Tasmania has been on my list for a while. Not just for its scenic views and slower pace, but also because it has always piqued my curiosity as it faces the continent I am most interested in — the Antarctic.
Fun fact: Tasmania is relatively close to Antarctica compared to the rest of Australia, with Hobart located approximately 2,500 kilometres away from the Antarctic coastline. Tasmania is an Australian state that serves as a primary gateway for Antarctic expeditions and research, with flights and voyages departing from Hobart.
Sooooo, we made it happen. My friends and I finally booked that trip to Tassie. As the group planner, I initially wanted us to fly to Hobart then fly back to Sydney from Launceston. But due to time constraints, we decided to just focus on Hobart and nearby locations instead.
I also feel like my travel style has evolved a lot. Unlike before, I now appreciate slow-paced travel rather than a packed one (I’m old huhu).
We did 5 days based in Hobart during winter. Lots of driving, plenty of oysters, a few failed coffee stops, but also some really great cups and picture-perfect views. I was secretly hoping for snow, maybe even the Aurora Australis. The heavens said no to both, it was cloudy the entire trip. But at least it didn’t rain, so I’m counting that as a win.
Here’s everything we did, what I loved, and what I’d recommend.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are two main ways to get to Tasmania — by air or by sea.
✈️ By Air
The fastest and most convenient way is to fly. We flew from Sydney to Hobart and landed around 8:35 AM. The flight takes about 1.5 hours, which makes Tasmania feel surprisingly close.
If you’re based in other major cities like Melbourne or Brisbane, there are also direct flights to Hobart and Launceston.
For this trip, we based ourselves entirely in Hobart. It made things easier and allowed us to explore nearby areas like Freycinet, Bruny Island, and Mount Wellington without constantly changing accommodations.
🚗 By Car (via Melbourne + Ferry)
If you prefer road trips and want to bring your own car, you can drive to Melbourne and take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Devonport.
The ferry takes about 9 to 11 hours, usually overnight, and you’ll arrive in northern Tasmania. From Devonport, you can drive down to Hobart or explore Launceston and other northern towns first.
This option makes sense if you’re doing a longer trip, you have your own vehicle and will be coming from Melbourne. For us, flying made more sense because we only had five (5) days and we were from Sydney.
GOING AROUND
We rented a car and I would highly suggest you do the same. Tasmania is not the place where you rely on public transport. If you want to explore Hobart, Freycinet, Bruny Island, Mount Wellington, and other coastal towns, you’ll need your own car.
Driving in Tasmania feels different. Less traffic, lots of scenic roads and lots of one-way streets, especially in downtown Hobart.
EATS
Seafood in Tasmania is relatively cheap compared to Sydney. Even if you’re not a big seafood person, Tasmania might convert you.
I grew up in a coastal town, so I grew up with an abundance of seafood, it has always been a big part of my life. I’d choose it over pork, chicken or beef any day.
Freycinet Marine Farm (Freycinet)
This place is very Tasmania-coded. Casual, no-frills, seafood straight from the source.
They serve oysters, mussels, scallops, seafood platters and more. I’d say I’ve had better but it was the only restaurant near our spot of the day (Wineglass Lookout). Don’t expect much, you’re not coming here for fancy plating.
Address: 1784 Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay TAS 7215
Open Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
Lobster Shack (Bicheno)
Another seafood stop, because why not?
This wasn’t part of our itinerary originally. We just decided to drive up Bicheno last minute since we finished the hike at Freycinet and were looking for something else to do or somewhere to eat.
Freycinet to Bicheno’s is about 30 minutes drive. I suggested this place because I’ve seen a lot of people posting and recommending this place.
But I’m here to talk about their salmon, not their lobsters. HAHA!
I love lobsters and shrimps and crabs, but Tassie Salmon is a must-try. And believe me when I say Lobster Shack’s salmon is real good. It’s juicy, rich, and incredibly fresh. You can taste the quality!
