Brought to you by Spirit of Tasmania
Anyone else feel like you’d love to hit the Pause button on life right about now?
What is it about this time of year? I’ve said it before: November is the new December. It feels like we should all be slowing down, yet things just seem to keep speeding up.
Which is exactly why a trip to Tasmania couldn’t have come at a better time for us.
Neither of us had ever been to Tassie before and it’s been on our Must Visit List for a while now, so when the team at Spirit of Tasmania asked us if we wanted to set sail to the Apple Isle, you can bet we said “heck yeah!” faster than I can add a new pair of shoes to cart.
And you know what? It ended up being one of the loveliest times away we’ve ever had. It forced us to slow down, be in the moment together and appreciate having some time for just the two of us. Plus it’s an incredibly beautiful place with plenty of amazing food, wine and scenery to enjoy.
Here’s our itinerary for a romantic holiday in Tasmania…
Getting There: Spirit of Tasmania
We hopped a quick flight from Adelaide to Melbourne in order to catch the Spirit of Tasmania (from Port Melbourne). Excitement built as we boarded the impressive vessel and watched the cars and caravans making their way to the vehicle decks.
It’s worth noting that if you take your car, you can leave your luggage locked inside it and bring an overnight bag up to your cabin with you. If you’re a ‘foot passenger’ like us, we opted to keep our suitcases with us, though you can also check your luggage in if you prefer and just take a carry-on bag with you.
We stayed in a Four Bed Porthole Private Cabin for both journeys. It has its own ensuite, desk and chair and also hanging space for your clothes. It was fine for the two of us, but I personally think it’s a better option for a family. Next time, we’ll be booking ourselves a Deluxe Cabin, just so we can share the queen bed together. Though having said that, the husband claims he had the best sleep he’s had in ages, so I guess the jury’s still out…!
After unpacking, it was time to explore the ship.
The vessels underwent a major refurbishment in 2015, with the interiors completely redesigned and it’s obvious a lot of thought and care was put into the renovations. It’s light, bright, spacious and modern.
With sailing time of between 9-11 hours, there’s plenty of time to enjoy all of the facilities on board and there is literally something for everyone:
Tasmanian Market Kitchen (TMK) is a casual self-service buffet style restaurant with delicious dinner and dessert options as well as a good selection of wines to choose from.
There are 3 bars to frequent – Bar 7 is a relaxed pub option, the Terrace Bar Lounge is modern and features live music, and the Top Deck Lounge has deck chairs to kick back on and is also located near the Kids Play Area.
Speaking of the Kids Play Area (which is an awesome indoor playground for littlies), there’s also an option for the bigger kids – the Game Zone – which has a variety of arcade games to keep them entertained.
And finally, there are 2 Cinemas on board which show several movies for both kids and adults throughout the journey.
By this stage though, we were completely exhausted and after an extremely satisfying dinner from TMK of salmon and veggies (and a cheeky slice of chocolate cake), we decided it was time to hit the hay.
Before we knew it, it was time to disembark in Devonport…
Day 1: Devonport → Hobart
After collecting our car (kindly loaned to us by Spirit of Tasmania), we headed for the hills… Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Café, that is!
A hearty breakfast accompanied by some delicious raspberry and mint tea, and a wander around the beautiful grounds of the café were just what our early morning called for. And a little local insider knowledge helped us decide what to do next. The lovely ladies of the café alerted us to the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail – a food and wine trail consisting of 19 different venues featuring the finest produce Tasmania’s North West region has to offer.
With that in mind and a map in our hands, we bought ourselves a jar of raspberry jam and some pepperberry relish before hitting the road to our next destination…
You can’t go to Tasmania and not eat salmon, am I right?!
So we decided to visit 41° South Tasmania – a salmon farm, ginseng nursery and wetlands.
After a warm welcome from resident farm dog, George we headed inside for a tasting of both their salmon and ginseng products. Our personal favourites were the hot smoked salmon, smoked salmon rillettes and 41° South Ginseng spice blend (which we ended up buying and bringing home with us).
