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Tasmania is staggeringly beautiful, awash with an artist’s palette of natural colour: vivid blue seas and skies, white sandy shores, lush green valleys and golden hops. Its varied landscapes are breath-taking; coastal expanses, an ancient range of volcanic peaks and fertile orchards make for stunning exploring. The island’s tiny city, Hobart, is equally enticing, with its busy harbour, seductive seascapes and tempting restaurants, all overshadowed by the looming Mount Wellington. It’s unlikely that Hobart’s early inhabitants – convicts sent by the British Empire in the 19th century – got to appreciate the island’s encompassing beauty; much of Tasmania’s architecture is the fruit of their (hard) labour. Two centuries on, the locals clearly enjoy a great quality of life, so their relaxed friendliness and bonhomie should come as no surprise.
Keep your eyes peeled and ears pricked for the Tasmanian devil. The island’s most famous (and deceptively cute) species resembles a cross between a bear cub and a dog. Look out for its distinctive black fur, emblazoned with a crest of white, and beware its piercing screech. If you’re lucky enough to spot the endangered marsupial, don’t get too close: powerful fangs aside, it releases a pungent pong when panicked.
Buying a wooden trinket from the Salamanca market. The market showcases beautiful, locally crafted woodwork made from Tasmanian timber such as Huon pine, myrtle and blackwood.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Hobart
A grand old Regency house with a stunning contemporary extension, The Islington in Hobart, Tasmania, is a small luxury hotel with the generous comfort of an intimate private home.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel is a mind-expanding blend of jam-packed history and cool contemporary art right on the harbourfront in Hobart.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
February The Clarence Jazz Festival is held in Bellerive, Hobart (www.ccc.tas.gov.au). March Southern Vineyards Open Weekend, where the wineries open their doors to the public for cellar-door tastings and sales (www.winetasmania.com.au). March A taste of the Huon is a two-day celebration of the region’s fine food, wine, arts and crafts (www.tasteofthehuon.com). October Celebrate all things nautical including shanties, seafood and grog at the the Seafarer’s Festival on Bellerive Boardwalk (www.ccc.tas.gov.au). December The state’s largest food and wine festival, Taste of Tasmania (www.hobartsummerfestival.com.au), is held on the picturesque Hobart waterfront and makes a trip to the island worthwhile by itself.
If you want to take in Hobart’s sights across a table, wander across to Elizabeth Pier and into Fish Frenzy. They claim to serve the best fish and chips in Australia; order some fried treats and make up your own mind. You can watch the fisherman going about their salty business as you feast.
Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart 7000, Australia
The perfect place for a mid-morning snack, Richmond serves up gourmet sandwiches, home-baked hot pies and delicious pastries.
Edward Street, Richmond 7025, Australia
Located at the Moorilla Estate winery and with beautiful views over the Derwent estuary, this esteemed eatery serves up seasonal produce, provided by small local suppliers. Squeeze in a tasting of their lovely wines or boutique beers before your meal.
655 Main Road, Berriedale, Australia
In tribute to the fish and seafood it lovingly prepares, Smolt takes its name from baby salmon. The restaurant is a great choice for lunch, dinner or pre-dinner drinks and also has tapas-style plates on its Med-inspired Australian menu.
2 Salamanca Place, Hobart, Australia
Housed inside a picturesque Battery Point cottage, Piccalilly boasts a wonderfully imaginative menu that makes choosing rather tricky. Luckily, they also have a four-, five-, six-, or eight-course tasting menu, so you can sample a range of their modern Australian cuisine.
22 Francis Street, Battery Point, Hobart, Australia
Set right on the Elizabeth Pier and surrounded by luxury yachts, Marque IV is the perfect setting for a special lunch or dinner out. This is Tasmanian fine dining at its best, serving local produce cooked with European finesse.
Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart, Australia
Set in a converted house, Monty’s open fireplaces make for homely dining. The owners are dedicated to quality food, service and traditionally Tasmanian hospitality.
37 Montpelier Retreat, Battery Point, Hobart, Australia
Take a 30-minute drive (or a boat ride) to south to the hamlet of Woodbridge. Feast on local specialities such as fresh Tasmanian crayfish, Bruny Island oysters and Tinderbox rabbit. Pre- or post-feasting, sample some liquid refreshment at the Terrace Bar overlooking D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
3435 Channel Highway, Woodbridge, Australia
Sit outside at this bar and restaurant and be lulled by the ocean as you feast on oysters. A crisp Tasmanian white will provide the perfect accompaniment.
27 Salamanca Place, Hobart, Australia
Set in a colonial-made stone building, the bar serves single-malt whiskies and liqueurs made from native berries and other local flora.
14 Davey Street, Hobart, Australia
‘Shippies’ is tucked away in a Battery Point sidestreet and is well worth seeking out. The walls of the bar are lined with memorabilia depicting the winners of the Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race and the beer garden at the back is popular with locals in the summer.
29 Trumpeter Street, Battery Point, Hobart, Australia
One of the coolest nightspots in town, Syrup is a blend of wine bar and nightclub, with live jazz in the courtyard every Friday.
39 Salamanca Place, Hobart, Australia
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