spectacular natural rock formation that looks man-made. More dramatic still are the coastal cliff views at. Tasman Blowh
on the waterfront tasmania’s spectacular capital itinerary No. 1: A SEVEN-DAY INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE vibrant culture, HISTORIC CHARMS and MAJESTIC natural BEAUTY OF HOBART AND ITS SURROUNDS.
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Tasmania W H E R E yesterday A N D tomorrow CO L L I D E .
THERE ARE PLACES IN
Editor’s note
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… A N D T H E Y ’ R E C LO S E R T H A N Y O U I M A G I N E .
Welcome to an island where the culture keeps you on your toes. Where a moment in Hobart can lead you on to MONA’s modern sights – or Port Arthur’s historic sites. Whether it’s the cosmopolitan charms of our portside city, the gourmet delights of Bruny Island or the convict stories of World Heritage destinations, Tasmania’s south will stretch your imagination. So, start a journey in Hobart... and expect the unexpected. Visit discovertasmania.com
per person twin share
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Ten Days on the Island festival at Port Arthur Historic Site.
Cover: Waterfront and Mount Wellington, Hobart. From above: Theatre Royal, Australia’s oldest working theatre; convict church at Port Arthur Historic Site; local delicacies at Grandvewe Cheeses
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Hobart: where it all begins
Salamanca Market Set among a row of early Georgian sandstone warehouses, this festive market is a showcase of fresh produce and unique craft items.
from the air as pockets of population strung along a ragged coastline torn into tranquil bays and channels. Even from several thousand feet, it’s impossible not to feel engaged by this watery vista that simply demands exploration. The easy 16km drive from the airport into the heart of the city is characterised by uncluttered highways and splendid scenery. Across the busy Tasman Bridge, this friendly old town on the Derwent River offers sandstone buildings, enticing restaurants and a lively waterfront atmosphere. But don’t let the charms of Hobart distract you completely – there’s so much more to enjoy just an hour or two away.
DAY 1: hobart & the coAL river valley
DAY 2: tasman peninsula
Arriving on a Saturday? Head to bustling Salamanca Market in Salamanca Place. If you’re arriving on another day, set off for Richmond, an hour to the north-east in the Coal River Valley. This time capsule of Georgian architecture is home to galleries, antique stores and Australia’s oldest bridge. Back in South Hobart, take a tour at the famous Cascade Brewery. (Bookings are essential.) A scenic stroll around Constitution Dock is next, followed by a climb up the historic Kelly’s Steps to admire the quaint cottages and colonial mansions of Battery Point. Return to the waterfront for fresh seafood at Mures or good old fish and chips wrapped in a paper cone from Fish Frenzy. Unbeatable! Overnight in Hobart.
Rise early and drive down the scenic Tasman Peninsula to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park in Taranna, a sanctuary for these fascinating critters and other quintessentially Australian creatures. Leave at 10.30am for the 10-minute drive to the World Heritage-listed former penal colony of Port Arthur and wander the haunting stony ruins. Tear yourself away by 2pm to embark on the three-hour EcoAdventure Cruise operated by award-winning Tasman Island Cruises. (Bookings are essential.) Return to Port Arthur Historic Site and nab an After Dark Pass, which includes a delicious two-course dinner at Felons Bistro followed by a lanternlit evening Ghost Tour. Overnight in the township of Port Arthur.
Day 3 heritage highway Take advantage of your Port Arthur Historic Site admission pass, which allows a second entry and also includes a walking tour. Join the earliest one at 9.30am, then depart at 10.15am to wend your way north. Detour briefly at Eaglehawk Neck to view the Tessellated Pavement, a spectacular natural rock formation that looks man-made. More dramatic still are the coastal cliff views at Tasman Blowhole, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen. Grab lunch in one of the small waterfront towns. Pass through Hobart and go north to Oatlands along the Heritage Highway, about an hour away. Mid-afternoon is a lovely time to appreciate the mellow beauty of its colonial buildings, which include a heritage flour mill. Retrace your steps 30km, then take the A5 to nearby Bothwell, a rural town with a Scottish flavour and home to Ratho, Australia’s oldest golf course, where the fairways are trimmed by sheep. Get into the Gaelic spirit with a single malt whisky at historic Nant Estate. Stay overnight near Bothwell.
