Tassie-rific! My Unforgettable Tasmanian Adventure
- spontishots
- 4 days ago
- 11 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
My friends and I had our third annual get-together and, to be fair, a belated birthday celebration for me! It's always tax time in Australia when my birthday rolls around! As always, my amazing 'OG' friend, Kristine, meticulously planned our annual trip itinerary, from finding perfect accommodations to booking incredible tours and adventures. Our four-day Tasmanian escape was nothing short of amazing, perfectly packed with activities, yet we still managed to feel completely relaxed by the end of each day. I'm excited to share a brief overview of our incredible adventure!
Getting There: Flights & Planning
While we booked our flights separately, most of us flew with Virgin Australia, and one friend opted for Jetstar. We managed to snag our tickets during a sale! A hot tip: it's definitely worth checking their websites every Thursday for different types of flight deals! I personally scored mine for an incredible $212, which included a 21kg checked bag for a return flight. Just a heads-up, I booked my flight in February for our July trip, so planning at least 5-6 months ahead can really pay off. Nevertheless, a huge shout-out to Virgin Australia for the amazing flight deal!
Our Tasmanian Dream Team
The photo above shows our comprehensive trip itinerary, meticulously prepared by my friend Kristine. She was the absolute mastermind behind our tours and adventures, acting as our main contact for all bookings. And when it came to accommodation, our other friend, Mara, took the lead! As an Accor member, she managed to secure fantastic discounts for our stays, another brilliant tip for savvy travelers.
Day 1 | Friday, July 25th: Arrivals & Hobart Welcome
Each of us arrived at different times throughout the day. I was fortunate enough to land earlier, which meant I was solely responsible for coordinating my friends check-ins. A small price to pay for being the first to breathe that crisp Tasmanian air!
Arrival at Hobart Airport: The terminal is wonderfully small and straightforward, so you really won't get lost. A crucial reminder for all travellers: Tasmania has strict biosecurity rules to protect its unique environment. Be absolutely sure you're not bringing anything that could pose a risk, and prepare for the biosecurity line where declarations are thoroughly checked.
Once past biosecurity, retrieving your bags is a breeze, with carousels conveniently located in the far corner. Now, for getting to Hobart CBD, you have three main options:
Car Rental: Choose from up to five various car rental companies if you plan to explore with your own wheels.
Rideshare: The dedicated rideshare area allows you to book a ride directly to Hobart CBD. Be aware of peak pricing; when I arrived at 1:10 PM, it was around $60!
SkyBus: You can purchase tickets online ($22 one way, $38 return) or via the self-serve kiosk at the airport. I opted for SkyBus since I didn't have anyone to split a taxi fare with. The driver was incredibly helpful, even recommending the best stop for a shorter walk to our accommodation at Mantra One Sandy bay Road.
Our Accommodation: Mantra One, Sandy Bay Road: The two lovely ladies at Mantra One Sandy Bay Road were incredibly accommodating. They had thoughtfully separated all our keys with notes in individual envelopes, making my check-in process for my friends seamless. The clear email communication sent prior to my arrival also ensured everything ran smoothly. A huge shout-out to the Mantra One Sandy Bay team for their excellent service!
After settling in at Mantra One, I decided to take a leisurely walk, starting from St. David's Park and making my way down to Brooke Street Pier, Elizabeth Street Pier, and finally, Constitution Dock.
What immediately struck me was how pleasant the peak hours felt, definitely not crowded at all, with far fewer people than you'd typically find in Sydney or Melbourne. I also appreciated the architectural style of the buildings. Many featured a charming brick and brownish aesthetic.
My stroll led me directly to the vibrant food area around Constitution Dock, where a variety of food boats offered everything from classic fish and chips to fried chicken, burgers, and even gelato. With so many delicious options, I decided on a late lunch at Flippers. The friendly blokes working there recommended the Trevalla with Chips, and it was an absolute winner! They even offered a choice of seasoned salt, chicken salt, or salt and vinegar for extra flavour, a nice touch. It's a must-try while you're in Tasmania, as Trevalla or Flathead are the local stars, unlike the more common Barramundi, Flake, or Grenadier often served in Sydney and Melbourne. I enjoyed my meal right by the docks, where there's plenty of seating, and, of course, the ever-present seagulls hoping for a crumb!
Part of our initial plan for Friday night was to visit the Twilight Market, which typically lights up the first two Fridays of the month. Keep an eye on their announcements for next year's dates if you're planning a visit!
Unfortunately, my friends flights were significantly delayed, so I decided to use the extra time to rest and catch a quick nap back at Mantra One. They finally arrived late at night, and as many locals will tell you, kitchens and other establishments close really early in Hobart. We quickly discovered this firsthand, struggling to find a sit-down dinner around 9 PM as places were already winding down. Our solution? A late-night Uber Eats pizza, which saved the day!
