Cast off the south of Australia, Tasmania offers an eye-opening journey with its wild and beautiful landscapes, wilderness and wildlife. In recent years, Tassie has also become a world-class destination for wine, food and luxury hotels all while maintaining its relaxed island lifestyle.

Delve into Tasmania’s mix of culture, five-star accommodation, exciting cellar doors and cider houses and a notable foodie scene. The island state now has plenty of sophisticated attractions to compete with the mainland.

 

Hobart

Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington and at the entrance to the Derwent River, Hobart’s historic charm and deeply woven heritage, picturesque waterways, rugged mountains and gourmet experiences make the city a captivating destination.

 

SALAMANCA WHARF HOTEL

www.salamancawharfhotel.com

www.salamancawharfhotel.com

ARRIVE

Salamanca Wharf Hotel is a contemporary self-contained boutique apartment hotel, which offers its guests ultimate comfort and convenience within one of the oldest and most beautiful precincts in Australia.

 

STAY

Inspired by the majesty, beauty and colour of Antarctica, the rooms feature extraordinary photography by Antarctic adventurer Laurent Dick. The crisp and vibrant colours of Antarctica, blue, aqua, golden orange and russet are reflected in the decoration throughout the hotel.

Quality timber finishes and furniture sit alongside colourful curtains, cushions and throws, and each of the room’s massive glass windows can be opened to let in the famous Tasmanian fresh air.

 

DINE

The Salamanca Wharf Cafe is located on the hotel’s ground floor and features a varying seasonal menu, focusing on local Tasmanian ingredients, and showcases Tasmania’s best wines and beers. As the hub of Hobart’s entertainment precinct, Salamanca offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, specialised food providores, pubs and bars. All of these options are only a short stroll from the hotel down the Salamanca strip.

 

EXPLORE

Mt Wellington is only a twenty-five-minute drive from the city and is accessible most of the year, closed occasionally when the snowfalls are particularly heavy. From the peak of Mt

Wellington, if the sky is clear, guests are afforded a jaw-dropping view over Hobart and down the Derwent River. On Saturdays, enjoy the food and entertainment of Salamanca Market, one

of Australia’s best outdoor markets.

 

HENRY JONES ART HOTEL

www.thehenryjones.com

@thehenryjones

ARRIVE

A fusion of history and modernity, art and design, Australia’s first dedicated art hotel blends modernity with an industrial past. The Henry Jones merges one of Tasmania’s most significant industrial heritage sites–H. Jones and Co. Pty. Ltd. IXL–with sleek design and contemporary Tasmanian artwork to create a sophisticated and deeply engaging accommodation experience on Hobart’s waterfront.

 

STAY

Designed by award-winning architects, the hotel is itself a work of art. Push open the door to a world of contrasts where old meets new with harbour views and glimpses of the old jam factory interior. All suites are luxuriously equipped with European-style stainless steel and translucent glass bathrooms, complemented by magnificent sandstone walls. Guest rooms and public spaces exhibit original artworks that are available for purchase, and a catalogue is provided at reception.

 

DINE

There’s good reason Tasmania has drawn talented chefs across seas and sommeliers from afar. Their food and wine are first class. Then there’s their artisan brews, famed single malts, crisp ciders and high-end gins. Hunter Street is fast becoming Hobart’s premium dining precinct. A stay at the Henry Jones Art Hotel ensures this bounty is a whiff from the doorstep.

Tucked away in an old sandstone warehouse on Hobart’s iconic waterfront, Peacock and Jones is a hidden gem that celebrates the beauty of Tasmanian food. It is an intimate restaurant housed within the IXL building, a short stroll from the Henry Jones lobby. It can be accessed by the atrium or along Hunter Street. Understated in style, the restaurant champions a locally sourced a la carte menu with Tasmanian, interstate and Old-World wines. The open kitchen is led by Head Chef Jeff Workman and delivers scents, sights and sounds with a touch of theatre. Seasonal Tasmanian produce is ever the hallmark of this sandstone-enveloped venue.

