Things to do in Tasmania
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Freycinet Adventures
Freycinet Adventures offers three-hour tours ($95) twice daily (morning and twilight – times vary seasonally) that allow you to get a glimpse of the peninsula from the water. Kayak hire is available for experienced paddlers ($55 per person per day).
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Francisco’s on Hampden
This upbeat tapas bar is done out with posters of toreadors and dusky dancing maidens. Try some snacky tapas sloshed down with Rioja, or a larger paella, or seafood or meat platter.
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Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a New Zealand-based chain of active apparel stores. Here you'll find everything from heavy-duty hiking packs to shoes made from recycled materials to urban streetwear.
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Metz
Caught somewhere between a café, bistro and wine bar, mainstream Metz pleases all-comers with Mod Oz pastas, steak, seafood and wood-fired pizzas. Beers on tap; cocktails too.
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Flinders Island Bakery
The only decent coffee on the island is at the only bakery. Try a wallaby and red-wine pie or pick up some preservative-free bread made with rainwater. Open on weekends in summer.
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State Cinema
The State shows independent and art-house flicks from local and international filmmakers. There's a great cafe and bar on-site.
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Bathurst St Antique Centre
Bathurst Street Antique Centre sells everything from mid-20th century oil paintings and French china dolls to quaint vases and furniture. Antique buffs should not miss this one.
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Isobar
Downstairs here is a slick bar (open 5pm Fridays, 7pm Saturdays), while Isobar itself – the club upstairs – plays commercial dance music.
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Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration
The curiosity-arousing Bligh museum details the local exploits of explorers Bligh, Cook, Furneaux and, of course, Bruny D'Entrecasteaux.
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Carnegie Gallery
The city-council-run Carnegie Gallery exhibits mainly contemporary Tasmanian art, craft, design and photography. It is located upstairs from the Maritime Museum of Tasmania.
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Bruny Island Smoke House
Managed with pizzazz, 'BISH' is a winner – gourmet pizzas, smoked fish and meats, beer, wine, decent coffee and astounding views from the deck. The shared platters ($65 to $68) are great value for groups. Phone ahead to confirm opening hours.
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Tamar River Cruises
Fifty-minute Cataract Gorge cruises (adult/child $25/12), plus longer lunch, afternoon and dinner cruises.
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Roaring 40s Ocean Kayaking
Based in Kettering, Roaring 40s also conducts epic sea-kayaking tours around the Tasman Peninsula, paddling past the monumental coastline. Prices include equipment, meals, accommodation and transfers from Hobart.
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Paddy Pallin
Named for one of Australia's pioneering bushwalkers and still owned by the family, Paddy Pallin sells outdoor gear ranging from microfiber T-shirts to fleece-lined gloves.
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Aurora Stadium
If you’re in town during AFL football season (April to August), see the big men fly. AFL team Hawthorn plays four home games each season at Aurora Stadium. ‘BAAAAAALL!!!’
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Antiques Market
The Antiques Market offers two levels of art and Colonial, Georgian and Victorian antique furniture and specializes in producing made-to-order pieces from Tasmanian woods.
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Cradle Mountain Helicopters
Thirty-minute flights cost $190/140 per adult/child.
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Eric Thomas Galley Museum
This museum started life as the Imperial Hotel in 1898. Inside are diverting displays of old photographs with idiosyncratic captions. It doubles as the Queenstown visitor information centre.
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Day Trip to Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur Historic Site from Hobart
10 hours 30 minutes (Departs Hobart, Australia)
by Viator
Explore the Tasman Peninsula from both land and sea on a full-day excursion from Hobart. See the Tasman Peninsula from the water on a three-hour wilderness…Not LP reviewed
from USD$219.00 -
Navigators
Cruises from Hobart to Port Arthur, returning on a coach. Includes entrance to the historic site, guided tour and morning tea. Also running is a cruise around Tasman Island from Port Arthur.
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Lizbon
Lizbon lures a late-20s set with excellent wines by the glass, antipasto platters, smooth tunes, a pool table and intimate nooks and crannies. Occasional live jazz.
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Tasmanian Expeditions
Offers an excellent range of activity-based tours: bushwalking, cabin-based walks, rafting, rock climbing, cycling and sea kayaking.
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ZooDoo Wildlife Fun Park
ZooDoo, 6km west of Richmond on the road to Brighton, has 'safari bus' rides, playgrounds, picnic areas and half of Dr Dolittle's appointment book including lions, tigers, llamas, Tasmanian devils and wallabies.
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Kelly's Steps
To reach Battery Point from Salamanca Pl you can climb up Kelly's Steps, which are wedged between two warehouses about halfway along the main block of buildings.
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Tasmanian Transport Museum
Train rides are available on the first and third Sundays of each month at the Tasmanian Transport Museum. The museum is a short walk from Glenorchy bus station.
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