It was not all that long ago that most of Australians considered Tasmania as the small island which mainland maps forgot. Though little in size, Tasmania is full of farm-fresh home grown produce in addition to absolutely stunning scenery, and in the past few decades it has truly elevated itself and most certainly taken on the other states of Australia as a truly genuine tourism hotspot. Aided in part to a developing melange of boutique hotels, excellent restaurants alongside the gem of the Tassie crown — the Museum of Old and New Art otherwise known as Mona, it is safe to say even a flying trip Hobart is sufficient to prove there is more to the small island than meets the eye.
Not only has the new Museum of Old and New Art added another dimension to the tourism and culture of Tasmania, so has the increased amount of luxury accommodation in Tasmania.
See
No first-time excursion Into Hobart is complete without a stopover at a few of the city’s most enigmatic and curious main attractions. In only seven short years, Mona has singlehandedly stimulated a feeling of world-class sophistication to the capital city of Tasmania, as a result of the single-minded drive and motivation by its extremely wealthy owner David Walsh. Bursting with curiosities of sound and sight, Mona’s mix of modern and daring art is sufficient to pique the attention of the staunchest uninformed viewer. Sit beneath James Turrell’s larger-than-life exterior instalment ‘Amarna’, have a look at the controversial wall of personal female anatomy and Brett Whiteley’s ‘The Naked Studio’ situated with the primary collection; or examine one of the passing exhibitions which David Walsh brings into the gallery every year. Mona is an immersive and captivating adventure to say the least.
Eat
You will pay a visit to Mona for the artwork and architecture but remain for the share plates and Tasmanian wine in the adjoining bar and cafe Faro. Situated in the newest wing of the galleryl (a distance which sits in stunning style, directly on the water’s edge), it is possible to float on locally produced Tasmanian food and wine when enjoying the James Turrell installation ‘Unseen Seen’, one of the other stunners from Turrell, Richard Wilson and Randy Polumbo.
Do
Another great option for food and accommodation that is well worth the panoramic view and near two-hour drive
North of Hobart is Tasmania’s Piermont Hotel. Located just 3km south of Swansea, the Piermont Hotel is located on Tasmania’s magnificent east shore and plays host to expansive views of the Fantastic Oyster Bay. More of a posh, carefully furnished
rural homestead as opposed to the usual resort, Piermont presents quaint, sustainably developed rooms along with the Homestead Restaurant, which works on a seasonal menu with meals sourced from local farmers. The five-course degustation is enough to give you an alluring snippet of the area’s exceptional produce — from freshly caught oysters to Rannoch Farm Quail.
Stay
Do not be fooled From the Apple-inflected title, MACq01 is Tasmania’s classiest response in providing boutique hotels in Hobart. Settled at the center of Hobart’s scenic waterfront, the resort’s prime vantage point can provide its visitors with an uninterrupted view of the River Derwent and the neighbouring township. Boasting 114 spacious rooms, every area’s interior design was affected by a Ta
smanian personality. While there are many amazing culinary choices that are within walking distance from MACq01, you would do well not to skip a cocktail on the deck of the Story Bar plus a meal in the Old Wharf Restaurant, run by head chef Simon Pockran.
