Island escape: A long weekend in Tasmania
Posted 7 December, 2020
Ellen Morgan
See the spectacular natural wonders that make Tasmania a photographer’s paradise and taste the flavours that have people coming back for more.
In the island state, mountains appear like emerald velvet and farmland fields are a honey gold. Dramatic cliffs are lapped by deep blue waters and city streets are dotted with cultural haunts and food havens. Welcome to Tasmania.
What it lacks in size, Tasmania makes up for in just about everything else. Whether you’re after a feast for the tastebuds, an action-packed adventure, or an arts and culture discovery, there’s plenty to explore.
It’s the place you never knew you missed, until the moment you step on the plane back home. Looking to head over for a weekend? We’ve put together a 3-day itinerary to inspire you for your next getaway across Bass Straight.
Thursday
Evening
We recommend heading over on a Thursday afternoon and spending the night settling into your accommodation, ready to take on the next three days of exploring.
Friday
Day
Grab a coffee and some brekky in the city to start the day (we love Criterion Street Cafe or Straight Up Coffee and Food). With your belly full, hop back in the car for a scenic drive to Bruny Island. The hour-long trip to the ferry terminal at Kettering is a bucket-list item in itself with stunning views of the Huon Valley on your way.
Once at the terminal, book your ticket and jump on the next available ferry to the island. We recommend checking the times online before you start the drive. Only a short trip across the water, it’s easy to take your car and make your own way around the deceptively large island.
Make sure to stop off at The Neck, where you can climb the stairs to the lookout and soak up the vistas that follow the slim stretch of road that splits the north and south sections of the island.
If you’re feeling peckish, make sure to stop in at Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Company, where they hand-make all their own dairy delights and craft their own brews, too. Settle outside for a platter of cheese and a paddle of beers among the towering gums and native greenery.
If cheese and wine isn’t your fancy, there’s also Get Shucked – an oyster farm on North Bruny selling freshly shucked beauties. You could also stop in at the House of Whisky for some of Tassie’s famous amber drops or visit the Bruny Island Lighthouse for a Kodak moment.
Head back to the city after a day of exploring.
Evening
No doubt you’re all tuckered out from your day exploring, so we’ve got the perfect travellers medicine – pasta.
Nestled in an unassuming little building in the city centre, Sonny is a tiny bar-meets-restaurant. It may be small (just one room), but it certainly packs a punch in character.
Specialising in simple, tasty pasta dishes and other snacky morsels, the crew here make everything in front of you on the long counter table, while an eclectic wine list is poured and records are played (Prince is a house favourite). Settle on a bar stool and you’ll feel at home in no time.
Saturday
Morning
To start your Saturday, make your way to Pigeon Whole Bakers. The acclaimed bakery has garnered a hefty social media following over the years, serving traditional fresh French-style pastries and baguettes from their Argyle St shop.
You can smell the flaky, buttery delights as you approach the glass-fronted space, and more often than not, you’ll have to join the queue. We recommend the simple but delightful pain au chocolat, but make sure to check out what’s on offer on the day.
