Tassie Musts
Nilla spent a week in serene Tasmania in November and loved every minute of it. Tasmania has so much to offer, use Nilla’s itinerary as a guide and check out the Discover Tasmania Instagram page for more ideas. Her trip was focussed around seeing dear friends, wine and sustainable seafood.
Nilla flew into picturesque Hobart and headed straight to Bruny Island with a rental car. There are numerous car rental companies at Hobart airport, so either book ahead in the hopes of a good deal or see what’s available upon arrival.
The 50km long island, just off the southern coast of Tasmania is home to an array of Aussie animals. Echidna, white wallabies and a mouse like marsupial called a dusky antechinus as well as two species of seals call the temperate island home. Nilla and her partner spent a few cozy nights at Sheepwash Bay. The Shack at Sheepwash Bay is a beautiful old cabin built with reclaimed timber. The owners of the cabin make sourdough just next door.
“We awoke to fresh bread in the morning and ended our days with oysters. My kind of perfect day.” says Nilla.
A visit to the famous Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co is a must and Get Shucked for the best oysters (Nilla reckons maybe the best ever). There are a bunch of walks on the island including The Neck Lookout, Adventure Bay (to see the white wallabies), The Fluted Cape Walk, Cape Queen Elizabeth, Dennes Point and the Mars Bluff Arch. Mabel Bay, Cloudy Bay and the lighthouse are also stunning.
The drive back to Hobart is scenic so taking it slow is ideal. Grab some picnic essentials and find a spot to soak in the surrounds.
Tinderbox Vineyard is home to Anim wines. They were lucky enough to get in contact with Max and organise a private tour whilst sampling the delicious drop.
Salamanca is definitely the place to stay for an overnight or two in the city. Nilla booked in at Moss Hotel, built originally in 1824. A hotel where new meets old and located right where you want to be. Plan so you are in Hobart on a Saturday, as to not miss the Salamanca Markets. You will find all the usual market goodies; local produce, crafts, art, food, food and more food. A favourite is Pacha Mama Burritos, the vegan burrito is delightful and for something different try the wallaby. Sea Soul Studio ceramics, crafted by the beautiful Sarah an old time friend, is a stall to definitely stop by and find some goodies. At this time of year Sarah fires Christmas baubles and ornaments, add something hand crafted to your home this Christmas. Just up the hill from Salamanca is Battery Point this tiny suburb has the best views of Mount Wellington, a bakery and artsy shops (It’s worth the walk for even just a croissant and coffee).
Lucinda Wine Bar in the city centre has an award winning wine list and delicious scallops. Stop here for a glass of wine after walking the city all day. Book a table at Aløft one of Brooke Street Piers restaurants and enjoy a nine course degustation.
A day visiting the wineries in the south is a must. Nilla chose Stefano Lubiana, Pooley Wines and Frogmore Creek. Coal River Farm was also on the list for chocolate and cheese tasting, YUM. A jam packed day with lots of wine, so definitely assign a designated driver and have a long slow lunch,
“We ate at Frogmore Creek, it was great but it’s such a huge establishment… next time I would support Pooley or another smaller vineyard.” Nilla recommends.
The following day Bangor Vineyard Shed was on the cards for lunch. A beautiful spot with beautiful food. Again the oysters were ordered to share. Another local artist, Tim Holmes owns Potters Croft in the same area so they made the trip to his home studio. Tim uses a wood fired kiln to produce his art. Get in contact with Tim to visit his studio, as it is by appointment only- but definitely worth the stop (Nilla loves supporting local and purchased one of his tea pots).
Nilla spent the next part of her trip along the eastern coast of the island to visit a friend in St Helens. Along the way stopping at Freycinet Peninsula for a quick hike, lunch at the Lobster Shack and a walk through Bicheno. The peninsula is exquisite and has loads of walks and hikes of all different levels (seeing Wine Glass Bay is a must, especially from the viewpoint).
Being based in St Helens is a great way to see the famous Bay of Fires. Nilla spent most of her time whist in the area walking on the shore. The white sand beaches of Binalong Bay and Skeleton Bay Reserve are perfect for beach walks and swimming. A combination of fungus and algae cause the hues of orange on the rocks in which the area is known for.
A drive to the Floating sauna at Lake Derby and a very quick dip in the lake is a unique experience and Nilla recommends a bit of relaxation mid trip.
The last part of Nilla’s trip was a stay in Lulworth on the northern coast, before flying out of Launceston. The Point is a home right on the beach,
“an early morning stroll before breakfast finding treasures and a glass of wine watching the sunset made The Point the perfect stay to end our Tassie trip,” says Nilla.
Before flying out Nilla had to visit the peony farm at Latrobe (her favourite flower). There’s numerous around the Launceston area, a walk around a farm is a good way to stretch your legs before the flight home. Nilla found Timbre Kitchen and Still Water where they ate on their final day, Good, true food for a Tassie send off.
“I definitely eat too much on holiday, but there’s always so much delicious local food to try and I don’t want to miss out” says Nilla.
That’s it for Nilla’s Tassie secrets. She loves the island and has visited a few times and every time she seeks new places to eat at and places to stay.
Nilla’s ‘next time’ musts:
Satelite Island has been on Nilla’s list for yonks. It’s an off grid nature lovers escape. It’s one of those places that books out in a flash and Nilla is more of a last minute holiday planner.
Whale Song is another stay that Nilla has recently come across. A stunning home in a picturesque location.
If you can book in advance an early dinner at Van Bone is a must. Seasonal and intimate, settled perfectly in the landscape.
Flinders Island, look it up and you will also be in awe.
The lavender farms, book a summer trip and explore the purple farms and enjoy lavender infused everything.