We took a self-guided tour of the grounds, which included feeding the salmon, checking out the onsite waterfall and wandering through the wetlands, before hopping back in the car and making our way down the middle of Tasmania.
A lunch stop in Oatlands broke up our drive and after a walk up and down the main street, we settled on e.sense & The Woodfired Bakery Café.
While we waited for our lunch and coffees, we sampled their beautiful herbal teas and also their range of olive oil skincare.
Feeling full and refreshed, we hit the road.
One final stop before we drove into Hobart came highly recommend by many of you that hang out over on my Facebook page…
Puddleduck Vineyard.
A super cute cellar door bursting with colour and personality, we enjoyed a tasting of their (amazing!) wines before taking a glass of bubbles outside to sit and sip in the glorious sunshine.
There were birthday parties, baby showers, and families all relaxing in the beautiful grounds, and it’s not hard to see why this was such a popular recommendation.
As much as we wanted to stay and enjoy the scenery (and another glass of vino), we also wanted to reach our ultimate destination for the day.
Driving into the city of Hobart was a fabulous moment. We were struck by the beauty of the water all around and the city itself.
Checking into our fantastic accommodation for the night – Salamanca Wharf Hotel – we knew we’d struck gold, not only with our apartment but also with the staff.
Our apartment was bright and modern and decked out to the nines – I’m talking a full sized bath in the bedroom, two flat screen TVs, supremely comfortable king sized bed, coffee machine and one of the best showers I’ve ever had in a hotel.
After unpacking, we headed down to reception where we were given several recommendations for drinks and dinner spots from the super helpful concierge, before we set off on foot to explore the wharf.
We enjoyed a drink at Adrift (literally located right on the water) and watched the MONA ferry sailing in and out, which was quite the sight.
After freshening up, it was time for dinner.
The number one dinner spot recommended to us by the concierge was Rockwall Bar + Grill.
Boy was he spot on!
We began our meal with the Mixed Dozen Oyster Platter, which features freshly shucked Bruny Island oysters prepared 4 ways – natural, Hendriks (with Hendriks gin, cucumber and dill), Tokyo (wasabi and pickled ginger) and Kilpatrick. Safe to say we’ll be recreating the Hendriks style of oysters at home this summer!
For mains, the husband had the Huon Tasmanian Salmon with jasmine rice, greens and nam jim broth, while I enjoyed the Seafood and Chorizo Hotpot with tomato broth and steamed rice.
After seeing plate after plate of dessert pass us by, we decided it would be criminal not to at least share one, so we opted for the sticky date pudding. To. Die. For!
Full to the brim, it had been a massive first day in Tasmania, so it was time to get some much needed sleep…
Day 2: Hobart → Launceston
Day 2 began with an incredible breakfast at the Salamanca Wharf Café (located on the ground floor of the hotel) before we packed up the car and headed off on our next adventure.
On the recommendation of the lovely Sam from Rockwall and many others, we decided to drive up the east coast to get to Launceston and visit Freycinet National Park – home to the stunning Wineglass Bay Lookout – on the way.
After a bit of a drive, we decided to fuel up before our big climb in the town of Swansea, and lunch at Artifakt Gallery and Café was just the ticket. We highly recommend the chicken panini with homemade pesto. Delish!
Freycinet National Park features granite mountains surrounded by sapphire coloured bays and white sandy beaches.
The trek up to the Wineglass Bay Lookout is a tiny bit challenging in some parts, but there are plenty of spots to stop and rest along the way. And the view? Spectacular.
There are also other activities you can do within Freycinet National Park, including trekking the entire length of the Freycinet Peninsula (which apparently takes 3 days), beach strolls, swimming and wildlife spotting. You can even stay at Freycinet Lodge, a luxury eco lodge overlooking the beautiful blue waters of Great Oyster Bay.
After a decent workout, we’d worked up a thirst and called in to Milton Vineyard for a tasting.
