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History

Archeological digs in the area have uncovered ancient shell middens in the area around Bellerive. A shell midden refers to an underground mound composed of shells or molluscs. These are indications that the indigenous people of Tasmania, the Mouheneener tribes, once used this area as their hunting grounds. Bellerive was first settled in 1820 and was named Kangaroo Point. Most likely due to the overwhelming amount of kangaroos once living here before the urban landscape drove them out. As the settlement built up and the kangaroos dispersed, it was renamed ‘Bellerive’ in 1830. The name “Bellerive” means “beautiful river banks” as the area is indeed surrounded by incredible waterways, immensely influential in the development of the city.

Access

To get to Bellerive, you can take the Tasman Bridge across the river. As you drive over the bridge you get a gorgeous view all across Hobart. There is a public parking lot marked on the map where you can leave the car. It is also from this spot that we start our self-guided tour. If you don’t have a car, Uber services Bellerive. You can easily use that service to get over to this suburb and back to the mainland.

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Map of Walking Tour of Bellerive Tasmania

The Clarence Foreshore Trail

One of the reasons that this tiny settlement flourished so quickly was because it was the meeting point of various large roads from the farming districts to the mouth of the river. From the river, goods would be boarded onto ships or ferries and sent all over Tasmania. One of my favourite views in Bellerive is standing here at the edge of the peninsula. From here you can look out over the city of Hobart and the towering view of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington. You’ll notice a narrow paved pathway on the edge of the parking lots; this is the Clarence Foreshore Trail. The trail follows the shores of the Derwent River and is a popular spot for local out for some exercise or to walk their dogs.

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The Villa

Across from the parking lot is an old yellow-painted brick house with red trimmings. The place named the ‘Villa‘ was built in 1858. It was made for Richard Morgan Junior, who opened the first lodging houses in the area in 1867. The Bellerive Hotel was one of the community’s finest establishments until 1939 when a huge bushfire destroyed it. Today the building has been repaired and used as an office complex although much of the original architecture has been reconstructed.

#2 Victoria Esplanade

The walking trail allows riverside views of the area as you walk parallel to Victoria Esplanade. Just rounding the bend, you’ll see the red brick exterior of No. 2 Victoria Esplanade, also called ‘The Moorings.‘ This house was built in 1904 for the prosperous accountant Owen Tinning. Many of the vast manor houses along Victoria Esplanade feature fantastic examples of Federation architecture. I adore Federation architecture as it is uniquely Australian. The style was adapted from British influences of the Queen Anne style, Edwardian style and the Arts and Crafts trend.

Federation Architecture

The Federations style is marked by prominent verandah designs. This addition was unique to Australia as the British climate would never lend itself to such ornamental use of the outdoors. These verandahs feel like the heart of the home and are richly decorated. Australian flora and fauna are usually taken into consideration and carefully woven into the decorations of the house. The brickwork on these types of homes is typically deep red or dark brown. Another unique feature of these homes are the circular windows, also called bullseye windows, that you can see at #2. The house also contains the Federations Queen Anne style roof that features terracotta tiles with decorative gables and even a little turret.

#9 Victoria

At No. 9 Victoria Esplanade, we find the fantastical architecture marvel called the ‘Fairview.’ This gorgeous home was the residence of Robert O’May. Robert O’May was the Bellerive ferry master. He was born right here in Bellerive in 1872. The O’May family was responsible for the ferry service from Hobart to Belleview. Before the Tasman Bridge was built, this service was the only way residents could cross over to Hobart and back. The ferry master made a name for himself and became one of the wealthiest men in the area.

The beautiful house features incredible wrought iron lace designs on the verandah. You’ll notice that the iron fencing features birds woven into the arrangements if you look closely. This use of the iron lace wrought iron is another element of Federations architecture. During the 19th century, Australia had a surplus of wrought iron. They loved using it to embellish the exterior of their homes with ornamental designs. As exemplified here, these designs often included Australian birds, flowers, coats of arms, rising suns and even animals like the kangaroo!

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Kangaroo Bluff Battery Historic Site

At the end of Victoria Esplanade, we reach the Kangaroo Bluff Fort Historic Site. The Kangaroo Bluff Fort Historic Site was built around 1884. Just like the Hobart Battery, these towers were constructed as a means of defence and observation. The new settlement was greatly afraid of incoming threats from the water and they went about building these Batteries. Thankfully, none of them were ever used but they remain wonderful historic examples of these types of defences.

Today you can walk up the hill where you’ll still find all the original defensive cannons. These were installed to protect the colony and manned by the guards. Walking around the old stone structure, you can see some of the old underground storage rooms. In there the soldiers would have stored equipment and ammunition. These rooms are marked with red-painted wooden doors and shutters embedded into the hillside.

Bluff House

Towards the north end of the park is the Bluff House, built in 1885. This late Victorian home was made by Robert Hutchinson. Hutchinson was an English architect who moved to Australia. There was a great need for these trained artists and technicians. Hutchinson started his life in Australia in Melbourne but eventually made his way to Tasmania, and moved to Bellerive. He was famous in the area for his residences and lighthouses designs along the coast. Many of these structures are still under the National Trust and can be sen today. The old Bluff house has since been renovated into an airbnb. This means you can stay inside a piece of history if you wish to spend a night in Bellerive!

The Old School and Residence

Along Victoria Esplanade, head up King Street and make a short detour to see the Old School and Residence. The school was one of Bellerive’s first, built in old gothic style with heavy stonework. The most impressive feature is the 24-panel window which is located at either end of the schoolroom. It was once used as a hostel, but today is a private business. To get a good look you’ll just have to peek over the fence but it’s amazing to see despite all the changing residents how much of the original building remains.

Bellerive Beach

Continuing along the Clarence Trail, we walk along the water’s edge until we reach Bellerive Beach. Bellerive Beach is one of the most scenic beaches I’ve ever visited. The bright blue waters of the River Derwent juxtaposed against the stunning view of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington in the background is truly spectacular. The water is generally pretty calm here so it’s great for swimming. The beach is also protected from the southern ocean swells by the South Arm Peninsula and Bruny Island. The beach is flanked by a stretch of blue gum trees filled with a variety of seabirds. Unlike many overpopulated beaches in Sydney or Melbourne, which have had much of their natural resources removed to make room for the tourists, this beach still looks like a slice of Australia as it would have been before it was colonized by the British.

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Bellerive Beach Park & Blundstone Arena

Opposite the beach is a large green park, aptly named Bellerive Beach Park. Towering over the trees behind the garden is the modern Blundstone Arena. Today the Blundstone Arena is where you’ll find Tasmania’s premier cricket and Australian Rules football is played. But the history of games being played in this area dates back to 1884. Back then, the patch of green land here was still used to play cricket. Cricket was a popular pastime brought to Australia from Britain. It quickly became one of the most popular sports in Tasmania. In 1913, the land used for the games was even declared city council property. They transformed it, levelled the ground and fenced off the surroundings but it was still a simple patch of grass. In the 70s, construction of the arena began and it is now one of the biggest draws to Bellerive.

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Queen Street

Walk back towards our starting point, via old Queen Street. Queen Street was initially called Bidassoa Street but was renamed in 1897 to commemorate Queen Vicotria’s jubilee. Queen Street is a straight shot from the old ferry port down to the beach. For over a hundred years, this street was used by day-trippers. These day-trippers would arrive from either Hobart or elsewhere in Tasmania to enjoy the beauty of this remote beach town. Today, this street is one of the loveliest to wander down. You can study some of the incredible historical Australian architecture as you go. #34 Queen Street is a gorgeous two-storey brick building featuring elements of Federation Arts and Crafts design style.

One of the most popular facets of Federation Arts and Crafts style is highlighting the structure of the building. This means underscroing elements like the beans, posts and rafts. Rather than painting them the same colour as the rest of the house, these elements (like the window frames and dormers) were painted red. This adds a spectacular ornamental quality to the home. But the geometric stained glass on the second storey is what really makes the building so beautiful to me.

St Mark’s Chapel of Ease

At the corner of Scott Street and Queen street, we find a tiny old stone St Marks Church or St Mark’s Chapel of Ease. The church was built in 1852 out of local sandstone. It is one of those rustic churches that feels so in line with the simplicity of early Tasmanian design. The church was made by convict architect James Blackburn. Despite his convict beginnings, Blackburn is considered one of the greatest engineers of his period in Australia.

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One of the most unique parts of the old church grounds are the old tombstones that still remain on site. These are the remains of the pioneers of Bellerive, some dating back to 1840. Although there were once 121 people buried here, only a few of the headstones still remain.

The church is not in use as a religious site today but serves as the meeting place of the Bellerive scout troop. The scout troop was responsible for the church’s restoration in the 1970s. It seemed only fitting that for their efforts they would be rewarded with a permanent location for the troupe.

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29 Queen St.

Across the street from the church is an old single-storey house. The house is made of rough stone blocks and therefore has a very rugged appearance. The house was built in 1860 for Dr. Desailly. In later years it was used as the primary residence for the priests attending St. Mark’s chapel. Although its relatively simple appearance makes it feel not as imposing, it was considered a grande mansion when it was first built. The house contained a breakfast parlour, dining room, drawing room, four bedrooms, two kitchens and three servants’ bedrooms!

The green trim painted on the roof, gables, and verandah gives the building a unique touch. But the most exciting part of this house is the scalloped decorations on the columns located on the porch. This little added ornamentation on an otherwise plain house really stands out.

Sadlers Cottage

The tiny white cottage at #25 is also called ‘Sadler’s Cottage‘ and was built in 1838. While it’s been minimally renovated over the years, the main elements of the old sandstone Georgian design remain. Georgian architecture consisted of an iconic hipped roof, central door with flanking casement windows, and white plaster walls with sandstone quoin blocks on the corners.

19 Queen St.

On the corner of Crown Street, we find a slightly unusual house at #19 Queen Street. The 1830’s style house was used as a school and post office in the early days of the settlement. Later used as a boarding house in the 1930s. The most interesting part of this house is the attic space with skillion dormer windows looking out onto the street.

Watermans Arms

A bright green hipped roof and arched entrance marks the Old Watermans Arms at #5 Queen Street. This house was built in the 1850s and was initially used for religious services for the Congregational Church. Later on, the house was used as an inn for visitors.

Tasmanian Family History Society

On the corner of Petchey Street, we find two of the most historic sandstone buildings in Bellerive. The first is the old post office, built in 1897. The beautiful clock tower faces out onto the street, where you can still make out the impressive sandstone carvings. When it was built, the city spent a whopping 635 pounds on its construction. This would amount to about 83,078 pounds today!!! Currently, the building is used as the Genealogical Society Library and the Sound Preservation Society Museum.

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Boer War Memorial

In the center of the road is a large stone memorial with a lampost on top. This is the Boer War Memorial. The memorial is dedicated to local resident Frank Morrisby who died in South Africa during the war. Morrisby was the last Tasmanians to die during World War One. Despite his name being only one of the many Tasmanians who served, the structure still represents all those who lost their lives.

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Old Police Station

Opposite the old Post office is the Bellerive Community Arts Centre. This brick and sandstone building was built in 1842 and first established as the original Police station in the Bellerive. The sandstone section of the building was the original cell block and the brick addition is one of the newer sections of the building.

Natone House

Turn down Petchey street where you’ll find Natone Cottage. This beautiful stone house with white iron lace columned verandah was built in 1863 for Hobart judge Sir Valentine Fleming. As judges probably weren’t the most popular in a convict community, many of them opted for more private, remote estates. The Welsh slate roof is original, as is the lush old garden. But the view from this vantage point is one of the best reasons to hike up to the cottage.

Cripps DT & JL Bakehouse

Turning right along Campbell Street, make your way to the large sign with the words “Cripps DT & JL Bakehouse” outside. This is Bellrive’s most infamous bakery. They are known to have the best scallop pie in Hobart! Scallop pie is thought to be the national dish of Tasmania. It was invented in 1850 by Joseph Keen. The pie is made with fresh Tasmanian scallops, the best of which still have their bright orange roe, mixed with the curry and vegetables. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, then you need to try one of their many flavours of donuts! Something for everyone that is for sure.

Bellerive Yacht Club

Being a waterfront city, the Yacht club in Bellerive has long been one of the most popular sports in the town. The yacht club was established in 1926 to bring more people into Bellerive. Today, the club has over 800 members. Walking around the harbour, you can spot some truly incredible yachts and maybe even catch a few boats on their way out for a day at sea.

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10 Cambridge Rd

As we make our way back to the parking lot where we started our tour, make a stop at #10 Cambridge Rd. This is the location of the oldest village store, once the Bellerive General Store. It still sells food to this day just as it would have hundreds of years earlier. The building is now Belles Burgers and one of Bellerive’s best restaurants.

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 S. S. Kosciusko

Along Cambridge road, you’ll see the remains of the S S Kosciusko, one of the longest-serving ferries. The boat carried passengers off from Sydney Harbour starting in 1911. It survived a collision with the ferry Baragoola in December 1926. In 1975 she was brought to Hobart after the Tasman Bridge disaster. The construction of the Tasman Bridge was supposed to end the need for ferries to and from Bellerive. But in 1975 the central part of the bridge collapsed, killing 12 people. The S S Kosciusko arrived and served the city for many years until the bridge was fixed. In 1991 the boat was too old and run down to continue servicing passengers and most of it was scrapped. The lower part of the stern remains as an attraction attached to the Waterfront Hotel pub.

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Waterfront Hotel

The Clarence Hotel, now named the Waterfront Hotel, has stood here since 1879 and is one of the earliest surviving hotels in the area. The design of the hotel isn’t anything special but the most notable part of the building are the old sandstone cornerstone used to frame the building.

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Hooked on Bellerive

For lunch or dinner, you need to stop off at ‘Hooked on Bellerive.’Hooked on Bellerive is a total hidden gem. Although it’s small in size, located on a literal floating pontoon, the interior is a gorgeous blend of nautical design and modern aesthetics. The glass windows along the water’s edge make you feel like you’re dining right on the water. And the windows even open right up on hot days. The food is as traditional as can be with a small menu consisting of fried fish, scallops, oysters and calamari served with a side of chips and salad. The wonderfully friendly staff here makes you feel like family.!

Heading back to central Hobart, you’ll get a beautiful view of the city at night as you cross back over the Tasman Bridge. The lights of the city dancing off the dark water is a sight to see and another reason to come on over to Bellerive. Hopefully, you enjoyed this tour and discovered some of the unique natural features of Bellerive and learned a bit more about the amazing Tasmanian architecture found in this suburban neighbourhood.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

References: Tasmanian National Trust | On the Convict Trail

The post The Best of Hobart, Tasmania: Historic Tour of Seaside Bellerive first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Tasmania is truly a spectacular place, and if you’re making a trip all the way out to Australia, you need to make time to fly over to this secluded island to experience all it has to offer. I thought you could easily spend a week here and have prepared a wonderfully rich and diverse week-long itinerary. If your trip is shorter, you can easily pick and choose your favourite parts of this tour to customize your own adventure.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Travelling Around Tasmania
3. When to Go?
4. What to Pack?
5. National Park Fees
6. How to Arrive
7. Ferry
8. Day 1 – Arriving & Exploring Launceston
9. Day 2 – Road to the Bay of Fire
10. Day 3 – Freycinet National Park
11. Day 4 – Wielangta Forest
12. Day 5 – Tasman National Park
13. Day 6 – Port Arthur to Hobart
14. Day 7 – Exploring Hobart

History

Tasmania is located 240 km away from the mainland of Australia. Tasmania is known as one of Australia’s “natural states” as 42% of its land is protected. This includes several national parks and gorgeous World Heritage sites. The native indigenous tribes, who inhabitated the country for over 30,000 years before colonization, are significantly different than the tribes on mainland Australia. Their unique traditions grew from their love and reliance on the waters which surround the island.

The British Arrival

The island was settled by Europeans in 1804. Britain saw that the French had been exploring the area and rushed to beat them to claim the land for England. They used the newly colonized island as a place to house the British Empire’s penal colony population. The island was initially called Van Diemen’s Land. It was named after Anthony van Diemen, the Dutch colonial governor who ruled in the 16th and 17th centuries. van Diemen had commanded naval explorations, and it was under his direction that the island was first discovered in 1642.

Free settlers from England began to arrive on the shores of Tasmania as they were promised free land grants as well as free convict labour. By 1825, over 75,00 convicts had been sent to Van Diemen’s Land. Many of them had finished their sentences and decided to start their new life here in the colony. Sadly, the British saw the indigenous tribes as their enemy and, over the years, massacred almost the entire population. By 1830 only 300 indigenous people were left on the island. Many of the few remaining indigenous people later died from the diseases introduced by the British to which they had no immunity. It’s heartbreaking to imagine how such a rich culture could be wiped out in such a short amount of time. 

The Modern Age

In 1901, Tasmania joined with the five other Australian colonies to form the Commonwealth of Australia. After the closure of the penal colonies, the island’s main form of income was through whaling, fishing and most lucrative of all, mining. The mining industry dried up shortly after WWI. After this point, they began to focus on agriculture and the productions of fruits and vegetables. After WWII, many people started to immigrate to Tasmania as it was seen as the “Sanitorium of the South” as its quiet and zen-like natural environment was perfect for those seeking peace. This gave the population a little boost, but it still feels like a quaint island with extremely friendly locals happy to welcome tourists to their hidden gem in the ocean.

Travelling Around Tasmania

Rental Car

Tasmania is best traversed by car. Tasmania might be a big island, but it has a small population, so large-scale public transport is really lacking. So you’re the best option is to fly into Launceston (or Hobart) and rent yourself a car. Cars can be picked up in Launceston and dropped off in Hobart. Or vice versa if you prefer to reverse your trip. Car rentals in Tasmania can be as little as $96 USD a day.

Camper Van

Although a Camper Van is a much more costly experience, they also allow you to sleep anywhere you want. In a place as scenic as Tasmania, this is a real treat! The other plus with a camper van is that you have a kitchen wherever you go. This way you can easily stock up on groceries before you leave the big cities. You’ll never find yourself having a place to stop for something to eat. The downside obviously is the cost of gas. Another downside could be if you’re not familiar with driving a camper van. This can be a bit of a learning curve. Thankfully the roads in Tasmania are generally pretty empty. so you don’t need to worry about navigating through intense traffic.

Cost of Gas

As of March 2021, gas prices in Tasmania were $1.40 Australian per litre. The trip mileage can vary greatly depending on how many detours you take along the way. But overall you should be covering around 800 km. But I would add even more since you are bound to make some detours along the way as you see things that catch your eye.

Notes on Food & Gas

Some of the areas we will travel through are very remote, so be sure to research before you head out for the day where your food and gas stops will be to ensure you’ll have enough before the next stop. A small fabric cooler will go a long way to keep your grocery food and drinks cold on your journey. I am always sure to keep a large bag of room temperature snacks with me as well. And always be sure you pack plenty of water.

Bus Tour

If you can’t drive or don’t want the stress of driving yourself, you can always join a bus tour. One of my favourite companies is Under Down Under Tours. They offer a comparable 7-day tour of the island. It includes all your accommodations, pickups and drop-offs, and small group size. Also included in your booking are all the national park fees. Their tours do not include food, but they do stop at restaurants, cafes and takeaways along the journey. Also, if you opt to stay in a hostel accommodation, you can always use their kitchen for cooking upon arrival.

The best things about their tours is that they give you a choice of accommodations. They offer both hostel rooms as well as motel accommodation. And you can even get a cheaper price if you are a single traveller. This is such a great option. I’ve been in many a situation when I wanted to go on a group tour, but the accommodations were always double occupancy, and I was on my own.

Cost

The seven-day tour costs $800 USD per person for the hostel dorm rooms. $886 USD per person for a twin hostel room. And $1079 USD per person for a twin motel room.

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When to Go?

Tasmania is noticeably colder than the rest of Australia. Don’t come here without checking the weather! We saw a few people step off the plane in shorts and t-shirts in a climate that was more suitable for a winter coat! November to March are the best months to travel when the weather is at its most enjoyable. June, July and August are relatively chilly and rainy. But the prices of hotels are significantly discounted during the rainy season, and the cities are almost empty of tourists! Summer is the peak travel season when you’ll find the hotels to be the priciest but that’s the price you pay (literally) for that beautiful weather.

Whereas international travellers might not find their way to Tasmania, local Australians have been frequenting the island more and more. Be sure to check the dates of any Australian holidays or school breaks as these times may also be much busier and more expensive.

What to Pack?

As mentioned above, you might be surprised to see how different the weather is in Tasmania compared to the mainland. So much of Tasmania is made up of cool temperate rainforests. In addition to your regular travel essentials, there are a few critical items to bring to Tasmania. It’s crucial to pack lots of layerable clothes. These will help keep you warm in the morning, but you can shed them in the afternoon. Unless you going at the peak of the summer, be sure to pack a hat, scarf and gloves. Some of the high points in Tasmania are very windy and you’ll be happy to have the extra protection.

It’s also essential to pack a good raincoat or waterproof windbreaker. This will be super useful since rain is a frequent visitor to Tasmania’s forecasts. The rainforests can get pretty wet as well. Umbrellas are also a good thing to pack in your bag for extra protection. But a good raincoat with a sturdy hood is your best option. There are a few easy hikes in this guide, so while you don’t need professional hiking boots, a good pair of waterproof or water-resistant walking shoes is a must!

National Park Fees

A valid park pass is required for entry to all of Tasmania’s National Parks. Paying these fees individually can add up, so my best advice is to buy a Holiday Pass. You can buy the pass at the first park you visit. Holiday Passes are good for up to two months and cost $80 AUS ($61 USD). When you compare this to the $40 one-day pass, you can see why the holiday pass just makes more sense. You can also buy your pass online before you leave. This will save a few minutes when you enter the park, especially if it’s busy season.

How to Arrive

This tour is designed to go from Launceston to Hobart, but you can easily flip it the other way around. I lived in Syndey when I visited Tasmania, and it was a cheap 2-hour flight from Sydney. A direct flight costs $112 USD one way. If you are departing from Melbourne, flights are almost the exact same. Flying home from Hobart back to Sydney will run you a bit more since it’s a slight loner flight at $160 USD. But remember, these flights are always cheaper during the week. If you’re flexible with your timeline, keep this in mind.

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Ferry

If you are departing from Melbourne, some people opt to take the ferry, dubbed the Spirit of Tasmania. This is the more popular option with local residents who wish to bring their own car along. A one-way journey on the ferry will cost around $90-100 USD for the lowest-economy recliner chair. Or you can opt for a a two-person cabin with a shower and window for $153 USD. The ferry journey is about 10 hours long and runs both during the day and at night. I can’t stand ferries since I get so sick-sea, but for people who love being at sea or who want to save on a night’s hotel, this is a great option!