Address: 40 Waubs Esplanade, Bicheno TAS 7215
Open Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 7 PM
Smith’s Specialty Pies (Hobart)
Scallop pies are non-negotiable in Tasmania. If you leave without trying one, I don’t know what to tell you. It’s like going to France without trying croissants.
Smith’s Pies are flaky, creamy, and packed with scallops. It’s hearty and very local. It feels like something that belongs there. Just try one and you’ll understand why everyone talks about it. And if you end up not liking it? Well…at least you can say you’ve tried it, right?
Address: 13 Maxwells Rd, Cambridge TAS 7170
Open Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 – 4:30 PM
Get Shucked (Bruny Island)
Let me start by saying this: I am not an oyster girl. For a seafood lover, oysters are actually not my favourite. I can only tolerate Panko and Kilpatrick oysters. And even then, it depends on how it’s prepared.
Get Shucked genuinely surprised me. I wasn’t expecting so much since it’s a touristy spot and it has mixed reviews online. But my friends — who are picky eaters by the way — approved of everything they tried, and they tried everything on the oyster menu. The oysters were fresh, clean, and briny. It’s not fancy, either, just good produce done right. I ended up enjoying the oysters. That alone says a lot.
If you’re heading to Bruny Island, I’d still recommend giving it a go. It ended up being one of our favourite food stops of the trip.
Address: Lease 204, 1735 Bruny Island Main Road, Great Bay, North Bruny TAS 7150
Open Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Bruny Baker Bread Fridge (Bruny Island)
Really good bread. Like, genuinely good. But here’s the thing — it’s an honesty system bread shop. You grab your bread and leave payment in the box.
PLEASE PAY PROPERLY. I cannot stress that enough.
I was genuinely disappointed hearing that some visitors don’t leave payment. That kind of behaviour ruins small businesses and eventually affects tourism. Places like this exist because people trust each other. If we want unique, community-based spots like Bruny Baker to continue operating, we need to respect the system.
The bread is worth it. So is keeping the system honest.
Fresh bread gets dropped off in the morning at around 10 AM and it sells out fast. If you miss it on Bruny Island, you can try giving Pigeon Whole Bakers a call, Bruny Baker supplies bread there, although I’m not sure how regularly they do.
So plan ahead. Go early. Pay properly. And enjoy the bread.
Address: Alonnah TAS 7150
Best time to go: 10AM & 12NN (Cash & PayID only)
Bruny Island Cheese Company / Cheese & Beer Co. (Bruny Island)
We ordered a platter to share with a few options of cheese and a side of wallaby. Yes, wallaby. It was my first time trying it, but I’ve tried Kangaroo meat already so it wasn’t really surprising for me. It’s lean, less gamey than roos but not overpowering and it paired well with the cheeses. The only con to the platter was the tiny serving of bread.
If you’re spending the day on Bruny Island, this is a solid stop. Sit down, slow down, and just enjoy the flavours. It is one of those experiences that feels simple but memorable.
Address: 1807 Bruny Island Main Rd, Great Bay TAS 7150
Open Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 4 PM
Cascade Brewery (Hobart)
After Bruny, we ended our day at Cascade Brewery. It was such a nice way to wind down. The setting alone makes it worth visiting. Even if you’re not big on beer, it’s a pleasant place to sit and relax.
We didn’t do the brewery tour, but we stayed for drinks and some light bites. Nothing heavy, just enough to snack on while enjoying the atmosphere.
Address: 140 Cascade Rd, South Hobart TAS 7004
Open Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM
The Metz Pizza and Restaurant (Hobart)
The Metz was one of those last-minute decisions that turned out to be a really good one.
It has that classic bistro feel — warm lighting, relaxed energy, locals chatting over food and drinks. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The food surprised me in a good way. Proper food portions, well-executed, and exactly what we needed. Nothing overly fancy, just good, solid meals done right.
Address: 217 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay TAS 7005
Open Hours: Daily, 12 PM – 12 AM
Preachers (Hobart)
Preachers has a completely different vibe, and we loved it! We even ordered their food again on Uber Eats.
