Travel news: Winter 2024
Nola James gives us the low down on the latest travel adventures around Tasmania.
Mini break
The Bruny Islander – three stylish micro-cabins on Bruny’s south island – offers the perfect retreat for solo travellers or couples. The studio-size spaces each feature a well-stocked kitchenette, plush two seater sofa and queen bed. The apartments sit side by side and share access to a deck that doubles as a wallaby-viewing platform. As an added bonus, it’s within walking distance to Bruny Island Premium Wines, one of the island’s better dining experiences.
Made in Bicheno
Bicheno Brewing has moved into The Farm Shed, which operates as a central cellar door for the East Coast’s 20+ wineries. Beers are made on site – watch the brewers work as you sip the latest creations, poured to order from rotating taps, or drop in to pick up a few tinnies to take home.
World heritage luxury
Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain has $20 million worth of new facilities, with a recent cash injection adding 30 new cabins, including a luxury option, to the heritage-listed national park. Rates start at $45 a night to pitch a tent, with rates from $320 a night for a hotel-style premium mountain cabin with kitchenette, soaking tub and heated floors.
Night life
With a 3am licence, Launceston’s new laneway spot, Reggie, promises good times until the wee hours.
“We’ve been calling it a late-night social club,” says co-owner Luke Tucker of the Studio-54-inspired bar, which spills out into the laneway for a beer garden vibe. For now, it’s DJs until late, with a band room (and live bands) on the way. Matt Adams of nearby Timbre Kitchen is consulting on the food offering, which will be ready by summer.
School's in
In Tassie’s north-east, the 100-year-old Winnaleah Hotel has been transformed into an artist’s retreat by the founders of Artable, which hosts workshops, classes and retreats around Australia for amateur artists. And while the 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom hotel is reserved for creative pursuits, all are welcome at the pub, which dishes up pizzas and burgers Wednesday to Saturday.
Three to try - historic cinemas
The Paragon Theatre - The Paragon Theatre in Queenstown, built in 1933, doubles as a live music venue. Self-guided tours are available on weekdays from 10am.
State Cinema - See arthouse films in historic sandstone surrounds at Hobart’s State Cinema, which screened its first feature in 1913.
The Star Theatre - This art deco cinema in Invermay, Launceston, operated from 1937 to 1969, and was restored to its original glory in 2018.
Credit: Bruce Davis