The small (almost) heart-shaped island in the south of Australia promises unique experiences to those who try to travel there.
The small (almost) heart-shaped island in the south of Australia promises unique experiences to those who try to travel there. Even if you don’t know where Tasmania falls, you definitely know Taz or the Tasmanian Devil: the popular cartoon character from Warner Bros. Looney Tunes. In addition to cartoons, of course, the Tasmanian Devil is also a carnivorous marsupial, which is still endemic to the island, although in recent years it has been threatened with extinction.
Tasmania – or “Tassie”, as it is fondly called – is a small (almost) heart-shaped island, cut off from the Australian mainland, which has recently experienced rapid development. A different image from the one that prevailed in the past, when most people considered it a rustic place with peasant inhabitants, who welcomed you with rifles in hand, if for some reason you were inside their fields.
The image certainly has its exaggerations, however there was no sense of cosmopolitanism on the island at the time. So all the few visitors were aware of was its amazing, otherworldly nature. After all, it was she who kept Tasmania away from the barbaric intervention of Man, preserving it as an amalgam of all-white, exotic beaches, coral waters, heaths next to rugged mountains, wild New Zealand-type vegetation (with abundant ferns), barren plains, swamps and volcanic landscapes.
Running across the island
Contrary to its former reputation, today’s Tasmania is slowly blossoming, offering unique natural and cultural experiences, as well as an interesting culinary scene. Things, that is, which literally change the game, as the local hotels have also realized, which are constantly increasing, attracting lovers of wild nature, modern art, gourmet foodies, but also wine lovers. What is certain, however, is that the island still appeals to those who wish to live a low-key adventure outside the mainstream network, on the unexplored side of “Down Under”, as they jokingly call the region of Australia.
You can easily cross Tasmania by car in just a few days. However, the sheer variety of alternating landscapes – prehistoric forests, seas, cliffs, mountains, a lacy coastline, some rough and rugged and some sculpted and smooth, covered in an airy, white dust – prompts you to explore deeper. In doing so, you will find that this remote piece of land has developed a nature-loving culture based on outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and sailing, which are an integral part of the residents’ daily lives. Even golf fans, of course, will find wonderful courses here, as well as well-organized facilities.
Meanwhile, the “spray” that the island receives from Antarctica throughout the year, the frequent rains and the cool climate with the “cleanest air in the world” (as you will hear them say), contribute to the uniqueness of this island state. of Australia. Adding, thus, to its exotic nature and its special gastronomy and winemaking – now, in fact, Tasmanian wines have created their own international trend, considered among the best in the world.
The truth, of course, is that it still seems strange how one of Australia’s wildest states in terms of nature turned into a top culinary destination. However, one must take into account that the varied microclimates of the island, as well as the abundant, quality – and mainly natural – water, allow all the products grown here to thrive. In fact, even the Japanese wasabi is grown, which is often used by gourmet restaurants.
It is also worth noting that, in the past, both the island’s isolation and poverty forced its European settlers to perfect farming methods early on in order to survive. Even today, Tasmanian laws regarding agriculture and animal husbandry are very strict: for example, all meat-producing animals are raised exclusively without hormones.
Wine, now, as we have already said, belongs to the most characteristic products of Tasmania. The production, of course, is clearly smaller compared to the states of mainland Australia. The famous sparkling whites, however, which cover 40% of the island’s production, are world class. So stop by Lucinda Bar (named after the Tom Waits song of the same name) in the heart of the capital Hobart for a casual snack or lunch while enjoying a tasting of strong vintages with local wines.
Of late, with top art and food openings, innovative wineries and new hotels, Tasmania now has many sophisticated assets to rival the mainland. About 10 years ago, in fact, the who’s who of world art were invited to Hobart by eccentric billionaire gambler and art collector David Walsh. Who threw a giant party just outside the working-class town where he grew up to inaugurate the complex built specifically to house his own collection. He named it MONA: Museum of Old & New Art.
So since then, something has changed for the cute ‘Tassie’. Millions of visitors have landed there, and in recent years there has been an increasing number of affluent (Australian and foreign) travelers willing to spend big to discover this remote Pacific island.
Somehow, Tasmania is now one of the “must visit” destinations, a trend expressed not only by the new hotels, but also by other nice lodges, as well as the great restaurants, pubs, bars and street food places that are constantly springing up, appealing in all valantias. After all, from the windswept highlands to the painted sea-carved cliffs of Maria, there are plenty of reasons to visit this remote, eerie and beautiful Australian state.
The indigenous population
Aborigines inhabited the land of Tasmania for 42,000 years, even before the island broke away from Australia. At the time the Europeans arrived there, their population is estimated to have been somewhere between 3,000 and 10,000 people.