Once again we were left supremely impressed by Tassie wines and received yet another enthusiastic canine welcome – this time from Frank, the kelpie.
Worth trying are the two dessert wines, even if you’re not a ‘sticky’ fan. The Iced Gewurtztraminer (sweet but not sickly) and the Iced Riesling (a lighter style dessert wine), both of which go well with fresh fruit, dessert and soft or sharp cheeses.
By late afternoon, we reached Launceston and checked into our lovely apartment at TwoFourTwo Boutique Apartments.
It honestly felt like coming home! It was so nice to have a lounge area, fully equipped kitchen, magnificent bathroom and a master bedroom. Our particular apartment – The Bakehouse – also had a second bedroom on the mezzanine level and a cute little courtyard that even had its own BBQ.
A quick pizza around the corner was as big as our dinner plans got that evening before retiring on the couch back at our apartment with a cup of tea.
Day 3: Launceston → Stanley
Waking up in Launceston, the husband hit the gym while I went for a brisk walk around the neighbourhood. We decided to make the most of our apartment by cooking ourselves a hearty breakfast and enjoying a freshly made coffee before packing up and hitting the road.
Next stop: Cataract Gorge.
It’s incredible to think this little piece of wilderness is a short drive from the city centre. It’s so incredibly serene and beautiful and we enjoyed spending our morning wandering around, catching the chairlift back and forth, and admiring the spectacular peacocks and sweet little wallabies wandering around the grounds.
By this stage it was early afternoon and time to visit another winery recommended to us…
Josef Chromy Wines.
Hands down, this was an absolute highlight of the trip. It wasn’t hard to see why the winery had just won best cellar door in Tasmania: the grounds are absolutely stunning. And we can also vouch that the wines are exquisite and the food is superb.
A couple of hours spent here wasn’t nearly enough – next time we will be making sure to book ourselves in for a long, long, long lunch!
Once again, it was time to move on and drive to our final destination: the quaint little coastal town of Stanley.
Originally built in 1843 as the VDL Company Store, was our stunning heritage bluestone accommodation – @ VDL Stanley.
Comprising of only 3 luxurious suites, the hotel has an intimate and exclusive feel. The entire property is decorated to perfection and the lobby is a fabulous spot to read a book or do as we did after dinner – enjoy a game (or two) of chess!
Speaking of dinner, too much Tasmanian seafood just wasn’t enough for us and we decided to dine at Xanders on Church.
After an amazing (and generous) entrée of pork belly, the husband and I both ordered the Stanley Seafood Sampler for mains. Consisting of all fresh and local seafood, including crayfish chowder, cocktail abalone, scallops, calamari and octopus. To say it was delicious would be an absolute understatement!
A perfect end to yet another great day in Tasmania.
Day 4: Stanley → Devonport
Stirring to the sounds of the shore a mere 20 metres from your window is a very pleasant way to wake up, I’ve gotta say!
After a wander around the bay, we walked up to grab some breakfast at Moby Dicks Breakfast Bar. We both ordered and enjoyed the BLT and I was pleasantly surprised to be able to order a coffee with almond milk.
Seeing as we didn’t have to be back in Devonport to return the car and check in until 5pm, we decided to do a bit of driving and visit a few more spots on the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.
Taking the coastal route, we then decided to stop for lunch in the town of Ulverstone and settled upon Pier01 Restaurant and Bar, located on the Leaven River.
Such a great spot! The service is attentive, the menu is well rounded and the food is fantastic. The husband enjoyed the Wagyu Whisky Beef Burger, which he said was flavoursome and filling (but not uncomfortably so) and I had the Fish & Chips which were light and delicious and came with a really lovely side salad.
Our next stop was one of those hidden gems you’re glad you took a chance on…
Cradle Coast Olives.
Pulling into the property, we were warmly greeted by owners, Carol and Tony.
Boutique producers of high quality olive oil, they are salt of the earth people who clearly love what they do and take immense pride in their product.
