I’ve just returned from a long weekend in Tasmania. I had been sceptical that we actually had enough time to do the trip justice. I know Tassie is ‘small’, but it still seemed a little ambitious. Probably because there are just so many things to see and do there, that I had ‘itinerary anxiety’ about fitting it all in.
Thankfully, Tassie’s size, pace of life and general lack of chaos, means a long weekend holiday on the apple isle is well worth it.
I’ll share a general run down of our 3 days so you get the idea. And I completely give you permission to use the same itinerary for yourself (just bring me back a bottle of Tassie pinot as thanks).
We flew from Melbourne on the late flight on Friday night. It was the last plane into Hobart airport and after a swift collection of the rental car, we were on our way down the relatively empty freeway straight into the CBD. Unlike any other capital city in Australia, driving in Hobart is actually a breeze – once you get used to the one-way system.
We were soon at our accommodation for the night, newly opened Gibson’s Mill apartments, a restored flour mill just a hop, skip and jump from the harbour precinct and Salamanca. Our one bedroom apartment couldn’t have been comfier, had all of the charm of cleverly preserved Mill relics, and the bottle of Spring Vale Pinot Noir in the mini bar couldn’t have been more welcome. Hello Tassie wines!
We were up and fresh the next morning to visit the famed Salamanca Market. A very short stroll took us straight into the heart of this beloved weekly event, where the name of the game is ‘local’ and Tasmanian’s proudly sell their wares to locals and visitors every Saturday. It is easy to grab brekky at any of the number of food stalls, or the permanent cafes along the precinct. We stopped at ZUM for ours and feeling fuelled, were ready to hit the road to the next destination on our itinerary.
Bruny Island is an island, off an island (off another island), that is known for it’s incredible Tasmanian wilderness. I initially wondered if it might be too hard to fit a visit into the time we had, but upon further investigation, Bruny Island is reached via a 25 minute drive from Hobart, followed by a 15 minute car ferry trip. It’s actually that easy. Within an hour we were driving off the car ferry and onto Bruny’s open road.
If you love nature, appreciate good food, and love a nice drop of wine, then Bruny Island is your perfect match. In the 24 hours we had on the island we managed to fit in visits to Bruny Island Cheese Co., Get Shucked Oysters (GREAT name), the Bruny Island Smokehouse, climb to the lookout at ‘The Neck’, a meal at Hotel Bruny, appreciate an incredible sunset from the deck of our accommodation at Bruny Island Explorers Cottages, and enjoy the famous Rob Pennicott Bruny Island Cruise. And all at a relaxed pace with time to sit and enjoy the spectacular views that appear around every corner. Bruny Island is one of those ‘MUST DO’ destinations, so more must be written on this destination. Stay tuned.
A day later, and we were back on the ferry to return to Hobart, where our accommodation at Zero Davey apartments looked onto the harbour, and a short stroll took us to the busy and popular Fish Frenzy for some of the best fish & chips I’ve ever had.
After a sleep-in the next morning, we ticked off something that has been on my bucket list for a long time now, a visit to MONA. One of Tassie’s incredible drawcards, this unbelievably unique Museum of Old and New Art simply wow’s, but again, is deserving of a post all on it’s own… so more on that later.
And then, we were back on the road to the airport and on a flight home. Three days that felt like a leisurely week. And, did I mention my husband and I did it all with an 8-month old baby in tow? Now you’re impressed! So, you see, you CAN do it. And I really encourage you to try, it is SO worth it.
The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism Tasmania. For more Tasmanian inspiration visit www.discovertasmania.com.au
What ballpark figure did it cost you please?
Hi Carol, the accommodation in Hobart varies by season and date, but rates can be found on their websites:http://www.sullivanscoveapartments.com.au/apartments.html and http://www.escapesresorts.com.au/locations_t_zero.htm. The Bruny Island Ferry is just $35 return for a car and otherwise, you just pay for what you eat and drink! I thoroughly recommend the trip – very easy and relaxed, but fun! Plus lovely, friendly locals 🙂
Love tassie. One of my favourite places and so glad that you squeezed in Bruny Island. Such a magical place. At Get Shucked did you manage to get some of that famous sauce that goes with those beautiful,plump oysters. Aren’t we lucky to have such diversity in our country.
Was in the north east recently. Lots to see there too. Especially around Stanley. Magic.
Yes Eileen, we are so glad we were able to get to Bruny Island too, it has been on my ‘list’ for quite a while and it was even better than I imagined! I’m still dreaming about those oysters, fresh from the sea opposite the shack where they are sold, and the best I have ever tasted. I just can’t wait to go back now – hope you get back there yourself one day! Emma – PWG x
Would so love to do this maybe a bit longer too x thanx
You should change the title to Hobart and surrounds, there is more to tassie than Hobart, and let me assure you that it can’t be done in 3 days.