Last week I ventured down to Tasmania for a much-needed rest to kick off the cosy, colder months and I’m about to make it everyone’s problem. We might love our summer’s up on the mainland but winter escapes really are food for our burned-out souls, so please, let me tell you how to do it.
Going into this trip, I knew Tassie punched well above its weight in everything from wine to food and natural landscapes. But what I realised on this trip is just how much larger the southern isle is than the sum of its parts. It’s a place to escape to, a breath of fresh air.
Whether you want coastal walks or deep forest mountain hikes, wellness or adventure, wine or whisky, seafood or lamb, postmodern art or down-to-earth history… there are so many ways to lose yourself in the wonder of it all and literally go touch some grass.
So please, let me be guide you through some must-do activities to make your next trip to Australia’s very own version of the Scottish Highlands as transformative as it can be.
Before we start, you should know that it is indeed cold down there, so rug up. If you’re from Melbourne, feel free to disregard but to basically everyone else; this is your time to challenge yourself and embrace a true winter season before you head back to the humidity (we can do this).
Must-do hikes in Tasmania
It’s no secret that Tasmania is home to vast mountain ranges that range from coastal cliffs to rainy forest scapes that resemble the lush green forests of the Northern Hemisphere. There’s endless to choose from based on your skill level and preferences, but these are some of the best day hikes and lookouts you should explore across the island.
Cape Hauy (Three Capes Walk)
A 1.5 hour drive outside of Hobart, this 10km day hike (or three to four day hike if you choose to do all three capes) is absolutely worth adding to your to-do list. The impressive towering cliffs over the ocean and unobstructed views of the Tasman National Park will be sure to get you out of your head and back to your senses (literally and figuratively). If you’re very lucky, you might even spot a whale or two.
Horsetail Falls
A short drive outside the historic mining town of Queenstown, this lookout is worth the stop. It’s a short 30 to 45-minute walk, made easier by a boardwalk that takes you straight to the best view of the seasonal waterfall (so go in winter). The west coast gets seemingly endless rain during the colder months, so the mountain is covered in dense green vegetation that is only made more ethereal by the misty low clouds draping the surrounding landscape. If you’re in the mood for a Twilight winter, this is your spot.
Lake St Clair / Cradle Mountain
The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park forms the defining part of the famous Overland Track (a 65km, week-long hike) and for good reason: it’s uniquely stunning.
For a country that has a notable lack of large lakes, this one certainly makes up for it. Luckily, for those of us who don’t have a 65km winter hike in us, you can visit this fantastical place by car and stay at the gorgeous Pumphouse Lodge (an experience in and of itself), from which you can explore the surrounding national park on various day walks.
What to eat and drink in Tasmania
Tolpuddle Vineyard
One of Australia’s best IYKYK wine brands, Tolpuddle Vineyard is found just outside of the small town of Richmond (about a 25-min drive outside Hobart). A modern glasshouse structure is perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding hillside and vineyards, providing a phenomenal backdrop while you indulge in some truly excellent chardonnays and pinot noirs (museum releases and all) along with an incredibly tasting menu that really shows off the best of Tasmania’s produce and lets the wines sing even louder.
My pick: the breaded scallops, paired with the [2019] chardonnay.
Peppina
This recommendation might be less of an insider secret, but if you’re looking for a comforting yet refined dinner in Hobart, Peppina is a reliable favourite. Located within the Tasman hotel in Hobart’s CBD, head chef Massimo Mele cooks classic Italian comfort food with influences from modern Australian cooking, which makes the most of Tasmania’s unique produce.
Think: wagyu steak that melts in the mouth and fresh seafood pastas.
Federation Chocolate
Not a restaurant or winery, but if you can get your hands on some federation chocolate while you’re in Tassie, you must. It’s handmade locally, and their rich, decadent dark chocolates will educate even the most childish of palates.
Must-do experiences in Tasmania
Pumphouse Point
The aforementioned Pumphouse Point is a one-of-a-kind stay right on top of Lake St Clair. If you’re going to Tassie to feel transported, then this is a must. You can actually sleep in the converted hydropump station at the end of the pier and wake up to the lapping water and surrounding national park. Special mention to Carlos, who runs incredibly cosy and insightful whisky and chocolate tastings throughout the week. Definitely worth adding that to your booking while you’re there.
The Truffle Farm
If you’re heading north, Australia’s first truffle farm can be found about a 40-minute drive outside Launceston. It’s a gorgeous open property filled with European oak trees, making the space feel incredibly seasonal, and the bonfire makes things extra cosy. You’ll be greeted by the team’s lovely truffle-hunting dogs, who will accompany you as you find some fresh truffles of your own, before being served with fresh truffle-garnished food and Ghost Rock wine around the campfire.
Evandale
Another hidden gem outside Launceston, this quaint historic town will transport you straight into a Gilmore Girls Stars Hollow fever dream. From old churches and cemeteries to antique stores and a seriously enticing beer garden, this small town is the perfect stop on your way to the airport to round out your trip.
I sincerely hope you get the chance to get down to Tassie and experience some of these amazing places for yourself. Sometimes I think living in Australia can make you feel a bit removed from the world and even a little stuck because of how far away we are, but Tassie really does offer something completely different from the rest of the country. It feels steeped in history, it’s grounded in its natural landscapes, and completely removed from the pretence of the mainland. So get packing!
The author travelled to Tasmania courtesy of Tourism Tasmania.
The post Eat, Sleep, Hike, Repeat: I Spent A Chilly Week In Tasmania & It Was The Perfect Burnout Cure appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