The place feels laid-back and a little bit quirky. There’s an outdoor beer garden space that makes you want to sit down, stay longer, and just enjoy the evening air. It’s casual, friendly, and has that slightly coastal energy that fits Hobart so well. It’s the kind of place you go to after a long day at work. We went there on a Friday and we actually saw people capping their work week at the pub.
We then started our Battery Point trail from here, which made it even more memorable. It felt like the perfect in-between stop — not too heavy, not too loud, just a good place to gather before heading out or winding down.
Address: 5 Knopwood St, Hobart TAS 7000
Open Hours: Daily, 12 PM – 12 AM
Jackman & McRoss (New Town)
We visited the New Town branch of Jackman & McRoss on our last morning in Hobart, and it was such a comforting way to wrap up the trip. They’re known for their scallop pies and pastries, so yes, I had scallop pies again. The pastry was buttery and flaky, and the filling was creamy and full of flavour. Hearty but not too heavy.
The New Town location feels local and low-key. It has that dependable neighbourhood bakery energy, busy but not overwhelming. You can tell it’s a place people return to, not just a one-time tourist stop.
Address: 30 Cross St, New Town TAS 7008
Open Hours: Daily, Mon-Sat 7 AM – 5 PM, Sun 7 AM – 4 PM
Bar Wa Izakaya
This one was just okay for me. To be fair, we only ordered a few items, so I can’t fully judge the entire menu. But compared to the other restaurants and other casual spots we tried, it didn’t stand out. Not bad. Just not memorable for me personally.
Address: 216-218 Elizabeth St, Hobart TAS 7000
Open Hours: Daily, 12 PM – 2 AM
COFFEE SCENE
Of course, I didn’t go all the way to Tasmania without hunting down good coffee.
Hobart’s specialty coffee scene may be small, but it surprised me. There were a few standout cups, some pour overs worth driving for, and a cafe or two that quietly stole the top spot on my list.
Instead of squeezing everything into this already long guide, I’m dedicating a separate post just for coffee in Hobart. If you care about long blacks, manual brews, and baristas who actually explain origin notes, that one’s for you. So stay tuned.
WHAT TO SEE OR DO
Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay Lookout)
I am not a hiker but I play a bit of sports, so I move, just not uphill for fun lol. That said, we did the Wineglass Bay Lookout trail in Freycinet National Park. It’s considered moderate, and yes, I took more breaks than some people. But it’s absolutely doable. You don’t need to be ultra-fit. You just need patience and maybe a few water breaks.
The view at the top is magnificent—that iconic curved white sand against bright blue water is picture perfect! It’s one of those moments where you stand there and think, okay…this is why we came.
You can actually go down to the beach and camp there if you have more time.
Bicheno Coast
After Freycinet, we drove to Bicheno. The coastline there is beautiful—rugged rock formations, deep blue water, open spaces. It feels dramatic but peaceful at the same time. Even if you just stop briefly, it’s worth seeing. Tasmania’s coastlines are very different from mainland beaches. It’s less crowded and more raw.
Bruny Island
Definitely one of my highlights of the entire trip. It feels raw, peaceful, and slightly untouched. A mix of dramatic coastlines, local produce stops, and quiet roads. We visited quite a few spots. While most are touristy, I still would recommend visiting them:
- Bruny Baker
- Mari Bruny (for brunch)
- Adventure Bay
- Bruny Island Chocolate Co.
- Truganini Lookout
- Bruny Island Honey
- Bruny Island Cheese Company
- Get Shucked
The Island deserves a full day. If you only have time for a day trip from Hobart, make it Bruny. I’ll write a separate entry for this one, so keep posted.
Mount Wellington Summit
Driving up to Mount Wellington was one of those simple but unforgettable experiences. It was cold. Windy. Very windy in fact. So bring layers even if it looks fine down in the city.
If you’re lucky, the views from the top should be amazing. You can see Hobart, the coastline, and endless stretches of landscape. We went to the top, but we had zero visibility so we went down to one of the lookouts to catch a glimpse of the view.
No hiking required for this one. You can just park at the summit, but make sure to bring warm clothes.
