Things to do in Tasmania
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Mures
Mures is the name in Hobart seafood with its own fishing fleet serving this restaurant as well as local markets. On the ground level is the fishmonger, a sushi bar, an ice-cream parlour and the hectic, family-focused bistro Lower Deck (mains $7 to $13), serving fish and chips and salmon burgers to the masses. The Upper Deck (mains $20 to $28) is a sassier affair, with expansive dockside views and à la carte seafood dishes.
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Port Arthur
Port Arthur is the name of the small settlement in which the well-preserved Port Arthur Historic Site is situated. In 1830, Governor Arthur chose the Tasman Peninsula as the place where prisoners who had committed further crimes in the colony would be confined in an allegedly 'escape-proof' natural prison. The town is also the site of the tragic April 1996 massacre in which a lone gunman opened fire on visitors and staff, killing 35 people.
Between 1830 and 1877, about 12,500 convicts served sentences at Port Arthur and for many it was a living hell, though convicts who behaved well often lived in better conditions than those they'd experienced back home.
The penal…
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Jackman & McRoss
Be sure to swing by this conversational, neighbourhood bakery-cafe, even if it's just to gawk at the display cabinet full of delectable pies, tarts, baguettes and pastries. Early morning cake and coffee may evolve into quiche or soup for lunch.
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Nourish
Nourish is a God-sent cafe for the gluten-intolerant, serving curries, salads, stir-fries, risottos and burgers – all gluten-free, and mostly dairy-free too. Vegetarians and vegans will also be smiling.
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Annapurna
It seems like half of Hobart lists Annapurna as their favourite eatery (bookings advised). Northern and southern Indian options are served with absolute proficiency. The masala dosa (south Indian crepe filled with curried potato) is a crowd favourite. BYO and takeaway available. Also at 93 Salamanca Place.
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Cascade Brewery
The Cascade Brewery, in South Hobart, is a grand gothic edifice. It’s Australia’s oldest brewery, established in 1832 next to the clean-running Hobart Rivulet, and still pumps out superb beer and soft drinks today. Tours involve plenty of stair climbing with beer tastings at the end. Visitors must wear flat, enclosed shoes and long trousers (no shorts or skirts), and book in advance. You can take a tour on weekends, but none of the machinery will be operating (brewers have weekends, too).
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Mount Wellington Descent Cycling Tour departs Hobart
2 hours 30 minutes (Departs Hobart, Australia)
by Viator
lt;pgt;Rising to a height of 1270 metres, The Mt Wellington Descent is by far the most fun and exciting activity if you only have limited time in Hobart. This…Not LP reviewed
from USD$71.25 -
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Tiagarra
The absorbing displays here tell the story of Aboriginal culture in Tasmania from the time humans first crossed over the land bridge that's now under Bass Strait. There's a soberingly frank assessment of the decimation of Aboriginal society and culture at the time of European invasion. Outside, you can follow a trail around the headland to see Aboriginal rock carvings (petroglyphs); some are more than 10,000 years old.
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Walls of Jerusalem National Park
This isolated Central Plateau national park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, features glacial lakes and valleys, alpine flora and the rugged dolerite Mt Jerusalem (1459m). It’s a favourite of experienced bushwalkers with a lust for challenging, remote hiking. The most popular walk here is the full-day trek to the ‘Walls’; you can also camp in the park. National park fees apply.
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Island Cycle Tours
Island Cycle Tours, with its office inside the Pickled Frog backpackers, offers a van ride to the summit of Mt Wellington, followed by more than 20km of downhill riding (mostly on sealed roads, but with off-road options) back to sea level. There is also the option of combining a bike descent with kayaking trip - this 'pedal 'n' paddle' outing lasts about five hours and includes a meal.
reviewed
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Tasmania West Coast Wilderness Railway Tour
by Viator
lt;pgt;Discover one of the world's great railway journeys! Now, after 40 years, the West Coast Wilderness Railway in Tasmania is running again. You're able to…Not LP reviewed
from USD$95.00 -
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
The preservation of this region as a national park is due in part to Austrian immigrant Gustav Weindorfer. In 1912 he built a chalet out of King Billy pine, called it Waldheim (German for ‘Forest Home’) and, from 1916, lived there permanently. Today the site of his chalet at the northern end of the park retains the name Waldheim.
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Burger Got Soul
Best burgers in Launceston, served in a funky atmosphere. It's healthy too: good, lean meat, the freshest bread and crunchy salads. There are Soul Veggie Burgers for non meat-eaters.
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Pierre's
Pierre's plates up light meals (bagels, burgers, pasta) and more substantial, innovative mains. Early risers can expect home-made fruit loaf and eggs any which way. Desserts sometimes drown in cream, but the coffee is classy. (Pierre's had one of the first three espresso machines in Australia!)
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Huon Valley and Tahune Forest Airwalk Tour from Hobart
8 hours (Departs Hobart, Australia)
by Viator
A Natural Tasmanian Escape! Walk the tree tops of pristine forest at Tahune Forest Airwalk, having traveled the Huon River Valley, a region of tended fields,…Not LP reviewed
from USD$147.24 -
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Onba
Quirky Onba is a bit of everything – brilliant breakfast cafe, great lunchtime cook-house and happenin’ evening tapas and wine bar. Local art adorns the walls and food-art is done in the kitchen. Buy a coffee (or anything) and get 30 minutes complimentary wi-fi.
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Retro Café
Funky Retro is ground zero for Saturday brunch among the market stalls. Masterful breakfasts, bagels, salads and burgers interweave with laughing staff, chilled-out jazz and the rattle and hum of the coffee machine.
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Banc
Banc showcases fresh east-coast produce in dishes like venison steak, slow-roasted suckling pig and abalone confit with fresh lime mirin. Lazy late breakfasts are served Sunday and Monday.
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Grassy Club
The chef in the restaurant here can be hit-and-miss, but at least he’s ambitious. Expect creative mains utilising produce from around the island (often involving cheese) served attentively in discreet surrounds.
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Jailhouse Grill
Serving grass-fed Tasmanian beef, this wood-fired meat mecca takes your choice of steak (eye fillet, scotch, rump or porterhouse) and cooks it just the way you like it. Management is full of winks and jokes.
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South Hobart Food Store
A little way out of the city centre – sure – but a trip to the Food Store is well worth the effort. This old shopfront cafe is full of booths, bookish students, brunching friends and kids under the tables.
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Umm Trattoria Pizzeria
Authentic Italian fare in East Devonport – wood-fired pizzas as well as pastas, risottos and tasty toasted paninis. A chalkboard announces the daily changing specials.
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Syrup
Over two floors above Knopwood's Retreat, this is an ace place for late-night drinks and DJs playing to the techno/house crowd.
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Bay of Fires Dive
The dive shop, Bay of Fires Dive, is the only shop of any kind at the Bay of Fires.
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Richmond Bakery
Pies, pastries, sandwiches, croissants, muffins and cakes – eat in or takeaway.
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