TASMANIA
TASMANIA
Read along to find out why we have been fans of the down under of Down Under for years!
THIS ITINERARY COVERS
DEVONPORT >> BINALONG BAY >> FREYCINET >> HOBART >> STRAHAN
General info
- We took the Spirit of Tasmania over from Melbourne to Devonport as this meant that we were able to take one of our family's cars in Melbourne over with us.
- We would highly recommend hiring/taking a car in Tasmania, even if you are flying into Devonport or Hobart. It is such an easy place to get around and so much to see without having to drive too far.
- Note, pretty much every restaurant in Tasmania is closed at least Monday if not Tuesday too, so to avoid missing out on great food, plan ahead!
Walking to Cataract Gorge in Launceston
DEVONPORT >> BINALONG BAY (3hr drive)
We stopped in to Launceston on the way
- Ate breakfast at Stillwater
- Checked out Cataract Gorge, nice easy walk with lovely views!
Had lunch at Pyengana Dairy
- Famous for their cheddar, we had a ploughman's board to see us through the rest of the day's driving
We didn't stop here but we hear it's good
Tasmanian Food and Wine Conservatory
- Located near Devenport (was closed when we went past, closed Mon and Tues)
Vilo Wines in Tamar Valley
BINALONG BAY
Absolutely beautiful area at the Northern end of the Bay of Fires.
Honestly some of the most stunning beaches we have ever seen!
Stay
Holland House on AirBnB
- Amazing floor to ceiling windows in lounge room and master bedroom with breathtaking views of the ocean
- Sleeps four guests
- Great kitchen
Eat/drink
We mainly cooked for ourselves! We stocked up on food in Launceston and took it with us. Otherwise there is a smaller supermarket in St Helens (approx 15 mins away)
Lease 65
- In St Helens
- Incredible fresh oysters
- Buy them shucked or unshucked and take them home with you or to the beach
We didn’t eat/drink here but we hear it’s good
Lichen
- Only restaurant in Binalong Bay, open lunch and dinner - Closed Mon and Tues
Do
Relax, relax, relax
- Beach walks and swims (if you’re game, seriously refreshing)
We didn’t do this here but we hear it’s good
St Columba Waterfall (St Helens)
Fluffy kisses at Holland House, Binalong Bay
BINALONG BAY >> FREYCINET AREA (approx. 2hr drive)
Stopped in at Swims in Scamander (30 mins from Binalong Bay)
- Great coffee served from a super cute cafe in a shipping container
Checked out Bicheno
- Lunch at the Gulch (best fish and chips we have ever had!!)
- The Farm Shed (incredible wine shop and local produce/craft, beautiully designed building)
- There is a lovely walk around the headland at Bicheno
FREYCINET AREA
A must see area in Tasmania!
Stay
Piermont Retreat (Swansea) approx 40 mins from Freycinet
- Nice cabins/houses of different sizes on a beautiful property - Beautiful restaurant on site
- Lovely views of the water
Freycinet Lodge
- Cosy cabins of various sizes
- Restaurant on site
- Close proximity to Wineglass Bay Walk
We didn’t stay here but we hear it’s good
Saffire
- If you are wanting to splurge stay here!!
- Classed as one of the best hotels/resorts in Australia!
Eat/drink
Piermont Retreat Restaurant
- Modern Australian cuisine, showcasing local produce Devil’s corner winery
Devil’s Corner Winery
- Known for their Pinot Noir
- Seafood and pizza offering at cellar door
Freycinet Lodge
- Great local and seasonal food
We didn’t eat/drink here but we hear it’s good
Springvale Winery
- Check if offering food at time of visit (kitchen closed during winter) Milton vineyard
Kate’s Berry farm
Do
Wineglass Bay Walk
- Different distance walks based on level of fitness/enthusiasm
- Approx 1.5km return walk to the Wine Glass Bay look out
- Approx 5-6km return walk to Wine Glass Bay beach (highly recommend walking at least this far, the beach is absolutely stunning!! And take a dip if you can!)
- Approx 11km loop walk from Wine Glass Bay to Hazards Beach
- We took a little picnic with us and enjoyed it at Wine Glass Bay beach
We didn’t do this here but we hear it’s good
Mt Amos Walk
Wineglass Bay, one of the most picturesque places I have been in my life. How lucky we were to share it with you Pops!
FREYCINET >> HOBART (approx. 2hrs)
HOBART
Stay
The Barn Tas
- Really cute one bedroom AirBnB
- Great location, walking distance to most restaurants etc.
- Really incredible styling
Hobart 101
- Two bedroom AirBnB
- Excellent location
- Great amenities
We didn’t stay here but we hear it’s good
Henry Jones Hotel
Macq 01
Eat/drink
Templo
- Absolutely incredible 20 seat italian resturant
- Must book!
- Up there with best Italian we have ever eaten
- We would recommend ordering the Chef’s menu (a taste of everything!)
Franklin
- A must try when in Hobart
- Modern Australian cuisine, amazing industrial fit out
Small Fry
- Great brunch spot!
- Approx 15 seats around chef’s bench, watch the chef whip up incredible food
Born in Brunswick
- Fabulous progressive breakfast menu
Pigeon Whole Bakery
- Drool worthy pastries, have to try the almond croissant and then pain au chocolat
- Also serve filter coffee
Straight Up Coffee Roasters
- Great spot for breakfast, amazing vegetarian food and incredible on site roasted coffee
We didn’t eat/drink here but we hear it’s good
Agrarian Kitchen Eatery
- By the same people as the Agrarian Kitchen Cooking School
- Note closed Mon and Tues
- Approx 20-30 mins out of Hobart
Fico
- Italian cuisine
Aloft
- Waterfront, modern Aus
Tiama
- Italian
Bar Wa Izakaya
- Japanese
Do
Visit Port Arthur
- Convict settlement approx 90 minutes from Hobart
- Learn about the site where the naughtier convicts were sent
Visit MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
- We recommend taking the ferry across!
- Famous for showcasing extremely quirky modern art- including a wall of plaster vaginas and an eating/pooing machine
- Can get lunch at their cellar door while you’re there
Salamanca Markets
- A Hobart institution each Saturday in Salamanca
- Walk the stalls filled with local produce, tasty treats and knick knacks
Farm Gate Markets
- We personally feel this market is wayyyy better than the Salamanca markets - In the city each Sunday
- Local produce and food- must try the Preserved Lemon Curd Donuts (drool!)
Agrarian Kitchen
- Incredible cooking classes (i.e. “The Whole Hog”- how to use a whole pig, or how to make cheese and salami)
- Need to book well in advance!
We didn’t do this but we hear it’s good
Check out Mt Wellington
The BARN TAS
HOBART >> STRAHAN (approx. 4.5hr drive)
STRAHAN
To be honest we went to Strahan specifically to stay at the Captain’s Rest.
A magical Airbnb, a converted fisherman’s shed!
We spent 3 nights and 3 days in front of the fire, reading books, cooking and eating delicious food, napping and taking baths surrounded by Tasmania’s West Coast’s famous wild weather!
STRAHAN >> DEVONPORT (approx. 3hr drive) >> MELBOURNE
(Where Nick went on the Spirit of Tasmania alone (for 12 hours) and Poppy and I flew to Melbourne (1 hour) due to poor weather warnings, sorry Nick!!)
We had the most incredible time in Tasmania. It is somewhere we want to go again and again, and despite the relatively small size there is so much to do and see and we can't wait to return!!
If you have any questions please comment below!
Thanks for reading along,