Salamanca Market (Saturdays Only)
Salamanca Market runs every Saturday and is something many people include in their Hobart itinerary.
We initially planned to go but ended up skipping it because we wanted to head out early for a drive. But if you enjoy markets, local crafts, fresh produce, and food stalls, this might be your thing. It’s one of Hobart’s most popular attractions, so if markets are your vibe, keep it on your list.
Battery Point & Coastal Walks
One of my favourite low-effort activities was simply walking around Battery Point.
We started near Preachers and followed the trail toward Sandy Bay. Charming old houses, coastal views, quiet streets. Tasmania’s slower pace really shows here. Not everything needs to be a major attraction. Sometimes the best parts are just walking without rushing.
Derwent River Area
Spending time around the Derwent River gives you that classic Hobart waterfront feel. Wide open views, boats in the distance, and a mountain backdrop. It’s not a single attraction. It’s just one of those areas you drive past or walk around and appreciate. Hobart feels calm because of spaces like this.
Mount Nelson Lookout
If you don’t want to drive all the way up Mount Wellington again, Mount Nelson Lookout is an easy alternative. Short drive, beautiful view, minimal effort. Perfect for a quick scenic stop.
If you have extra days or want to extend your road trip, here are a few spots worth considering:
Eaglehawk Neck
📍 Eaglehawk Neck TAS 7179
Dramatic coastal scenery and interesting geological formations. It’s part of the Tasman Peninsula and feels rugged and cinematic.
Bioluminescence at Pirates Bay (Eaglehawk Neck)
If conditions are right, Pirates Bay is known for bioluminescence. That glowing blue water effect you sometimes see online. It depends heavily on weather and timing though, so manage expectations.
Port Arthur Historic Site (UNESCO World Heritage)
📍 Historic Site, Visitor Centre, Port Arthur TAS 7182
If you’re into history, this is one of Tasmania’s most significant sites. It’s a former convict settlement and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a popular stop and gives deeper context to Tasmania’s past.
Point Puer (Free Lookout to Port Arthur)
📍 Point Puer Rd, Port Arthur TAS 7182
If you don’t want to enter the full historic site, you can visit Point Puer for a free lookout view across the water toward Port Arthur. Still scenic. Still meaningful. Just less structured.
SAMPLE 5-DAY ITINERARY (Based in Hobart)
If you’re planning something similar, here’s how we did ours:
Day 1 – Hobart Arrival
- Fly into Hobart, pick up rental car
- Food stop: Smith’s Specialty Pies
- Explore downtown Hobart
- Coffee stop: Villino Coffee
- Check in at Airbnb
- Food stop: Preachers
- Explore Sandy Bay and Battery Point
- Dinner in Hobart
- Wind down
Day 2 – Freycinet + Bicheno
- Coffee stop: Wide Awake Specialty Coffee
- Drive to Freycinet National Park
- Wineglass Bay Lookout
- Food stop: Freycinet Marine Farm
- Drive to Bicheno Coast
- Food stop: Lobster Shack
- Drive back to Hobart
- Dinner
- Wind down
Instead of Bicheno, you can also do Eaglehawk Neck and Pirates Bay. Or you can skip the hike and drive down to Port Arthur if you prefer more history than hiking.
Day 3 – Bruny Island
- Drive to Kettering
- Coffee stop: Steamhouse Coffee
- Ferry to Bruny Island
- Food stop: Bruny Baker Bread Fridge
- Adventure Bay
- Food stop: Mari Bruny
- Bruny Island Chocolate Company
- Truganini Lookout
- Food stop: Bruny Island Honey
- Food stop: Bruny Island Cheese Company (Cheese & Beer)
- Food stop: Get Shucked
- Ferry Bruny Island to Kettering
- Cascade Brewery for drinks
- Dinner, then wind down
Day 4 – Hobart Scenic Stops
- Coffee stop: Bear with Me
- Drive to Mt. Wellington
- Food stop: The Metz Pizza and Restaurant
- Drive to Mt. Nelson or swap this with other sites: Port Arthur, Eaglehawk Neck
- Drive friends to the airport
- Dinner
- Wind down
We had more time on this day, but we needed to bring our friends to the airport and swapped our rental car for a smaller one. This was more of a free day for us. You can definitely spend some time on other sites here.