H&S H& &S & STT O S OURI OUR OU URI UR U R NG G
WITH ITS RICH COLONIAL HISTORY, UNIQUE WILDLIFE AND SPARKLING WATERFRONT, HOBART IS THE PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO TASMANIA’S COUNTLESS SPLENDOURS
Tasmania may appear small, but don’t be fooled – the Apple Isle packs a mighty punch. It’s as if a whole continent has been packaged into one island, providing a variety of landscapes normally seen only in a geography primer. White sand beaches, rugged wilderness, jagged mountains, neat vineyards and welcoming cities are spread across five distinct regions. There’s only one problem with such diversity: deciding where to start. If you haven’t been to Tasmania before, choose Hobart − the capital city where the state’s colonial history began back in 1804. Only a short flight from the mainland’s east coast, Hobart presents itself
Clockwise from top: Salamanca Market; taking a swing at Ratho golf course; the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park at Taranna; bottles up at Cascade Brewery
Hobart
TA K E A T R I P T O 7 N I G H T SE L F D R I V E H O L I DAY S F R O M
$699* P P T W I N SH A R E
The quintessential Hobart experience
... A N D I T ’ S J US T A C R OSS T H E W AT E R .
An absolute waterfront position on the River Derwent – outstanding variety of accommodation including the iconic Wrest Point Tower – great food, wine and entertainment – all the attractions of southern Tasmania waiting for you to explore. Wrest Point is the perfect Hobart base for your holiday, for just $179* including full breakfast for two. Call a Tasmanian expert to plan your holiday on 1800 420 615 or book online at wrestpoint.com.au
Hobart hums with a vibrance of art, heritage and gourmet delights. Explore Hobart, southern Tasmania and beyond with an Innkeepers Discovery Inns Pass, including 7 nights accommodation and 7 days car rental…indulge your senses. BONUS: complimentary “Picnics in Paradise” book. *Offer valid until 30 April 2012. Price shown is per person twin share, accommodation is room only. Rates for travel after the 1st May are available on application. Terms and conditions apply.
*Per room per night, subject to availability. Conditions apply. Valid from 11/4/12 - 20/12/12. 20202
Call 1300 innkeeper or visit www.innkeeper.com.au
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Day 5
Clockwise from top left: Breathing Rock, just one of Bruny Island’s natural wonders; built into the banks of the Derwent, MONA was designed to be talked about; the city’s shimmering docks; Hobart by bicycle; highwire act at Tahune Forest AirWalk.
bruny island Catch the car ferry from Kettering to Bruny Island – the 15-minute crossing runs several times a day. Bruny Island, 70km long, consists of farms, dramatic cliffs and a wonderful National Park. It also has a gourmet trail for building the perfect alfresco feast: stock up on
Day 4: Mount Field to Huon Valley Leave Bothwell and head west on a minor road passing through 30km of tranquil countryside before emerging below Hamilton. Nearby is Curringa Farm, a 300-hectare sheep property famed for its conservation program. Tours, picnic facilities, a cafe and four-star accommodation lure visitors here, so stop for morning tea. Turning south, it’s 30 minutes to Mount Field National Park, where Russell Falls attracts visitors year-round. This easily accessed, multi-tiered waterfall is one of the prettiest in Tasmania. About 30 minutes further south at New Norfolk is the Devil Jet, offering high-speed, thrilling boat rides with 360-degree spins on the upper Derwent River. Dry off (you may be a tiny bit damp) and enjoy lunch in this area once renowned for its hops. Drive through Hobart and take the A6 to the Huon Valley. About 90 minutes away (turn off at Geeveston) is the famous Tahune Forest AirWalk − a rigid metal structure that provides a bird’s-eye perspective of the forest canopy and is a more exhilarating than scary experience. Overnight in the Huon Valley.
