It’s all just memories now… But damn fine ones, I might add!
After an absence of way too long (just under 2 years) we were BACK! And Hobart over Christmas/New Year is THE place to be when you’re in Tassie – even if you’re not a ‘foodie’, even if you’re not into sailing, even if you ‘don’t get’ art, and even if nature gives you a rash… there will still be something here for you to do and enjoy.
Having made no reservations in advance (except passage aboard the Spirit of Tasmania and our accommodation), our itinerary was very flexible. It turned out as follows:
Friday – Depart Port Melbourne for Devonport aboard the Spirit of Tasmania
Saturday – Drive to Hobart, Salamanca Markets, Hobart bookshops
Sunday – The Taste of Tasmania, Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery (TMAG)
Monday – Mt Field National Park, The Taste of Tasmania
View of Lake Fenton from Mt Field East Circuit on a stormy day
Tuesday – Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), TMAG, The Taste of Tasmania
Wednesday – Hike Mt Wellington, The Taste of Tasmania’s New Years Eve Party
The view from the top of Mt Wellington was especially good after the walk up
Thursday – Drive to Sheffield in northern Tasmania via the Midland Highway
Friday – Hike Mt Roland, near Sheffield
Descending Mt Roland, the peaks of Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park closer than expected
Saturday – Visit Launceston, the Cherry Shed at Latrobe, depart Devonport for Port Melbourne aboard the Spirit of Tasmania
Our base for five nights in South Hobart was the Fireman’s Loft, a small apartment for a couple decorated with firemen-themed paraphernalia to pay homage to the buildings’ history. The Fireman’s Loft is either a 20min walk or a 5min drive/bus ride into town.
In Sheffield we stayed for two nights at the Kentish Hills Retreat (motel) which was clean, comfortable and an easy 5min walk to town.
We would have liked to spend longer in Hobart. There was so much that we were hoping to do this trip that we just didn’t have time to squeeze in. Trips to Port Arthur and Bruny Island spring to mind, exploring the Huon Valley (south of Hobart), visiting the Maritime Museum, finish looking at everything in TMAG (because even after two visits we still didn’t see everything!), restaurants, wineries – not to mention revisiting places we’ve previously been, such as the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (which are lovely and definitely worth a visit).
But we were lucky to get five nights between two other bookings at the Fireman’s Loft – and I made my booking 11 months in advance! As I have previously said, if you want to visit during the summer holiday period, you have to book well in advance!
You know, when people ask me what I like most about Tasmania and I reply “Everything,” I really do mean everything!
: )
Dayna's Blog 
January 6, 2015 at 9:57 am
I’ve been trying to holiday or move closer to Tasmania for years. I love so much about what the area has to offer. Plus I suffer in the hot, humid Brisbane summers. This post just makes me want to go there even more. Looks like you had a fabulous time. You both look very happy and relaxed. Great post, Dayna! Thanks for increasing my craving for the Island State. 🙂
January 6, 2015 at 1:04 pm
I understand family commitments and ties Jane, but… I thoroughly recommend going as soon as you can! 🙂
January 7, 2015 at 9:39 pm
I love Tassie, looks like you had a great time. Reading your this post makes me want to go back as soon as possible!
January 8, 2015 at 7:56 am
I know the feeling. The good news, as you are probably aware Amanda, is that the festivals don’t stop when The Taste ends in Hobart. There’s so much to see and do around the state in every season – every month! – of the year.
😊
January 9, 2015 at 6:57 pm
We love Tassie as well. So Close, so compact, so perfect.
January 9, 2015 at 7:37 pm
Truly! 😊
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