Day 5 – Slow Morning
- Food stop: Jackman & McRoss
- Coffee stop: Shake Coffee Roasters
- Moonah Museum
- Derwent River area
- Food stop: Bar Wa Izakaya
- Stroll at St. David’s Park
- Homebound
I had other places I wanted to visit (Cradle Mountain! Ahh, next time!), but I didn’t want our days to be super packed, plus, long drives can be tiring sooo next time it is.
COST BREAKDOWN
Exchange rate used: ₱37.67 = 1 AUD
Pre-Trip (Per Person)
✈️ Return Flights (Sydney–Hobart–Sydney)
AUD $267.79 → ₱10,088.45
🚗 Uber to Airport (Sydney)
AUD $9.93 → ₱374.10
🏡 Airbnb (5 Nights in Tasmania)
AUD $201.28 → ₱7,581.96
🚘 Europcar (5 Days Car Rental)
AUD $101.14 → ₱3,809.61
Total: AUD $580.14 → ₱21,853.87 per person
Day 1
- Parking Fees AUD $2.79 → ₱105.09
- Groceries – Woolworths AUD $36.96 → ₱1,391.02
- Food AUD $45.00 → ₱1,695.15
- Coffee AUD $12.00 → ₱452.04
TOTAL: AUD $96.75 → ₱3,643.30
Day 2
- Holiday Vehicle Pass AUD $24.21 → ₱911.58
- Freycinet Marine Farm AUD $24.50 → ₱922.92
- UberEats AUD $12.95 → ₱487.83
- Food AUD $40.00 → ₱1,506.80
- Coffee AUD $12.00 → ₱452.04
TOTAL: AUD $113.66 → ₱4,281.17
Day 3
- Sealink Ferry AUD $13.23 → ₱498.37
- Water AUD $2.75 → ₱103.59
- Bruny Island Cheese Company AUD $15.25 → ₱574.97
- Food – AUD $60.00 → ₱2,260.20
- Coffee – AUD $6.00 → ₱226.02
TOTAL: AUD $97.23 → ₱3,663.15
Day 4
- The Metz AUD $43.56 → ₱1,640.30
- Fuel – Shell + BP AUD $29.07 → ₱1,094.46
- Food – AUD $40.00 → ₱1,506.80
- Coffee – AUD $6.00 → ₱226.02
TOTAL: AUD $118.63 → ₱4,467.58
Day 5
- The Metz AUD $43.56 → ₱1,640.30
- Fuel – Shell + BP AUD $29.07 → ₱1,094.46
- Food – AUD $40.00 → ₱1,506.80
- Coffee – AUD $20.00 → ₱753.40
TOTAL: AUD $132.63 → ₱4,994.96
Cost for food and drinks varies; this is just an estimate.
TOTAL
Day 1: AUD $96.75 → ₱3,644.57
Day 2: AUD $113.66 → ₱4,281.57
Day 3: AUD $97.23 → ₱3,662.65
Day 4: AUD $118.63 → ₱4,468.79
Day 5: AUD $132.63 → ₱4,996.17
AUD $558.90 → PHP ₱21,053.76
Tasmania feels slower, quieter and cleaner. We visited during winter, no snow, no aurora, just cloudy skies and crisp air. But we also had clear hiking days, scenic coastal and mountain drives, great coffee, cheap seafood (AU pricing of course), and time to actually slow down.
I enjoy travelling slower now. Less rushing, more relaxing, and just being in the moment.
If you’re planning a Tasmania trip, I hope this guide helps you build your own version of it. And if you care about good coffee, I’ll see you in the next post.
If you have any questions, or if you want some tips, feel free to leave a comment or message via e-mail. If you like this article and want to see or know more about my other trips and tips, follow me on Instagram, and Tiktok.
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