintage designer goods to local gifting options.
Do: Mount Wellington, MONA, Port Arthur Historical Site
Stunning hikes, intriguing art galleries, fascinating historic sites…pick your poison. If tongue-in-cheek art displays and thought-provoking pieces are your jam, the avant-garde Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a must-visit. To get there, hop on board the quirky and fun MONA ferry, a travel experience that sets the tone for the museum’s unique vibe. History enthusiasts will have a field day at the Port Arthur Historic Site, a notorious former convict settlement in Australia that has a fascinating, brutal past. Prefer to get out in nature and stretch your legs? Mount Wellington has several walking trails ranging in difficulty, depending on your skill level. Lace up your walking shoes and ensure your phone is charged and at the ready, because the panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking!
See: Tasmans Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, Blow Hole, Remarkable Cave, Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain
One major plus about visiting Tasmania is its size, meaning you can tick off all the sights within a short time frame. Check out Tasmans Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, and Blow Hole all in one go – they’re conveniently situated in the same vicinity. A short drive from Port Arthur Historical Site is where you’ll find the aptly named Remarkable Cave, which provides epic coastal views and interesting rock formations that make it live up to its name. An iconic Australian sight, Wineglass Bay should definitely be on your Tassie bucket list, with its pristine views of turquoise blue waters and white sand. And for nature lovers, Cradle Mountain is a dream destination, promising great hikes, unforgettable wildlife experiences, and spectacular views.
Drink: Sonny Hobart, In The Hanging Garden, La Sardina Loca
If you’re like me, all that sightseeing probably made you thirsty. Luckily, Tasmania is no stranger to cool bars and refreshing drinks. Sonny Hobart , an intimate, trendy, vinyl wine bar, is the perfect place for a nightcap. On the other end of the spectrum is In The Hanging Garden, a large, tiered beer garden with dining options, bars, markets, and live music. To live the Hobart locals do, pop into La Sardina Loca, a cozy neighbourhood aperitivo bar slinging drinks in an old sandstone building, with courtyard seating available to revel in the crisp Tassie air.
Header: @satelliteisland / @oliver.whone / @sonny.hobart
Body imagery: @satelliteisland / @portarthurlavender / @hellohobarttasmania / @cradlemountainlodge / @sonny.hobart / @inthehanginggarden / @las.ardina
