Why go?

As one perceptive local puts it: ‘Not only is it an island, it’s an island at the end of the world’. If you’re after complete escape, among super-laidback locals, then Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, is your spot. Perched inside Storm Bay at the southern tip, the city has a quaint small-town feel. The first thing that strikes you as you get off the plane is the air: it’s said to be among the cleanest in the world. The location is key: there are just a few craggy outcrops between Hobart and Antarctica. Tasmania is geared towards outdoor pursuits, with 45 per cent of the land given over to national parks, but fortunately you don’t need to be a keen surfer or hiker to fit in. The pristine, under-populated surroundings bring forth high-quality produce, so craft beer-loving, home-curing, wine-savvy gourmands will feel right at home too.

What to do

Make sure you are in Hobart on a Saturday to catch the weekly Salamanca Market salamanca.com.au which is a cut above most markets with its vibrant mix of produce and art. Prepare to have your perceptions of contemporary art completely questioned at MONA mona.net.au the Museum of Old and New Art – a large private collection open to the public. Exhibitions in this spectacular building are deliberately set out to shock. The programme of events and concerts is equally thought-provoking. Regain your sense of aesthetics in the tasting room of the Moorilla Winery moorilla.com.au on the same site and under the same ownership. If you’d rather skip the art, taste a comprehensive range of the island’s cool-climate wines from 81 vineyards at the Gasworks Cellar Door gasworkscellardoor.com just off the seafront. Combine exercise with history and walk to Battery Point to check out the 19th-century architecture, as well as Narryna Heritage Museum tmag.tas.gov.au with its folk traditions. If you are feeling energetic, Greater Hobart Trails greaterhobarttrails.com.au has some top suggestions for walks starting off in town.

Where to stay

Zero Davey Apartments 00 61 3 6270 1444, escapesresorts.com.au offers spotlessly clean suites in a central ocation, ideal for self-caterers looking to cook some stunning island produce. Enjoy waterfront views and contemporary art in an old jam factory at The Henry Jones Art Hotel 00 61 3 6210 7700, thehenryjones.com – a building dating back to 1804. The Salamanca Wharf Hotel 00 61 3 6224 7007, salamancawharfhotel.com has sun-flooded rooms and decor made using local timber. A Loft Penthouse has views over Princes Park and a granite kitchen.

Where to eat and drink

Fancy piña colada doughnuts for breakfast? Then head for the tiny but exquisite Small-Fry 00 61 3 6231 1338, smallfryhobart.com.au on Bathurst Street and discuss cake recipes with owner Rhys Hannan as he makes your long black. His wife, April, makes her doughnuts in a variety of ever-changing flavours. Tasmania’s Pacific oysters are delectable; you may even spy the oyster beds from the plane as you fly in. Try them as fresh and natural as they come at the renowned Mures Upper Deck 00 61 3 6231 1999, mures.com.au/upperdeck or indeed at nearly every waterfront venue. Grape Wine Bar 00 61 3 6224 0611, grapebar.com.au does them with a refreshing flute of Tassie fizz and live music. Like elsewhere in Australia, the Italian influence is strong and delicious – so don’t miss Cargo Bar Pizza Lounge 00 61 3 6223 7788, cargobarsalamanca.com.au for its buzzy atmosphere and award-winning wine list. If you’re after a stiff drink, why not join the Lark Distillery tour 00 61 6231 9088, larkdistillery.com where you start at the Cellar Door in downtown Hobart but are soon taken to the distillery itself, situated in the nearby picturesque Coal River Valley – with lots of single malt tastings thrown into the mix.

Time running out?

With bird-watching binoculars and sea legs ready, board an Iron Pot Cruise to view Australia’s oldest lighthouse and spot wildlife on Betsey Island. Lasting two and a half hours, it takes in plenty of local history.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the Australian dollar. Time is 11 hours ahead of the UK. Journey time from London is about 28 hours. The cost to carbon-offset is £43. 44, visit climatecare.org

Getting There

Qantas flies from London Heathrow to Melbourne via Dubai, then on to Hobart directly. qantas.com

Singapore Airlines also flies from Heathrow. singaporeair.com

Resources

Discover Tasmania is full of practical tips and inspiration for getting the most from your visit. discovertasmania.com.au