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Day 1 – Arriving & Exploring Launceston

I like starting my tours in Launceston. Launceston is such a dreamy place to visit and a great introduction to Tasmania. When you arrive in Tasmania, you can get a cab to your hotel, as the rest of the city is very easily accessible by foot and by public transport. You won’t need to start renting your car until you are ready to depart the city.

The first thing I NEED to do once I arrive, after even a short flight, is grab a cup of coffee. And just like the rest of Australia, which is known for its incredible coffee culture, and Tasmania is no different. Sweetbrew is a local hangout for hipsters and tourists alike. Every coffee is perfectly crafted, and their summer berry cake is something I’ll remember forever! Sit and relax here to soak in the atmosphere of this new city.

Explore Historic Launceston

After getting your bearings, and dropping off your luggage at your hotel, it’s time to head out and start exploring! Launceston, located on the northern tip of the state of Tasmania, is one of their two main cities. The other being Hobart, located on the southern end. Launceston is Australia’s third oldest European settlement, established in 1806 after Sydney (in 1788) and Hobart (in 1804). The city is renowned for its well preserved historic buildings. Launceston has some of the best colonial and Victorian architecture anywhere in Australia. Cameron street alone perfectly exemplifies what the rest of Australia would have looked like during the boom times of the 19th century.

You can do your own self-guided walking tour from Albert Hall in the east to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in the west. This tour focuses on specific buildings along the route that tell rich tales of the city’s architectural and social history. There are little plaques along the way to help inform you of the stories as you go. And it’s a great way to explore the city on foot.

Sip on Aged Ales at James Boag Brewery Experience

Tasmania’s most famous beer is the Boags beer, which is sold worldwide but highly regarded in Launceston where the brewery is located. On the Brewery Tour experience, you’ll learn all about what makes their beer unique, see how its made and learn about the history of this Tasmanian Brewery.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be invited into their bar where you’ll receive a 30-minute guided beer tasting! Here you’ll be able to taste a flight of their brews paired with locally produced cheese! I’ve been to many a beer tasting but never one which included cheese, so that captured my attention straight away (I’m a HUGE cheese lover) and I did think it really gave an interesting spin on the tasting.

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Cataract Gorge

There is no better place to spend the afternoon than Cataract Gorge. Cataract Gorge is a stunning park in the centre of Launceston. To get to the gorge, you begin by walking along a scenic pathway called the King’s Bridge-Cataract Walk. This leads you around the South Esk River’s edge to the northern part of the gorge’s basin. From here, you can walk across the Alexandra Suspension Bridge. On the other side of the bridge, you’ll find a large swimming pool to be enjoyed in the summer months.

Gorge Scenic Chairlift

The Gorge Scenic Chairlift is one of the best parts of your visit to the gorge. This antique chairlift was built in 1972 and is still the longest single-span lift in the world! We were one of the only people in the park during our visit and figured the lift wouldn’t be open. But to our surprise, a quiet old woman was sitting at the desk to welcome us in and let us ride. It felt almost strange, like they had kept it open just for us. We giggled the entire way across the gorge, swinging our feet, nervously laughing as the chairlift climbed higher and higher. The chairlift crosses 457 metres and moves pretty slowly for you to really take in the scenery around you.

The trip costs $9 USD for a one-way ticket or $12 USD for an “Across & Back” ticket. We opted for the one-way since we enjoyed the walk back to the entrance. The lift is open every day from 9 am, 365 days a year! In the winter it closes at 4:30 pm, in the Spring and Autumn it closes at 5 pm and in Summer from 5:30 pm to 6 pm.

When you get off the chairlift, you can explore the Victorian garden and small cottage restaurant on the other side of the basin. You’ll find unusual Tasmanian flora and fauna, including ferns, exotic plants, and even wild peacocks covering the entire hillside.

Get Spooked on Launceston City Ghost Tours

To end your evening I would highly recommend that a ghost tour! Ok, now I know ghost tours might seem like something kinda cheesy, but I LOVE them. To me, they are just like a history tour but with a slightly macabre angle. Launceston has a deep and dark convict past. It’s said that some of the prisoners who were sentenced here can still be seen roaming the streets, their ghosts clinging to the mortal world. Walking the old streets of Launceston, your guide will tell tales of the past, making the city’s history come alive. There is both an adult-only and family-friendly option, so there is something for all ages! Obviously the family-friendly tour is a little less scary so if you spook easily that might be the tour for you.

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Day 2 – Road to the Bay of Fire

After a relaxing first day exploring the city of Launceston, it’s time to head out onto the road! The area we’re heading into doesn’t have almost any restaurants or even fast-food stops along the way so be sure to pack some food before you leave Launceston. And remember to bring lots of water!

Grindelwald

Just 20-minutes outside the city is the city of Grindelwald. Grindelwald Tasmania is a minature replicate of the Swiss village of Grindelwald. The charming little town is located in the scenic Tamar Valley. Driving through this beautiful valley is such a fantastic way to introduce yourself to the Tasmanian landscape. But Grindelwald isn’t a theme park; it’s a real neighbourhood where real families still live. The concept to recreate this place began in the 1980s as a unique take on suburban residential developments. 

The idea came about from a Dutch immigrant named Roelf Vos. To re-create the Swiss village, they built the houses using classic Swiss architecture and added sweet details like balcony rails in the shape of tulips and scalloped-wooden eaves. Plus there is even an Alpine-themed restaurant and shopping center. If you didn’t grab a coffee on your way out on the road, I would recommend stopping by Missasippy Cafe near the Alpenrose Bistro & Bar. If for nothing else but to enjoy the almost theme park-esque stylings of the minature town square.

Batman Bridge

From Grindlewald, travel north along highway C733 that travels along the scenic River Tamar. Although named “the Tamar River” on the map, its proper indigenous name is actually ‘kanamaluka.’ And despite being called a river, it’s actually tidal estuary. While driving along the water’s edge might be a little less direct, the views you get of the landscape are just spectacular. It’s lovely to enjoy this scenery before heading into the dense forests. 

Eventually, we make our way East, crossing over the Batman Bridge. Yes, that’s right, ‘Batman’ Bridge. Sadly, the bridge isn’t named for the famous cartoon hero but after John Batman, a Launceston businessman and co-founder of Melbourne. Built in 1966, the bridge was actually the first cable-stayed bridge in Australia and one of the first of its kind worldwide! If there’s not too much traffic as you cross, be sure to take it slow and enjoy the incredible view from up there across the valley.

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Hillwood Berries

Once you’ve crossed over the bridge, continue down highway C727 towards Hillwood. Hillwood is a tiny town famous for its agriculture. Tasmania is known for being one of the most prolific producers of fresh berries in Australia. George Peacock set up the first Tasmanian jam manufacturing company in Hobart in 1850. Tasmania was the ideal climate for growing berries. When Peacock arrived in the new colony in Tasmania, there was a wealth of open fields to establish farms. Although the Peacock company has since closed, the farms growing berries across Tasmania continue to produce a wealth of these incredible fruits. 

One such place you can visit is Hillwood Berries. The farm is open for “pick-your-own berries” from November to March. Berry picking is an excellent activity if you need to stretch your legs and allows you to enjoy the natural environment around you. Picking a small box doesn’t take long either, so it’s a short activity. But they also have prepackaged berries if you need a snack for the road. They also have a small cafe and grocery store inside with unique local products, delicious savoury pastries, and decadent desserts. I always am sure to pick up little snacks and portable meals whenever I can at places like this. This way, I’m sure to have food with me even when there isn’t anywhere to stop later in the day. If you want to grab a to-go lunch, you can eat it at the picnic area at our next stop.

Lilydale Falls

From Hillwood Farms, we begin our journey into the interior of Tasmania. The landscape almost immediately seems to change. The river disappears and the road winds through hilly valleys covered in eucalyptus trees. The tall mountains and hillsides rolling up and down by your window as you drive.

One of the more undiscovered hiking trails along our route is the Lilydale Falls Reserve. The first waterfall on the trail is found just 10-minutes from the parking lot. Other hiking trails might be more rigorous, but this one provides such a beautiful view after only a short walk. Along the way, you’ll be able to spot Tasmania’s tall eucalyptus trees and lush fern-covered landscape. The trail passes by two little waterfalls. While they aren’t immensely tall, there is something about the coziness of the scenery and ease of the trail that makes visiting them so enjoyable. The rest area near the car park is a great place to picnic and use the restrooms.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

Continuing along highway B81, head slightly northeast towards Bridestowe Lavender Estate. This farm is home to great waves of lavender fields. The lavender generally blooms from December through to early February, but their website has more up-to-date information. During the rest of the year, you are free to wander the fields and view the other native vegetation. There are even self-guided tours to learn more about the history of Bridestowe. 

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Their shop is a great place to buy local Tasmanian lavender products. They also have a cafe/restaurants where you can dine and try some of their iconic lavender flavoured ice creams. If you don’t have an interest in seeing the lavender fields when they’re not in bloom, you can always skip this destination and just go directly to our next stop.

Legerwood Memorial Tree Forest

Along the road towards the eastern part of the island is the Legerwood Memorial Tree Forest. In 1918, after the first World War, several great trees were planted by the remaining family members of honoured Tasmanian fallen soldiers. Almost a hundred years later, the trees grew so large they were thought to be a danger to the community and were set to be torn down. But the community was devastated as the trees were so important to the historical legacy of Tasmania and their township. 

Instead of just uprooting them, the stumps of the trees were turned into sculptural memorials. Each stump was carved to represent a poignant scene from the first world war. Other trees were carved in the memory of the soldier to whom the tree was dedicated to. While the sculptures are very rudimentary and made by untrained artists, I love the fact that the community came together to ensure the memory of these soldiers lived on. Some art doesn’t need to be high brow. Some art is more about expression and walking through this grove of trees; I feel like you really get a sense of the impact the war made on even this little village.

Little Blue Lake

Travelling along highway A3 through B82, we drive further north towards Little Blue Lake in South Mount Cameron. The lake is spectacular. It glows almost neon blue in the sunlight. But don’t you dare dip your foot into the water! The luminescent colour is formed as the result of alluvial tin mining and is packed with toxic heavy metals! Despite the toxicity, the area is a HUGE draw for spectators as it is truly one of the most impressive sights you’ve ever seen! Just north of Little Blue Lake, there is a gas station, so be sure to fill up.

As you drive down the highway and through Ansons Road, keep your eye out for wildlife. This area is a part of Mount William National Park, which is a protected environment for the Forester Kangaroo. The Forester Kangaroo is the largest kangaroo species in Tasmania and the second largest marsupial in the world.

Policeman’s Point

A 40-minute drive from the gas station will take you right to the coast! It’s incredible to see as you approach. Head down to the Policeman’s Point campground parking lot, where you can leave the car and look out on the incredible vista. There are also public bathrooms here if you need to use the facilities. Policeman’s Point is a part of the Bay of Fires Conservations area. The Bay of Fires area around here is known for its incredible white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Many people don’t think of Tasmania as having such perfect beaches, but this one is spectacular! Standing on the edge of the Bay of Fires walkway on a clear day, you might be able to spot the Eddystone Point Lighthouse.

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The Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, for whom the entire island is named after, was the first explorer to set their sights on Eddystone Point in 1642. It wasn’t until 1875 when a group of hazardous rocks were discovered below the waterline, that the lighthouse was built. It was made from local pink granite and constructed to help the sailors coming into port at St. Helen’s.

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Bay of Fires

Head back along Ansons Bay Road, south towards through the Bay of Fires Conservations Area. The Bay of Fires was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773. When the captain first arrived in Tasmania, the first thing he saw upon landing was a group of fires set along the beach by the Aboriginal people living on the island. It was such a powerful sight that he named the area after that encounter.

An iconic part of the Bay of Fires are the coastal rocks covered in bright orange lichen. The rocks found along the shore here are made of dolerite. The most extensive of all dolerite formations worldwide, are found here in Tasmania.

Meresta Eatery

One of the Bay of Fires’ best views can be found in ‘The Gardens.’ To access the Gardens, you need to head east towards Bingalon Bay and then make a sharp turn north up C848. If you brought a picnic dinner, this would be the perfect place to eat it. But if you are desperate for food, you’re in luck since there is a fantastic restaurant in Bingalong Bay. Meresta Eatery is a wonderful restaurant serving up great food made with the best ingredients from Tasmania. Their restaurant is often very busy since it’s one of the only ones in the area, but they also offer take-way for a little picnic in the Gardens.

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The Gardens

When you finally arrive at the Gardens, it will be around dinner time, so find a spot on the beach to enjoy dinner and a sunset! The Gardens were named by Lady Jane Franklin, the wife of the Governor of Tasmania, in the early 1800s. She loved flowers, and when she came to visit, the wildflowers were blooming all across the coastline, making it appear as a giant garden. The waters here are just crystal clear and if you’re lucky, keep your eyes peeled to see if you can spot a pod of dolphins on their way home. There are even humpback whales that migrate through the area during certain times of the year!

Bay of Fires Accommodation

My favourite place to stay is near Skeleton Bay and Binalong Bay. The area was once a retirement village, but it has been transformed into a little spot for surfers, fishers and people who visit the area for snorkelling and nature walks. There are dozens of holiday homes here, most of which can be booked on Airbnb. There are also some rentable bungalows in the area as well. If you need more accommodation options, you can go down to St. Helens. If you are travelling with camping gear or a camper van, there are several amazing camping grounds in this area. 

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Day 3 – Freycinet National Park

The Bays Kitchen

To get your day started, wake up and head on over to The Bays Kitchen. This cafe is such a surprise to find in such a far-off place. Their passionfruit cronut is wildly delicious. But they also serve classic Australian breakfast favourites like bacon sandwiches and meat pies.

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Bicheno

Now that you’ve filled up for breakfast, it’s time to get back on the road. There is a gas station in St. Helen that is a great place to fill up. From there, we drive down the scenic A3 highway towards our next destination. Tasmania is such an interesting island to drive through as the landscape and greenery around the coastline are so different than the interior, which is much more like a rainforest.

After an hour and a half of driving, you’ll arrive in the small coastal town of Bicheno. This town is one of the major fishing ports in Tasmania and a popular beach resort. Everything from crayfish, abalone and scallops are caught just off the shores of the city.

Bicheno Blowhole

One of the most popular locations to visit is the Bicheno Blowhole. The rocks along this shore are made of granite, but the crashing waves have carved a small sea cave shelf underneath the stones over the years. Eventually, a small hole began to form on the roof of this sea cave, creating a natural blowhole for the waves to burst through. Making an enormous spray above from the water rushes in. It’s a hit for kids and adults alike as every spray is different. Be careful, because you might just get wet! Bicheno was once a popular whaling spot in the 1800s, so it seems even more fitting that Bicheno would have formed its very own “blowhole.”

Whalers Lookout

Whalers Lookout is a steep but short 10-minute walk that leads to two lookout platforms. There is both an east-facing and west-facing platform. From here, you have a panoramic view of the town and the great crescent harbour.

Lobster Shack Tasmania

Bicheno is known for its seafood, so you absolutely must have lunch at the Lobster Shack Tasmania! This laid-back restaurant specializes in everything from lobster rolls to fresh oysters, local mussels and grilled salmon. Even just their house fish and chips is divine! Their outdoor deck tables sit off of the water and provide a stunning view of the pristine boat harbour surrounding it.

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Diamond Island Nature Reserve

Just off the coast, to the north of Bicheno, is the Diamond Island Nature Reserve. The island is so close that you can even walk across the sandbar to the island during low tide. The island is home to a unique form of wildlife in Australia; the fairy penguins. These are minature penguins with the most darling blue colouring. All the little pathways you see on the island are formed by the penguins. This secluded, uninhabited island has become the penguin’s primary rookery. Be careful where you step to be sure to don’t crush one of their dens. Also, keep an eye on the water levels! You don’t get stuck on the island when the tide starts to come back in.

Grab some Groceries!

Before leaving Bicheno, head over the IGA supermarket to grab some items for a little picnic dinner on the beach at the last hiking spot!

Freycinet National Park

Just 30-minutes down the road from Bicheno, you can drive over to the Freycinet National Park Tourist Information center. Here you can pick up and learn more about the different walking and hiking trails that wind through this monumental natural wonderland that is Freycinet National Park.

Accessibility

The parks department installed a 10-minute wheelchair-accessible circuit track that begins at the visitor center. While it would be great to see this expanded further over the years, it’s nice to know they have made an effort to take into account accessibility.

Wineglass Trail

The Wineglass Bay Trail is 6 km long and takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete based on how fast you go. But trust me, you’ll want to stop lots along the way! Not because it’s a particularly hard trail, but because there are so many amazing lookout points to admire. While the pathway isn’t too rough, you should definitely have some good walking shoes for this hike. The bathroom in the car park is the only washroom on the route, so be sure to use it before you go.

The Wineglass Bay walk takes you up to the top of the hill, where you’ll find the lookout. This point gives you a great view across the saddle-shaped wineglass bay beach below. The bright turquoise waters and almost impossible to believe white sands make for one of the most iconic views of Tasmania.

Wineglass Bay

From the top of the lookout, you can walk down the 1000 stairs to Wineglass Bay Beach. While this might seems like a trek, it’s well worth it to relax and explore the beach for yourself (not just from above). You can stroll along the sands, enjoying the sounds of the softly crashing waves while birds chirp in the distance. If you walk to the south end of the beach, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of ‘the Hazards’ mountains.

Because of the tall mountains which surround this bay, flora and fauna here are protected from the elements. Therefore this area produces a superb array of plants and animal life. Everything from wallabies, pademelons, and echidnas are commonly seen on land, and you might even be lucky enough to spot seals sunbathing on the rocks. If you brought some picnicking food with you, this is the perfect spot for it! And you’ll need to gather your energy for the 1000 stair hike back to the car park! If you planning the hike to end around sunset, once you get back to the top of the stairs, you’ll get an even more incredible view of the sun setting across the water.

Honeymoon Bay

If you are still looking for a place to watch the sunset, head over to Honeymoon Bay. This peaceful beach is a popular destination for picnics, birdwatching and snorkelling. But at sunset, you can understand why it might be called Honeymoon Bay as the scenery just screams romance!

Coles Bay Ice Creamery

If you didn’t bring anything to eat for dinner or want to grab a late-night dessert, head back into Coles Bay village and over to Coles Bay Ice Creamery. Coles Bay Ice Creamery serves up fantastic fried fish and chips! Located in the quaint seaside village, this retro-styled shop also offers 24 flavours of Tasmanian-made ice cream and a wide range of hot and cold drinks. Dine inside or out on the patio tables with panoramic views of the Hazards mountains of the Freycinet peninsula. The fried Crumbed Tasmanian Scallops with chips, aioli dipping sauce and local craft beer is a match made in heaven.

Finish off the meal with a couple scoops of ice creams. They have such unique flavours as; salted caramel crunch, lavender, watermelon, Irish creme with scorched almonds, or Viennese coffee. If you still have any energy left, you can grab a cone to-go and head over to the Esplanade to enjoy your sweet treat.

Freycinet Retreat

There are lots of holiday home rentals around Coles Bay and near the Hazards. You can get huge homes for the whole family or little apartments perfect to crash in after a long day of hiking. If you brought a camper or camping equipment Freycinet National Park’s campground is a wonderful place to set up for the evening. But my favourite place to stay is at Freycinet Retreat. This is an eco-certified, boutique hotel, nestled in thick forest on the side of Mount Paul and surrounded by the National Parkland. The rooms are impeccably designed and provide a stunning view of the Tasmania landscape. Their walk-out balconies offer the chance to spot the wildlife that surrounds the sanctuary. It’s a luxury experience but well worth the price.

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Day 4 – Wielangta Forest

Spend as much time in the morning in your room as possible, as the mornings in the Freycinet National Park are a particularly special time of day. Enjoy a coffee on the patio as you watch the sunrise, and listen to the sound of the animals as they sound the alarm as dawn rises in the distance.

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Kate’s Berry Farm

As we get back on the road, we start to head down south. On the way, let’s stop off at Kate’s Berry Farm. Kate has been harvesting and growing berries since 1988, when she bought this property. The main reason? The magnificent views of Tasmania’s eastern coastline. Here, Kate grows raspberries, strawberries, red and black currants. She turns these fruits into everything from jams, ice cream, and baked pastries. 

The biggest draw to Kate’s farm is her ‘Just Desserts Café’, which serves fresh-baked scones with their homemade jam, fruit and meat pies and even Belgian waffles. Basically everything you need for a mouthwatering breakfast. Another item that you can’t leave without trying is Kate’s handmade chocolates. She combines rich Belgian chocolate with her berries and other Tasmania ingredients to create incredible flavours. Grab a box to go to enjoy on the road when you get peckish.

Spiky Bridge

Along our route today, you need to stop to see one of the stranger side-of-the-road attractions, the Spiky Bridge. The bridge was built by convicts in 1843 out of sharp fieldstones. The bridge is located on the old convict road that connected Swansea with Little Swanport and the east coast road to Hobart. 

The stones were laid vertically on the parapet to give the bridge its name: Spike Bridge. There are two differing opinions on why the spikes were added like this. The first is said to have been made to prevent cattle from falling over the bridge. The other is that they were added to help the bridge survive the harsh elements of the coastline. Either way, it is one of the more obscure scenes from the Tasmania roadside.

Triabunna Ferry to Maria Island

Travel down the A3 until you reach Tribunna. Head down to the Triabunna Wharf, where you can get the Ferry to Maria Island. The Ferry departs from Triabunna to Maria Island at 10:00 am and 11:30 am. Departure times from Maria Island back to Triabunna are from 2:30 pm and 4:15 pm. Be aware that the Ferry does not operate on Tuesdays or Thursdays. A return adult fare costs $45 AUS. The best plan is to arrive at 11:30 am and head back on the 2:30 pm ferry. This gives you enough time to explore the island, but you can head back before the end of the day. 

Darlington Convict Site

Exiting the Ferry, you arrive in the tiny settlement of Darlington. This old convict probation station is now considered a World Heritage Australian Convict Site. Darlington was the sole settlement on the island, but there are no permanent inhabitants aside from the park rangers today. Upon arrival on the island, stop off at the ranger station for a map of the island to help you get around.

Today, the Darlington township is the most intact example of a convict probation station in Australia. It is one of eleven convict sites recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the Darlington historic township, you can still visit some of the old buildings from the 1820s. This includes the commissariat store, the workers’ cottages and the old penitentiary.

