Travel news: spring 2024
Nola James gives us the low down on the latest travel adventures around Tasmania.
Scandi-inspired getaway
This Swedish-style tiny home in Tasmania’s northeast was designed with both solo escapes and romantic relaxing in mind. Just 15 minutes’ drive from Derby, the terracotta-hued wood cabin features a loft bed (with skylights for stargazing), a bathroom with shower and soaking tub, and a full kitchen. A cushioned window seat is the perfect spot to take fika (a Swedish tea break), warm yourself by the crackling fire or admire uninterrupted bush vistas.
A cheery new cafe
The team behind cafe/modern Australian eatery Farzi has opened Happy Larry, a sandwich shop at 59-63 Liverpool Street, Hobart. Bread and pastries are sourced from Six Russell Bakes; fillings range from chicken schnitzel with slaw to a beef bolognese and three-cheese bechamel number.
Sauna and safari in style
Swan River Sanctuary is hidden deep within Riversdale Farm, an 850-acre regenerative ranch on Tasmania’s East Coast. The opulent three-bedroom lodge sleeps six and boasts river views, an open fireplace and full kitchen. Optional extras range from unlimited use of the woodfired sauna to a safari-style stay replete with activities: fishing in the Swan River, bird watching in the Moulting Lagoon conservation area and cattle droving on the farm, plus helicopter transfers and a private chef.
Palawa connection
Join palawa man Allan Mansell for a Tasmanian history and Indigenous culture tour at Hobart’s Henry Jones Art Hotel. Mansell, a local artist celebrated for his sustainable printmaking, has created a new work in honour of the experience, Before and After, which represents nipaluna/Hobart before European arrival. The limited-edition prints are only available to those who attend the experience.
Credit: Olivia Sattler
Credit: Jarrad Seng
Top award for Silo
Launceston’s Peppers Silo Hotel has been named Tasmania’s first hotel to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification by Ecotourism Australia, a non-profit tourism body. This means the hotel meets internationally recognised sustainability standards that encompass environmental, cultural and community concerns. Key initiatives for the hotel include increased use of solar energy and an ongoing commitment to local sourcing for its award-winning restaurant, Grain of the Silos.
Three to try - wildlife encounters
Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary - Meet wombats, devils and quolls at this not-for-profit conservation sanctuary, which offers guided tours and full-day workshops.
Bicheno Penguin Tours - At this private rookery on rehabilitated farmland, you can see penguins in their natural habitat and learn how they can be protected.
Raptor Refuge - Learn about Tasmania’s majestic birds of prey at Raptor Refuge, with tours and experiences supporting conservation efforts.
Credit: Prime Perspectives