Landscape Restaurant and Grill is the hotel’s signature restaurant, located beside them in a modern, dark space surrounded by the iconic landscape art of John Glover. The venue offers a premium dining experience, fuelled by the coals of its wood-fired Asado grill. Led by Head Chef Alex Katsman and committed to Tasmania’s finest produce, expect an ever-changing menu. Much of the inspiration for Landscape came from the artworks of John Glover—striking, unforgettable paintings that capture the life and beauty of the young Tasmanian colony in the 19th century.

Set against the classic Henry Jones backdrop of heritage architecture and innovative design, the IXL Long Bar is the perfect place to begin or end an evening. An inviting in-house bar, dressed in heritage architecture and home to some of Hobart’s finest cocktail masters, the petite space radiates style and warmth—just add some live jazz tunes.

 

EXPLORE

Staying at the Henry Jones Art Hotel is a little like staying in an art gallery. After all, there’s 400 pieces of contemporary Tasmanian art on display, all available for purchase. Their Art and History Tour allows guests to experience their art collection in more depth and to share in the stories of the Henry Jones site and those who shaped its past.

MACQ 01 HOTEL

www.macq01.com.au

@macq01

ARRIVE

The breeze along Hobart CBD’s waterfront carries a thousand captivating stories of those that were here before us. In this place, the Mouheneenner people fished and forged dreams in the

Derwent shallows, the first Europeans set foot ashore Van Diemen’s Land and an industry was born amid the bustle of Hunter Island. Today, this precinct is home to MACq 01, where the stories of these colourful characters are shared in a setting of informal luxury. This is a storytelling hotel.

 

STAY

Each of MACq 01’s 114 relaxed rooms reflects one of the five Tasmanian character traits through its design and story, so guests will begin to understand what makes them Tasmanian. Choose the Superior Waterfront Room where the furnished space occupies Hobart’s finest real estate, profoundly connected to Hobart’s Old Wharf with river waters just beyond a private

balcony. In beautifully appointed lodgings located across their first and second floors, guests will indulge in enviable features, including a deep-soaking bath and walk-in robe.

 

DINE

To truly understand Tasmania, guests must know its people and how they interact—The Story Bar makes for an iconic backdrop for both locals and visitors alike. Their bar team offers

everything from draught beer to the finest wine and spirits with newspaper headlines from decades past.

The Old Wharf Restaurant, led by Head Chef Simon Pockran, encompasses locally sourced ingredients that are delivered in a menu that hinges on Tasmania’s pure produce.

For guests that seek life’s finest treasures, Evolve Spirits Bar offers a sophisticated and intimate experience. Its ornate design, rare spirits and engaging services are befitting of Hobart’s most

enviable wharf side location. Evolve proudly celebrates the emergence of premium distilling in Tasmania. Award-winning local spirits are showcased among a broader list of international treasures, featuring the very best distilleries from around the world—some from centuries past.

 

EXPLORE

MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART (MONA)

mona.net.au; @monamuseum

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), is a world-class exhibit whose inception in 2011 has attracted the attention of an international audience. Created by David Walsh to help him (in his words) “bang above [his] weight”, MONA is the largest privately funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere, housing ancient, modern and contemporary art from the David Walsh collection. The collection numbers 2300—and counting.

BRUNY ISLAND

Bruny Island is a microcosm of the Tasmanian mainland. Accessed via a 20-min crossing on vehicular ferry from Kettering, around a 35-min drive south of Hobart, Bruny is blessed with an extraordinarily diverse range of distinct environments—spectacular coastlines, geological wonders, beaches, rainforests, mountains, lagoons, abundant flora and fauna—and an environmental cornucopia; all just waiting for guests to enjoy!

BrunyIsland.au is passionate about the preservation and celebration of the Island’s extraordinary beauty and rich cultural landscape. The stewardship of the land and the wildlife that inhabit it are their highest priority. Catering to guests who share these values, Bruny is the ideal destination for those who seek the “tonic of wildness”—away from the crowds, the endless shops and the clamour of city life. Exploring Bruny can be as quick and easy as taking a spectacular day trip, though a longer stay reveals the many treasures of this special island.

