A WEEK IN TASMANIA
“Tasmania is an upscale getaway designed to engage all your senses. Where else can you taste fresh seafood, play golf on a world-class course, learn more about convict history—and watch Tasmanian devils play? It offers so many varied and unforgettable experiences, but the reason I love Tasmania most is for providing the space to pause, reflect, and recharge.”
1 CHALLENGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS AT MONA
The first question you’ll invariably be asked after your trip: “Did you go to Mona?” The subversive art museum has topped Hobart itineraries since it opened in 2011. The wild ride starts when you board a highspeed catamaran on Hobart’s waterfront, where you can relax in the “posh pit,” drink in hand. Upon arrival, you’ll travel deep into a subterranean, labyrinth-like space to admire works by the likes of Picasso and Ai Weiwei. Make sure to eat at Faro, where the food is just as good as the show; you can watch people’s reactions as they exit one of James Turrell’s light installations, which sits amongst the tables. discovertasmania.com.au/things-to-do/museums
2 TASTE SEAFOOD STRAIGHT FROM THE SEA
Yesterday was about adventure; today is all about your appetite. Board Pennicott Wilderness Journey’s full-day Tasmanian Seafood Seduction cruise out of Hobart—which follows the River Derwent and D’entrecasteaux Channel to the southern end of Bruny Island—to sample the bounty of the sea, including oysters, rock lobsters and mussels. As you cruise the clear water to secluded bays, you’ll be provided with deeper insight into the landscape of southern Tasmania. The highlight, though, will be watching your guide pluck abalone and sea urchins straight from the water—which you’ll have the chance to taste paired with local wines, ciders, or beers. discovertasmania.com.au/experiences/stories/topseafood-experiences
3 PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF AT BARNBOUGLE
Tasmania has more than 80 golf courses, including two that are rated amongst the best 100 in the world by Golf Magazine: Cape Wickham and Barnbougle Dunes. Book a round of golf at the latter, which is credited for starting Tasmania’s golfing revolution. Here, you’ll have three courses to choose from. The 18-hole Dunes and 20-hole Lost Farm are both rated amongst the top five courses in Australia, winding along the Bass Strait coast and inland dunes. If you’re short on time, the newest arrival—the 14-hole Bougle Run—also offers views as good as its design. discovertasmania.com.au/things-to-do/outdoorand-adventure
4 LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF TURRAKANA / TASMAN PENINSULA
The fascinating history of Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula is only second to the stunning wilderness that engulfs it. Separated from the rest of Tasmania by a narrow isthmus, from 1830 to 1877 it was the site of the Port Arthur penal settlement. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is where you’ll find some of the best-preserved buildings of the era, spread over 40 beautifully landscaped hectares. Get there with Tasmanian Air Tours, who can tailor a guided tour with stops to nearby wineries and whisky distilleries. The peninsula is also home to Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, and wallabies—all of which you can see at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo. discovertasmania.com.au/places/hobart-and-south/ tasman-peninsula
5 SOAK IN THE LUXURY AND VIEWS AT SAFFIRE
For your final couple of nights, check in to Saffire Freycinet. The luxury sanctuary on Tasmania’s east coast is your chance to truly indulge and relax. With its location on the edges of Freycinet National Park, you can take in the iconic views of Wineglass Bay—but you can also just enjoy a glass of wine alongside one of your nightly degustation dinners, or book yourself in for a treatment at the exclusive spa. Choose from a range of complimentary experiences, including shucking oysters in the water or helping gather honey from Saffire’s hives, all which will leave you with a deep and lasting connection to Tasmania. discovertasmania.com.au/things-to-do/health-andwellness