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 When the convict station was open, it was home to over 600 male convicts crammed into these overcrowded buildings. The old prison that still stands here dates back to 1824. It was built to house convicts, mainly from Ireland, including the Irish nationalist leader William Smith O’Brien. He was exiled for his part in the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848. Interestingly, O’Brien didn’t have to live in the crowded penitentiary. He had a cottage built near the penal colony that you can still visit today. Shockingly you can even opt to stay overnight in the old jail cells! There is also a campground on the island near the old Penitentiary buildings where you can camp should you choose to. Eventually, the prison was shut down, with a halting of convicts arriving from England. 

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The Island as National Park

The island was purchased by an Italian entrepreneur, Bernacchi, who wanted to harness the island’s agricultural resources. He opened “the Grand Hotel” in 1888 and turned some of the old convict buildings into a pleasure resort. This “sanitarium” was designed for city folks to escape and relax in the peace and quiet of the countryside. Funny to imagine that this place of harmony was once a horrible spot of punishment only a few years early.

Sadly, Bernacchi’s venture was short-lived, and eventually, the township passed hands to a small cohort of farmers. Farming ended when the Tasmanian Government began purchasing properties from their owners to declare the island a national park.

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Maria Island Wildlife

Animals to spot while you walk along the trails include; the bare-nosed wombat, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies. There are also fallow deer, ringtail possums, echidnas, and many, many snakes! Birds are also very prevalent on the island. In fact, there are even some swift parrots, Cape Barren geese and twelve of Tasmania’s endemic birds, so bring your binoculars!

Painted Cliffs Walk

From the Darlington settlement, take a walk along the island’s eastern side. Here you can see Maria Island’s spectacular painted cliffs wrapping around the coastline. The painted cliffs are made of these fantastic swirling colours and patterns. The design is caused by the groundwater percolating through the sandstone over time. The waves crashing onto the sand create erosion resulting in these magical honeycomb patterns, potholes and notches. Mother nature is such a wonder!

The Painted Cliff walk starts along the coastline and heads back to Darlington via the island’s interior. This winding trail provides views of the waterside and forest-like landscape of the inner island. The walk takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, so you can easily walk it in enough time to be back at the Ferry for the 2:30 departure. Whenever you get a chance to look out over the water, keep a keen eye out. During certain times of the year, you might be lucky enough to spot a whale during its annual migration! 

Three Thumb State Reserve

Get back on the Ferry at 2:30 pm so you can get back on the road with sunlight to spare. Make your way to the Three Thumb State Reserve. This lookout point can be driven directly up to; no hiking require at all! And you’ll be shocked at the incredible view you’ll be greeted with as you arrive in the picnic area. It looks out over Prosser Bay and Great Oyster Bay at the Peninsula and the ocean beyond. This area is home to Swifty parrots and wedge-tailed eagles, as we all as several threatened plant species.

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Wielangta Forest

Only 20 down the road from the lookout, you continue on into the Wielangta Forest. The Wielangta forest is a glacial forest containing lush eucalyptus trees and giant ferns. The forest is home to some rare and threatened species, including the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, swift parrot, Wielangta stag beetle, spotted-tail quoll and eastern barred bandicoot. They have even discovered a rare orchid inside this unique forest.

Stop at the Wielangta Forest Picnic Area, where you can walk along the Wielangta Walk that weaves itself along the Sandspit River. The walk is pretty long, but you need only go about 20-minutes in to still get a great sampling of the fantastic temperate rainforest. Something only to be found in Tasmania!

Murdunna Roadhouse

On your way towards the last stopping point of the night, head over to Murdunna Roadhouse. Although this looks like a gas station with a small supermarket inside, the building hides a fantastic little cafe with everything from a deli counter to freshly shucked oysters! The fish and chip are made fresh and surprisingly sumptuous for somewhere you’d expect to serve nothing but chocolate bars and soda pops. Pick up some items to make yourself a picnic dinner as the accommodation we recommend for the night has a small kitchen. If you are staying somewhere else, you can also get many premade meals here you can eat without much prep. I would also advise you to stock up on some food for tomorrow’s breakfast and lunch as there aren’t many options for food as we drive deeper into the Tasman peninsula.

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Eaglehawk Neck / Teralina

Passing over into the Tasman Peninsula, we cross over the narrow isthmus called Eaglehawk Neck. An isthmus is a narrow piece of land connecting two larger areas across an expanse of water by which they are otherwise separated. The Tasman Peninsula was originally called ‘Turrakana’ by the indigenous people who once inhabited this part of the island. Before the invasion of the British, who eradicated almost the entire population in the short time after their arrival. The peninsula is best known for being the location of historic convict site Port Arthur and for its natural rugged coastline where you can find the Tasman National Park.

The Dog line

The Eaglehawk Neck or ‘Teralina’ was used by the British as a place to stop any escaping convicts from the southern Port Arthur penitentiary. As the expanse of land was only 30 metres wide at its narrowest point, the British employed a series of dogs chained to posts to warn the guards of anyone attempting to get through unannounced. In addition to the line of chain, very aggressive dogs, there was 24-hour surveillance by heavily armed soldiers.

Eaglehawk Pavilions

Finish your night at the Eaglehawk Pavilions. This is another boutique hotel located right at the mouth of the Tasman Sea and Pirates Bay! There are only two pavillions so book this accommodation early. Each one of these little holiday homes has an outdoor bbq or indoor kitchen. If you are looking for a camping spot consider the Sunset Beach Holiday Spot just up the road.

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Day 5 – Tasman National Park

Tasman National Park

After loading up on coffee or tea while soaking in the sunrise on the water, it’s time to get back on the road. The first stop of the day is at the tip of Pirates Bay, at the ‘Blowhole.’ This blowhole is very similar to the one we saw in Bicheno, with a spray of misty water exploding from a hold in the sea cave below. Above the blowhole, you can walk out towards the Fossil Bay Lookout, where you can see the entirety of the dramatic coastline spread out in front of you.

Tasman Arch

Walk a few minutes along the pathway towards the great Tasman Arch. This incredible cliff side looks out over the southeast tip of Tasmania and out towards the ocean. Towering up above the water, over 300 meters above, to be exact, are these amazing dolerite cliffs. The cliffs have been naturally carved by the wind and water that batter the cliffside carving out over thousand and thousands of years this archway. It looks so artfully deliberate like someone came and made it as a frame to the great ocean on the other side. Once more, mother nature just on full display here in Tasmania!

Doo-lishus

If you are feeling peckish, you need to see if it’s late enough in the morning for the Doo-lishus food truck to be open. This side of the road establishment is a mainstay for visitors and even the locals. They have more than just the traditional fish and chips, too; you can get scallops and squid as well as freshly made meat pies and steamed mussels. Prices are a bit high, but since the food is almost brought to you in one of the most picturesque locations, you’re paying a premium for that. 

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Cape Hauy Walk

Get back on the road and make your way through the island’s centre towards the southeastern tip, at the Tasman National Park near the parking lot to the Cape Hauy Trail. This hike is the longest included in this itinerary. The entire hike takes about 4-hours to complete the return journey. As the vegetation up here on the cliffs is relatively low to the ground, you pretty much always get a beautiful view of the stunning coastline. So feel free to make the hike as long or as short as you see fit. There’s no pressure to walk the entirety. You can turn back whenever you see fit. If you do plan on doing the entire hike, be sure you bring some food along with you for a bit of picnic at the endpoint around the 2-hour mark.

The trek starts from the boat docks at Fortescue Bay and follows the edge of the steep dolerite cliffs. Towards the end of the hike, you’ll be able to see the sea stacks that the rocks form. These have also been dubbed the “candlesticks” or “totem poles.” These rock formations have split off from the mainland and now stand on their own. Many climbers and abseiler use these rocks to climb, and you can often watch their daring antics as you continue on your walk. Really makes your walk feel like childs play in comparison to those daredevils.

Remarkable Cave

With exhausted feet, it’s time to head back into the car and bid adieu to the natural beauty of the National Park as we head west, over to Port Arthur. But before heading to Port Arthur for the rest of the day, drive to the southern tip of Tasmania, where you’ll find the Remarkable Cave. The Remarkable Cave is famous for its unique form when gazed upon from the viewing deck near the water’s edge. The two sizeable sandstone outcrops were worn away by the splashing of the waves over time. This once more created a hollow cave underneath. Hiking down the stairs to get to the viewpoint, you can make out the shape of the sea cave, and you’ll be amazed to see that it takes on the form of Tasmania! Just incredible.

Port Arthur Motor Inn

After a scenic drive back to Port Arthur, it’s time to find a place to lay your head. Port Arthur is such a charming town, despite its rather sordid convict past. One of my favourite places to stay in Port Arthur is at the Port Arthur Motor Inn. This amazing and quaint hotel is actually located inside the historic Port Arthur Convict site. It’s like staying inside a bit of history. Not only are the room very affordable, but all the rooms also look right out over the scenic Port Arthur site and the bay. Best of all, there is also an amazing restaurant on-site, so you don’t even have to leave your room if you don’t feel like getting up for dinner after your long day of hiking!

Ghost Tour

One of the best ways to experience the darker side of Port Arthur is at night. Specifically at one of their evening lantern-lit ghost tours. The ghost tours are even more popular than the regular site tours, and they book up fast, so best to book that tour well in advance. Since the site was such a place of pain and suffering, it is the perfect location for hauntings. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the storytelling that takes place here is phenomenal and seeing the site at night is a really unique experience. If you don’t feel like leaving your room, you can simply sit out on the balcony as the sun sets and read over my ghost stories all about Port Arthur! Trust me, you don’t need to be there to get a good scare.

Day 6 – Port Arthur to Hobart

To start our sixth day in Tasmania, we make our way to the old convict settlement of Port Arthur. The site at Port Arthur is one of the best-preserved Australian Convict sites and one of the largest settlements. This site gives a fantastic look back in time at Tasmania’s violent and criminal past. At the site was here, the most hardened criminals came to stay with some of the most rebellious personalities. For this reason, Port Arthur had some of the strictest security measures and most brutal punishments. Most of which focuses on the psychological rather than the physical. To end our day, we make our way to the old convict settlement of Port Arthur.

Port Arthur Historic Site

The site at Port Arthur is one of the best-preserved Australian Convict sites and also one of the larger settlements. This site gives a fantastic look back in time at Tasmania’s violent past. At the site was here the most hardened criminals came to stay with some of the most rebellious personalities. For this reason, Port Arthur had some of the strictest security measures and brutal punishments.

Practical Information

Hours and Admission

Adult tickets cost $40 AUS, and children are $18 AUS. Your ticket into Port Arthur includes entry to the museum, a 40-minute walking tour, a harbour cruise, and access to 30 different historic buildings. The site is open seven days a week, from 10:00am – 5:00pm. They are only closed on Christmas Day.

COVID-19 Protocols: Tickets must be booked online prior to your visit. Click here for more information on their COVID-19 safety precautions.

I have a complete guided tour of Port Arthur if you’re interested in having someone lead you on your way throughout the site. This way you can learn stories all about the history of each of the buildings inside the convict site.

Rosedale Homestead

After you’re finished at the historical convict site, grab a spot of lunch at the Rosedale Homestead. The homestead is owned by an Aboriginal Tasmanian family who has created a charming animal sanctuary and tasty restaurant that focuses on local delights. Eating here really feels like you’ve been invited right into a family kitchen, and the friendly atmosphere here just can’t be missed!

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Tasmanian Devil Zoo

Before leaving this peninsula, it’s worth making an early morning stop at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo just a minute down the road from the homestead. A “un” zoo, you say? What on earth is that? The zoo owners Jon Coe and Ray Mendez wanted to create their vision of an animal’s natural environment that the human visitors can explore, not an environment created for the human visitors that the animals must adapt to.

The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is worth a visit for their namesake, the famous Tasmanian Devil. In here, you can see their habitats and many of the animals up close. They are such interesting animals and so much small than I thought they would be! If you have never had a chance to visit a free-range kangaroo field, where you can see these massive creatures in person, this zoo also has a large paddock where you can see kangaroos, wallabies and Australian hens.

Federation Chocolate

A minute down the road, make your last stop on the peninsula at Federation Artisan Chocolate. Federation Artisan Chocolate has been an iconic foodie establishment in Tasmania for over 30 years! Their chocolatiers have been crafting innovative and ever-evolving handmade chocolate praline and truffles for years, all made with local ingredients. Their unique flavours include hazelnut praline, wildberry and pistachio, Tasmanian peppermint crunch, espresso martini, Hellyer’s whisky and my favourite, Tasmanian lavender!

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Richmond Bridge

Continue along the A9 Highway through the Woodvine Nature Reserve. Travelling west towards Hobart, you will pass across the famous Richmond Bridge. Richmond is a beautiful little place for a pitstop just outside of Hobart. The Richmond bridge is a heritage-listed bridge built by English convicts in 1823 and, therefore, the oldest stone bridge in Australia! While the bridge is magnificent and placed in a scenic location, it is perhaps its darker past that makes it so well known. In 1832, George Grover, an employee at the nearby Richmond Gaol, was murdered on the bridge. Grover was known to be very cruel to the prisoners. Although no one was convicted of his murder, he had many well-known enemies. His ghost is thought to haunt the bridge to this day.

Richmond Village

It would be a shame not to pass through Richmond and not hop out of the car for a few minutes to walk around this historic and charming little village. Richmond has been relatively untouched by the modern changes that came to bigger cities like Hobart. It, therefore, retains its Georgian colonial architecture would have looked like once all cities around Tasmania would have looked. It feels like a living museum.

My favourite building is the old Richmond Arms Hotel with its fantastical lace wrought-iron verandah. The building was constructed in 1827 for James Buscombe, who aimed to create a pub that would serve the growing population of Richmond and all the passersby who were travelling onto Hobart. Despite passing hands and changing names over the years, the building still serves local drafts in a friendly atmosphere. Their outdoor beer garden is such a great place to sit and enjoy the warm weather and beautiful surroundings.

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Pooley Wines

Just down the road from Richmond are the vineyards for the award-winning Pooley Wines. This winery is located in the heart of Tasmania’s famous wine-producing region, the Coal River Valley. This is the steepest vineyard site in the coal river valley. The rich and fertile soils and the afternoon sea breeze and prevailing winds result in a smaller variation between day and night temperatures which aids grape production. Pooley Wines is located on a historical property which is one of the loveliest places to wander around. For only $5 per person, you can enjoy local cheeses and charcuterie along with a varied selection of wines from the estates.

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Arriving in Hobart

After finishing up at the Winery, it’s time to leave the countryside behind and head into the great city of Hobart. One of the most beautiful aspects of Hobart is the fact that there are so few high-rise buildings that creep across the city. This building limitation was put in place due to Hobart’s proximity to the River Derwent and Mount Wellington/kunanyi. This was due in part to the fact that the government didn’t want to ruin these incredible vistas with views of stark steel towers. The results in the peaceful seaside village we find today. Despite being an urban centre and having all those amenities, Hobart still feels like a secret treasure.

Franklin Wharf

Drop your things off at your hotel and head out to the docks to grab yourself some dinner! Walk along the Franklin Wharf waterfront. The historic buildings along this street are stunning, one of which is the old Marine Board. Franklin Wharf is the Hobart’s Waterfront where fishing and sailing boats dock, both now and in years past. It is also where you can find some of the best seafood restaurants and cafes at very reasonable prices! 

Heading South Sculpture

So much of Hobart is home to random sculptures and art installations that seem to pop up out of nowhere. And the docks aren’t any different. You’ll find the ‘Heading South Sculpture‘ group along the water’s edge towards Hunter street. The first sculpture you see is called ‘The Bernacchi Tribute.‘ Louise Bernacchi was a scientist, photographer, and writer, and he is seen here with his trusty husky dog Joe, holding the flag. Bernacchi was the first Australian to spend and document a winter in Antarctica. In the sculpture, we catch Bernacchi taking a picture (or selfie as we know it today) of himself as he marks his accomplishment.

Behind Bernacchi, we find the bronze sculpture of a group of seals and penguins made by Stephen Walker. This scene is meant to memorialize English explorer James Clark Ross and his role in the 19th-century Antarctic expeditions. Ross sailed from Hobart to Antarctica in 1840. Later, in 1845, Ross set out with Sir John Franklin to help lead his expedition to discover the North-West Passage. Although we both know now how that ended for both explorers.

Elizabeth Street Pier

Elizabeth Street is one of the major street that runs southeast to the northwest through the downtown and into the suburbs. But the famous street ends right here in the harbour. The Governor of New South Wales named Elizabeth Street after his wife, Elizabeth Macquarie. The original Elizabeth Street Pier was in built 1866, but this new concrete structure was built in 1933. Today, the covered pier serves as a space for restaurants, bars and event spaces.

Fish Frenzy

When I first visited Hobart, I was a young student and was eager to find somewhere to eat great seafood at low prices. No trip to Hobart is complete without some fresh seafood, and even students deserve to try it out! Lucky for me, Fish Frenzy was recommended to me over and over again as the best place for cheap and delicious seafood. It makes me so happy to see they are still wildly popular. Fish Frenzy serves amazingly fresh fish and chips with seafood caught directly from local fishermen. They also serve incredible grilled seafood, chowder, and my personal favourite, Tasmanian scallops. And the best part is you can dine outdoors along the waterfront. Sitting here enjoying your catch of the day is the best way to take in the fantastic views of Hobart’s waterfront.

Lady Nelson Tall Ship

Located right outside Fish Frenzy is the historic Lady Nelson tall ship. To be fair, this is a replica of the historic ship that people still use regularly today! It sets sail from this dock and heads out along the Derwent River. The original HMS Lady Nelson was commissioned in 1799 to survey the coast of Australia. At the time, large parts of the Australian coast were unmapped, and Britain had claimed only part of the continent. This ship would be the first to seal all of Australia for the British. The ship’s crew were also the first to establish settlements on the River Derwent, at Port Dalrymple in Tasmania.

Constitution Dock

Constitution Dock has been used to harbour fleets in Hobart since its founding in 1804. It is still used today by fisherman who docks here to sell their catch of the day. Walking around this area and the adjacent Fisherman’s Dock, you’ll find that pretty much every single building is a fantastic seafood cafe or restaurant! There is no better place to come for seafood lovers!

Mures

A Hobart institution that I loved coming back to, night after night, was Mures. Jill & George Mure established Mures Fish House in 1973! Back then, it was located in Battery Point but to ensure the fish’s freshness, they moved the location right to the source on Fisherman’s Wharf. One of the most interesting things about Mures is that they have two different areas of the restaurant; the upper and lower deck. The Lower Deck is where you’ll find the quick-service restaurant serving up their famous fried fish and seafood paired with their world-class chips. But another seemingly strange addition to the lower deck is their cafe with 32 flavours of ice cream! Despite being primarily a seafood shop, their ice cream is AMAZING! You can either eat your plunder inside in their gorgeous mural-covered interior or outside where you can watch fishing boats come in and go out to sea.

The Upper Deck is their fine dining restaurant. Here you can experience the ultimate seafood experience in Hobart. This is a great place to try fresh Tasmanian pacific oysters! You can also sample Tasmanian octopus, Bass Strait squid, Tasmania rock lobster, and local spring bay mussels. Despite being a fine dining restaurant, the prices are shockingly affordable for the incredible quality and freshness you get!

Drunken Admiral

The best place to end your day in Hobart is inside the Drunken Admiral! While this restaurant and bar might seem too touristy to be legit, don’t let the kitsch factor dissuade you. The restaurant is decorated to look like you are drinking inside a haul of a pirate ship. Ropes hang from the walls, and the ceiling even appears to be made of the ribbing of a giant ship. The are nautically themed objects all over the place, covering almost every inch of the surface. Some of them are antiques, others are new creations, but it’s almost impossible to tell which ones are which.

Their beer and wine lists are staggering, so it’s a wonderful place to come to sample locally made spirits of all sorts. But it’s the friendly environment inside this place that makes it so special and the best place to wile the night away.

Day 7 – Exploring Hobart

To end our week in Tasmania, we spend our last day touring the city of Hobart and the famous Mount Wellington/kunanyi.

Battery Point

Start your morning off right in the historic neighbourhood of Battery Point. This area is one of Hobart’s most peaceful and beautiful districts, and I love wandering the streets in the early morning. You’ll find the least tourists out and about this time of day, and the area takes on a more authentic neighbourhood feel. I adore wandering aimlessly and watching the locals mull about doing their morning tasks.

Princes Park

Start your tour of Battery Point inside the peaceful Princes Park. The name “Battery Point” was due to the fact that the first Battery was built here in 1818 as a part of Hobart’s coastal defences. Although the Battery was well stocked with guns and ammunition, the defences were never called upon to withstand an invasion. Instead, the Battery was mainly used for ceremonial salutes. The Battery was officially decommissioned in 1878 and turned into a lovely park for the residents in 1934. Princes Park is the perfect place to start the day as it is located on a lookout over the gorgeous River Derwent. Princes Park is also home to some beautiful lush trees, representative of that iconic flora and fauna that makes Tasmania so unique.

Battery Point Historic Homes

After meandering around Princes Park, take a walk along Hampden Road. This street winds up the hillside, climbing higher and higher. As you go, you’ll catch more and more views of the towering Mount Wellington/kunanyi overhead. On either side of the street, you can spot a myriad of different styles of colonial cottages. Keep an eye out for the eave-free homes. These are some of the oldest in the area and have been here since the colony’s establishment. In 1973, the Builders Labourers Federation established a “green ban” on the destruction of the historic building. This ban ensured the historic homes were preserved for future generations. The everyday Tasmanians who own these homes take great pride in keeping them prime and proper and their gardens are almost as glorious as the houses themselves.

Runnymede Street & Arthur Circus Park

For a moment, turn off Hampden Street to explore Runnymede Street, a small circle that surrounds the quaint Arthur Circus Park. The houses surrounding the park are old cottages. These homes were originally constructed for the garrison officers of the Battery. An iconic architectural element to keep your eye out for around here is the “iron lace” verandas. This style of wrought iron is a feature of many buildings in the area and in colonial Australia. In 1870 Australia established its own iron factories, influenced by the Victorian ornamental iron designs they saw in magazines from England. Australians adapted this style for themselves and having an iron lace terrace was a sign of your status in Australian society.

