Island escape: A long weekend in Tasmania

By Ellen Morgan
Published: Monday, December 7, 2020

See the spectacular natural wonders that make Tasmania a photographer’s paradise and taste the flavours that have people coming back for more.

In the island state, mountains appear like emerald velvet and farmland fields are a honey gold. Dramatic cliffs are lapped by deep blue waters and city streets are dotted with cultural haunts and food havens. Welcome to Tasmania.

What it lacks in size, Tasmania makes up for in just about everything else. Whether you’re after a feast for the tastebuds, an action-packed adventure, or an arts and culture discovery, there’s plenty to explore.

It’s the place you never knew you missed, until the moment you step on the plane back home. Looking to head over for a weekend? We’ve put together a 3-day itinerary to inspire you for your next getaway across Bass Straight.

Thursday

Evening

We recommend heading over on a Thursday afternoon and spending the night settling into your accommodation, ready to take on the next three days of exploring.

Friday

Day

Grab a coffee and some brekky in the city to start the day (we love Criterion Street Cafe or Straight Up Coffee and Food). With your belly full, hop back in the car for a scenic drive to Bruny Island. The hour-long trip to the ferry terminal at Kettering is a bucket-list item in itself with stunning views of the Huon Valley on your way.

Once at the terminal, book your ticket and jump on the next available ferry to the island. We recommend checking the times online before you start the drive. Only a short trip across the water, it’s easy to take your car and make your own way around the deceptively large island.

Hobart harbour. Image: Getty

Make sure to stop off at The Neck, where you can climb the stairs to the lookout and soak up the vistas that follow the slim stretch of road that splits the north and south sections of the island.

If you’re feeling peckish, make sure to stop in at Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Company, where they hand-make all their own dairy delights and craft their own brews, too. Settle outside for a platter of cheese and a paddle of beers among the towering gums and native greenery.

If cheese and wine isn’t your fancy, there’s also Get Shucked – an oyster farm on North Bruny selling freshly shucked beauties. You could also stop in at the House of Whisky for some of Tassie’s famous amber drops or visit the Bruny Island Lighthouse for a Kodak moment.

Head back to the city after a day of exploring.

Evening

No doubt you’re all tuckered out from your day exploring, so we’ve got the perfect travellers medicine – pasta.

Bruny Island lighthouse. Image: Tourism Tasmania

Nestled in an unassuming little building in the city centre, Sonny is a tiny bar-meets-restaurant. It may be small (just one room), but it certainly packs a punch in character.

Specialising in simple, tasty pasta dishes and other snacky morsels, the crew here make everything in front of you on the long counter table, while an eclectic wine list is poured and records are played (Prince is a house favourite). Settle on a bar stool and you’ll feel at home in no time.

Saturday

Morning

To start your Saturday, make your way to Pigeon Whole Bakers. The acclaimed bakery has garnered a hefty social media following over the years, serving traditional fresh French-style pastries and baguettes from their Argyle St shop.

You can smell the flaky, buttery delights as you approach the glass-fronted space, and more often than not, you’ll have to join the queue. We recommend the simple but delightful pain au chocolat, but make sure to check out what’s on offer on the day.

Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Company. Image: Tourism Tasmania

Day

After a morning of pastry indulgence, head towards the waterfront for a day of exploring the harbour, Salamanca Place and nearby Battery Point. A stroll along Franklin Wharf is a sight for sore eyes on any day, with boats bobbing in the harbour, views out to sea, and kunanyi/Mount Wellington behind you.

Explore the bustling piers and head towards Macquarie Point to see the old IXL jam factory buildings. Towards the other end of the harbour, explore historic Salamanca Place – a cobble stone thoroughfare lined with sandstone buildings. Climb up the weathered Kelly steps to Battery Point, one of the earliest settled spots in Tasmania, and wander the quaint streets packed with coloured old homes that have stood the test of time.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into a different century as you stumble across book shops, antique stores, cafes and more.

Mt Wellington. Image: Tourism Tasmania

Evening

To cap off your leisurely day in the city, unwind at Fico – a popular restaurant hidden away in the city’s backstreets.

Here, there’s a focus on local fare and minimal intervention wines, and the cosy dining room will have you feeling right at home in no time.

Sunday

Morning

One of the best places to start a Sunday morning in Hobart is at the Farm Gate Market – the city’s weekly farmers’ market, which gives you the chance to meet some local producers, see what they have to offer, and best of all – perch amongst the locals in bustling Bathurst St for a bite to eat and a hot coffee. The mornings might be chilly here, but the atmosphere will warm the coldest cockles.

Pasta at Sonny. Image: Sonny

Day

After you’ve filled your belly, make for kunanyi/Mount Wellington – the city’s famous peak. If you’re feeling adventurous and up for a hike, there are a number of different tracks that’ll take you up to the summit. If not, the windy road to the top is mighty beautiful, and there’s plenty of space to park your four wheels once you’re up there.

Bring protective weather gear, because the conditions at the top can be vastly different to the city below. Stroll to the lookout and explore the walking tracks, each offering expansive views of the city and harbour below (on a clear day).

If you can spare the time before you head back to the airport, make a stop in at The Glass House – a bar and restaurant perched on the edge of the wharf. Pop in for a cocktail using Tassie spirits, a local drop or some share snacks while you soak up the water views.

More stunning views from Mt Wellington. Image: Getty

Ready to explore?

RAA can help you plan your next Tassie escape.

Find out more

or call 8202 4589