 

CLOUDY BAY BEACH HOUSE

www.brunyisland.com.au/cloudy-bay-villa

@brunyislandau

 

ARRIVE

BrunyIsland.au is committed to preserving the natural beauty of Bruny and the characteristics that make it unique and recognise that Bruny is more than just a beautiful island; it has been home to the nuenonne people—one of the oldest continuing cultures in the world—who protected and cared for Bruny Island for thousands of years. Their mission is to assist in the continued preservation of Bruny’s natural environment whilst providing visitors with an unforgettable experience that promotes cultural awareness and respect.

 

STAY

Cloudy Bay Beach House offers five-star comfort and style at the southernmost end of the world and presents an experience few will ever forget. Once guests have visited Cloudy Bay Beach House at Bruny Island, the experience will never leave. This modern, award-winning building brings together sophisticated design and breath-taking location; there is nothing else like it on Bruny Island—or, possibly, anywhere.

The master bedroom features a cinematic view of Cloudy Bay through floor to ceiling windows, with a private deck and ensuite. The second bedroom has its ensuite and a queen bed with the same high-quality linen that features throughout. The third bedroom has two king single beds with easy access to the third bathroom.

 

DINE

Inside, the large open living and kitchen space, luxuriously appointed with stainless steel benches, modern appliances and a long timber dining table, is the perfect location for cooking and presenting an unforgettable dinner party, family get together—or perhaps a romantic dinner for two.

Outside is a sheltered north-facing deck and entertaining area for enjoying a drink and a barbecue with friends while discussing the day’s adventures. Other decks strategically located around this stunning building provide alternative outdoor vantage spots and shelter.

 

EXPLORE

Guests can enjoy the privacy of eighty-five acres of native bush and coastal scrub, with walks to suit the mood. Follow the private boardwalk to the beach, over a small creek to perfect surf, great fishing and endless walks or take the beautiful bush trail to a lookout over nearby wetlands, heavily populated with birds and other wildlife.

This unspoiled seclusion is located more than thirty minutes from the nearest store, so it is recommended guests of Cloudy Bay Beach House bring their provisions to make the most of the beautiful setting.

 

CLOUDY BAY VILLA

www.brunyisland.com.au/cloudy-bay-villa

@brunyislandau

 

ARRIVE

Cloudy Bay Villa encompasses environmental diversity, offering a range of spectacular settings for communing with the Island’s elemental splendour. Henry David Thoreau’s quote, “I have a room all to myself; it is nature…”, wonderfully encapsulates the experience we aim to evoke. In keeping with this ethos, they enthusiastically support individuals, organisations and projects that work to protect the cultural and environmental characteristics that make Bruny Island the very special place it is.

 

STAY

This spectacular two-story house on a gentle rise over Whalebone Point offers some of the best views in Tasmania. Each of the three bedrooms is comfortably appointed, with queen beds, ensuite bathrooms and luxury linen. The timber lining and natural finishes throughout the Villa fit with the serenity of the natural surroundings.

Families, couples or small groups will find this light-filled beach house cosy, comfortable and welcoming. The view dominates both upstairs and downstairs, with multiple living areas and a sheltered outdoor deck on the first floor.

 

DINE

An open, well-appointed and modern kitchen looks out to an expansive dining and living area with a huge dining table which is the perfect place to enjoy the famous local produce; Bruny is home to producers specialising in oysters, cheese and chocolate.

 

EXPLORE

An outdoor dining setting at the front makes the most of the ocean view and the rolling, open grassland leading down to the beach. There is plenty of room here for outdoor activity—or

reading to the sound of the distant surf.

 

COLES BAY

PICNIC ISLAND

www.picnicisland.com.au

@picnic_island

ARRIVE

A once-in-a-lifetime experience, discover your own private island adjacent to Freycinet National Park with the majestic backdrop of the pink granite Hazards mountain range. This little copper clad retreat is designed by legendary local architect John Latham, and features local Tasmania art and furniture put together by a team of skilled local craftsmen to provide a truly authentic experience.

 

STAY

If you’re keen on exclusivity and want an authentic marooned experience, it doesn’t get more private than this! Picnic Island is available for families and groups up to ten with a communal “Birdhouse” for cooking and dining. Offering peace and unspoiled nature, the far-from-shabby rooms are kitted out with locally made art with a backdrop of Wineglass Bay.

Picnic Island also offers hosted retreats focusing on activities such as kayaking, hiking, yoga, art and cooking. It’s also the perfect place for a digital detox where you can discover a forgotten mode of luxury: barefoot luxury and island living.