After a tasting of their 4 styles of olive oil which went something like this: “Oh, let me just try that one again. And that one. Actually, I’m not sure which one’s my favourite! Let me go again…” we were then given a tour of the press and discovered how olive oil is made, before finally decided to buy the Cradle Coast Medley oil to take home with us.
Our last stop on the trail was a sweet treat we’d gotten a taste of the night before thanks to a gorgeous little dessert tray delivered to us courtesy of the owners of @ VDL.
The House of Anvers is a chocolate lover’s paradise!
Not only can you take a free self-guided tour of the chocolate museum, but you can also view the staff hard at work creating chocolates, truffles, pralines, fudges and more.
We then hit the shop where we tried a few samples – because too much chocolate is never enough – and bought some cappuccino fudge before hitting the road for the final time.
Heading Home: Spirit of Tasmania
On our homeward journey, we decided to take full advantage of everything the ship has to offer!
We kicked off our evening with a drink, followed by yet another fantastic dinner from TMK (we both had the roast and veggies). We then made our way to the Terrace Lounge Bar to enjoy an acoustic set of live music before hotfooting it to Cinema 2 to catch the 10pm screening of The Intern starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. Such a great movie!
By this stage it was nearly midnight and time for bed. I felt like I’d just closed my eyes and dozed off before I was suddenly woken by the announcement that we would be disembarking in 45 minutes. Talk about a sound night’s sleep!
Our dreamy Tasmanian holiday was over and it was time to head home.
Why sail to Tasmania?
If you’re anything like us, we lost our childlike excitement for airports and airplanes a long time ago. My husband travels interstate for work a couple of times a month and I do a fair bit of travelling up too. The thought of flying is about the same as catching a taxi – it seems a little standard these days.
Boarding Spirit of Tasmania was a brand new experience for us.
Neither of us had ever been on a cruise, so from the moment we boarded, we were excited! Excited to be on a ship for the first time, excited to experience all that it had to offer and excited to be setting sail towards our holiday destination. It created a holiday feeling from the very first second we stepped on board until the very last moment before we disembarked in Melbourne.
The other fantastic reason to sail is that you can take your car with you.
Now we all know this appeals to those who love road trips and those who love to take their caravans, but it’s also a great option for those of us who love food, wine and homewares.
You see, you’re not limited to your airline luggage allowance when it comes to your purchases, nor do you have to pay for (or wait for) delivery of your goodies. You can fill the boot of your car up with cases of exquisite Tasmanian wine, pack your esky to the brim with glorious homemade chutneys, jams and cheese, and squeeze in all of the gifts for friends and family as well as any purchases you might have made for yourself and your home.
You can check out all the details and book your holiday on board the Spirit of Tasmania here.
How to get to Tasmania:
Spirit of Tasmania
Where to stay in Tasmania:
Hobart: Salamanca Wharf Hotel
Launceston: TwoFourTwo Boutique Apartments
Stanley: @ VDL Stanley
Where to eat in Tasmania:
Elizabeth Town: Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Café
Hobart: Rockwall Bar + Grill
Hobart: Salamanca Wharf Café
Oatlands: e.sense & The Woodfired Bakery Café
Stanley: Xanders on Church
Stanley: Moby Dicks Breakfast Bar
Swansea: Artifakt Gallery and Café
Ulverstone: Pier01 Restaurant and Bar
What to do in Tasmania…
Food:
Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail
41° South Tasmania
Cradle Coast Olives
House of Anvers
Wine:
Josef Chromy Wines
Milton Vineyard
Puddleduck Vineyard
Visit:
Cataract Gorge
Freycinet National Park
We fell in love with Tasmania and came home with hearts overflowing.
Have you ever been to Tasmania?
Ever sailed on board Spirit of Tasmania?
What were your highlights?
Coordinated by The Remarkables Group
The post A Romantic Holiday in Tasmania appeared first on Sonia Styling.