Tasmanians will tell you that their state is Australia’s mainland and that the continent to their north is just an outlying island! The people of Tassie
have a different outlook on life: a way of living shaped by the natural world of their island. From the bright clean light of Hobart, with its buttery sandstone buildings and shimmering harbour, to the rolling hills and big skies of Launceston, Tasmania is a southern jewel of bucolic farmland, vast tracts of rainforest wilderness, and spectacular coastlines.
Tasmania’s rich natural history is complimented by a fascinating (and brutal) convict history in places such as Port Arthur, with its brooding, dystopian ruins, and beautiful Maria Island, where the azure sky and brightly-coloured landscape overwhelms the melancholy timbers of the old gaols.
With unique flora and fauna, and a wealth of national parks where you can lose yourselves in natural wonders, Tasmania is an outdoorsy person’s paradise. But in the snug cafés and restaurants of Hobart and Launceston, and in village shops and farm stores scattered across the island, foodies will attain epicurean Nirvana in Tasmania’s seafood (try oysters Kilpatrick in Freycinet), wine, dairy products (King Island clotted creme, for instance), beer (Boag’s is better than Cascade), and ultra-fresh produce.
Here are some luxury hotels for you to stay in while you explore Tasmania:
34 Murray Street, 7000 Hobart, Australia
Rating: 8.7 Fabulous
Hadley’s Orient Hotel, nestled in the heart of Hobart’s Central Business District, is close to all the action. Guests who stay at this luxury hotel can easily walk to many restaurants, coffee shops, and retail centres. Not only that, but it’s just a few blocks away from the Maritime Museum of Tasmania and Theatre Royal.
Guests can choose from six different rooms and suites, including the standard Hotel Room, Family Room, and Heritage Suite. All rooms and suites boast elegant décor and oversized furniture. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a mini-refrigerator in each room, and coffee and tea makers. Visitors can also watch free in-house moves on large flat-screen TVs.
Hadley serves dinner in its Atrium, which is open from 5:30 to 8:30 PM daily. The venue features a robust selection of hearty Tasmanian flare. You can rent the Atrium if you’re hosting a private event at the hotel. At the Orient Bar, guests can sit back, relax, and sip on a glass of local Tasmanian wine or whiskey.
The historic hotel has ample conference and event facilities, ideal for wedding and corporate gatherings. Moreover, the staff serves complimentary tea from Friday to Sunday between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM. There’s also a secure car-parking facility available for $10 per day.
There are some fantastic luxury hotels in Tasmania. But did you know there are some fabulous luxury experiences to be had too?
From scenic flights to deluxe spas, hot air balloon rides to wine tours, if you like the finer things in life, there is something for everyone to do in Tassie.
So once you have booked your accommodation in Hobart, Launceston or any other part of the state, why not turn your attention to planning your activities there?
Below is a list of suggestions, within 4 geographical locations, that may be a source of inspiration to you.
One of the best luxe experiences you could treat yourself too in Hobart is a wonderful session of pampering at the Endota Spa.
Located on the first level of the Icon Complex the spa offers a fantastic menu of treatments including massages, facials, spa packages and beauty therapies. You will feel refreshed, rejuvenated and like a million dollars after spending a couple of hours there.
If you would rather do something to get your heart racing then why not consider a scenic seaplane flight?
The flight takes off from Franklin Wharf and makes its way due South-East to the magnificent Tasman Peninsula. From there it takes in the sensational Three Capes Panorama, from a view few people have had the pleasure of experiencing.
You will also pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed site of Port Arthur, famous for its convict penal colony, before returning to Hobart, via Cape Raoul. On the way back you will see majestic views of the city and Kunanyi/Mt Wellington.
If you love gourmet food and drink then a full day Tamar Valley Wine Tour is something you will want to go on.
You will get to visit a number of wineries in the stunning West Tamar Valley wine region. Not only will you get to visit local vineyards and learn all about how the wines are made, you will also get to enjoy wine tastings and cheeses, as well as a delicious gourmet lunch.
Tour numbers are capped at 16 people to ensure an intimate and personalized experience. Best of all you will get the chance to be able to buy some wine and ship it home. So you won’t need to carry it back with you!
Another excellent option is the Batman Bridge 4 Hour Luncheon Cruise, which also includes sailing into the Cataract Gorge.
The Tamar is the country’s longest navigable estuarine river, and you will get to explore part of it on a lazy cruise into true, rural Australia.
An excellent tour for those who want to relax and admire beautiful scenery. You will also get to enjoy Tasmanian cheese and wine, as well as a range of other delicious foods.
Discover the gastronomic highlights of Bruny Island on an all-inclusive full-day food tour.
Led by an expert guide, you will be taken to a range of local gourmet producers where you can enjoy up to seven courses including artisan cheeses, freshly shucked oysters, honey, mead and chocolates.
You will also get to visit some notable spots of outstanding natural beauty like the Bruny Island Neck, Two Tree Point in Adventure Bay, and a private nature reserve where rare white wallabies live.
If you love oysters, then you should definitely head to Get Shucked. An oyster farm that also features a tasting bar. For you will get to taste something truly exceptional.
If you love art and you love wine then you simply must check out the Moorilla Wine Meets Mona Art Day Trip.
You will get to enjoy the day at the fabulous Moorilla Estate on a Tasmanian winery experience that also offers up world-class art.
Firstly you will get taken to ‘Mona’, the Museum of Old and New Art which is renowned for its wonderful collection of artworks. Then after a delicious lunch you will visit the Moorilla Winery Estate for a fabulous tour of their vineyards and taste testing of their wines.
For a luxury experience with a difference why not have a gourmet picnic in the Dove Lake Cradle Mountain National Park?
Your very own bush walking tour guide will take you around the park – explaining some of the historical significance of the place, pointing out the different species of flora and fauna and showcasing the best spots to take in the wonderous scenery. You will also be served a wonderful, private gourmet picnic in a breathtaking location.