the lovely land of tasmina

From mountain top to coastal shore, exploring Australia’s historic peninsula. By Carolyn Anderson

Australia’s southern most state allures visitors for a variety of reasons, the amazing food and wine, the fascination history, a claim to the worlds freshest air, but this year the Apple Isle added $300 more reasons. To boost tourism, Tasmania is offering up $300 vouchers for travellers from Queensland and South Australia, and with tassie being the closest thing you will possibly come to getting overseas this year, I thought I would share my recent short break down south. In the semester break I headed to Tasmania for 4 days/3 nights, enough time for a whirlwind tour of the states South-eastern Region. Jetstar offers direct flights from Coolangatta to Hobart 3 times a week. Once I arrived in Hobart, I picked up a rental car from the airport, where the cheapest model will set you back $30-$40 a day. I was so excited at the thought of seeing snow, I decided to drive straight up to what I now consider to be one the bests lookouts I have ever visited, Kunanyi (Mount Wellington). The drive from the airport takes around 40 mins, and I was lucky enough to make it up in time for sunset, complete with a fresh dusting of snow. If the view isn’t enough to take your breath away, the icy wind will so make sure to pack some layers, even If you are going in summer. Remember, when you are in Hobart, you are closer to Antarctica than you are to some points in Australia.

Hobart is one of the most historic places to visit in Australia, having lived in Europe for the last few years, it definitely has a very European feel to it in comparison to Sunny Queensland. At the foot of the imposing Mount Wellington, with the majestic Derwent River (Timtimili Minanya) and scenic harbors I would definitely suggest leaving some time to explore. The trendy Salamanca area comes alive on the weekend with bustling markets, and the waterfront is a great place to grab a bite to eat. If you are not big on wine tasting, but would like to sample some of the states over 18 beverages, the Lark Distillery downtown does tasters of Tasmanian gin and whiskey in a gorgeous vintage bar built into the historic waterfront buildings. If art is more your style, or even if it isn’t, I wouldn’t skip a visit to the MONA - the Museum of Old and New. This is consistently rated one of the worlds top new gallery spaces and its not hard to know why. The whole experience is incredible, descending into a labyrinth of underground passages that hold works of art from ancient Egyptian hieroglyph to Picassos to impressive modern installations. You can even ad a river cruise from downtown to the gallery to take in the magnificent city (and skip having to find a parking spot).

Once you are ready to leave Hobart and head out to check the amazing countryside, I would highly recommend a stop at the Bonorong wildlife sanctuary. A completely not for profit rescue centre, run by some of the most passionate animal lovers I have had the fortune of meeting. You can opt to do a free tour of the park, and get up close to some Tasmanian Devils, Wombats and other Tassie locals, all whilst your small entrance fee goes to ensuring the rehabilitation and release of the animals.

My next stop on the Tassie adventure was the infamous site of Port Arthur on the Tasmanian peninsula. As a bit of a history lover, Port Arthur was a must see on my list, and I wasn’t disappointed. With a discounted rate for students, your entrance ticket will include a guided walking tour of the site and a boat cruise around the Islands. The walking tour is well worth the time to learn the importance of the buildings, the history and the perspectives of the traditional land owners. The boat cruise will take you around the Isle of the Dead, the aptly named island containing the formal penal colonies gravesites. If you are after even more spookiness, you can opt to do a nightly ghost tour- I wasn’t so brave.

The peninsular also has a wide variety of natural beauty to explore, with hikes, blowholes and magnificent ocean views. Leave some time to explore the areas other than just the historic site. I stayed the night in a stargazing tent (a magnificent glamping experience complete with electricity, indoor heating and fireplace, and outdoor tub to watch the night sky) at the big 4 holiday park. The area is also home to some wonderful wineries, however if you are just looking for one to visit, you can’t go past the Bangor Vinyard Shed. This award winning vineyard not only offers a delicious tatsing from passionate staff, fresh oysters and incredible views, it was also the very first spot Abel Tasman on the 24th of November 1942.

After the peninsular, head north to the famous Wineglass bay, in Freixenet National Park. This area is famous for a reason, it is absolutely beautiful. Put a few hours at least to explore the park, and do the Wineglass

bay hike, it is well worth it. Just note, there is an entry fee to the park, as with all national parks in Tasmania. Book ahead of time to save yourself some time.

After a day exploring the area, head a further half an hour north to the charming side town of Bicheno. There is some beautiful scenery in the area, including the most impressive of the 5 different blowholes I visited on the trip, as well as the copper coloured rocks as made famous by the Bay of Fires, which is even further north. My biggest reason for visiting Bicheno was the penguins, and I am so glad I did! You can see the penguins on many of the rocky outcrops surrounding the town, or even stay in a hotel were they come through the grounds. I opted for the cheaper accommodation option and paid $40 to go on the Bicheno Penguin Tour. The tour takes you to the penguin breeding ground, about 15 mins out of town, with an expert guide to tell you all sorts of fun penguin facts. These are wild animals, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get a close encounter. Whilst standing in the dark, being instructed to stay completely still, a flurry of little penguins ran strait over my shoes.

After that, you can make your way back down to Hobart, or if time permits explore further north to cradle mountain and Launceston. From Bicheno, It is a 2.5 hour drive back to Hobart Airport, and a 2 hour flight back to the Gold Coast. Tasmania is a wonderful and diverse holiday destination, that will have you feeling worlds away whilst breathing in some of the freshest air you ever have. So before the International borders open, make sure you holiday here this year!