Tassie's tourism secret

Tassie's tourism secret

What is the problem that Tasmanian Tourism authorities talk about in hushed tones and candid off-the-record statements?

The summit of Mt Wellington, Tas. Too boring for some?

On a recent visit to Hobart I overheard a comment that I've heard several times before from people in the Tasmanian tourism industry.
"There's nothing to do in Hobart".
Bear in mind that this is usually expressed by people who love both Tassie and tourism, but are searching for ways to increase the length of time (and amount of money) people spend in Hobart. Usually the comment is accompanied by "apart from the bushwalkers". Bushwalkers, it seems, get out of Hobart's CBD pretty quick, and find plenty of ways to enjoy what is truly one of our most consistently beautiful parts of the country. Everytime I go to Tassie I am blown away anew by its devastatingly handsome features – its lush gorges, rainforests, sodden wind-swept plains, remote beaches and icy peaks. But I am a bushwalker, so perhaps I'm not the sort of person who needs to be convinced.
Admittedly Hobart, and perhaps all of Tassie, is a place that you can go to in order to slow down a bit and breathe again. It doesn't have crazy theme parks or traffic jams outside major attractions. And that's a bloody good thing, I think.
However, for those who are looking for "something to do" in Hobart though, I thought I'd give a few ideas, based on this latest and other trips.

1. Whisky tasting

Tasting at Larks Distillery.

Tassie's single-malt whiskies are now declared the best in the world. Yes, we are beating the Scots at their own game. I used to detest whisky (thinking it tasted like petrol) until I was convinced to try a single malt scotch. Suddenly I understood what the fuss was about. Apart from all the great pubs around Hobart's wharf area, there is a brilliant place to start developing your appreciation of whisky, at the Larks Distillery cellar door, bar and tasting area. Pick up a tasting palette, consisting of four half nips, for $25 and sip carefully, and you'll notice the subtle differences.

2. Go kayaking

You can either do a gentle 2.5-hour paddle around the Hobart waterfront, including a fish-and-chip meal served in your kayak, or if you're after more adventure, go on a full-day kayaking tour to the Tasman Peninsula with Roaring 40s Kayaking. Either way, a great experience on the water.

3. Eat fresh local produce to your stomach's content

I was reminded on this latest trip just how good Tassie's fresh produce is - particularly the seafood. Pick up a whole bunch of fresh fruit and veggies, or special foodstuffs such as mead or a Tasmanian scallop pie, at Salamanca Market on a Saturday morn. Then work out which of the many excellent restaurants, pubs or cafes you want to dine in. I can definitely recommend Mezethes Greek Tavern in Salamanca Place, and, slightly out of the main city area, towards the casino, The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, which was surprisingly inexpensive for somewhere with great water views, good food, and a little fire.

4. MONA

Inside MONA, including giant work by Sidney Nolan, Snake.

Yes, the museum of sex and death as it is known is well known worldwide now as a "must-do" in Hobart and . The art is confrontational, objectionable and incredibly clever, and the extraordinary underground gallery is like a dark maze where you just randomly almost bump into various art works. Take a boat from the wharf area, rather than driving there - the fare is worth the relaxing trip up and down the Derwent.

The Derwent River

5. Go for a walk

I know, we were looking for alternatives to walking, but it really is a great town to wander around. The wharf area is particularly interesting, and you'll find a few treasures along there, such as the new(ish) Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, which is only $12 to enter and is right next door to Larks Distillery, as well as other little art galleries and museums. The Botanical Gardens are particularly beautiful, and you can extend a walk there by tromping through the vast Domain area. Or take the drive part way, or all the way, up the winding road on Mt Wellington. In the winter months you're almost guaranteed to find some snow and freezing conditions. There's an amazing network of trails with walks to explore many of the mountains natural treasures, rather than just doing what most people do (which is spending about 10 minutes at the top looking at the incredible view, then driving down again).

And of course, if you have a car and start heading a bit out of town, well... there's a whole gorgeous state out there to enjoy...
See you on the track.
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