Day 2 | Saturday, July 26th: Market Delights, Mountain Views & Historical Echoes
We woke up to an unexpectedly rainy day for our explorations, but that certainly didn't dampen our spirits! Our first stop was the famous Salamanca Market. Even with the drizzle, the market was bustling, filled with people happily Browse the vibrant stalls.
This beautiful market truly has so much to offer. We saw everything from local artisan shops selling their exquisite lavender soaps and shampoos to Tasmanian whisky, unique souvenirs, and a fantastic array of wild food like wallaby burgers and delicious baked goods from local townspeople. Given that my friends and I love to eat, we made sure to fuel up with some market treats before officially heading off to our next adventure: Mount Wellington.
Our next stop was Mount Wellington (kunanyi), a destination that could have offered sweeping sunny views, but instead greeted us with a dramatic, misty rain – a truly Tasmanian welcome!
A quick historical note: Mount Wellington, or kunanyi as it's known by the local Aboriginal community, the Palawa people, holds immense cultural significance. It has been a sacred place for centuries and its name, kunanyi, acknowledges this deep connection to the land.
Our tour guide, Paul, was absolutely wonderful and a delight! He navigated the winding roads slowly and expertly, ensuring we stopped at various lookouts despite the weather. We even had a unique opportunity to drink from one of the mountain's freshest water sources, completely natural and chemical-free. It was incredibly refreshing!
While the fog, chilling wind, cold breeze, and rain meant we couldn't see the city view, we were legitimately freezing! We chose to embrace the experience. Above these minor inconveniences, we found ourselves laughing at the "miserable" weather, learning so much about Mount Wellington from Paul, and making unforgettable memories. It truly turned a potentially disappointing weather day into a positive and educational adventure!
After our chilly excursion to Mount Wellington, we warmed up with a much-needed stop at the Cascade Brewery Bar. It was the perfect spot to grab a bite before heading to our highly anticipated Cascade Female Factory Museum and site tour.
If you're a beer enthusiast, I highly recommend their beer paddle for $22! You'll get to sample a variety of Cascade's brews, including their Lager, Draught, Pale Ale, and Export Stout. We also indulged in the roast pork belly!, it was incredibly tender, juicy, and absolutely delicious!
While we would have loved to take the full Cascade Brewery tour, our schedule didn't allow for it as it would have clashed with our Female Factory visit. Just a heads-up for future visitors: their brewery tours are generally available every day, with the last one starting around 4:00 PM.
From the modern brews of Cascade Brewery, we stepped back in time into a poignant and often heartbreaking chapter of Tasmania's past: the Cascade Female Factory Historic Site. This place truly hits different, carrying a profound weight of history that resonated deeply with all of us. Before my visit, I had little awareness of the rich, interwoven stories of the first Aboriginal woman, Truganini, and her connections both within and beyond the factory's somber walls.
Upon arrival, the museum staff greeted us warmly, offering the invaluable option of joining a guided tour or a history-telling session, both included with our purchased ticket. A particularly impactful part of the experience is that they provide you with a card, each bearing the name and a brief detail of a real woman who was imprisoned there, inviting you to seek out and reveal her full story as you move through the site. We were incredibly fortunate to have Hugh as our guide. Hugh was nothing short of wonderful; he didn't just narrate history, he expressed every emotion, every event, and every struggle that unfolded within the Female Factory. He vividly brought to life the complex issues of Transportation and the tragic story of Truganini, painting a picture of situations you could scarcely imagine. Hugh's ability to convey such immense hardship and resilience was truly amazing. A huge shout-out to Hugh, we were genuinely moved by the history revealed at Cascade Female Factory, and I cannot recommend including this profound site in your Tasmanian itinerary highly enough.
Day 3 | Sunday, July 27th: Deep Dive into MONA's Depths
Our Sunday morning kicked off with a brisk 12-minute walk to Daci Daci Bakery for breakfast, and what a treat it was! They offer a delightful array of pastries, from sweet to savoury, along with various drinks. I absolutely insist you try what became my personal favourite: the Prosciutto with Gruyère cheese pastry. It's perfectly salty and tasted so incredibly good that I seriously contemplated coming back for another one the very next day!
After our hearty breakfast, we made our way to Brooke Street Pier to catch the ferry to MONA. The scenic ferry ride itself is about 25-30 minutes, offering a fantastic approach to the museum. We arrived on-site right around 10:00 AM and ended up spending a solid five and a half hours there, not leaving until 3:20 PM! Believe me, you'll need at least 4-5 hours to truly explore MONA, it's vast, filled with an incredible diversity of artworks, sculptures, and interactive displays.
Pro Tip for your MONA visit: Be sure to download the MONA App (affectionately known as 'The O'). This app is your essential companion, allowing you to view and select each art piece, read about its context, listen to audio commentary, and even track your visit. It's a game-changer for navigating and appreciating everything MONA has to offer!