Regional Tasmania is a smorgasbord of wonderful sights, sounds and aromas. — Jennine Wesson, Discover Tasmania blog
delectable goods from Bruny Island Smokehouse, Get Shucked oyster farm and the Bruny Island Cheese Company. Continue to Adventure Bay, where award-winning Bruny Island Cruises offers a three-hour tour departing at 11am daily. (Bookings are essential.) Soaring sea cliffs and sightings of marine life ensure an unforgettable cruise. Enjoy lunch at the nearby Hothouse Cafe or have a picnic at Bruny Island Berry Farm (October to April). Pick your own berries and savour the home-made ice cream. Wine is the missing link in this moveable feast, so go to Bruny Island Premium Wines at Lunawanna, the most southerly vineyard in Australia. Wonderful cool-climate chardonnays and sauvignon blancs are bottled here. Stay overnight near Dennes Point, about an hour’s drive north.
DAY 7: hobart
Day 6: MONA Start the day at Dennes Point by visiting the Jetty Cafe @ Bruny Island and Art at the Point, where the works of dozens of local artists, jewellers, ceramicists and sculptors are displayed in a shared timber-and-glass building with peaceful views. Depart from Roberts Point on a late-morning ferry to Kettering (a short 15-minute ride) and drive to Hobart, a further 30 minutes away. Continue the arty theme with a ferry hop from the Brooke Street Pier (near Constitution Dock) to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Opened in January 2011, this provocative attraction has
sharpened Hobart’s artistic credentials due to its eclectic and sometimes confronting works. Start with lunch and a glass of wine at The Source, MONA’s sensational restaurant. Return on a late afternoon ferry and take a stroll around the galleries and shops near the Hobart waterfront. Drive to trendy North Hobart, where the restaurant scene is a melting pot of global cuisines. After dinner, take in a show at the Theatre Royal or catch the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at the modern Federation Concert Hall. (Bookings are essential.) Overnight in Hobart.
Time for some exercise. Take a Mount Wellington cycling tour (all you need are average bike-riding skills). You can be collected in Hobart for the drive to the top of the 1270m mountain. The 21km descent passes through alpine terrain and forest before finishing at sea level in Salamanca Place. Perhaps a kayaking tour is more your style, or even both – some companies offer the fullon assault of Mount Wellington with a bike ride followed by a paddle around the waterfront. Alternatively, try a guided walk and learn about endemic flora and fauna. Or, at the very least, drive to the summit and spend some time at the pinnacle enjoying spectacular views. No other Australian city has a viewing platform quite like this. Otherwise, the afternoon is your own. Catch a ferry to Peppermint Bay restaurant, enjoy a glass of wine in a waterfront pub or wander at leisure. You’ve earned it. •
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Hobart W H E R E H E R I TA G E M E E T S T H E waterfront 2 N I G H T S F O R O N LY $185* P P T W I N SH A R E
S TAY I N
... A N D I T ’ S C L OSE R T H A N YO U T H I N K . Enjoy a magical stay in quality modern accommodation at heritage listed historic Lenna of Hobart; situated on the doorstep of the popular Saturday’s Salamanca Market. A short walk and you can take a cruise on the River Derwent, a scenic seaplane flight or visit the renowned MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Package includes 2 nights accommodation $185 per person twin share*, plus $50 Lenna dollars to be redeemed on food and beverage during your stay. BONUS OFFER: Stay 3 nights and receive $100 Lenna dollars! Stay 5 nights and receive $150 Lenna dollars! *Offer valid from April 1st – September 30, 2012. (Excluding April 6-10, 2012). Terms and conditions apply.
Call 1300 innkeeper or visit www.innkeeper.com.au
