Smart spending
For those living on the Australian mainland, Tasmania is the first “overseas” destination they can visit in these Covidtainted times. Each season brings a different experience: spectacular walking vistas in autumn, various festivals in winter, spring is filled with food and wine events celebrating local produce, and in summer lavender is in bloom.
Five things to do
1. Nature: You will see a completely different view of Cradle Mountain depending on what time of year you visit. Spend the afternoon enjoying the tranquillity of Dove Lake or if you are feeling more adventurous bring your camping gear and take on the challenging but rewarding Overland Track, which is about 65km long in total and brings you up close and personal with nature.
2. Shop: Over 230 of the region’s best producers gather every Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm at Hobart’s Salamanca Market. You can find anything from locally distilled spirits to fresh fruit and vegetables. The market also has a great selection of food stalls where you can sample delicacies such as freshly shucked oysters from Bruny Island or Tasmania’s famous curried scallop pie.
3. Drink: Best known for its pinots and sparkling wines, Tasmania is home to more than 180 independent wineries. From Tamar Valley in the north to Coal River Valley in the south, you will find local wineries offering cellar door wine tastings along with beautiful views of the countryside. You may also get to meet the winemakers, which is always a wonderful experience.
4. Art: The iconic Mona (Museum of Old and New Art), located just outside Hobart, is Australia’s largest privately owned art museum. Get ready to spend at least a few hours there exploring its vast collections of both ancient and contemporary art spread over three underground levels. The museum also boasts several restaurants and bars, as well as its own library, tennis court, vineyard and brewery.
5. Visit: If you are there in December or January, a visit to one of the lavender fields is a must. Bridestowe Lavender Estate is about an hour’s drive from Launceston and one of the most Instagram-worthy locations on the island. When the lavenders are in bloom, you will be surrounded by a sea of gorgeous purple flowers spanning over 105 hectares. An alternative is Port Arthur Lavender Farm in the south – it’s a lot smaller (seven hectares) but still worth a visit. GRACE YAO