Jackman & McRoss

Located in the heart of the community is the popular cafe Jackman & McRoss. Jackman & McRoss feels like a quintessential Australian cafe, but with a gourmet twist. Their most popular item is the iconic Australian staple: meat pies. But unlike the mystery meat pies you get in truck stops, these pies come in flavours like; goat & lentil, blue eye fish korma, lamb & rosemary and even scallop pie, with shellfish caught right from the Tasman sea.

If sweets are your morning preference, then they have you covered as well. You’ll be drooling over the gorgeous window displays of all their sweet creations. Always go for whatever is labelled “seasonal” as these items are extra special. You can opt to grab your food to go and eat in one of the many beautiful parks around the area or sit inside and watch the locals come in and out for their morning brew.

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St. George’s Anglican Church

From the cafe, head up Waterloo Crescent, then down Colville Street and over Cromwell Street to find your way to St. George’s Anglican Church. Although this is a little bit of a roundabout way to get here, it is the best route to see some of the most amazing historic streets along the way. St. George’s Anglican Church is a Greek revival church built to serve Battery Point residents in 1838. English architect James Blackburn designed the classical tower in 1847. The tower is one of the most impressive parts of the church and a worthy addition.

Nanny Goat Lane

Nanny Goat Lane is home to one of the best spots to get an amazing view across Hobart. This steep and skinny set of steps is essential to help residents make their way from Quayle Street to St Georges Terrace. These little shortcut steps can be found all over the city. Originally, many of these access points were made by the residents themselves and not the city. But in recent years, they have become both historical and accessible assets.

St. Georges Terrace

Continue along Cromwell Street and down De Witt Street until you reach St. Georges Terrace. Standing on the corner of St. Georges Terrace and Colville Street, you have the most incredible view of the water to the left and the sprawling city, crawling over the hillside to your right.

Narryna Heritage Museum

Turn around and walk west along St. Georges Terrace and back north along Sandy Bay Road. Then turn back onto Hampden Street to visit Narryna Heritage Museum. The Narryna Heritage Museum is a delightful place to visit to explore what the interiors of a 1830’s style merchant house would have looked like. Designs and furnishings from early colonial Tasmania have been preserved here. The house and their collection help tell the story of life in Tasmania for those early settlers. The Georgian townhouse was built by the seafarer, Captain Andrew Haig. Haig also built the famous Salamanca warehouses in 1834.

Admission: 10 AUD for adults and 4 AUD for Children.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 4 pm | Closed Mondays and Sundays

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Kelly Street & Steps

Walk along Hampden Street until you reach Kelly Street. Kelly Street was named after James Kelly, an explorer who circumnavigated Tasmania in 1816. And in only a 5-oared whaling boating nonetheless! Kelly went on to become a whale-oil merchant. Back then whale oil was one of the highest-selling commodities of the Hobart ports. To export the oil, he needed to employ shipwrights, sailmakers, ship chandlers, coopers to make barrels, smiths, wharf labourers, and watermen to ferry the cargo. These men needed to live close to the warehouse, so Kelly took his huge plot of land and subdivided it into smaller cottages for her workers. You can still see many of these old cottages today.

But the most important part of the street is the famous Kelly Steps. The steps were also made by Kelly in 1839. He wanted a shortcut for him and his workers to access the warehouses in Salamanca Place from their homes in Battery Point. The steps were carved into the hillside and from the top provide a stunning view out towards the piers. As the steps were carved almost 200 years ago, they weren’t quite made to code and are very steep, so those with mobility issues should traverse down to Salamanca Place via nearby Runnymede Street.

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Salamanca Place

The steps guide you right to the center of Salamanca Place. These rows of simple, sandstone buildings were once the former warehouses that served the enormous marine industry, that was the Port of Hobart. The area was previously called “Cottage Green” but renamed in 1812. It was named Salamanca after the victory in the Battle of Salamanca by the Duke of Wellington. As the whaling and shipbuilding industry dried up and the port became less and less frequented by ships, the warehouses were transformed into a trendy space for restaurants, theatres, galleries, cafes and shops.

Salamanca Market

The best time to visit Salamanca Place is on Saturdays for the Salamanca Market. Every Saturday, hundreds of vendors come here and pop up their market stalls. Locals come here for fresh produce collected from all around Tasmania. Everything from delicious baked goods, fresh fruits and veg and friendly florists selling bouquets of brightly coloured flowers. Tourists will enjoy all that as well as the crafts and gifts made by local craftspeople. But best of all is the cheery atmosphere local markets provide. The market runs from Salamanca Lawns to Salamanca Place and is open from 8:30 am to 3 pm. This is a great place to get some food for lunch and eat it picnic-style in one of the nearby parks.

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Food at Salamanca

My favourite place to grab a cup of coffee or a delicious brunch is Machine Laundry Cafe. This retro fantasy cafe is located inside the old interiors of a laundry mat. Instead of removing the old machines, they left them on display and in fact, you can still do your laundry here while enjoying your breakfast! A double load will cost you $5 AUD and the dryer costs $1 AUD for 7 minutes. If you’re travelling for a long time and need some laundry done, you cannot miss doing it here! Plus the food is incredible, the perfect hangover cure!

If you want something sweet, check out San Churro Salamanca. Since the area is named after a place in Spain, it seems fitting to find a Spanish Churro shop in the middle of the old warehouses. This place serves up pipping hot, fresh churros served with traditional cinnamon sugar and a side of melted chocolate for dipping! Honey Badger Dessert Cafe is another fantastical brunch restaurant that serves up some decadent breakfast sweets. Try the pancakes or cheesecake covered in candy floss for those of us with a real sweet tooth.

Salamanca Arts Centre

Wanders into the Salamanca Arts Centre to peruse the incredible works of art found inside. Unlike a traditional art gallery, this place is free to visit and an amazing way to explore up-and-coming local artists as well as get a sense of the vibrant art style Hobart is famous for!

I’m a HUGE used book lover, so I adored Deja Vu Books inside the arts centre. This place is a treasure trove of books that wobble from the floor to the ceiling. Aspect Design is a wonderful gift shop inside that supports local Tasmanian artists and craftspeople. Everything is made using local materials and is the best place to pick up something to remember your trip with.

St David’s Park

Continue along Salamanca Place street, passing the Supreme Court of Tasmania. Just opposite the Supreme Court, you’ll find the entrance to St David’s Park. Marking the entrance to the park are the two large lion sandstone sculptures. Their paws clutching onto the column capital. These were a gift for the Hobart bicentennial from an Australian and New Zealand Banking Group. You might spot the image of the lion all over Tasmania. This is because the Tasmania flag has a white disk with the image of a red lion in the center. Throughout the English-style park, there are lots of pretty sandstone sculptures, gorgeous pergolas, and lush Tasmanian flora and fauna.

St David’s Cemetery

While strolling through this peaceful park, many visitors are unaware that under their feet sits the grounds of an old cemetery. St David’s Cemetery was first established here in 1804. The site was thought to be perfect as it was a tranquil part of town with scenic water views. But it was also located a ways away from the residential area of Hobart Town. Many of Hobart’s founding citizens were buried here after serving in the new colony.

As the neighbourhood around the cemetery was built up, many residents became uneasy living close to the corpses. Health officials also voiced concerns about the health risks of this proximity. So, the cemetery was closed in 1872 when the Cornelian Bay cemetery was opened far north of the city centre. In 1919 the town council purchased the land from the church, and the area transformed into a lush recreational park.

There are still 900 bodies buried in the park as only some graves were moved to the new cemetery. Today, you can still see some of these old tombstones and headstones along the memorial wall. These include the remains of David Collins, the first Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania. Taking a look at these headstones, you might notice that many are from young children. Sadly, children’s life expectancy in the new Tasman colony was very low, and many children didn’t survive into adolescence.

Parliament House Gardens

Walk back out to Salamanca Street and make your way to the Parliament House Gardens. On the west side of the park stands the grand Parliament House. Look up at the flag on top of the building to see the red lion for yourself we mentioned previously. In 1825 Tasmania became an independent British colony, and its administration was separate from that of New South Wales. It was here that the first Legislative Council was formed to advise the Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen’s Land, who had sole governance of the colony. The gardens in front of Parliament House are a peaceful place to stop to rest your feet before continuing on the rest of the tour.

Customs House

On the other side of the road stands the old Customs House. John Lee Archer was the architect who designed the Customs House in 1835. The Customs House was originally used as Tasmania’s primary Parliamentary building until the new Parliament was built in 1841. The beautiful classical revival facade has been preserved and is a great example of the styles of the time. The building is now used as a pub and hostel, so you can still go inside and take in the historic atmosphere.

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Franklin Square

Head North along Murray Street to Franklin Square. Franklin Square is one of the most impressive public squares in Hobart. The square is lined by oak trees on either side. The park was named after Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin. Sir John Franklin was also the Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen’s Land from 1837 to 1843.

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In the center of the square stands a large fountain with a statue of Sir John Franklin on top. On one of the stone pedestal, you can see the words, “Not here! The white north has thy bones.” This is because Franklin was obsessed with exploring the artic and perished there instead of at home in Tasmania. In 1845 he set out with two huge vessels, the HMS Terror and HMS Erebus, to explore the Northwest Passage. The ships never returned home as they became icebound. He and all his crew perished at sea, but their death was a mystery for hundreds of years. It wasn’t until 2014 that the ships were discovered, and the mystery was finally put to rest along with Franklin and his crew.

On the east side of the park sits a beautiful sculpture called “Two Islands.” The sculpture portrays a sizeable wooden boat skeleton wrapped around a smaller metal canoe. This sculpture represents the history of the Tasmanian Indigenous people being swallowed up by the European settlers. The Two Islands sculpture also incorporates a soundscape comprised of many voices providing a dialogue revolving around reconciliation for the future.

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St. David’s Cathedral

Sitting just behind Franklin Square is the domineering castellated parapet tower of St. David’s Cathedral. In 1842 Hobart was declared an official city, and the existing smaller St David’s Church became St David’s Cathedral. Construction on the current cathedral began in 1868 but wasn’t complete until 1936. St. David’s Cathedral is designed in the Gothic Revival style by the English architect George Frederick Bodley.

Walking inside, one of the first things I was struck by was the impressive stained glass windows. These windows depict saints, knights, kings and other biblical characters. Despite the rather simple exterior, the interior is replete with neo-Gothic quatrefoil tracery windows, buttressed turrets, stone columns supporting pointed arches and an incredible wooden vaulted ceiling.

Brooke Street Pier

Walk back towards the water along Brooke Street towards the Brooke Street Pier. The Brooke Street Pier is a floating pontoon made to expand the waterfront area of Sullivans Cove. Sullivans Cove, also known as Macquarie Wharf, historically served as the main port for the city of Hobart. Sullivans Cove was the place where Captain David Collins chose to establish a new colony in 1804. He christened the area “Hobart Town.” Sullivans Cove was the ideal place to set up a colony. Its proximity to the Derwent River provided access to inland transportation, and the deep, natural harbour was protected by Storm Bay. And best of all, the area has easy access from the Tasman Peninsula into the ocean.

The Glass House

Inside this beautiful glass pier building is a series of small restaurants and shops. Appropriately named ‘The Glass House‘ offers a selection of Tasmania’s finest drinks, matched with unique shared plates. You can taste the best Tasmania wines along with freshly plucked oysters, spring bay mussels, Tasmanian scallop ceviche, Stanley octopus, and a selection of vegan and vegetarian cuisines with only the best organize produce from local farmers.

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Explorer Bus

If you didn’t bring your own vehicle, you can take the Explorer Bus up to visit the soaring views on top of kunanyi/Mt Wellington. This tour bus departs directly from Hobart and takes you up to the summit. Once you arrive, you get to enjoy the panoramic views and observations shelter without doing the drive yourself! There are also a few different hop-on-hop-off options along the route. These are great if you wanted to explore any other walking trails around kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Throughout your journey on the bus, there is a commentary track from your drive. They will tell you all about the history and wildlife of the region. Your bus passes valid all day, but checks to see when the different pick-up/drop-off times and locations are.

Adult (17+ years): $35 | Child (6–16years): $25

What to Wear?

kunanyi/Mount Wellington rises 1,271 metres (4,170 ft) above sea level. The temperature up here is frequently so cold that the summit is covered in a thin blanket of snow, even in the summer! So be sure to bring a bunch of extra layers to ensure you’re not too cold up here. I thought I had dressed warmly enough but was shocked by the strong winds up here. The wind chill drops the temperature even further! So bring more than you think you’ll need. A puffer jacket is an excellent option since it is so light to carry around in your bag after the tour. A scarf, hat and gloves are also a necessity!

Landscape and Wildlife

As you climb the mountain, look out your window at the incredible landscape. The initial climb is full of lush Eucalypti forests. On either side, you’ll see tiny bursts of water flowing out from the rocks. These ravines, creeks and hidden waterfalls flood the mountain range. The freshwater creates colossal tree ferns that flourish in the moist ground.

The animals that live in these mountains are so diverse! I hadn’t even heard of some of the creatures that live up here. Everything from potoroos, pademelons, quolls, bettongs, and bandicoots! There are also the common possum, bats, echidnas, the elusive platypus, small frogs, reptiles, and of course the alpine lizards. There are also 67 different bird species living in these forests including peregrine falcons, wedge-tailed eagles, swift parrots and grey goshawks.

Wellington Pinnacle

When you finally reach the summit, the landscape changes from lush green ferns into flat sandstone cliffs. The sub-alpine flora and glacial rock formations you find on the summit are so unique. It feels like walking on the moon. You might have noticed that anytime I write Mount Wellington I pair it with the word kunanyi. Kunanyi is the proper Palawa name for the mountain. The indigenous Tasmanian people have called it such for thousands of years before the British colonizers’ arrival. In 2014, the mountain’s name was officially changed to kunanyi/Mt Wellington. This was done as part of the Tasmanian Government’s Aboriginal and Dual Naming Policy.

Standing at the top of the summit, you can see the entirety of Hobart, the River Derwent and even the surrounding hillsides spread out across you like a painting. The most iconic aspect of the summit is the igneous rock spread out over the landscape. These were formed by layers of rocks pushing upwards by upsurges of molten rock as the Australian continental shelf violently tore away from the Antarctic. It’s incredible to think how old these rock formations are. This separation from Antarctica happened over 40 million years ago!

Charles Darwin Visits the Mountain

Charles Darwin visited Hobart Town in 1836. He made an effort to climb the mountains and described his journey to the summit.

“The summit of the mountain is broad and flat, and is composed of huge angular masses of naked greenstone… The day was splendidly clear, and we enjoyed a most extensive view; to the north, the country appeared a mass of wooded mountains, of about the same height with that on which we were standing, and with an equally tame outline: to the south the broken land and water, forming many intricate bays, was mapped with clearness before us. …”

Pinnacle Observation Shelter and Boardwalk

Once you get out of your car or bus at the summit, you can walk along the boardwalk toward the Observation Shelter. The short section of the pathways leading into the Observation Shelter has been made to be wheelchair accessible. Inside the Observation Shelter is a great place to look out at the fantastic views but be protected from the harsh weather as the room is encased in glass.

The boardwalk continues one along the cliff edge. A set of stairs leads you towards a view platform that puts you out on the absolute edge of the mountain to get the best views. Continue walking along the boardwalk as the more you explore, the more of the unique landscape you’ll discover!

Cascade Brewery

Heading back down the mountain, make your way to the South Hobart neighbourhood. Nestled in these suburbs are a few historical treasures of Hobart’s past. If you are taking the Explorer Bus, you can ask to get off at the Fern Tree Park Stop. From there board the 448 Bus at Fern Tree station towards stop 20, Huon Rd near Hillborough Road. Then it’s a 20-minute walk to the Brewery. Although it sounds like a trek, we loved the winding, scenic walk leading up to the great Brewery!

Walking up Cascade Brewery, the enormous building feels a little ominous. It feels almost out of place, as such tall buildings are scarce to find in Hobart. On the grey, misty morning when we arrived the building looked absolutely haunting! The misty shadow of kunanyi/Mt Wellington silhouetted behind the sandstone facade. But once you get inside, you’ll find a charming brewery serving up some fantastic local beers and ciders. Although you’ll discover that its tumultuous history gives reason for the rather spooky atmosphere here.

History of Cascade Brewery

The history of Cascade Brewery is marred with deception and hints at its convict past. The Cascade Brewery first opened in 1824 and remains the oldest continually operating brewery in Australia. Originally the estates here consisted of large sawmills producing the much-needed timber used in the Hobart shipyards. Shipbuilding was one of Hobart’s largest and most lucrative industries, so the demand for timber was very high. Hobart was an optimal location for shipbuilding as the blue gum trees around the city made for some of the best ship lumber.

Peter Degraves and Hugh Macintosh

The Cascade Brewery was the brainchild of Peter Degraves and Hugh Macintosh. Until 2011 this was not the commonly accepted truth. It was previously thought that the brewery was founded only by Peter Degraves. Degraves was a cheat and a debtor so it’s no surprise he managed to fool everyone for years that he was the sole creator. Peter came to the shores of Hobart with his brother-in-law Hugh Macintosh in 1824. Degraves had decided to come to Hobart only to escape his charges of thievery in England. But you can’t run from your past forever.

When they arrived, Macintosh wasn’t so keen on the idea of a brewery. But Degraves convinced him to fund it anyway. In 1826, Degraves was arrested for the debts he had in England. He was sentenced to prison for five years in Hobart. Once Degraves was in jail, the kindly Macintosh opted to pay off all Degraves’ outstanding debts. Macintosh abandoned the operation of the brewery and focused his attention on the lucrative sawmills he ran with his nephews.

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Once Degraves was let out of prison, Macintosh (for whatever reason) agreed to allow him back into the partnership. Degraves immediately went about expanding the brewery. When Macintosh died in 1834, Degraves offered to buy out the other half of the estate. Macintosh’s sons, who inherited the property, lived far away in India and had no interest in the estate. The sons agreed and transferred the deed to Degraves but, as was the pattern with Degraves, he never paid them. In fact, Degraves went onto falsify the brewery’s history after Macintosh’s death and made it appear as if he was the sole owner.

The Gold Rush & Today

Despite his trickery, both the mill and the brewery began to experience a boom of growth, and the money came rolling in. The gold rush in Victoria demanded the import of both timber and beer for the miners. And lucky for Degraves, he could supply both! Eventually, Degraves died and the brewery passed hands a few times. Eventually, the brewery was purchased by Australian subsidiary Carlton & United Breweries, who still own the brewery today. Sadly, a massive bushfire in 1967 destroyed many buildings around South Hobart, the brewery included. Thanks to immense restoration efforts, the entirety of the brewery was rebuilt stone by stone and looks like a replica of the original.

Tasmania Tiger

The original icon of the Cascade Brewing Company is the now extinct Tasmania Tiger or thylacine. The thylacine was the largest carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania. They called it the Tasmania Tiger as a nickname was the stripes on its lower back resembled that of a tiger. Like the kangaroo, the thylacine also carried its young inside its abdominal pouch. The animal was timid and only about the size of a large dog. Sadly, intensive hunting, shockingly encouraged by state bounties on the animal, contributed to its eventual extinction. New diseases were brought to the country by the English settlers. Their encroachment on the land also led to the thylacine’s disappearance. The last Tasmania tiger died in captivity in 1930. The Tasmanian devil is its closest living relative.

Cascade Brewery Bar

The Cascade Brewery Bar is also a great place to grab a bite to eat and settle in for the evening. Their menu is full of incredible Tasmanian delights. Their taste of ‘Tassie platter’ is a fantastic way to try a bunch of different local items at once. It consists of smoked wallaby, pale ale glazed ham, salmon rillettes, apple relish, pickled vegetables and lavosh bread. And of course, you must try a variety of their different brews. Their tasting paddle comes with four 5oz Cascade beers, a lager, pale ale, first harvest, and a stout. Or if beers aren’t for you, you can try four ciders instead. I adore Australian cider, and Cascade makes ones infused with crushed passionfruit, raspberries, and traditional apples.

After a night drinking in the shadow of Mount Wellington/kunanyi, it’s time to head home. This brings us to the end of our beautiful journey across Tasmania. I hope you enjoy all the different facets that this wonderful island has to offer. I truly think Tasmania is one of the most spectacular places in the world and CANNOT be missed if you are making the journey all the way over to Australia. Let me know in the comment any questions you might have about Tasmania.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Discover the Best of Tasmania in One Week: Your Ultimate Itinerary Guide first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Hobart is the fact that there are so few high-rise buildings that creep across the city. This building limitation was put in place due to Hobart’s proximity to the River Derwent and kunanyi/Mount Wellington. The government didn’t want to ruin these incredible vistas with views of stark steel towers. The results is the peaceful seaside village we find today. Despite being an urban centre and having all those amenities, Hobart still feels like a secret treasure.

Battery Point Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a place to spend a peaceful morning, then head over to the historic neighbourhood of Battery Point. This area is one of Hobart’s most serene and beautiful areas, and I love wandering the streets aimlessly. You’ll find the least tourists out and about in the morning, and the area takes on a more authentic neighbourhood feel. I adore watching the locals mull about doing their morning tasks. This walking tour is a wonderful introduction that will guide you to the most impressive houses, historical landmarks and beautiful lookouts.

Architecture Styles

One of the biggest draws of the town is its convict-era architecture. When settlers arrived on Hobart’s shores, they mainly used the convicts to construct the buildings that now make up the city’s bedrock. Many residents felt that the convict-built houses contained a dark history and saw them as a stain on their new capital city. But Hobart’s “old world” architecture has become one of it’s biggest tourist attractions. The Georgian style was popular in Britain in the 18th to 19th centuries, named after the four British monarchs; George I, George II, George III, and George IV—who reigned in continuous succession. Georgian homes are characterized by symmetry and proportion. Architects were influenced by classical architecture from Greece and Rome. Instead of ornamentation and creativity, Georgian architecture is all about using mathematical ratios to determine the optimal design.

Access

If you have a car, it’s super easy to find some free street parking in Battery Point; keep a lookout for those signs. If you are coming here without a car, most of the hotels and hostels are an easy 20-minute walk from Battery Point. That’s the great thing about Hobart; pretty much everything downtown is located so close together you can easily get away with walking to all your destinations in the center city.

Battery Point History

Battery Point was one of the first neighbourhoods established in the new colony. The very first residence to be built here was owned by Rev. Robart Knopwood and was called ‘Cottage Green.’ But don’t let the word “cottage” fool you; the property spread over 90 acres in 1805 across modern-day Battery Point. In 1824, Knopwood began to subdivide his land to other wealthy settlers.

