AMAZING TASMANIA

All chatter ceases as we drive around the bend in the road. I’m rendered speechless — a rare occurrence — at my first sight of Tasmania’s capital city.

The city itself isn’t particularly awe-inspiring in magnitude because of the building height restrictions in place, but this only adds to the amazing sight of the stunningly craggy Mount Wellington looming behind Hobart like a protective giant.

All throughout my entire week’s visit, I find myself checking in on the mountain regularly and come to consider it as fondly as the locals do their “Mount Welly”.

Being late August, there is snow on the cap most of the week — but you have to be lucky enough to time a drive-up when the road is open to be able to see the snow and ice in person.

But there is plenty of other things to do in this beautiful city, most of which is in walking distance of the majority of main hotels.

Salamanca Place quickly becomes a favourite haunt of mine, where convict-built colonial buildings abound, now turned into quaint and unique shops and cafes.

The waterfront is just across the road, where a few sailing ships that have been refurbished are moored.

It’s easy to spend most of your holiday relaxing in a pier-side cafe, watching the ships being gently rocked by the waves.

If you’re more adventurous, there are many sights nearby. As well as history aplenty with the museum, art gallery, modern art gallery, maritime museum, and the adorable Battery Point with quaint houses and cottage gardens, Richmond and Bruny Island are close by.

My favourite is a day trip foodie tour of Bruny Island.

Not only do we see the famous albino wallabies, but the weather clears in time for a walk on one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen — the sand virtually untouched and the water bright blue.

Between this and tasting local oysters, whisky, cheese, honey, beer, salmon and wine, I return home from this holiday very contented.