After immersing ourselves in MONA's fascinating exhibits, we decided to indulge in a short snack and wine break at the Moorilla Wine Bar, conveniently located on the MONA site. We couldn't resist trying their Wild Charcuterie Board, a truly adventurous platter featuring kangaroo salami, wild boar terrine, truffle boar, along with olives and other delightful accompaniments served with crusty baguette.
Fair warning: the board definitely has a distinct 'gamey' flavour, so it might be an acquired taste for some. For those seeking an exotic culinary experience paired perfectly with a glass of wine, it's absolutely worth a try!
To cap off our action-packed Day 3, we settled in for an early dinner at Pearl & Co, nestled within the iconic Mures Building at Victoria Dock.
This was a culinary highlight! We indulged in their incredibly fresh Oysters, they were remarkably different and superior to any we've had in Sydney or Melbourne, truly a must for your order. Beyond the oysters, we shared a delightful array of dishes including their vibrant veggie starters, a rich seafood pasta, perfectly seared scallops, delicious arancini, and tender brisket. Every single dish was absolutely delicious!
To complement our meal, we highly recommend trying their Riesling sparkling wine and Mures Cider beer. Trust us, it's worth it for a complete and memorable dining experience.
Day 4 | Monday, July 28th: Wild Walks, Devilish Encounters & Historic Haunts
Our fourth day was another trip-packed adventure, blending historical tours with breathtaking views! We kicked things off with an early call time, meeting our Tourstas group at 7:10 AM. Our journey took us to four incredible areas: Pirate's Bay Lookout, Eaglehawk Neck Trail, Waterfall Bay Cliff Top Walk, and Devil's Kitchen and Tasman Arch. This involved a fantastic 45-minute walk, the pace of which truly depends on your group.
As we journeyed, we were treated to chilling convict tales from legendary figures like Alexander Pearce, George "Billy" Hunt, William Buckley, and many more. Our tour guide, Ian, was absolutely brilliant! He's incredibly passionate about the history of convicts and Van Diemen's Land. He expertly set the tone while driving, weaving in compelling convict stories with specific sceneries and lookouts. Beyond the history, our trail walk became an educational nature tour, as Ian shared fascinating facts about the local trees, explained why there are no koalas in Tasmania, and introduced us to the curious paddymelon (a type of kangaroo!). He was truly lovely throughout our entire trip, making every moment insightful and enjoyable!
After our invigorating walks, we then headed off to Unzoo, a unique wildlife park where we had the incredible opportunity to witness the feeding of the famous Tasmanian Devils. These fascinating creatures are, sadly, considered an endangered species, and it was truly inspiring to see how actively Unzoo is involved in their conservation efforts. We learned so much about these remarkable marsupials, including surprising facts like their inability to see well during the day, their preference for roadkill carcasses, and their astonishingly strong bite force of 553 Newtons!
Our wildlife encounters didn't stop there. We also had the exclusive chance to hand-feed the Green Rosella, a beautiful bird known for its vibrant plumage, found only in Tasmania. It was wonderful to get up close with these unique native species!
Following our wildlife encounters at Unzoo, our journey into Tasmania's past deepened with a visit to the historic Port Arthur Historic Site. This was an essential stop to learn more about the lives of the convicts, the purpose of the various buildings, and the stories of those who inhabited them. For instance, in one building, the Penitentiary, an astonishing 136 prisoners were once crammed, each forced into hard labour.
Our fantastic guide, Ian, continued to impress! He provided us with excellent recommendations on how to best navigate the extensive site and maximize our time exploring its historic places. Just like at the Female Factory, Port Arthur offers an incredibly personal way to connect with history: you're given a card with a real convict's name and details, inviting you to discover their story as you wander through the ruins. The site itself is vast, sprawling across a huge field, so I highly recommend allocating at least 2.5 to 3 hours to truly absorb its atmosphere and history.
Our final stop before heading back was the charming historic village of Richmond. Known for its beautiful Georgian townhouses and home to Tasmania's oldest bridge, I must admit my attention was completely captivated by the array of delightful small shops! While my friends perhaps admired the famous bridge, I was happily lost in Browse the unique local offerings.
After our long day of walking and hunting for stories across Tasmania's landscapes and historic sites, we concluded our incredible adventure with dinner at the Ball & Chain Grill. This restaurant itself is a piece of history, famously built by convicts. The preserved bricks and original architecture truly add to the ambiance, creating a unique dining experience.
A huge shout-out to our waitstaff, Blake, who provided us with absolutely amazing service, making our final dinner even more memorable!
Our four-day trip to Hobart was absolutely wonderful, but it truly felt like we only scratched the surface. With so much more to explore, from its stunning natural landscapes to its rich historical sites, we're already planning our return trip!
If you're feeling inspired to embark on your own Tasmanian adventure and would like more insights or the contact details for our incredible tour guides, please don't hesitate to reach out. Drop me a message, and I'd be happy to share their packages and help you plan your own unforgettable journey.
Thank you for following along on our Hobart travelogue, until next time, happy travels!
Such a fun read! felt super personal and easy to follow 🙂