 

EXPLORE

Dolphins and seals regularly visit the shores and at night, the island comes alive with penguins and shearwaters returning to their burrows to feed their chicks. During the day, guests can fish

for flathead and squid off the jetties, collect mussels off the rocks and dive for abalone, crayfish and sea urchins.

FREYCINET LODGE COLES BAY

www.freycinetlodge.com.au

@freycinetlodge

ARRIVE

Time stands still and all cares wash away from the moment guests arrive at Freycinet Lodge on Tasmania’s east coast. Overlooking the blue waters of Great Oyster Bay, and with the rugged Hazards Mountain range as the backdrop, this location in Freycinet National Park is second to none.

Connect with the stunning natural environment in a secluded, stylish and comfortable accommodation. Indulge in fresh, local dining options, or make memories with an unforgettable activity or experience.

 

STAY

Find a piece of paradise, just minutes from Coles Bay, with their grounded yet elegant accommodation options. They range from Room Cabins to Premier Spa Cabins and Coastal Pavilions. They are sensitive to the natural environment as they nestle in the native bushland.

 

DINE

After enjoying one of the spectacular walks around Freycinet National Park, they invite guests to relax and enjoy the casual atmosphere of Richardson’s Bistro. Take in views of Richardson’s Beach and enjoy fresh local delights and all-day dining. Choose from seafood, their range of lodge burgers, a steak, grazing plates, morning and afternoon tea and, of course, the delightful dessert menu. Drop-in for lunch or a snack and recharge those batteries before heading out again to delight in the beauty of the national park. Or after a long and energising day, grab a relaxed early dinner before putting your feet up in your cabin.

Revive in the morning with breakfast at The Bay Restaurant. There is no better way to start the day than a hearty breakfast before exploring the national park, going out on a walk or just heading to Richardson’s Beach to dip those toes into the crystal-clear water. And at the end of a full and fascinating day, get rewarded with a gourmet meal at The Bay Restaurant. Here guests will dine in elegant surroundings, with magnificent views and fresh, local produce to be enjoyed in an intimate dinner for two, or a larger gathering of colleagues, friends or loved ones.

For a pre-dinner aperitif or an after-dinner drink, Hazards provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax by the open fire and share stories of the day.

 

SPA
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Freycinet Peninsula, with a therapeutic or relaxing in-room massage at Freycinet Lodge. Their therapist will tailor a unique massage experience to meet the needs of their guests. If your muscles need some unwinding after a long hike, or if guests are looking to relax, rebalance and rejuvenate in the sanctuary of beautiful Freycinet, this is the experience.

 

EXPLORE

Freycinet National Park is a mecca for bushwalking—take a short stroll, or half- or full-day walk to discover the area’s forests, beaches, bays and mountains. Departing from the Lodge, enjoy a five-hour educational and immersive guided walk to some of the park’s most loved destinations, including Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach. Leaving only footprints, guests will learn of the unique animals that call this special place home and the history behind its gorgeous shores and pink granite peaks. The journey is completed with a Freycinet Aqua Taxi trip back to the Lodge.

Sea kayaking the coastline of Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania’s unforgettable natural experiences. Explore secluded coves, paddling beneath the pink granite mountains and over some of the clearest waters guests will ever see.

 

HOW TO GET AROUND

www.carnextdoor.com.au

@carnextdoor

Looking for a rental car in Hobart? There are hundreds of real people’s cars of all types and sizes listed on Car Next Door. Regardless of whether guests require a seven-seater for a family weekend away, a large car to take relatives to the airport or even a small car to visit family or friends out of town, Car Next Door has something. Borrowing a car from a neighbour is up to 50% less expensive than a traditional rental car company. The average price per hour for a rental car in Hobart is just $7.12 (plus fuel) with Car Next Door. It’s free to become a member, and because the keys are in the car, guests can skip the rental counter!

Book by the hour or by the day with comprehensive insurance and roadside assistance. It’s great for trips down the street or up the coast.

International drivers are welcome to rent cars in Hobart. Guests need to hold a full, unrestricted driver’s license from their home country, with a formal English translation if it is in another language.