Eventually, estates and houses were built along Hampden Road. Originally the area was meant for the working class, as many of the residences worked nearby at the docks. Whales, sailers, shipbuilders, and tradesmen made up the majority of the population. Eventually, shops, greengrocers, restaurants and pubs started to pop up to service the ever-growing population. Today, the area is one of the most highly valued in Hobart, with tiny, one-bedroom homes selling for well over one million dollars!

Princes Park

Start your tour of Battery Point inside the peaceful Princes Park. The name “Battery Point” was due to the fact that the first Battery was built here in 1818 as a part of Hobart’s coastal defences. Although the Battery was well stocked with guns and ammunition, the defences were never called upon to withstand an invasion. Instead, the Battery was mainly used for ceremonial salutes. The Battery was officially decommissioned in 1878 and turned into a lovely park for the residents in 1934. Princes Park is the perfect place to start the day as it is located on a lookout over the gorgeous River Derwent. Princes Park is also home to some beautiful lush trees, representative of that iconic flora and fauna that makes Tasmania so unique.

Hampden Road

After meandering around Princes Park, take a walk along Hampden Road. This street winds up the hillside, climbing higher and higher. As you go, you’ll catch more and more views of the towering kunanyi/Mount Wellington overhead. On either side of the street, you can spot a myriad of different styles of colonial cottages. Keep an eye out for the eave-free homes. These are some of the oldest in the area and have been here since the colony’s establishment. In 1973, the Builders Labourers Federation established a “green ban” on the destruction of the historic building. This ban ensured the historic homes were preserved for future generations. The everyday Tasmanians who own these homes take great pride in keeping them prime and proper and their gardens are almost as glorious as the houses themselves.

Rosebank

#13 Hampden Road is otherwise dubbed “Rosebank” and was built by Andrew Inglis Clark. Clark is considered to be one of the founding fathers of Australia. Clark was born in Hobart and educated at nearby Hobart High School. Throughout his career, Clark helped support trade unions, advocated for women’s suffrage, and, of course, was the co-author of the Australian Constitution. Although his career took him all over Australia, he always came home to Rosebank. It was here in 1907 that he died inside his treasured home. The arched windows all across the outer facade would have made for splendidly bright interiors with such amazing views of the neighbourhood. The veranda that wraps around the house is supported by beautiful columns and makes for such a grande appearance.

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Arthur Circus Park

Turn off Hampden Street to explore Runnymede Street, a small circle that surrounds the quaint Arthur Circus Park. Arthur Circus is the only circus in Australia! The houses surrounding the park are old cottages. These homes were originally constructed for the garrison officers of the Battery. An iconic architectural element to keep your eye out for around here is the “iron lace” verandas. This style of wrought iron is a feature of many buildings in the area and in colonial Australia. In 1870 Australia established its own iron factories, influenced by the Victorian ornamental iron designs they saw in magazines from England. Australians adopted this style for themselves and having an iron lace terrace was a sign of your status in Australian society.

The houses in Arthur Circus were allotments purchased by Lieutenant-Governor Arthur in 1847. Back then, they were considered crowded working-class homes, but today, these beautiful historic cottages sell for well over one million dollars – how times have changed! Most of the places consist of just two large main rooms. Many of the modernized houses have renovated additions to expand the floor print.

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Lady Gowrie Child Centre

On the corner of Runnymede and McGregor sits an unassuming, slightly more modern building. This is the Lady Gowrie Child Centre. Lady Gowrie was the Governor-General’s wife and a strong advocate and supporter of child welfare. She wanted to provide free education and care for children of low-income families. Six schools in her name were set up in Australia in 1933. Each one set out to improve the physical and mental development of children. To ensure it was supporting the local community, children had to live within a one-mile radius of the centre to attend. The centre still stands today and continues to serve the community.

20 Runnymede Street

Continuing along Runnymede Street, we come to these incredible early colonial mansion at #20 Runnymede. This house is now home to the Lenna Heritage Hotel. “Lenna” is the Indigenous word the Tasmanians have for the word “House”. The old mansion was initially built in 1847 in sandstone from the local quarry. The quarry was a popular place for convict workers serving their penitence. With the influx of prisoners, the mine produced sandstone at a rapid pace!

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At one point, this house was the sole occupant of this lofty waterside hill. The house was built for Alexander McGregor, a wealthy shipowner and merchant. McGregor married into another wealthy family, and he went on to own the largest shipyard and warehouse in Salamanca Place. McGregor would hold large garden parties and elegant balls inside the chandelier encrusted halls. Today, the beautiful home has been converted into hotel so you can stay inside one of these historic residences.

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South Street

Head back to McGregor Street and turn down South Street. South Street is one of these tiny hidden roads that feel like it hasn’t changed at all in over a hundred years. The working-class cottages in Georgian style are nestled in one next to the other as if cuddling up for warmth. Unlike the grand sandstone mansions, these simple houses were made with unpainted or painted bricks and stucco. They have very low, corrugated iron roofs that add to their diminutive appearance. But despite their small nature, they nevertheless have so much charm. The overgrown ivy and gorgeous flower gardens have been tended here for years. Each one contains a wonderful example of local Tasmania flowers.

Battery Point Community Hall

Turning back on Hampden Road, head over to the Battery Point Community Hall. Originally, this building served as the Congregational Sunday School built in 1850. Today, the hall serves the people of the community and acts as a venue for events and public meetings. The community of Battery Point is so strong this building is a place where they can all come together to celebrate and advocate for the protection of his historic area.

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Fusilier Cottage

The Georgian cottage at #64 Hampden Street was once the home of Royal Scot’s bandmaster, Angus McLeod. McLeod was a part of the 21st Royal Scottish Fusiliers regiment. He loved his job so much, he named his new residence “Fusilier Cottage.” McLeod was brought to Hobart to lead the Royal Scottish Fusiliers band. Residents of Battery Point were overjoyed at his arrival. Previously there was not much in terms of musical entertainment in the area. McLeod came to love Hobart and opted to make it his permanent home, teaching the pianoforte, violin, clarinet and flute to the people of Battery Point. His house was built in 1838. Whereas sandstone was the most popular material of the day, McLeod also used bluestone in his design, giving his cottage a distinctive patchwork look.

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Jackman & McRoss

Located in the heart of the community is the popular cafe Jackman & McRoss. Jackman & McRoss feels like a quintessential Australian cafe, but with a gourmet twist. Their most popular item is the iconic Australian staple: meat pies. But unlike the mystery meat pies you get in truck stops, these pies come in flavours like; goat & lentil, blue eye fish korma, lamb & rosemary and even scallop pie, with shellfish caught right from the Tasman sea.

If sweets are your morning preference, then they have you covered as well. You’ll be drooling over the gorgeous window displays of all their sweet creations. Always go for whatever is labelled “seasonal” as these items are extra special. You can opt to grab your food to go and eat in one of the many beautiful parks around the area or sit inside and watch the locals come in and out for their morning brew.

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Stowell Gardens

Make a stop down Stowell Avenue at the Stowell Gardens Apartments. Originally this large plot of land belonged to Captain John Montagu. Montagu’s uncle was Lieutenant-Governor Arthur, who granted him the land in 1831. Montagu went about building a grand, two-storey, Regency-style house complete with an extensive garden. The garden was one of the most impressive part of the house, with graperies and even a heated greenhouse.

Over the years, the estate passed hands many times. When it landed in the hands of Gamaliel Butler, he took great pride in maintaining and expanding the gardens. He even imported fruit trees from England to grow different produce on the grounds. In 1917 Stowell was purchased by Edinburgh Hospitals Limited and was transformed into a large hospital. They changed all the luxurious residential rooms into splendid operating theatre and training schools for nurses.

But one of the primary reasons they wanted to purchase this property was for those rich gardens. The nurses and staff planted a wonderful vegetable garden that helped feed both the staff and hospital residents. Eventually, the house needed too many upgrades to keep up with modern hospital facilities, and it was closed in 1945. Today, the various rooms have been divided up and used as private apartments. But the original estate’s charm and beautiful gardens remain for all the residences to enjoy.

Bahrs Chocolate Shop

On the corner of Stowell Ave and Hampden Road was the decadent Bahrs Chocolate Shop. Although the old candy shop has since closed and is now a proposed location of a new restaurant, the fantastic retro signage remains. The chocolate shop was very popular with families on their way to the hospital (just opposite). People would stop in here to grab a bunch of sweet treats to bring to the new mothers. Older adults in the neighbourhood have treasured memories of saving up their pocket money to bring to Bahrs to indulge in handfuls of penny candy!

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Queen Alexandra Hospital

Head back to Hampden street and make your way to #80. Behind a tall bushy fence stands the Queen Alexandra House, the old maternity hospital. The hospital was established in 1908. Before then, most mothers gave birth in their homes as there was no formal training available for nurses. The infant mortality rate in Tasmania was very high, and so the state of Tasmania stepped in. They saw an increased call for trained midwives, so they opened the Queen Alexandra Hospital to train nurses for pregnant mothers. Almost immediately after opening, the number of infants death decreased. Eventually, the hospital became too small for the demand and the maternity ward was moved to the larger Royal Hobart Hospital in 1980. Today, the house is used as luxury apartments.

Narryna Heritage Museum

Turn around and walk west along St. Georges Terrace and back north along Sandy Bay Road. Then turn back onto Hampden Street to visit Narryna Heritage Museum. The Narryna Heritage Museum is a delightful place to visit to explore what the interiors of a 1830’s style merchant house would have looked like. Designs and furnishings from early colonial Tasmania have been preserved here. The house and their collection help tell the story of life in Tasmania for those early settlers. The Georgian townhouse was built by the seafarer, Captain Andrew Haig. Haig also built the famous Salamanca warehouses in 1834.

Admission: 10 AUD for adults and 4 AUD for Children.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 4 pm | Closed Mondays and Sundays

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Portsea Terrace

At the end of Hampden Street, the road curves downwards along with Montpelier Retreat. The area around Montpelier Retreat was built up in 1830s and was considered an area built for the lowest class of workers. Many residents here had large families but little money. The old red brick Portsea Terrace apartment are one of the first examples of a multi-unit residential building in Hobart. At this time almost everyone lived in single-family households. Owner, Thomas Fisher, came up with the idea of creating these large blocks of townhouses so he could fit more residences into a smaller plot of land. They were designed in traditional Georgian architecture popular in townhouses of the day. The Terrance apartments had the best locations in the area as they were so close to the nearby harbour and fishery.

Sandy Bay Road

Take a walk south along Sandy Bay Road. Sandy Bay Road along the edge of Battery Point and acts almost like its bounding wall. The road began as a simple dirt track during the colonial era. As space was widened over time, trams and trolleybuses used the roadway to ferry people in from the outer edge of Hobart. While many of the houses along this street have been modernized, there are a few real gems! Stop in at #63 on the corner of St. George Terrance for a beautiful example of a Federation-style house.

These types of houses were built during the Federations era in the 19th century into the 1920s. It was one of the most distinctly Australian styles of architecture. One key feature of the building is the front verandas with decorative timber handrails. They are usually deep red or dark brown in colour. The roofs were made of terracotta tiles with an assortment of decorative gables and motifs. This current home’s roof has since been replaced. This particular house is made in Federation Queen Anne style as it features an asymmetrical facade,white-painted window frames and a series of decorative timber features. My favourite part of the home is the beautiful stained glass windows facing out onto the street.

Nanny Goat Lane

Take a walk along St. George’s Terrace, where you’ll find the steps to Nanny Goat Lane. Nanny Goat Lane is home to one of the best spots to get an amazing view across Hobart. This steep and skinny set of steps is essential to help residents make their way from Quayle Street to St Georges Terrace. These little shortcut steps can be found all over the city. Originally, many of these access points were made by the residents themselves and not the city. But in recent years, they have become both historical and accessible assets.

St. Georges Terrace

Continue along St. George’s Terrance until you reach Colville Street. Here you have the most incredible view of the water to the left and the sprawling city, crawling over the hillside to your right.

St. George’s Anglican Church

Walk up Colville Street and West along Cromwell Street until you reach the Old St. George Church. St. George’s Anglican Church is a Greek revival church built to serve Battery Point residents in 1838. English convict architect James Blackburn designed the classical tower in 1847. Blackburn had been sentenced to prison in Australia as a sentence for forgery. But the Tasmanian city council saw right away his talent, and he was pardoned shortly after arriving. After his pardon, he started up a private practice with James Thomson, another former convict. The tower is one of the most impressive parts of the church and a worthy addition.

Luckman’s Mill

Opposite the church stands two Italian-style townhomes with arched portico entrances. While these homes are modern 20th-century designs, the site on which they stand was once the spot where the famous “Luckman’s Mill” was once located. It was here in 1834 that James Luckman built the town’s first windmill. Luckman was an ex-convict who had served seven years in Van Diemens Land. After his release, he went about restarting his life in Australia. His enormous mill could be seen from this vantage point high up on the hill from incoming ships arriving at the port. Unfortunately, the mill was shuttered in 1883, and the land after that was sold off for residential use.

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Napoleon Street

Walk back to Cromwell Street and continue east until you reach Napoleon Street. The houses along the waterfront are much larger in scale compared to the other homes in the neighbourhood. In 1830s, Napoleon Street was where you’d find one of the largest shipyards in Hobart. One of the reasons that shipbuilding was such good business in Hobart was because the native blue gum trees were so well suited to boat-building.

John Watson was master shipbuilding who was brought to Van Dieman’s Land in 1833. He was summoned to help train the convicts in the shipyards at Port Arthur. When he finished serving his governmental duties, he had fallen in love with the land. Therefore, decided to set up his own shipyard in 1839 on the eastern side of Napoleon Street. The famous Alexander McGregor studied under Watson before setting out on his own. Many of the gorgeous Victorian houses along Napoleon street belonged to the rich shipbuilders who worked just on the other side of the hill along the waterfront. These have some of the most fantastical colours and beautiful wrought iron lace verandas.

The Mariners Cottages

Walk down from Napoleon Street towards the water (to the point marked on the map). This old red brick building is one of the last remaining Mariners Cottages. These cottages are thought to be the oldest remaining buildings on the shipbuilding yards of Napoleon Street. They were built for shipbuilder John Watson around 1842. Initially, Watson used them as storehouses, but after selling the shipyards, they were transformed into small residences for the growing Hobart population. In 1939 the homes were bought by the Hobart City Council as heritage buildings. Despite their meagre size, the council had to spend more than $20,000 in repairs to restore them and preserve them for future generations.

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Shipwrights Arms Hotel

Heading up Trumpeter Street, we reach the white brick and blue-trimmed exterior of the Shipwrights Arms Hotel or, as the locals call it, “Shippies.” This hotel/pub was first built in 1846 as a place to serve the thirsty shipyard workers. The workers both needed a place to drink after a long hard day of labour, but as many were only temporary workers they needed a place to lay their head. Today, the hotel and pub remain almost exactly as it was when it was first opened so you can dine inside a piece of Hobart’s history.

The interior is awash with marine and Tasmanian memorabilia—my favourite aspect of the building is the nautically themed stained glass windows. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Shippies serves up excellent Tasmanian produce and an ever-changing menu that features the local catch of the day! There is also a massive bar with only local beers and cider on tap!

Kelly Street

Walk along Hampden Street until you reach Kelly Street. Kelly Street was named after James Kelly, an explorer who circumnavigated Tasmania in 1816. And in only a 5-oared whaling boating nonetheless! Kelly went on to become a whale-oil merchant. Back then whale oil was one of the highest-selling commodities of the Hobart ports. To export the oil, he needed to employ shipwrights, sailmakers, ship chandlers, coopers to make barrels, smiths, wharf labourers, and watermen to ferry the cargo. These men needed to live close to the warehouse, so Kelly took his huge plot of land and subdivided it into smaller cottages for her workers. You can still see many of these old cottages today.

Kelly Street was home to a private school run by Miss Hogg. The school opened in 1860 at Number 34 Kelly Street. The steep roof of Number 33 was home to a greengrocer operated by James Merchant’s wife. In Hobart, it was common for women to have employment even back them to help supplement their family’s income. Some women would take in the washing of wealthier families, others sewed, and many women worked in the fruit preserving factory on Hunter Street.

Kelly Steps

But the most important part of the street is the famous Kelly Steps. The steps were also made by Kelly in 1839. He wanted a shortcut for him and his workers to access the warehouses in Salamanca Place from their homes in Battery Point. The steps were carved into the hillside and from the top provide a stunning view out towards the piers. As the steps were carved almost 200 years ago, they weren’t quite made to code and are very steep so watch your step!

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Battery Point is one of the most enjoyable places to wander around even if you aren’t interested in following this tour. But hopefully, this guided introduction gives you a better idea of the history of this wonderful neighbourhood and the people who once (and still do) reside here!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post The Best of Beautiful Hobart Tasmania: Self Guided Walking Tour of Historic Battery Point first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Self-Guided Ghost Tour

But these tours book up SUPER fast, and if you haven’t planned this in advance, you might miss out on being able to explore the site at night. At the time of writing this, tours are fully booked at least 4 months in advance! So I wanted to provide a bit of history and go into all those ghost stories to those who are still interested in learning more about the paranormal activities that take place here. You can read this self-guided tour during your daytime visit, and trust me, this site is so spooky that even in the light of day, these stories will send a chill down your spine.

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Port Arthur Motor Inn & Restaurant

Another idea if you can’t make it onto the prison’s grounds at night is to head over to the Port Arthur Motor Inn & Restaurant. If you dine inside the restaurant, you’ll get a great view of the prison at night, and if you’re brave enough to stay the night, you will even have a clear picture of the complex from your veranda. Sitting out on the balcony, you can look out at the site and read over these stories and imagine being there yourself! Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the stories that go along with the tales recounted here provide insight into the prison’s history and the beliefs that the earliest settlers here clung to.

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Tasmanian Gothic

Tasmanian Gothic is a literary genre that merges Gothic fiction traditions with the history and natural features of the Tasman landscape. The stories deal with the themes of horror, mystery and the uncanny. Many people think that the dark convict history and subsequent ghost stories were the most significant influence on the development of the genre.

The strong belief the Tasman people had in ghosts was influenced by the Irish and Celtic immigrants. These criminals and settlers were the first Europeans to populate the island. They brought a strong tradition of believing in the supernatural. They even brought with them their own ghost stories from their home country that were adapted to their new Australian landscape over time.

Another unlikely influence on Tasmania gothic was Chinese immigrants, who also had a strong connection to the supernatural. Chinese immigrants were brought to Tasmania, mainly in the North East, to help mine tin in those communities. The European workers had little skill in mining, whereas the Chinese immigrants were experienced workers. Although there were only 1000 immigrants who came over from China, their influence was tremendous. They would often outnumber their European counterparts 10 to 1 in those regions. Chinese folklore features many ghosts, monsters, and other mythological creatures derived from the supernatural nature of Buddhism.

History of Port Arthur

In 1830, Governor Sir George Arthur was sent to Van Diemen’s Land to build a penal settlement for convicts from Britain and Ireland. Van Diemen’s Land was the name given to Tasmania when Dutch explorers claimed the land and named it to honour Anthony van Diemen, the current Dutch Governor-General. At the site, the most hardened criminals came to stay. The worst of the worst as being sent to the other side of the world was seen as the most severe punishment, save for execution. For this reason, Port Arthur had some of the strictest security measures and most brutal punishments.

But Port Arthur was also a working prison. Authorities wanted to see these convicts reformed through a combination of religions, education and training in a variety of trades. This meant that the prison was known as an “industrial prison”. Port Arthur began as a timber camp; the location was rich with forests and close enough to Hobart’s main port to ship out the timber. After 15 years, the prison built a shipyard and began constructing shops. The prisoners also produced flour from the mill and made nails, bricks and boots all for sale to ensure the prison was profitable.

Life in the Prison

Port Arthur was reputed to be an inescapable prison. It was located on this peninsula that is surrounded on all sides by supposedly shark-infested waters. The only way to the mainland is across a 30-meter wide isthmus guarded by both soldiers, half-starved dogs and man-made traps. Only two prisoners were known to have escaped. One failed escape took place when a prisoner disguised himself using a kangaroo hide.

The prisoners’ conditions were so dire that they would even murder another inmate just to escape their situation. Murder was punishable by death and some would prefer this to staying any longer at Port Arthur. Savage floggings and brutal chain gangs were reported by the prisons when they returned back to England. It had a genuine reputation of being “hell on earth.” Any prisoner who attempted to escape would suffer 100 lashes. The prisoners would get horrible infections in their squalid living conditions. Often, these infections got so bad, that they lead to the death of the inmates.

But it wasn’t the corporal punishments that were the worst part of life at the prison. No, Port Arthur was one of the first Australian prisons to implement the “silent system”. This meant placing prisoners into individual cells where they were kept quiet for 23 hours a day. They got to leave their cell for one hour a day but were made to wear a hood anytime they were outside to ensure they never saw another human face. Although it wasn’t their intended outcome, this sent many prisoners mad. Eventually, an asylum was built to deal with the mental illness created by these inhumane conditions.

The Old Church

The old stone Church at Port Arthur was cursed almost from the moment the stones were laid. The stones were hewn from rocks by the young boys on Point Puer. Those poor boys were subjected to such horrible conditions, living on this isolated island away from the rest of the settlement. This was done to ensure these young criminals weren’t influenced by the older inmates. And that they wouldn’t disturb their path towards righteousness.

Curse of the Point Puer Prison Boys

But as they were almost forgotten about, away from the mainland, their living conditions were dire and no one took any notice. Many young children died due to diseases that ran rampant and terrible malnutrition. These sick and starving boys were forced to perform hard labour. They were made to hew, carve and haul stones for the church’s construction. No doubt this work was exhausting especially when they were barely being fed a proper diet. One can only imagine how many boys died trying to prepare the materials for the church. The haunted souls of these young men cursed the construction for the start.

Murder at the Church

To built the church, Port Arthur used prisoners as their free labourers. One day, a violent prisoner got into an argument with another labourer. Without another thought, the prisoner picked up a pickaxe and struck the other man in the head three times. When he was done, he placed the pickax down and whispered, “I am satisfied.” Blood was splattered all over the stone walls. Although the blood was washed from the walls the ivy which grows over the rest of the church would never grow where the man’s blood had been spilled.

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Church Bell Tower

Residents at Port Arthur have reported seeing strange figures in the bell tower at night. This is despite the fact that there are no stairs or even a floor up the bell tower. The bells (that are now stationary on the ground) have been known to ring out randomly, despite no ringer being present. Perhaps this is a spirit from the prison, pleading for help, unknowing of the fact that he is already dead.

