Well, it has been some months since travelling but I am pleased to report after all these years of writing itineraries for media and trade I finally got the opportunity to visit some area’s of Tasmania myself. This gorgeous state of Australia has long been a bucket list place for me to visit.
Here are just a few highlights that I would recommend you visit:
MONA, HOBART
Museum of Old and New Art, located about 20 minute drive north of Hobart. A visual and sensory feast overload would be how best I describe this venue. Their website says “Mona: a museum, or something. In Tasmania, or somewhere. Catch the ferry. Drink beer. Eat cheese. Talk crap about art. You’ll love it.”
Points to note:
The area is huge so wear comfortable walking shoes.
MONA is cashless so ensure you have a card of some description to pay for any purchases.
Entry needs to be prebooked.
The museum is mostly underground (which I did not research before hand) but so much to see and do, one is so enthralled with the subject matter one takes no notice of time or location. You just become so completely lost in the enjoyment of the art I totally forgot my schedule for the day so I would encourage you to allow more time than you originally set aside.
Love love loved lunch on the verandah at The Source, my favs The King Prawn Linguini, Honey Vegetables and Oysters all served with local wine from MONA’s own cellar & vineyard Moorilla Extra Brut went down a treat with all 3 dishes.
BONORANG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, HOBART
Bonorang Wildlife Sanctuary, around a 30 minute drive north of Hobart, this wildlife sanctuary offers both day and night tours and teaches guests all about native Tasmania wildlife and how as visitors we can help sustain & protect the ecology of the environment. Great for families and anyone who loves animals and supports learning about Australian wildlife and helping them thrive for future generations to enjoy.
Points to note:
Tassie’s largest community 24 hour wildlife rescue service.
Some of species of animals you’ll see at Bonorang, no longer exist in other regions of Australia.
Funded entirely by entry fees.
On our visit we saw Forester Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils – a joy to see, Wombats and Echidna’s (both my favourites). There is also a huge array of bird life as well.
JOSEF CHROMY WINES, RELBIA
Josef Chromy Wines, is a short drive south from Launceston you will find one of Tassie’s finest cellar doors and restaurants. This 60 hectare vineyard makes one of my favourite sparkling wines. The vineyard itself is one of the prettiest you’ve seen and specialises in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Reisling and Sauvignon Blanc varieties.
Points to note:
Book a Cellar Door Tasting experience. Sandy Liang Cellar Door Manager and her team will offer you an amazing wine tasting.
The Cellar Door is housed in the estates original 1880’s homestead which is simply divine.
Making a lunch booking, the food is off the charts and is backed up the Australian Good Food Guide, winning a Chef Hat every year since 2017. If you enjoy locally sourced produce that not only looks but taste great then this is your jam.
CLOVER HILL WINES, LEBRINA
Another fav of mine, Clover Hill Wines as they specialise in making sparkling wine in the traditionnelle methode. The property once an old dairy farm was established in 1986. In comparison to some cellar doors and restaurants this one is not large by any means but punches above its weight in terms of the very high levels of service, food, ambience & cellar door experiences.
Points to note:
Specialize in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier varieties.
Bookings are a must!
Clover Hill offers wine making masterclasses & tasting workshops if you are looking for a more specialised wine experience.
The Cellar Door and Clovers Kitchen offers breathtaking scenery that encompasses the vineyards and Lebrina.
The Tasting Menu from Clovers Kitchen is only available when you book a tasting at the Cellar door.
In Hobart we stayed at Macq01 Hotel, fantastic accommodation, friendly and helpful staff, amazing cuisine, the comfiest bed & pillows I have slept on in a long time!
Points to note:
Do book a story telling walking tour to learn not just about the hotel but also the local area. The guides are so knowledgeable and provide a theatrical atmosphere to your tour.
Enjoy a beverage in Evolve Spirits Bar and check out the zoological and geological artefacts adorning walls and tables.
Take some time out and enjoy a hot chocolate by the fire in The Lounge
In Launceston we stayed at Peppers Silo Hotel, I just love everything about this hotel especially how the unusual rooms fitting into the space of the repurposed Kings Wharf Grain Silo that has been carefully restored to the views from the rooms of the Tamar River. The building was originally four large grain silo’s, 35 metres high that is now a 9 level hotel.
Points to note:
Eat dinner at Grain of the Silo’s the food was outstanding and beautifully displayed.
Enjoy a beverage in Woodys Barrel Bar, one of the original barrels of the repurposed silos.
The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to CBD, Tamar River Cruises and Queen Victoria Art Gallery.
For more information go to Discovery Tasmania