The coexistence of settlers and Aborigines was far from peaceful. At one point, in fact, the so-called “Black War” broke out, during which the colonialists poisoned the plants and exterminated almost all the natives. A few survivors were forced to settle on Flinders Island. Most then succumbed to diseases brought by the Europeans, to which their bodies had not developed immunity. The last deportee died in 1876.
Accommodation suggestions in Tasmania
The luxury resort ‘Saffire Freycinet’ is located on the east coast of Hobart and opened shortly before the opening of MONA. Later, its owners also opened a storytelling hotel called “Macq01” on the capital’s waterfront, following a unique concept: each of the 114 rooms is named after a character from Tasmanian history, such as the beekeeper Taffy the Bee Man.
The boutique hotel ‘Moss’ is located across the harbor at Salamanca Place wharf, home to Hobart’s hottest foodie spots – don’t hesitate to take advice from the locals to discover the hidden treasures that escape the mainstream coverage. The hotel consists of two historic buildings, which are over 100 years old. Exceptionally renovated, with respect and sensitivity to tradition, with lots of wood, plenty of greenery everywhere, hanging gardens, but also handmade tiles in the bathrooms, hand painted.
Food options
Prepare to taste fresh fish and seafood caught in the Pacific Ocean – especially the delicious Tasmanian oysters, which are world famous – as well as cooking with influences from around the world. We recommend some of the best gourmet restaurants on the island below, but feel free to eat wherever you like: you will not be disappointed by the local gastronomy.
Fico (Hobart)
Tasmania’s best restaurant for 2023, with a focus on Italian fusion. Owners and chefs Federica Andrisani & Oskar Rossi express deep expertise and care for each dish. The local wasabi goes perfectly with a perfectly filleted (raw) ocean kingfish.
Still Water (Launceston)
One of the best restaurants on the island, for more than 20 years. Chef Craig Will’s menu is inspired by the bountiful Tasmanian land, highlighting good, local ingredients such as seafood, truffles and fine cheeses.
Van Bone (Bream Creek)
‘Van Bone’ is a destination in itself: every bite here is as unique as the stunning views of the Marion Bay coastline. In this secluded restaurant of just 20 seats (50 minutes from Hobart, by car), Tim Hardy cooks local specialties almost exclusively with fire and smoke, while Laura Stucken gracefully manages the room. The menu is centered on its philosophy of sustainability and minimal waste, which is why it starts from the restaurant’s garden, before turning to nearby producers for what it lacks – some, in fact, are its exclusive suppliers.
What else is worth seeing by coming here
The Bay of Fires
“The Bay of Fires” stretches from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point on the north-east coast. This is one of Tasmania’s natural wonders, as here you will see exotic beaches strewn with bare boulders, filled with dry, coastal grasses and lichens, clinging to the granite rocks. The warm ocher hues are in stark contrast to the brilliant blue of the sea, and the bay was named so because one of the first European settlers – the adventurer Tobias Furneaux – saw the island’s natives lighting fires on the beach in 1773.
Walk through this eerie landscape and you will see first hand how the fickle Tasmanian weather can in a matter of hours transform a calm sea into a stormy one, with huge waves crashing abysmally against the huge rocks. On calm days, again, divers and snorkelers can explore the bay’s colorful reefs, teeming with sponges and other underwater life. Adventurers with goggles and snorkels, again, can even go through the tunnels formed by the granite boulders under the waters, while kayakers will have a blast traversing the serene Ansons Bay Lagoon.
Launceston
Launceston (or ‘Lonnie’ as the locals affectionately call it) is Tasmania’s second largest city and many of its buildings are reminiscent of the English Victorian era, built in the 19th century style. There are also lush gardens filled with strange wildlife, local festivals and a creative, bohemian scene. Art lovers, in particular, should definitely head to the Queen Victoria Art Gallery and Museum to enjoy a mix of colonial and indigenous art.
The area has many vineyards, farms and the beautiful orchards of the Tamar Valley – a world famous wine producing area – as well as a range of restaurants with locally produced products, wine bars and a farm market, once a week. At the edge of the city, again, the magnificent Waterfall Gorge tempts hiking enthusiasts. If you want, you can even walk over the South Esk River, see the huge boulders on the banks and cross the white suspension bridge, which was built in the early 19th century.
The Walls of the Jerusalem National Park
A trip to the island state of Australia is not complete without visiting the imposing Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Of course, be prepared for a long journey, only on foot: you will need many hours and even multi-day visits to fully enjoy the amazing nature that exists here, while the routes will take you between swamps, rocky terrain, alpine valleys and impressive conifers forests.
The park is at the mercy of the unpredictable weather conditions of the Tasmanian Highlands, so if you venture out, be sure to be well equipped. King David’s Peak rises (approximately) 1,600 meters above sea level and is undoubtedly the most impressive sight for anyone looking to experience the island’s natural wonders.
