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Keep Dreaming of...Tasmania

14th April 2020

Keep Dreaming of natural encounters &
unnatural art
 

The world needs us to stay in right now, so instead of boarding your next plane, join us as we continue dreaming about your next holiday.

Considered Australia's hub of sensational produce, culture and art; Tasmania has so much to offer. Taste inspiring dishes made with fresh produce, explore the remarkable landscapes at Freycinet National park or Derwent Valley and take in as much art, culture and history that exudes at every corner. Join us as we explore this insatiable, yet humble state of Australia.

 

Where to Stay

Located inside Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, Pumphouse Point offers guests a front-row view to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. The historic Pumphouse Building sits on a glacial lake offering breathtaking views from the rooms within. Although the building has been restored to offer boutique accommodation, guests say its managed to maintain its original charm. 

Pumphouse Point

Pumphouse Point
Pumphouse Point

Suspended in a spellbinding location overlooking Great Oyster Bay and the fiery Red Hazards, Saffire Freycinet is a 5-star all-inclusive experience and doesn’t fall short on ways to feed your mind, body and soul (and belly). Explore the surrounding natural beauty with included activities suited to all styles of travel and mood. Take in spectacular views from the Hazard Mountains or walk the white-sand shores of Wineglass Bay - which can also be discovered on a day trip cruise.

Luxury accommodation at Saffire Freycinet on Tasmania’s east coast

Luxury accommodation at Saffire Freycinet on Tasmania’s east coast
Luxury accommodation at Saffire Freycinet on Tasmania’s east coast

Steeped in elegant comforts and dedicated to impeccable service, the historic Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge overlooks a hinterland filled with birds, plants and ancient forest. Treat yourself to an iconic wilderness experience with a stay in the Spa and King Billy Suite with a private plunge pool - the perfect way to relax after a day of hiking, paddling and exploring.

Waldheim Alpine Spa at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge | Credit: Laura Helle

Waldheim Alpine Spa at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge | Credit: Laura Helle
Waldheim Alpine Spa at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge | Credit: Laura Helle

Australia's first dedicated art hotel, the Henry Jones Art Hotel merges one of Tasmania's most significant industrial heritage sights (the old IXL Jam factory) with sleek modern design and contemporary art. Located on Hobart's waterfront, enjoy close proximity to Hobarts' renowned art, food and culture scene. Don't miss the chance to dine at Henry's, the hotel signature restaurant with a distinctive menu featuring fresh produce and re-imagined traditional dishes.

101 Henry Jones Suite

101 Henry Jones Suite
101 Henry Jones Suite

 

Where to Dine

Piermont, The Homestead Restaurant - One of Tasmania's calling cards is its delicious and locally-sourced produce. The Homestead Restaurant’s award-winning chef collaborates with neighbouring organic farmers and winemakers to curate a constantly evolving, seasonally inspired menu that celebrates the region’s diverse flavours. On offer are freshly shucked Tasmanian Pacific oysters, grass-fed eye fillet from the green pastures of nearby Cape Grim and heirloom vegetables planted specifically for Piermont by small growers in Launceston.

Piermont, The Homestead Restaurant

Piermont, The Homestead Restaurant
Piermont, The Homestead Restaurant

The vision of The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery is to create a space where local, seasonal produce is celebrated. Each meal is prepared with little adornment, where the ingredients can speak for themselves. Any excess produce of the season is preservative being pickled, jammed, fermented or cured. After visiting this alternate venue, you'll feel a whole new appreciation for local produce.

The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery

The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery
The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery

Aside from mouth-watering dishes, supplied by Tasmanian producers, Franklin's star attraction is the 10-tonne wood-fired Scotch oven in the open kitchen. Watch as signature dishes like whole just-caught flathead or Littlewood Farm’s finest lamb roast slowly before your eyes. From the fresh baked bread to curing meats and crafting their own cheese; the menu truly reflects their 'made-from-scratch' mentality.

Franklin, Hobart | Credit: Osborne Images

 Franklin, Hobart  | Credit: Osborne Images
Franklin, Hobart | Credit: Osborne Images

The Source at Mona is perched atop the entire Mona site. There's no better restaurant to visit if you're looking for a dining experience with a little flare. Enjoy sweeping views, lush living moss-and-herb tables, work-of-art cutlery and daring dishes featuring high-quality local produce. Not sure what wine to pair with your meal? Sommeliers are on hand to guide you through the impressive and extensive wine list. 

The Source Restaurant - Mona | Credit: Adam Gibson

The Source Restaurant - Mona | Credit: Adam Gibson
The Source Restaurant - Mona | Credit: Adam Gibson

 

What to Experience

Amidst the middle of a sleepy winter in Hobart, a celebration of the bizarre and absurd comes alive. Dark Mofo is an annual festival that has become a cornerstone in Tasmanian tourism. Leave your inhibitions at home for this art festival and prepare to see performances and art exhibitions you will not see anywhere else. Just as an example, one of the key events at this festival is the winter solstice nude swim in the Hobart waterfront (don't say we didn't warn you). If you think you've seen something like this before… you really haven't. Although the event has been cancelled for 2020, this is an event not to be missed when it returns in 2021.

Dark Mofo Winter Feast | Credit: Adam Gibson

Dark Mofo Winter Feast | Credit: Adam Gibson
Dark Mofo Winter Feast | Credit: Adam Gibson

With towering pink granite mountains, pure white beaches and rocky inlets that roll into azure waters, Freycinet National Park offers a serene escape. There are so many ways to immerse yourself into the beauty of this blissful pocket. Explore the region with a hike across the landscape. Enjoy a leisurely stay at the luxury Freycinet Lodge. Or don a pair of waders at the Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm and enjoy freshly shucked oysters champagne around a table set right in the water.

Saffire Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm Experience | Credit: Saffire Freycinet

Saffire Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm Experience | Credit: Saffire Freycinet
Saffire Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm Experience | Credit: Saffire Freycinet

Another signature experience to help you get back in touch with nature is exploring the Bay of Fires, stretching over 50 kilometres along the East Coast. Easily accessible on a self-drive itinerary, the white sands and bright orange and ochre coloured rocks are best discovered on the famous 4-day Bay of Fires Lodge Walk departing from Launceston. 

Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires
Bay of Fires

For those who appreciate Australian History, the story of Port Arthur beckons. Beginning in the 1800's, the site was used as a penal settlement. There's more to discover at Port Arthur than just the beautiful landscape and the preserved buildings and landmarks; It's the in-depth stories of the convicts that are sure to pull at your heart strings. Ever wondered if you’re a descendant of a convict? The research team can find that out for you too on your visit.

Penitentiary, Port Arthur Historic Site | Credit: Alastair Bett

Penitentiary, Port Arthur Historic Site | Credit: Alastair Bett
Penitentiary, Port Arthur Historic Site | Credit: Alastair Bett

The Wall in the Wilderness is a unique art concept by Artist Greg Duncan at Derwent Bridge, in the heart of Tasmania. The Wall has been carved from three-metre high wooden panels and tells the story of those who helped shape the past and present of Tasmania’s central highlands. The story begins with the Indigenous people, then to the pioneering timber harvesters, pastoralists, miners and Hydro workers.

The Wall in the Wilderness

The Wall in the Wilderness
The Wall in the Wilderness