Explore Tasmania this Autumn
Nola James gives us the low down on the latest travel adventures around Tasmania.
Go off grid
The Huon Valley’s newest accommodation offering does not do wifi, TVs nor children. Three adults-only luxury eco-cabins sit on 36 acres of rugged bushland, and all feature a wood-burning stove, private deck, deep stone tub with tree-top views and a kitchenette. Rates include breakfast daily and dinner on your first night, with cheese boards on request.
Legana pit stop
Sparkling wine specialist Bellebonne has joined Evenfell Wines in a new cellar door and restaurant in Legana, near Launceston. Chef Tom Kirby (ex-Quamby Estate/Hazelbrae) is sourcing produce from local farmers markets, fishing boats, oyster farms and country fields; head to the tasting room to try Natalie Fryar’s outstanding sparkling wines alongside Evenfell’s estate-grown chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, made by award-winning winemaker Liam McElhinney.
In the bag
Want to send a bit of Tassie to the mainland? Rebecca Sinclair of Criterion Street Cafe and Tori Keygan (ex-Bruny Island Cheese) have teamed up to launch Gathered, a hamper and gifting offering. The focus is on small-batch producers, with custom finds from the likes of Rough Rice, Punch & Ladle, Lavada skincare and Granville Pottery. “We like to celebrate the idea of a feast, but for all of the senses,” Rebecca says. The duo delivers nationwide.
Pretty in Pitzi
The team behind award-winning Hobart restaurant Fico has opened a ‘not just pasta’ bar at 4 Victoria Street. Pitzi, a partnership between Federica Andrisani, Oskar Rossi and Fico sous chef Dana Gleeson, channels retro vibes, with ochre tiling and terrazzo bar tops. It’s walk-in friendly, with about 30 seats inside and street-facing tables perfect for a Campari spritz in the sun.
On the waggon
Hobart’s infamous The Waggon and Horses hotel has been given a new lease on life. Now just ‘The Waggon’, it reopened in December 2023 after an 18-month refurb. Alistair Derham, Paul Wensor and Klaa Clements are at the helm – you might recognise those names from the New Sydney Hotel. The downstairs area sports a more formal dining room and a lounge-style bar; upstairs are seven boutique hotel rooms, all with ensuites. Alistair promises pub style dining “but a bit fancier”, and natural wines, “but not exclusively”.
Three to try - guided tours
Hidden Hobart - From Old Wharf to New Wharf, this interactive walking tour uses retro viewfinders to show you what Hobart was like 150 years ago.
Drink up - Cruise through southern Tasmania’s top distilleries and cellar doors. The signature tour covers the above; dedicated whisky, wine and gin tours are also an option.
Go fish - Catch your own wild brown and rainbow trout with Trout Territory’s guided fly-fishing tours. Packages include equipment, transport from Hobart or Launceston, lunch and tuition (if you need it). Just BYO sunscreen.