Parsonage Building

The Parsonage, easily spotted by its brightly painted terracotta exterior, was built in 1842 for Reverend Durham and his family. Today, this building is one of the most active paranormal spots on the site. After Reverend Durham left, another family moved in in 1857. Reverend George Eastman arrived with his wife, Louise and their 10 children. The children were poorly behaved and were notorious for destroying the gardens and surrounding prison farming land. The inmates worked so hard to kee in proper running order, and the children seemed to take pleasure in wrecking it. Their carefree and rude attitude angered the inmates greatly. The children, perhaps influenced by their father, had little regard for the prisoners.

Reverend George Eastman died in 1870 in this very house. After his death, people began to see ghostly apparitions appear in the Parsonage almost right after. A strong sulphuric odour would fill the home, yet a source for it never could be located. Moaning and other strange noises would be heard at night. Lights would even flash on and off, even when no one was home. Although Eastman was a good man, he died very young. After his death, he left his wife and 10 children to fend for themselves, as they were not cared for by the ministry or the government. The widow and her children lived a difficult life of poverty until their ultimate end. Eastman’s ghost perhaps returns to morn for his tortured family.

Junior Medical Officer’s Home

Across from the church, there is a street with a series of houses called Officer’s Row. This was where several of the most senior officers lived. The houses were separated from the prison area to ensure the workers felt like they weren’t living with the inmates. The first house on this row is the Junior Medical Officer’s home. It was here that the medical Officer would tend to prisoners.

The basement of the Medical Officer’s Home was where the Senior Surgeon’s dissection room was located. It was here that former inmates’ dead bodies were opened up and examined. But their bodies weren’t simply dissected for routine autopsies. Sometimes, medical experiments were taken out on the dead bodies, even though the prisoners hadn’t given their consent to have this done. Many religious men believed that this was a desecration of their soul, but the illegal experiments continued despite this.

Walking into the old dissection room, the temperature seems to drop drastically, more than it should fall in an underground basement. People have reported seeing eyes on the walls and bloody faces appearing on the stones, only to disappear instantly. Perhaps these are the wronged prisoners’ spirits, still waiting to get their revenge on the surgeon.

The Lady in Blue

The most famous ghost of Officer’s row is that of a melancholy woman who lost her baby. She has been called the ‘Lady in Blue‘ after her iconic blue dress she wears. One of the Officer’s wives suffered a horrific miscarriage while living here. It’s said that she still searches the grounds for her unborn child. It is rumoured that the baby could not be buried with the mother on the Isle of the Dead. This was because the child had not been baptized and back then, you could not bury an unbaptized child on consecrated land. Because she could not rest for eternity with her beloved lost child, she still wanders the grounds aimlessly. Searching endlessly in the hopes of being reunited.

Asylum

The Asylum was home to prisoners who were too mentally ill to serve inside the central prison. They were left here to souls still reside in these walls. People hear footsteps at night, and lights turn on and off on their own. But the two most famous ghosts of the Asylum aren’t of prisoners at all, but of a young girl and an older woman who roam the halls. After the prison closed in 1877, the asylum building was refurbished and turned into a school. Although we don’t know why this school teacher and her pupil haunt these halls one can imagine they themselves might have been tortured by the ghost of old inmates.

Separate Prison

Besides the Asylum, we find the Separate Prison. The Separate Prison was where prisoners would come to suffer under the torments of solitary confinement. The Commandants of Port Arthur believed in psychological punishment over corporal punishments (although that was prevalent as well). In these silent cells, prisoners would spend 23 hours alone. Whenever they left their cells, they were forced to wear a hood and made to stay quiet at any cost. The guards even learned sign language to ensure the inmates never heard the sound of human voices.

This kind of “treatment” was thought to give the prisoners time to reflect on their misdoings. This kind of penitence was presumed to guide them into a life of reform. But it usually did no such thing, and many prisoners were driven mad by the treatment. Once the inmates went mad, they were simply moved from the Separate Prison over the Asylum. There, they would eventually die from maltreatment or malnutrition or simply neglect. They never even had a chance to leave Port Arthur.

Famous Prisoner Ghosts

One famous prisoner, William Carter, hung himself from his cell in 1867. He felt this was his only escape from the “silent system.” When people think death is their only escape, you know how dark things must have been inside Port Arthur’s walls. You can still visit Carter’s cell today. Many people report the feeling of overwhelming sadness when inside, as if the spirit was still lingering. People who come to the Separate Prison have been known to feel like someone is touching them when no one is there. People have even been scratched by phantom hands.

In the C Wing is where they held the most dangerous, violent and criminally insane individuals. People have reported they saw the ghost of John Gould, a criminal sent here after the attempted rape of a child. He appears in the small window of his cell, peering out hauntingly at the guests.

One of the saddest stories from the separate prison is that a young boy who was sentenced to death. It was very rare, even back then, that such a young child could have done anything serious enough to warrant a death sentence. Today, people report hearing the cries of a young boy at night time, just like the cries he was said to have made before his execution.

Penitentiary

It’s worth mentioning that not many ghosts are known to be seen inside the old Penitentiary. While many inmates suffered horrible fates, the prisoner who stayed inside the main Penitentiary were generally very well behaved. This part of the prison was truly for social reform. The prisoner slept in large dormitories where they could socialize with each other. They were given a chance to reform themselves while attending church and even learned many trades like shipbuilding, carpentry, and blacksmithing.

The Guard Tower

Standing at the Guard Tower, looking out over the rest of Port Arthur, there have been accountants of moans echoing throughout the tower. Apparitions of soldiers in their uniforms have appeared to guests. One guest even reported having their arm grabbed as they passed by.

Commandant’s House

The large, white-bricked building on the end of the peninsula belongs to the Commandant. Located on a slight incline, the house looks out over the bay and the entire prison complex. This was the first house built in Port Arthur and was made for the prison director, also called the Commandant. No doubt the Commandant was one of the most careless individuals, constantly putting prisoners, even the goodly ones, into such abominable environments. Inside, one of his rocking chairs is still there and is seen rocking back and forth without anyone sitting upon it. This is thought to be the spirit of the old Commandant. Still, obsessively watching over the colony all these years later. People have reported that if they try to take a picture of the chair their cameras being to malfunction or the images are extremely blurry despite the photographer remaining still.

Jetty

Near the Jetty Dock to Point Puer, keep your eyes open around the cottage for a young soldier. In 1840, Private Robert Young fell into the black waters in the middle of the night. He was on his way to deliver a doctor to the young boy’s prison. Despite all efforts to pull him from the water, he perished. Young is still seen on the cottage’s stoop, looking out over the dark waters. Some people report they saw the dark spirits pulling him into the waters when he died. Perhaps the spirit of Young keeps watch around the Jetty to ensure no one else suffers the same fate he did.

Isle of the Dead

Located off the mainland, we find the most haunting part of Port Arthur, the Isle of the Dead. This island is a scary place to be during the day and at night, especially when it gets quiet. It was here that the dead from the prison settlement were buried. Over 1,600 prisoners were buried here, along with workers from the prison. Only the workers were initially given marked graves, whereas the prisoners were just placed into unmarked mass burial sites. It is well known among spiritual beliver that someone who doesn’t receive a proper burial without a marked tombstone, will roam the earth. Endlessly searching for revenge and unable to take their eternal rest.

The Gravedigger of Port Arthur

It was customary for one of the prisoners to become the resident gravedigger. They was forced to live alone on the Isle of the Dead in a small wooden hut. Mark Jeffrey is the most infamous of all Port Arthur’s gravediggers. He was accused of manslaughter and sent to Port Arthur from Ireland. One day, there was a signal fire spotted on the mainland. Soldier’s went to see what was happening and the hut destroyed and Jeffrey in great distress. The gravedigger begged the soldiers to take him back with them to the mainland. He claimed to have seen the Devil. Jeffrey reported that the devil appeared to him, destroyed his hut and left Jeffrey shaken in pure terror. The gravedigger never recovered from the supposed attack and spent the rest of his days in the Asylum.

Point Puer Prison

Point Puer Prison was a separate island prison that held only the young offenders. It was thought that by keeping them far away from the mainland, the children wouldn’t be subject to the negative influences of the adult inmates. 3,000 boys were sent to the island, and while it was meant to house boys aged 14-17, there are records of boys as young as nine being sent here. Nothing remains of the prison today, except for the spirits of the young boys who perished on the island. People constantly report the sounds of children’s voices on the island, crying out in pain and screaming for help. But when people make their way to the island, they isn’t anyone there.

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Hopefully, after reading through these stories, you can see why Port Arthur is one of the most haunted places in Tasmania, if not all of Australia. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, there is no doubt that the treatment of the prisoners sent here was inhumane and that their tortured souls are more than likely still searching for peace. If you have the chance to visit Port Arthur, either during the day or attending one of their fantastic ghost tours, take some time to remember the spirits of all those who perished here and perhaps you might be lucky enough to spot one for yourself!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post An Exciting & Haunting Self-Guided Tour of Port Arthur’s Ghosts first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Launceston is untouched by mega-tourism and has a unique landscape only found in this part of the country. Launceston to me felt like a combination of New Zealand’s rich scenery and Australia’s vibrant culture. If you’re a tourist who wants to get off the beaten track and get a little peace and quiet, then Launceston is the place for you.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Access
3. Best Time to Visit
4. What to Pack?
5. Where to Stay
   • Launceston Backpackers
   • Kurrajong House
   • Hatherley Birrell Collection
6. What to do in Launceston
   • 1. Sweetbrew 
   • 2. Eat the Day Away at the Harvest Farmer's Market
   • 3. Explore Cataract Gorge
   • 4. Get up High on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift
   • 5. Wonder at the Works inside Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery
   • 6. Discover the old Craftsmanship inside the Old Umbrella Shop
   • 7. Indulge in Fine Dining at Stillwater
   • 8. Go Back in Time inside Franklin House
   • 9. Sip on Aged Ales at James Boag Brewery Experience
   • 10. Get Spooked on Launceston City Ghost Tours
   • 11. Wander down Memory Lane on a Self Guided History Walk

History

Launceston, located on the northern tip of the state of Tasmania, is one of their two main cities. The other being Hobart, located on the southern end. Launceston is Australia’s third oldest European settlement, established in 1806 after Sydney (in 1788) and Hobart (in 1803). The city is renowned for its well preserved historic buildings, artful food scene and lush countryside.

While I highly enjoyed visiting both Hobart and Launceston, and each had its own pros and cons, Launceston felt more in line with my creative travel sensibilities. The city streets were more artful, their parks lusher. The overall design seemed to be of the utmost importance, even if a bit dated. Like other Australian cities, Launceston features a thriving coffee scene, great food, excellent hikes and an intimacy with the natural environment that you wouldn’t expect from a big city.

Access

The best way to get to Launceston is by plane. A short flight from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane will land you just 15 minutes outside the city’s centre. While renting a car is advisable to see the rest of Tasmania, we didn’t find that one was necessary at all for our time inside the confines of Launceston’s city centre and outer boroughs.

Best Time to Visit

Launceston and Tasmania, in general, is noticeably colder than the rest of Australia. Don’t come here without checking the weather! We saw a few people step off the plane in shorts and t-shirts in a climate that was more suitable for a winter coat.

From November to March are the best months to travel when the weather is at its most enjoyable. June, July and August are relatively chilly and rainy. Still, the prices of hotels are significantly discounted, and the city is almost empty! Summer is the peak travel season when you’ll find the hotels to be the priciest.

Whereas international travellers might not find their way to Tasmania, local Australians have been frequenting the island more and more, so be sure to check the dates of any Australia holidays or school breaks as these times may also be much busier and more expensive.

What to Pack?

As mentioned above, you might be surprised to see how different the weather is here compared to Australia’s arid deserts and beachy coasts. So much of Tasmania is made up of cool temperate rainforests. In addition to your regular travel essentials, there are a few critical items to bring to Launceston and Tasmania. It’s crucial to pack lots of layers that will help you keep warm in the morning, but which you can shed after a few hours of hiking which warms you right up!

It’s also essential to pack a good raincoat or waterproof windbreaker, which can be super useful since rain is a frequent visitor to Tasmania’s forecasts. The rainforests can get pretty wet. Umbrellas are also a good thing to pack in your bag for extra protection.

Where to Stay

When planning my stay in Launceston, I was so excited to find that almost every single home and hotel listed on Tripadvisor was over 4-stars. This meant that you could throw a dart and end up at a fantastic hotel. Everyone we met was so happy to see us, so proud of their city and more than willing to help us out in any way they could. Whether it was picking us up from the airport or showing us around town, Launceston’s residence were always going over and above our expectations.

Launceston Backpackers

We stayed at the Launceston Backpackers, a lovely old house renovated to hold guests. It felt more like staying in someone’s cottage rather than a hotel. I loved the architecture, the stained glass, the old furniture, pretty much everything. It was super affordable and right in the centre of town meaning we could easily walk from place to place without ever having to get on a bus or rent a car.

Price: $47 USD/night

Kurrajong House

Kurrajong House offers accommodation to adult-only guests who enjoy a quiet and tranquil stay. The house is a heritage property that has been lovingly restored. You can choose to stay in either their Heritage guest rooms within the main house or one of two courtyard rooms that overlook their small garden. They are located in Launceston’s luxury end and a short 5-minute walk to the city.

Price: $108 USD/night 

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Hatherley Birrell Collection

Hatherley Birrell Collection is a boutique hotel offering a high-end experience with some of the most exceptionally stylish rooms. With four unique spaces to stay in Hatherley Birrell Collection leaves your soul enriched and your creativity inspired during your stay in Launceston!

Price: $170 USD/night

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I’m back in Tasmania, first stop Launceston and the east coast (where I grew up). Next time you’re in Tas or plan a special trip, do yourself a favour and check in at @hatherleybirrellcollection (^ is part of their property) – my aunty and uncle have worked on every detail of their unreal boutique B&B #hatherleybirrellcollection #spring #time #boutique #art #north #tasmania

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What to do in Launceston

1. Sweetbrew 

The first thing to do in the morning is to grab yourself a cup of coffee! Australia is known for its incredible coffee culture, and Tasmania is no different. Sweetbrew is a local hangout for hipsters and tourists alike. Every coffee is perfectly crafted, and their summer berry cake is something I’ll remember forever!

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2. Eat the Day Away at the Harvest Farmer’s Market

For breakfast, head on down to the Harvest Saturday Farmers Market. Stock up on some doughnuts from @sandyssourdough and if you’re craving something savoury, hit up a gluten-free breakfast bowl from @mountgnomonfarm.

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Don’t leave without a bottle or two of manuka honey from Tasmania, something which is sure to cure what ails you. Even if you don’t have a kitchen at your hotel, this is the best place to load up on cheese, freshly cured meats, hot-smoked salmon, fresh berries and fruits and hot from the oven bread. This all makes for a super simple picnic luncheon to enjoy later on in the day.

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3. Explore Cataract Gorge

And where to eat your picnic lunch, you may ask? There’s no better place than Cataract Gorge! Cataract Gorge is a stunning park in the centre of Launceston. To get to the gorge, you begin by walking along a scenic pathway, called the King’s Bridge-Cataract Walk. This leads you around the South Esk River’s edge to the northern part of the gorge’s basin. From here, you can walk across the Alexandra Suspension Bridge. On the other side of the bridge, you’ll find a large swimming pool to be enjoyed in the summer months.

4. Get up High on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift

I found the best part of our visit to the gorge was getting to ride the antique chairlift! The chairlift, built in 1972, and is still the longest single-span lift in the world! We were one of the only people in the park during our visit and figured the lift wouldn’t be open. But to our surprise, a quiet old woman was sitting at the desk to welcome us in and let us ride. It felt almost strange like they had kept it open just for us. We giggled the entire way across the gorge, swinging our feet, nervously laughing as the chairlift climbed higher and higher. The chairlift covers 457 metres and moves pretty slowly for you to really take in the scenery around you.

When you get off the chairlift, you can explore the landscaped Victorian garden and small cottage restaurant on the other side of the basin. You’ll find unusual Tasmanian flora and fauna, including ferns, exotic plants, and even wild peacocks.

The trip costs $9 USD for a one-way ticket or $12 USD for an “Across & Back” ticket. We opted for the one-way sine we enjoyed the walk back to the entrance. The lift is open every day from 9am, 365 days a year! In the winter it closes at 4:30 pm, in the Spring and Autumn it closes at 5 pm and in Summer from 5:30 pm to 6 pm.

5. Wonder at the Works inside Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery

If you’re visiting Launceston, you should take some time to admire some local and National Australian art. I found that Australia has such a distinct fine art style and something completely unique compared to European or even American art. My favourite part of this museum was the Tasmanian art collection from the colonial era to the present day. Their gallery even has a focus on Tasmania’s convict history and the strange and powerful art produced by the prisoners.

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6. Discover the old Craftsmanship inside the Old Umbrella Shop

Launceston’s historic streets look as though they have been preserved in amber from the late 19th century. While other Australian cities, even in Tasmania, have moved along with modernization, Launceston captures the looks and feel of Australias at the turn of the century. One of the oldest shops which is still up and running is the Old Umbrella Shop. Three generations of the same family have produced and repaired umbrellas in this shop since 1860. The umbrellas here are even crafted from local Tasmanian wood. The historic signage out front is the same as it was in the mid-Victorian era. Giving you a glimpse of what this entire street once might have looked like.

7. Indulge in Fine Dining at Stillwater

For one of the best meals, you’ll have on your entire trip, be sure to book reservations in advance at Stillwater Restaurant. Stillwater is located inside a beautifully restored 1830s flour mill. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat with a view, you can soak in the stunning landscape of the Tamar River while you dine.

Stillwater prides itself on focusing on local food, grown by producers all across Tasmania. Their seafood options are my absolutely favourite dishes but their menu changes so often I can’t recommend one in particular. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong. Their wine bar is also stacked with Australian wines, which we know, are some of the best producers of wine world-wide. So relax and indulge in some fine dining!

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8. Go Back in Time inside Franklin House

Franklin House gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like for the new colony of Launceston in 1838. It’s Tasmania’s oldest house museum, which has been restored to its original appearance. The house was first built for businessman, Britton Jones. Jones himself was an ex-convict who managed to escape the system and make a new life for himself and his family. It was so exciting to explore the home and discover the original furniture and decor. This allowed us to imagine how all the home here would have looked in years past, like stepping back in time.

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First National Trust house in Tasmania, giving a glimpse of how some lived in early days.

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9. Sip on Aged Ales at James Boag Brewery Experience

Tasmania’s most famous beer is the Boags beer, which is sold worldwide but highly regarded in Launceston where the brewery is located. On the Brewery Tour experience, you’ll learn all about what makes their beer unique, see how its made and learn about the history of this Tasmanian Brewery.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be invited into their bar where you’ll receive a 30-minute guided beer tasting! Here you’ll be able to taste a flight of their brews paired with locally produced cheese! I’ve been to many a beer tasting but never one which included cheese, so that captured my attention straight away (I’m a HUGE cheese lover) and I did think it really gave an interesting spin on the tasting.

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10. Get Spooked on Launceston City Ghost Tours

Ok, now I know ghost tours might seem like something kinda cheesy, but I LOVE them. To me, they are just like a history tour but with a slightly macabre angle. Launceston has a deep and dark convict past. It’s said that some of the prisoners who were sentenced here can still be seen roaming the streets, their ghosts clinging to the mortal world. Walking the old streets of Launceston, your guide will tell tales of the past, making the city’s history come alive. There is both an adult-only and family-friendly option, so there is something for all ages! Obviousy the family-friendly tour is a little less scary so if you spook easily that might be the tour for you.

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11. Wander down Memory Lane on a Self Guided History Walk

Launceston has some of the best colonial and Victorian architecture anywhere in Australia. Cameron street alone perfectly exemplifies what the rest of Australia would have looked like during the boom times of the 19th century. You can do your own self-guided walking tour from Albert Hall in the east to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in the west. This tour focuses on specific buildings along the route that tell rich tales of the city’s architectural and social history. There are little plaques along the way to help inform you of the stories as you go. And it’s a great way to explore the city on foot.

While Hobart might be the more famous of the two large Tasmania cities, Launceston is my favourite. It had a quiet charm which I find intoxicating. If you’re looking for a little escape from mainland Australia’s busy beaches and modern cities, Launceston is a great place to come.

Have you ever visited Tasmania? Let me know what you’re favourite part of this island is!

Happy Travel Adventurers!

The post 11 Amazing Things to See and Do in Launceston, Tasmania first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

History of Fraser Island

Fraser Island is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site due to its rare combination of shifting sand-dunes, tropical rainforests and inland lakes. It is also the largest sand island in the world. The island was originally inhabited by the Butchulla people. ‘Butchulla’ in the aboriginal language means “the sea people” since they were surrounded on all sides by the power ocean. The Butchulla people named this island “Paradise”. Fraser Island was discovered by the western world in 1770 by explorer James Cook, but Cook never ventured onto the island, only viewed it from afar. In 1836 Captain Fraser was the first non-aboriginal to step foot on the island.

But Fraser never made it off the island, after being killed by the aboriginals but his daughter survived and was rescued. It was her that told the story of the island and what she found there. Archaeological evidence has uncovered that the aboriginal people of the island have lived here for over 5000 years. Today, the island has a permanent population of only 194 people, mind you there are a lot more people on the island day-to-day on tourist excursions but the fact that the overall population is so low means the island preserves that peaceful, oasis feeling.

Guided Tour or On Your Own?

There are two ways to experience the island for yourself. One is by joining a guided tour, and the other is by taking or renting your own car. Each has there own pros and cons and you simply need to weigh the different experiences and see which one is for you. The advantages of a guided tour are your guides are extremely experienced in driving in the sandy, off-road conditions. They are highly capable drivers who know this island inside and out. They provide food, drinks and accommodation all already set up for you upon arrival. You also get to meet other travellers and stay with a big group as well – which can be a pro or a con depending on your personality type.

The most significant drawbacks is you can’t really make the itinerary bespoke or go at your own pace. If you fall in love with one location, you can’t just stay there all day. You also don’t have as much flexibility over your accommodations or type of food. In terms of price, there are various operators, but the most reliable and highly rated 2-day tours are Fraser Explorer Tours ($250 US ) and Sunset Safaris ($286 US). And while that might seem steep remember this includes pretty much everything you’ll need along the way and a personal; guide and driver. I liked the freedom of being able not to worry about all the little details and just concentrate on the experience and seeing all those incredible new sites along the way.

