2020 has thrown a lot at us. And with international travel canned for the foreseeable future, it’s time to explore closer to home when we can. For us Australians, Tasmania is kind of like a little world of its own. Very Australian, but very much its own special little slice of something too.
I’m grateful for the places we’ve been because of Tom’s job. It’s not always ideal to pack up your life, but the experiences we’ve had and the lessons it’s taught us has been invaluable.
Over December/January just gone we were fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Tasmania for a month. Even though we didn’t get to explore as much as we would have liked, for me it was so special to return to a place I had been with my family when I was younger, and take Tom to some of these places.
Tasmania is such a special part of Australia, and since international travel is totally up in the air, I thought I would take the opportunity to share this little film diary of our time in Tasmania. For all my fellow Australian friends, if you have had Tasmania on your “maybe later” list, this might be the time to do it. Because if you have the chance to go, it’s so so worth it.
Tasmania is a nature lovers dream. You are spoilt by an incredible array of landscapes and diverse scenery. It almost doesn’t feel quite like Australia. But not only are you inundated with natural beauty, there is so much more for going in – the wineries, the breweries, the food and coffee culture. And a little chance to step back in history.
Some of my top recommendations:
CRADLE MOUNTAIN
I highly recommend spending the money to stay at Pepper’s Lodge. It means you are right there in the national park and get to experience so much beauty right outside the lodge. One of the most beautiful walks is the Enchanted walk right at the lodge – such lush vegetation and we even saw a wombat SO close to us. It’s truly magical.
Also they have the Alpine spa and you should DEFINITELY book in for a treatment or a sanctuary session. think you’re own private jacquzzi overlooking a creek and wintery trees, a plunge pool for hot/cold goodness and your own sauna/steam room.
From the lodge you can also drive to the carpark and catch the bus into the national park to do many of the other breathtaking walks around Cradle Mountain and Dove lake. Nature overload and you will thank me for it.
HOBART
You obviously can’t go to Tasmania without going to the largest city. Hobart is basically a mini-Melbourne in terms of vibe. The food and coffee culture is legit, and there is such a feeling of history in certain parts of town.
The harbour is beautiful to take a stroll along, and on weekends they have the Salamanca markets which are full of local produce and art. Plus the gin. I swear there were 10 different gin stalls and I was slightly drunk at 11am from taste testing all the different ones.
From the markets it’s worth strolling up to Battery Point. It’s one of the more historic parts of the city and has such cute houses and gardens filled with roses. Jackman and McRoss is THE cafe in Battery Point with quite rich and indulgent pastries if thats your thing. They actually had vegan options which I was surprised by to be honest.
TOP VEGAN EATS
VEG BAR
Veg Bar has delicious healthy and indulgent options. You can’t not get one of their epic shakes and the banana split is LEGIT.
BURY ME STANDING
Coffee and bagels? Want more could you ask for… but seriously? Bury Me Standing have great vegan and non-vegan options. It’s an absolute must do.
SAN CHURRO
Who said you can’t have dessert for dinner? And even better when it’s churros. San Churro is nice chilled little spot, perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.
ALOFT
Now we didn’t personally go here, but a lot of my lovely followers recommended Aloft for a nice little fine dining option on the harbour. The food has quite the reputation.
MONA
The museum of new and old art (MONA) is a must do. If you’re feeling it, the ferry from the harbour in Hobart is an experience in itself. Why not cruise the river in Hobart while sitting on a sheep or sharing snacks with a cow (not alive) while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Again the building of MONA is breathtaking in its own right. I would spend forever just admiring the architecture. But of course the art is worth getting lost in. I would suggest going when you’re not rushed at all. And not really having any kind of plan. Just wander. Really be present.
MOUNT WELLINGTON
Take a drive up to the top on a clear down and breathe in the incredible vista overlooking all of Hobart. It’s incredible.
BAY OF FIRES
This whole coastline is stunning, but Bay of Fires is unique in that it has these giant red rocks (hence the name). It’s some of the whitest sand you will ever see in your life, the water is fresh and icy. But you can’t really resist a dip in that divine aqua salty deliciousness.
FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK
Now we didn’t make it here on this trip, but I still remember this vividly from my family holiday. The walk down to wineglass bay, the incredible views, the water, the beaches. It’s honestly all just amazing.
CATARACT GORGE
Now we were based in Launceston, and it doesn’t have quite the same vibe as Hobart. But there is still some real beauty and atmosphere that is worth seeing. The gorge is definitely high. I would run here everyday, sometimes swim in the fresh icy water. There is a pool right there too, if thats your vibe. The gorge has a number of walks you can do – you’ll see a lot of wild life too. The peacocks being quite the star of the show, but other cute little pademelons, and I even saw a seal swimming through the gorge on one of my runs.
Other notables that we didn’t get to on this trip but come highly recommended, or I did when I was a kid travelling with family
Port Arthur, Bribie Island, Bridestowe Lavender Estate