Exploring Fraser Island on Your own

Going on your own is hugely advantageous since you can control every bit of your adventure, from where you stay, what you see, how long to spend in each place and what you want to eat. The biggest cons are you need to organize your car rental, permits, be your own navigator, pack all your food and either buy your own camping equipment or stay in one of the various hotels or Glamping grounds on the island. For people who love driving, getting to cruise down along the famous 75-mile beach is an experience of a lifetime. So if you’re someone who loves to drive this is definitely a bucket list adventure, you wouldn’t wanna miss. Either way, you’re bound to have a fantastic time!

Driving and Car Rental Advice

If you’re thinking of just driving your regular Honda Civic onto the island, think again. Only 4WD vehicles with low-range capacity and high clearance are allowed onto the island. Most people opt to rent a vehicle even if they have a 4WD car since the roads on Fraser Island are so tough they’d rather not push their own car too far. If you’re confident with your car and rather drive something familiar just be sure you get a permit for your vehicle to drive on the island, these can be purchased at any of the tourist information booths in Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay.

4WD Rentals

There are many different companies which rent 4WD vehicles for Fraser Island excursions, all of which will have the necessary permits. These companies will also often help you with finding a good camping site and give advice for the best route to take at that time of year. The roads throughout Fraser Island are all made of sand and if you’ve never driven on sand before be sure to ask your renting agency for some lessons on how best to tackle it.

While there are discount places where you can get a car, this kind of expensive is something you shouldn’t skimp on. Your car breaking down on the island where there’s no reception or local police to give you a tow can turn what should be a fantastic adventure into a real catastrophe. The lowest price you’ll find for a 4WD rental is $100 US per person, per day. The prices often includes the car rental, off-road liability insurance cover, ferry transfers and vehicle permit.

Car Rental Tips

Ensure that when renting your vehicle you check the pressure in the tire as well as the car’s oil and water levels. Before leaving check that the vehicle has an emergency kit in case you get stuck in the sand or if there is a mechanical problem with the car. The best piece of equipment the car will need is a shovel since you’ll often find your wheels get stuck in the sand and need to be dug out slightly. There is virtually no reception on the island so getting a good GPS system or downloading an offline map is key to making your way around the island without getting lost.

You can also get a detailed paper map with the roads and distances marked on it provided by the National Park Service. You can pick these up at your rental agency. Remember, the beach highway is only accessible at low tide and is sometimes the gateway for you to get to your campsite, leaving it too late means you might get stranded until the water goes out once more. Driving at night is also unadvisable since there are no street lamps and the road is hard enough to see in the daytime. Avoid driving in the water since the salt water will ruin the car and even if it’s a rental you don’t want to risk getting being charged for the damage.

Packing Tips

What to Pack for a Guided Tour

If you’re taking a guided tour, you won’t need to make as long of a list as if you’re going it on your own. Here are the key items to bring with you!

• A small backpack should be enough to hold everything you need. Remember, even if you’re taking a guided tour, this is a still venturing into the natural landscape so travelling light and small is key to making the most of your journey. You don’t want to be lugging a huge suitcase through the sand.
• Good walking boots for the sandy hikes are essentials
• A pair of small flip slops are great for playing in the water and along the beach. The extra pair of shoes is always a good idea if the first pair gets water.
• The weather can sometimes be a bit rainy so if you’re expecting that bring a light raincoat.
• Even in the best whether you’re going to be in and out of the water so a few pairs of socks are a great idea.
• A small, quick dry towel is a lifesaver!
• Even in the winter or on a cloudy day the UV rays in Australia are dangerous, so sunscreen is an absolute necessity.
• Of course, bring your camera! There is indeed nothing like the spectacular things you’ll see along the way.
• Remember to carry extra batteries and portable backup charger since there isn’t much electricity available on the bus and even at the campsites it can be a hot commodity. If you’re staying at the resort you’ll be able to charge up there, but while you’re out on the road, those things are handy to have.
• A small hat and pair of sunglasses
• A bathing suit is essential for floating down one of the many lazy river creeks and swimming in the inland lakes.
• Most likely the weather will be pretty warm, so two pairs shorts and t-shirts are your best bet for your daily outfits
• A lightweight hoodie or sweater along with a pair of pants is perfect for when it cools down in the evening.
• During October to March, the bugs are pretty bad, so insect repellant is vital to remember if you’re sensitive to bug bites.
• A good water bottle that you can can refill at any of the water refill stations is a must have. Having fun on Fraser Island can get exhausting, so making sure you’re keeping hydrated is essential to remember.

What to Pack for a self driving trip

If you’re renting a car and driving yourself, you can stop off at one of the many supply shops near the ferry stations which are always stocked with exactly the right things for campers on their way to Fraser Island. In addition to all items below, you’ll need the same as the above mentioned for the group tours. The camping essentials you’ll need are;

• Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bags, etc.)
• Extra fuel and a full tank
• A lantern or flashlight (key for late night trips to the bathroom)
• Ice inside a proper cooler
• Lots of water for drinking and washing (don’t skimp on this)
• An emergency medical supplies kit
• A gas cooking stove
• Food to eat both on the road and at your campsite
• Most of the campgrounds have public toilets, but some of the showers cost $2 so be sure you have some change on hand for them as well.

Accommodations

There are four options for lodging while visiting the island. If you’re travelling on a guided tour, each provider has a specific accommodation type which is provided so if you are hell bent on not camping be sure to check which kind of lodging they offer before booking. Now, I’m not a big fan of camping either, but I LOVED camping out on Fraser Island so I would highly recommend getting your courage up and giving it a try! It really connects you to the natural environment in a way that hotels are never going to give you.

Hotels

There are various hotels on the island in the central locations of Kingfisher Bay, Happy Valley and Eurong. The most popular and highly rated is the Kingfisher Bay Resort on the west coast. Rooms cost as little as $130 US for a standard room. The Eurong Resort Hotel on the northeast coast is another option with rooms at $90 US/night.

Airbnb

Airbnb is another option which has recently started up on the island. They have houses with full kitchens and rooms for a vast group. While their prices range from $180-230 a night, you get a better sense of life on the island and can house a lot of people so if you’re a big group you might find the price per person actually quite low.

Campgrounds

Camping is the most authentic way to experience Fraser Island. There are 45 different camping areas across the island, each with their own unique features and facilities. Five of the camping areas are surrounded by dingo deterrent fences. The downside to these areas are they aren’t very private. The most popular areas on the island are the ones closest to the primary services (Eurong, Happy Valley and Cathedrals) and roads but if you’re willing to trek out a bit further and are prepared to be self-sufficient, you’ll be rewarded with total privacy.

Central Station camping area is one of the most popular as it’s located near the major roads, has a fenced area, offers excellent facilities and best of all is situated under one of the most picturesque regions of the canopied rainforest.

Waddy Point beachfront camping area offers up the most impressive views of the sunset across the crystal clear waters. There is also a fenced in an area here and as such this spot books up quick! Camping should be booked in advance if possible as it guarantees you the place you want. The cost to book in advance is a small fee of $4 US but worth it for the peace of mind. The cost of camping is meagre, only $4 US per adult and $3.3 US per child.

Glamping

My favourite option and the one we stayed in with our guided tour was the Beachcamp Eco Retreat. While this might sound extravagant, it’s actually an excellent option for people who want the outdoor experience of camping but don’t want to rent or buy a tent. You just arrive, check in and walk into your tent all set up and ready for you. And its more than just a tent. The Beachcamp Eco Retreat provides Glamping Tents which have a real bed inside on top of a raisedfloor, key for those rainy days. The retreat’s electricity and water run on solar power, so it is very eco-friendly. There are hot showers on site along with an ensuite bathroom, private beach access, BBQs as well as a fully equipped kitchen. The cost is $98 US/night for the for a room for 2 adults and 2 kids.

Food on Fraser Island

Plan on bringing your own food unless you are staying at the resorts, where there are restaurants on the premises. Although there are some places to eat around the island they are pretty pricey and often will require going out of your way to access. Groceries can be purchased in town before heading onto the island, and you can buy a veritable feast for under $100 for a family of 4. Be sure to pick up some traditional Aussie camping treats. This includes; a goon sack (or three…) which is basically boxed wine without the box, kangaroo sausages for grilling, baked beans, Vegemite and bread for toast, some canned chicken and corn soup, hamburgers with beetroot, a box of Lamingtons and Tim Tam for dessert. And of course, lots of water.

Accessing Fraser Island

Fraser Island is located 300 kilometres north of Brisbane. Most people arrive at Fraser Island from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach whether they’re joining a tour of driving themselves. The best way to get to either of these destinations is to make your way to Brisbane (serviced by all major airlines) and take the Greyhound or Premiere bus to the Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. If you’re driving yourself, you won’t need to worry about the bus and just drive yourself to one of the two ferry points of access. Some tours also offer pickup in Brisbane so be sure to check the itinerary before booking since a pickup in Brisbane might save you a lot of time.

Ferries

If you’re taking a guided tour, they’ll give you a specific timeline of where to meet and your ticket onto the ferry will be prepaid. If you’re driving your own vehicle or your car rentals didn’t include ferry tickets the prices and ferry departure times are listed below.

Rainbow Beach Ferry

Rainbow Beach ferry departs from Inskip Point on the Manta Ray Barge. These barges leave every 30 minutes from 6:00 am to 5:15 pm. The return prince from this departure point is only $84 US including all passengers, so it’s definitely the best option price-wise.

Hervey Bay Ferry

Hervey Bay‘s ferry departs from River Heads and leaves the mainland at 8:30 am, 10:15 am, 4.00 pm. This barge requires a reservation in advance since there aren’t as many daily departures. River Heads Ferry costs between $120 US for a standard 4WD vehicle including the driver and $190 US for a Large 4WD vehicle. Each additional passenger in the car is $4 US. Once more, if you’ve purchased a package with this included you won’t need to worry about paying.

Beware of Dingos

Dingos on Fraser Island are actually the last remaining pure-bred dingoes in Australia. And while spotting one of these iconic creatures might be a momentous moment, you also need to be aware that while they might look cute, you always need to take caution whenever you are around them. Dingos have been known to attack people, and there have even been a few cases where it has ended in fatalities. As recent as January of this year a young boy was attacked by a group of dingos and had to be airlifted to the hospital. So they indeed are no laughing matter. There are a few safety tips to ensure you don’t let that happen to you.

• Always ensure your food is locked away in your vehicle and never ever feed the dingoes. Don’t leave food in your tent even if it’s sealed, the dingos can still smell it and get in. Make sure you clean up any food of tables and grills after eating since the smell is likely to attract them as well.
• Always keep children within arms reach. The dingos are less likely to attack when faced with a group of large adults.
• While going for a jog on the beach might seem appealing, avoid running or jogging since it will trigger the dingos into an aggressive interaction.
• If you do run into a dingo, stand still and face the dingo, don’t turn your back as that leaves you vulnerable. Calmly walk backwards and call for help.
• Should you be attacked the emergency number in Australia is 000 or 112. Most people who visit the island never even see a dingo and while this all might sound scary the chances of having a negative encounter if you follow this advice is very minimal.

Things to See and Do

While I would love to create you a detailed, hour by hour itinerary, your journey will be dictated by the tide. Some locations might be inaccessible if you’ve arrived at high tide and the order you visit each destination will depend on which ferry point you arrive at. So below is a sample itinerary of arrival from the Rainbow Beach Ferry Terminal and camping in Waddy Point Beachfront Campground. But even if you want a different route, the list of things to see and do here is a great start for your trip planning.

Day One – The Beach

Seventy-Five Mile Beach

Upon arrival on the island, you’ll immediately be struck by the incredible, bright white sands of the Seventy-Five Mile Beach. This beach stretches out the entire length of the east side of the island. As you approach the island from the ferry, you’ll see it straight away, contrasted by the bright blue waters and dark green forest. While the beach might look like a great place to take a dip, there is a large shark population and dangerous current which plagues this area. But don’t worry, there are still lots of places to take a dip while driving along the island!

Hammerstone Sandblow

Head inland when you reach Eurong Beach, and you’ll be on your way to see the Great Hammerstone Sandblow. Sandblows are major sand formations which flow like a river in a particular direction from weather and erosion. These sandblows shift and changes the landscape over time. This one actually is covering what used to be an entire forest eco-system which has been swallowed up with sand over the years. For the past 700,000 years, these sand dunes have been shifting and changing the shape of the island. The highest dune of the island is over 240 metres above sea level. The best way to take in the sheer enormity of these sandblows is from the air. And while a flight might not be an option, there are great hiking trails near our next destination which lead you up above the dunes where you can look out over the scenery.

Lake Wabby

Lake Wabby is a 4.8 km round trip hike from the nearest road. You get actually to walk across the Sandblow as you go. Trust me, I’m not very fit, but even I managed this hike. Driven by pure excitement as what I saw once we got out of the vehicle. Footprints from other travels create and bumpy pathway across what looks like a desert surrounded by a great rainforest. Located on the edge of the dunes is a Lake Wabby, an emerald green lake and the deepest of all the inland lakes on Fraser. Unlike the other though, this one is filled with wildlife! Freshwater turtles and even some fish can be seen swimming under the surface of the water!

Fraser Island Great Walk

Beside Lake Wabby is access to the Fraser Island Great Walk. This hiking trail is over 90km long, but you can quickly jump on it here and hike for only for a short time up unto the Lake Wabby lookout point. The landscape throughout the hike gives you a glimpse into the subtropical rainforest which makes Fraser Island so unique. Trees bend and twist as their sandy foundations shifts with the wind. The trees each contained strange and fascinating leaves and even some odd, alien looking growths.

Follow the signs along the way to the Lake Wabby look out. From here you have an unparalleled glimpse across not only the lake and sandblows but out onto the oceans as well. From here the people swimming in the waters looked like tiny ants and you could even spot groups of dingos out for a drink.

Eli Creek

Drive back down to the 75 Mile Beach and continue along until you reach Eli Creek. You’ll know you’ve made it right away from the groups of cars parked outside. During high season this area can get crowded but just remember you’re all there to see something amazing and don’t let the crowds get to you. Eli Creek is a clear freshwater creek surrounded by a leisurely boardwalk.

The creek stretches along inland and you can float down it inside a floaty doughnut or just walk along the broadway further into the lush rainforest. The water level rises and falls with the rainfall and the creek has been known to get as deep as 2 meters. It’s such a relaxing place just to cool off and admire your surroundings. This is a fantastic spot for the kids! When we visited the creek was very shallow, and we could even walk through many parts of it. If you need to use the washroom, this is also an excellent place to stop off.

Maheno Wreck

Further up from Eli Creek you’ll come upon a bright orange ship, sitting all alone on the shore. This is the S. S. Maheno. The Maheno was shipwrecked here in 1935 when a cyclone washed it onto the coast of Fraser Island. The ship was once used as a hospital by New Zealand’s Naval forces in World War I. During low tide, the entirety of the rusting vessel is exposed. The rusted metal is stunning against the white sands and blue seas.

Unlike some tourist attractions which are off limits, you have free reign of this place. And despite some signs advising not to climb up on top, you can really adventure right inside of it and imagine what different areas of the ship would have been used for before it was nothing but scrap metal. If you haven’t already had something to eat along the way in your car, this area has some great picnic tables where to can eat.

Red Canyon

As we continue up north, we come upon the incredibly colourful Coloured Sand Pinnacles, these can be found at the Red Canyon Park marked on your map. These multicoloured dunes are composed of iron compounds in the silica sand which give them this vibrant red, orange and sometimes even purples colours Different trees and bushes grow right out of the sand, the dark green leaves against the red a seemingly unnatural colour combo but created right from the earth.

These mystical sands were a feature in the aboriginal Butchulla people’s sacred stories. One such story is of a beautiful woman named Wuru who was promised to marry an older man named Winyer. But she loved someone else, she had fallen in love with Wiberigan, the rainbow serpent. Seeing them together one day the older man threw his boomerang at Wuru in anger but Wiberigan stepped in front of it to save Wuru. When the boomerang hit him the rainbow serpant it spilt its colours out all over the sandy cliffs. And to this day the cliffs are thought to be a place of good luck for the aboriginal people.

Indian Head

Continue driving a fair ways until you reach Indian Head lookout. Indian Head is a rocky hilltop which looks out over the island. A short hike up the outcrop will lead you to one of the best views on the island. The view from here not only looks out over the 75-mile beach but also the nearby crashing ocean. Take some time to study the water. If you bring some binoculars or even with the naked eye, you’ll have the chance to spot whales, dolphins, shark, rays and even turtles! It’s worth spending some time up here, we were mesmerized but the whales which breached the water and stayed here almost until the light of the day started to ween.

Champagne Pools

From the Indian Head trail, head down to the famed Champagne Pools. The Champagne Pools were my favourite part of the trip. Here, the surf crashes over the rocks and over hundreds of years has created these small pools on top of the rocks near the ocean’s edge. You can lounge in these waterlogged pools of water and relax in the sunlight. The water is actually quite warm, and it looks almost like a spa from afar, it’s hard to imagine its all natural.

Waddy Point

Pitch your tent in one of the various dingo fenced camping areas to stay the safest. Make some dinner on the gas stove and watch as the sun set over the ocean. This time of night on the island the cars stop running and the silence of only the wind over the waves is all that fills the air.

Nightlife

When night falls on the island, the entire place takes on a new shape. Check your local National Park guide book to see if there are any rangers tours near your campground at night. Don’t do it on on your own! These rangers are highly trained in local wildlife and how to avoid running into dangerous creatures. That being said there are some creatures you do want to see, this includes rare frogs, sugar gliders, snakes and some ENORMOUS spiders. We loved the tour we went on with the local ranger and felt it gave us a scary, yet exhilarating look at the different creatures which rule the island.

Day Two – Inland Rainforest

Rainforest Drive

On day two we are heading deep into the rainforest. The drive from the northernmost part of the island, inland toward Lake Mackenzie is a rough and wild ride, but it’s worth getting out along the way to stretch your legs and admire the incredible rainforest which surrounds you. You’ll be driving through this incredibly dense rainforest for a few hours so stopping along the way is a great way to break up the time.

Lake McKenzie

Lake McKenzie is one of the most popular parts of the of the island. It is often overwhelming full of tourists and bus tours. My advice? Skip it. This might sound like a crazy piece of advice since it’s famed as being one of the best things to see on the island. But right nearby are two other inland lakes which are arguably just as beautiful and you’ll have all to yourself. If you stop at McKenzie lake and it’s not too crowded by all means do it! But there’s no harm in checking out the others too.

Basin Lake

If Lake McKenzie is too busy considering heading a short ways away to Basin Lake. Basin Lake is an enormous perched lake formed when organic matter gradually decomposed and hardens into depressions created by the wind, making a lake bed that is actually above sea level. Because of the sensitive ecosystem in the lake, it is essential you do not wear sunscreen if you decide to take a swim. While this lake has a slightly more textural bottom than Lake McKenzie, I would argue it’s all the most scenic and peaceful. The water was pretty cold but it was an experience of a lifetimetaking a dip inside these unique waters. While Wabby Lake might be emerald green, this lake is crystal blue.

Wanggoolba Creek

Wanggoolba Creek is located in an area was once known as Central Station. Central Station was once the centre of the forestry industry when there was logging on Fraser Island. Some of the rarest ferns grow in the rainforest near here. There are beautiful boardwalks along Wanggoolba Creek with informative signage listing facts about the different flora and fauna growing on Fraser Island.

This brings you to the end of the tour. Take your vehicle back to the ferry station and catch the last ferry of the day. The last ferry of the day is silhouetted by the sunset against the water as you sail away from the island. I hope this guide helps you with your trip to Fraser Island. Are you planning on visiting sometime soon or have you been before? What are you looking forward to seeing or what was your favourite location? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

The post The Ultimate Guide to a Road Trip across Australia’s Fraser Island first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Sights & Attractions
2. Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens
3. The Sydney Opera House
4. The Blue Mountains
5. Jenolan Caves
6. Government House Sydney
7. Take a Visit around the Rocks
8. Walk the University of Sydney Campus
9. Street Art
10. Activities
11. Relax on the Sand of Bondi Beach
12. Swim in Ocean Pool
13. The Bondi to Coogee Boardwalk
14. Take a Visit to the Taronga Zoo
15. The Manly Ferry
16. Walk Across Harbour Bridge
17. Art Gallery of NSW
18. Surfing Lessons
19. Picnic at the Paddington Reservoir
20. Where to Eat!
21. Spice Alley's Asian Fusion Feast
22. Try the Local Cuisine at Paddy's Farmers Market
23. Party on Oxford Street
24. Sydney Fish Market
25. Sample Dozens of Dumplings at Din Tai Fung
26. NOMAD
27. Mecca Espresso
28. Good Time Artisan Ice Cream

Sights & Attractions

Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens

One of the first places I came after getting off the plane in Australia was to the Royal Botanic Gardens. There is something about wandering the green, tree-lined pathways and brightly coloured flower gardens which put me at ease and made the jetlag float away. Despite being a stone’s throw away from the centre of town, this place feels a mile away from the hustle and bustle. If you’ve never been to Australia before, this is also a wonderful place to get to know the different flora and fauna which dot the landscape. Keep your eye opens for the various birds which call this place home. Coming from North America, seeing wild cockatoos, parrots, wattlebird and lyrebirds is like stepping into another world.

The Sydney Opera House

On every postcard, every brochure, every travel guide and even every travel blog, you’ll find pictures of the Sydney Opera House. Even if you’re not a fan of opera, studying the building as an architectural masterpiece is a must for any Australian visitor. Designed by modern architect Jorn Utzon, it was created to resemble a set of opening ship sails in the shape of abstracted seashells. While the design has been somewhat divisive, you need to make your way down to the harbour to see it for yourself. It is now known as one of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century and facing out onto magnificent seaside there’s no better view in the city.

The Blue Mountains

An hour and a half north-west of Syndey are the stunning Blue Mountains. The first time I came here I couldn’t believe all this beauty could be found in Australia. When I first pictured Australia, I thought of desert landscapes with red rocks and golden sand. But the Blue Mountains are a lush panorama of brilliant green treetops, bright blue skies and sparkling waterfalls. If you’ve been looking to escape the city, this is the perfect day-trip. Standing atop the lookout point, you can study the Three Sisters rock formation, indulge in the various bakeries which serve locals and tourists alike, as well as the hike down the mountainside to explore the trails and waterfalls below.

Jenolan Caves

While you’ve made your way up to the Blue Mountains, be sure to stop by the Jenolan Caves. The caves contain stunning underground rivers, angelic limestone formations and ancient stalactites. The Jenolan caves require a guided tour ticket but the guides are well worth the price of admission as their fantastical storytelling abilities make the unmoving rocks, come to life.

Government House Sydney

In the midst of the busy city centre stands, what looks like an old castle. Built in 1846, less than a hundred years after Australia was colonized. The Government House in Sydney was home to Australia’s various Governors over the years but is now a museum. The building is so important due to the beautiful architecture. Its neo-gothic influences can be found along the walls, structure and in the art inside. While gothic architecture might not be what you think of when you this Australia, this is what is so wonderful about this country. It surprises you ar every corner.

Take a Visit around the Rocks

The Rocks was originally the first European settlement in Australia, established in 1788. While the first building erected here was made of thatch and wattle, some of the houses were made of local sandstone and still stand today. This small area of town is now a very popular tourist district but the history which lies in between the souvenir shops can still be found if you look closely enough. Visit Cadman’s cottage, the oldest residential house in Sydney, for a peek into the daily life of Australian’s in the 1800s. If you are someone with an affection for the macabre, you might consider taking a guided ghost tour of the Rocks after the sun goes down. While they might not be “scary” they are full of history about the darker sides of Australia and it’s criminal contingent.

Walk the University of Sydney Campus

While in the city centre, I implore you to take a walk around the University of Sydney. Founded in 1850, it has some of the most marvelous architecture in the entire city. Today, it is ranked as one of the top 10 most beautiful university in the world. Most of the buildings are open to the public, so you can wander around the hallways, courtyards and even food halls. The campus feels like Hogwarts in many ways since it’s design was inspired by many old English schools. The cafeteria serves up reasonably priced food since they’re for students, so if you’re looking for a bargain and a great place for a picnic, head on down here.

Street Art

Sydney, being a huge metropolitan city, is a hub for fantastical street art. And there is most definitely something about Australian art which I find absolutely compelling. Being so far removed from the rest of the world, they are both inspired by the west but also create something completely new for themselves since they don’t feel compelled to be like them. Most of this can be explored by taking the side streets instead of main roads. New pieces pop up every day and disappear just as quickly. So take leave of the main sights and see what you can discover off the beaten track!

Activities

Relax on the Sand of Bondi Beach

When you think Australia, you think of the beach. And the most iconic of all the beaches in Sydney is Bondi Beach. Many will argue there are more intimate, less touristy places to spend your time at but this beach is so popular for a reason. It’s way more than JUST a BEACH. Bondi is easily accessible by public transit so even if you’re not renting a car, you can make your way here with ease. The beach itself is nestled between two suburban landscapes, which dot the skyline with bursts of colour. Surrounding the beach are dozens of shops and food vendors selling iconic Australian grub to picnic with on the sands. The atmosphere is full of life and energy. So grab a towel and head into the water. But if you’re scared to get in the ocean this next point will be right up your alley.

Swim in Ocean Pool

An Ocean Pool? “Now, what’s that?” you might say. For many young children learning to swim, being thrown right into the ocean is a little daunting. So is braving waters where sharks are known to wander if you’re someone who is paranoid about that (although it’s very very rare.) These man-made pools are situated beside the sea and filled with ocean water. Entry to the pools is only $7 and well worth the price for peace of mind if you dream of swimming in the ocean, but too afraid of what creatures lie beneath. Bondi isn’t the only place where you can find these ocean pools but their is one of the most iconic.

 

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The Bondi to Coogee Boardwalk

Every time someone asks me what they should do while in Syndey, the first thing I tell them is to be sure to do this coastal walk. The Bondi to Coogee boardwalk takes you along the cliffside next to the ocean to see various parks, the famous Waverley Cemetery, many different scenic picnic spots and access to the best swimming holes in the city. The walk takes about 3 hours at a leisurely pace but if you want to stop at the various cafes and restaurants along the way you could easily spend the entire day out there. Be sure to bring hats and sunscreen since most of this area is uncovered.

 

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Take a Visit to the Taronga Zoo

While spending time at a zoo might seem like a strange “must-do” for any seasoned traveller, I would recommend it to everyone. Taronga Zoo is truly an incredible place with views across the bay to the cityscape of Sydney Harbour, a view unlike you’ll get anywhere else. The zoo is set along the cliffside and you walk up and down lush green pathways, where the animal exhibits seem nestled in naturally.

To get to the zoo, you have to take a ferry from Circular Quay, then a cable car up to the entrance of the zoo. Both of these modes of transportation are not just necessary but a beautiful tour of the city itself. Inside the zoo you’ll get to see many different animals unique to Australia like koalas, platypus’, and, of course, kangaroos. If you have a little bit of extra cash to splash out you can even stay overnight at the park in their Roar and Snore luxury tents situated atop the zoo where you’ll have the best view of Syndey this side of the harbour.

The Manly Ferry

The waterways of Sydney are home to dozens upon dozens of tour companies, willing to take tourists out for putters around the harbour. But if you’re looking for a scenic ride at a quarter of the price, jump on the Manly Ferry! You can ride the Ferry from Circular Quay down to Manly Terminal and despite it being nothing more than public transportation, the ride is an incredible way of taking in the sights of the city.

Walk Across Harbour Bridge

While some daredevils might want to take the Bridge walk to the extreme and climb across the top of the bridge, for the rest of us who are either too scared or too poor, a gentle stroll along the pedestrian walkway is still an iconic experience for anyone visiting Australia or Sydney for the first time. At night, the city lights up and if you look over to the north you can see the lights of Luna Park dazzling across the night sky.

Art Gallery of NSW

If you love art, you need to make your way to the Art Gallery of NSW. While the building is an impressive monument to Australian architecture and their collection of worldly’s artists is a pleasure to behold, the real gift of this place is its Australian collection. And for good reason. Blnded with historical, modern and indigenous artists, these painting and installations help you connect with the Australian culture and history in a way that is otherwise sometimes hard to understand.

 

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Surfing Lessons

My favourite place for Surf Lessons is Manly Surf School. Maybe I’m biased since it’s my favourite beach but Manly’s slightly less crowded waters also are great for learning to surf without constantly running into people like you would at Bondi. Lessons run here several times a day, in the busy seasons be sure to call to book in advance. You can just try it out for the day, or give it a whole weekend to see if you can master this very Australian endeavour. You can’t come back from a trip to Australia without someone asking you, “did you go surfing?!” and you want the answer to be “YES!”

 

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Picnic at the Paddington Reservoir

In the early 19th century, all of Sydney’s water reserves were supplied through the Paddington Reservoir. But as early as they were created, they were shut down due to industrial improvements in the distribution of water. The reservoir lay dormant for years until 2009 when the architecturally stunning reservoirs were transformed from forgotten history into an immaculate garden park for the public. You can now explore this treasure of Sydney’s past, traversing raised walkways, lunching on hidden picnic tables and simply getting lost in this incredible space.

 

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Where to Eat!

Spice Alley’s Asian Fusion Feast

Australia’s proximity to Asia results in some of the best Asian fusion restaurants the world over. And the best place to dig into this incredible cuisine can be found along Kensington street, along their self-titled “Spice Alley”. Spice Alley is made up of 18th-century historic townhomes and modern restaurants. The tiny laneway feels like hidden passageway. Hanging Chinese lanterns colour the skyline and the smells of Singapore pour out from the kitchen and onto the street. Many of the restaurants here spill out onto the streets on small patio tables so you can eat in the open and enjoy that Australian air!

 

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Try the Local Cuisine at Paddy’s Farmers Market

Strolling the aisles of a farmer’s market early in the morning, smelling the fresh produce, studying the foreign offerings and listening to the vendors scream out their daily specials is one of the best ways to start any day. Paddy’s Market is Sydney’s largest farmers markets open. It has been open for over 150 years now and houses over 1,000 stalls, so there is something for any appetite. If you’re looking for cheap souvenir this is also a great place to come since the stalls also sell fashions, accessories, home good and yes, souvenirs.

 

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Party on Oxford Street

If there is one thing that Australians do better than anyone else it’s partying! This country eternally put a smile on my face. Oxford Street is one of Sydney’s most vibrant neighbourhoods which still retains a ton of historical charm. It is the heart of gay and lesbian culture and as such has dozens of hip bars and restaurants that are often better options for tourists than the hard knock pubs of the inner city. Everyone here is so welcoming and friendly and if you happen to be here over Pride weekend, get ready for a wild ride! There are so many bars to hop in and out of along the street but my favourite is Pocket Bar. This hipster bar is filled with modern street art on the walls, vintage couches on the floor and some of the best cocktails in the city in your hand!

 

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Sydney Fish Market

Australia is surrounded on all sides by the ocean, so it should be no big surprise that seafood is one of its most vibrant industries. The Fish Market in Sydney was first established in 1945 and processes over 14,500 tonnes of seafood every year. While you might not be in the market for quite that much, the market also has dozens of different restaurants and cafes serving up the catch of the day. My favourite are the Oyster tasting flights where you can sample all different kinds of these molluscs until you find your absolute favourite!

 

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Sample Dozens of Dumplings at Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung originally opened up in Taipei, Taiwan and now their flagship location seats hundreds of people a day. Their proximity to Australia meant that once they began to expand internationally, Australia was one of their first locations outside Taipei. Now, there are three different locations just in Sydney, so clearly, the Aussie’s are a fan. Their long heralded xiao long bao, a soup dumpling filled with pork, is their keystone menu items and believe you me, you’ll need more than one order. No matter which location you try, there is usually a line but the smallish menu, and quick on their feet staff, means you’ll never have to wait longer than needed.

 

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NOMAD

Lots of people come up to me and ask what they should eat while they’re in Australia, and sometimes it’s hard to answer this question. Although there are a handful of things which are notoriously Australian it’s true that there are not as many iconic “meals” as you might find when travelling to Asia or even Europe. But what I DO tell them is it’s the ingredients which make all the difference in Australia. Australian lamb, their locally grown vegetables, wine pairings and fresh seafood all contribute to some of the best meals in the world, albeit not perhaps the most “foreign” food despite being halfway around the world. Nomad is one of the best examples of this with their seasonal menus using only local Australian ingredients to create some absolutely incredible dishes.

 

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Mecca Espresso

While I knew that beer was the national beverage of Australia, I had no idea that Australia had such a HUGE coffee culture. Even when I lived in student residence my housemates would make themselves frothed milk every morning for their coffee. Mecca Espresso is located right in the centre of the city, along historic King Street, but has a laid-back and cheerful atmosphere. I would love nothing more than to order a large cappuccino and sit on the patio to people watch all day long.

 

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Good Time Artisan Ice Cream

In the heat of Australia’s summer or even just a hot winter day, there is nothing better than a good ice cream cone. And when I say ‘good’, I mean ‘good times‘. Good Time Ice Cream is a next step up from regular ice cream. They offer decadent toppings and put a modern twist on traditional soft serve. My favourite offering is the “Ziggy Stardust” which is smoked vanilla bean ice cream topped with blackberry crispies, pop rocks, strawberry powder and gold dust stars. Fabulously instagrammable.

 

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Lay by the beach, eat and drink to your hearts content and wander the streets, whatever you do there’s fun to be found around every corner.

The post The Ultimate List of Things To Do in Sydney, Australia first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Sydney – Day One

Congratulations — you’ve arrived in Australia! Most flights from North America arrive early in the morning. Sydney is usually people’s first stop since it is both the most notable city in the country as well as the cheapest one to fly into. The day of your arrival is a good chance to take it easy, but still, push yourself to move around and try to fight the jet lag. Drop off your stuff at the hotel or Airbnb, take a shower (an essential part of waking up after a long flight) and go for a relaxing walk or bike ride around the city. The best place to start off is at Circular Quay.

Circular Quay is the most picturesque harbour in Sydney. Nearby you’ll find the Sydney Opera House, historic waterfront shops, views of the Harbour Bridge, and lots of ferries puttering about. If you have the energy, jump on a boat and take a one-hour harbour tour. It will give you an idea of the size and scope of this great city.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

If you don’t feel like a ride on the water, opt for a stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Opened in 1816, it is considered the oldest scientific institution in Australia and one of the most important historic botanical institutions in the world. The gardens span 30 hectares along the water and are the perfect place to take in all the new Australian sites and sounds.

Another great way to get a highlight tour of Sydney is to rent a bike. I’ve heard that some light cycling is the best way to combat jet lag. Pick up a bike from one of the dozens of companies around Circular Quay and noodle around the city, exploring whatever catches your eye. Before you know it, you’ll need to call it a day. Try to push yourself to stay up as late as you can, but an early bedtime will give your body the rest it needs for a great second day in the city!

Sydney – Day Two

Start your morning off with a visit to the Sydney Fish Market. This spot has an excellent patio along the water and you can taste local oysters for only $1. Despite the low price, it’s some of the best seafood in the world. They have plenty of local specialities and the view is unbeatable. Going in the morning is ideal since it gets incredibly busy during the day.

Since it’s only your second day on the other side of the world, let’s try to take it easy. Take the Metro over to Bondi Beach. What better way to get acquainted with the Australian way of life than to relax on a beach? The morning is the best time to arrive since it’s not as hot and you can nab the best spot on the sand. Don’t miss a chance to swim in the ocean pools, as well as, you know, the actual ocean. If you’re feeling up for it, you can also take a surf lesson. Walk up to any of the surf shops along the opposite side of the water to get a spot in the next class. Day-of reservations are almost always available except during extremely busy season. Best to go when they first open to secure your booking.

After lounging on the beach and perhaps grabbing a quick bite to eat, take the Bondi to Coogee Boardwalk hike. It’s more of a walk than an intense hike, but easily one of the most scenic routes you can stroll in the city. Lasting approximately two to three hours (depending how many stops you make and how fast your pace), the path along the coastal boardwalk takes you through stunning ocean views, secret beaches, cliffside parks, the famous Waverly Cemetery, as well as various cafes and restaurants if you need a pit stop. At the end of the walk, Coogee beach is the perfect spot for a spectacular dinner with a view.

Sydney – Day Three

If you have kids or are interested in Australian flora and fauna, checking out the Taronga Zoo is a must. To get there, you can take the ferry across the water (which provides remarkable views of the harbour). It’s one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. The layout and design of the space is fabulous. Officially opened as a zoo in 1916, this spot still has much of its historical landscaping and architecture, making it feel like you’ve stepped back to when the English settlers first came to this sunburnt country. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the various animals in Australia — the good, the bad and the ugly.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

After the zoo, take a walk across the Sydney Harbor Bridge, an icon of the city. It is over 48 meters wide and 134 meters tall. There are two ways of getting across. The simplest and FREE way is simply to walk along it. While this might seem tedious, it is an excellent way to see the city on all sides and is notably less precarious. But if you’re brave enough (and don’t mind forking over $150) you can climb to the top of the bridge. In addition to the cardio workout, you will also be given a guide that will tell you all about the history of the bridge and Sydney itself. While my preference is to save the money, there are plenty who have loved this experience, so it’s really up to you!

If you still have some time and want to visit another beach, ride the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. It’s got golden sands and a refreshingly cool ocean breeze. This charming coastal town is ripe with trendy restaurants and cafes. A great place to shop if you’re looking for some Australian inspired fashions or a pair of Havaianas sandals (or as the Aussies say, “thongs”.)

Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves – Day Four

The Blue Mountains are about 2 1/4 hours away from the centre of Sydney, but well worth the trek. You can take the train out to Katoomba Station or rent a car for the day. The range is comprised of various mountains, plateaux, and escarpments. The most iconic formation is the ‘Three Sisters’ which towers over the lush, green Jamison Valley. Take time to walk along the lookout and then head down the stairs to hike along the basin. You’ll see some of the most beautiful waterfalls that provide the much-needed water to keep those trees so green!

After grabbing something to eat in Katoomba, head over to the Jenolan Caves. Made of limestone, these are considered the most ancient discovered open caves in the world. The calcite formations inside are one of the biggest draws. They can be bright white and look almost like marble carvings. One is shaped like the closed wing of an angel (incredible to see such a thing formed by nature). During your guided tour, the calcite structures are artistically lit up to accentuate their beauty. In the middle of the caves, your guide will turn off all the lights for one minute so you can appreciate the overwhelming silence and darkness which naturally kept all these shapes hidden for generations.

The Hunter Vallery – Day Five

The Hunter Valley is known for its award-winning wineries and quiet countryside atmosphere. It’s only a two-hour drive north of Sydney, so you can rent a car and make a day of it! There are hundreds of wineries to visit and really, it doesn’t matter which ones you try. They each have their speciality. Unless you’re a sommelier, you’ll have a great experience wherever you go.

Audrey Wilkinson Winery is known for being the most picturesque winery in the valley. Brokenwood Winery is a must for chardonnay lovers. Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard has one of the most exquisite gardens and an ancient cellar. Meerea Park Wines has a unique sandstone tasting cottage and unusually spicy reds. If you’re feeling indulgent and want to stay overnight, many of the wineries feature accommodations and luxury spas.

Fraser Island – Day Six and Seven

It’s time to say goodbye to New South Whales and head up north to Queensland. Fly out to the small, seaside town of Hervey Bay. From here you can rent a 4×4 and catch the ferry over to Fraser Island. Before you leave, be sure to stop by a grocery store and stock up on food and drinks for your camping adventure on the island. There are a few restaurants on Fraser, but they are either mediocre or somewhat costly. Plus having the freedom to eat anywhere your heart guides you is part of the fun! On the Ferry ride over, be sure to keep your eye out for whales since many can be spotted on this stretch of water.

K’gari (the aboriginal word for Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world! Yes, that’s right, the entire island is made of sand. But unlike what you might expect, it is incredibly lush! The island is filled with rainforests, eucalyptus woodland, mangrove forests, peat swamps, dunes, and green shrublands.

Accomodation on Fraser Island

On Fraser Island, you can book pre-assembled tents so you won’t have to rent or buy camping equipment. Sunset and sunrise are unreal, so planning a meal on the beach around that time is fantastic. They talk about the island having dingos aplenty, but no one I knew ever saw one. There are spiders though, so be sure to check your shoes before putting them on! Despite its natural beauty, many people don’t make it out here. At times you feel like you have the entire place to yourself. Your own private island.

Spend your days visiting the Maheno shipwreck site, swimming in the champagne pools, hiking the sands to picturesque Lake McKenzie, fishing along the Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and floating down Eli Creek, the island’s natural lazy river.

Townsville/Magnetic Island – Day Eight and Nine

Try to head out early in the morning and catch a short flight from Fraser Island up to Townsville. Many people opt to visit the famous city of Cairns, but I prefer Magnetic Island. It gives you that small town/island experience. Take the ferry from Townsville over to the island where you can stay at one of the world’s best hostels or some impressive Airbnb’s.

While on Magnetic Island, you can visit a koala sanctuary and have brunch alongside these pretty creatures. You can also opt for a hike up to visit the old WWII forts. Check out the Arthur Bay Lookout trail where you can see wild koalas along the path. Horses make their home here and you can book a tour here which will take you into the waters on horseback. A unique and thrilling experience.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef

You can also catch a boat from the Magnetic Bay harbour. It will take you two hours out into the ocean to go scuba diving or snorkelling and see the most amazing fish and coral reef. Queensland is where the reef is the most stunning. I got hugely seasick on the ocean waters, but even despite that, the snorkelling was one of the best experiences in my life. If you are afraid of being that far out in the ocean, you can always just snorkel off the beach on one of Magnetic Island’s many offshore reefs. The fish aren’t as big and the coral not as bright, but it’s still an incredible experience.

While on the island, there are these little “cars” that you can rent. There’s a local bus that can get you around just fine, but it isn’t super frequent, so these open roof cars are a great option and fun to drive. They can help you get out to the remote spots much faster than the bus.

Daintree National Park – Day Ten

Whether you’re staying on Magnetic Island or in Cairns, make a point to take a day trip out to visit the Daintree Rainforest. It’s a bit of a trek to get out there, but well worth the travel time. You can either rent a car for the day or join one of the many tour buses which leave daily from Cairns. The Daintree rainforest is a national park and is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. You can visit the Mossman Gorge amd take a refreshing swim in the waterfall basin. There is also a retro cable ferry which will take you over the oldest parts of the rainforest. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, opt to take a stroll along the boardwalk to see if you can spot native wildlife relaxing in the treetops.

Melbourne – Day Eleven

Fly from Cairns back down to Melbourne to see the state of Victoria. The reason I suggest doing this is that you’re much closer to Syndey (most likely your return airport) on the tail end of your trip. Melbourne is a bustling city and a great contrast to the laid back living on Magnetic Island. The best way to see Melbourne is by bike. You can explore so much of the city in a short period. The architecture in the city ranges from old world to neo-modern, changing at every corner. The most impressive building is the golden yellow Flinders Street Ballroom.

Melbourne Street Art

Be sure to wind your way down side alleys and hidden corners to check out the impressive street art that Melbourne is well-known for. Great food is plentiful here and if you’re sick of camp grub, now is your chance to make a reservation at one of Australia’s top restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Victoria, The Great Ocean Road – Day Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen

After a day of city living, it’s time to hit the road one final time. This time to travel to the Great Ocean Road. You can easily do it on a one or two-day bus tour from the city which is relaxed and carefree. While the bus is the simplest way of seeing the Great Ocean Road, it is not the most personal. You can feel like cattle being shipped on and off the vehicle with the rest of the herd. I would opt for renting a car or campervan (a popular option) and driving it yourself. You can choose the pace, the destinations and, best of all, stay at some of the most picturesque campsites in the entire world. Most driving routes recommend 72 hours which I think is a good estimate to fit everything in without running yourself into the ground.

Twelve Apostles

You’ll drive to see the iconic Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park. Stop off at a Kangaroo preserve to feed the big and little fellas. Make a point to take a walk into Mait’s Rest rainforest. If you have kids or love animals, stop off at The Nobbies on Phillip Islandwhere you can see hundreds of tiny penguins. This breed of penguins can only be found in Australia. The little critters have made homes along Phillip Island where you can see them hopping in and out as they bring food in from the ocean.

Sitting on the edge of Victoria’s limestone cliffs at sunset is the perfect way to spend one of your last nights in Australia. Time to reflect on your favourite moments, your most memorable culinary treats, and those one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll talk about for years to come.

This itinerary is a great way to get you started. Feel free to customise it based on your travel wishes. The overwhelming size of the country often makes people feel just as overwhelmed in the planning, so it’s nice to have a starting point. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you’re bound to have one of the greatest times of your life. Don’t stress about missing out or not making it to a particular place. Leaving something behind just means more of a reason to return.

Share your favourite Australian destinations with me!

The post Discover the Best of Australia in Two Weeks: Your Ultimate Itinerary for a Memorable Trip first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.