With Stage 3 in effect and restrictions easing in the Apple Isle, Tassie couples are emerging out of #isolife and looking for ways to celebrate their love!
At the same time, many of us on the mainland are dreaming about post-pandemic romantic getaway destinations and wondering where we might hopefully end up next Valentine’s Day. So Tassies, open your Google Calendar for this weekend, and to everyone else: open up your travel planner for the future – it’s time for the Hobart edition of our #holidayherethisyear instrastate tourism series (Don’t miss our recent spotlight on Perth, a.k.a. Australia’s capital of cool!).
Hobart is Australia’s southernmost state capital and is home to around 230,000 people (almost half of the Tasmanian population), and is known for its stunning waterfront, beautiful heritage architecture and delicious food and wine (cheese lovers, take note!), not to mention the hidden treasures you can find as you journey down laneways, side streets and markets. And if you’re in the mood for romance, Hobart has so much to offer: from spectacular natural beauty to wineries, fromageries, and romantic accommodation galore.
Hobart city from Mount Wellington Lookout (Image: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman)
Here are some of the most romantic ideas to enjoy with someone you love in Hobart.
Wining, Dining and Truffling
Tasmania is known as a foodie paradise, with Lonely Planet calling it the ‘provedore island’. You’ll find exceptionally fresh produce, out-of-this-world cheese and seafood, and so much more. Browse through the Salamanca Market or Farm Gate Market as you stock up your picnic basket on the way to the Botanic Gardens, or pick fresh berries together in season at the Sorell Fruit Farm. Head to the Coal River Valley to explore stunning scenery and amazing wineries, or if you’re not a wine lover, you’ll still be spoiled for choice by the local whisky, cider, craft beer, gin, and vodka!
Enjoy browsing for local produce and goods at Salamanca Market (Image: City of Hobart and Alastair Bett)
Enjoy a feast for the eyes and taste buds alike on a seafood cruise; or snuggle up by a roaring fireplace as you enjoy a delicious dinner at beloved restaurants such as the Customs House Hotel, or Monty’s on Montpelier. Feel like splashing out on some fine dining? The acclaimed Aloft’s waterfront views and delicious fare will be just the ticket.
You’ll also find delicious cheeses galore in Hobart and surrounds, with cheese tastings available at Wicked Cheese & Bruny Island Company – or try something a little different at Tasmanian Truffles, where you can
go on the hunt for Australia’s first black truffles!
Enjoy pairing your wine with local cheese from the Bruny Island Cheese Co. (Image: Tourism Tasmania and Andrew Wilson)
Wandering
Exploring the streets and laneways of Hobart with no particular destination in mind is a fine way to make some amazing memories. You could start your day with breakfast and find your new fave read at a bookshop cafe (like Afterword Cafe in Fuller’s Bookshop, which has been inspiring bookworms for a century!), meander down the charmingly-named Cat and the Fiddle Arcade towards the Elizabeth Street Mall, and continue to the extremely Instagrammable University Rose Gardens. From here, it’s not far to Tasmania’s first urban winery Glaetzer-Dixon Urban Winery, the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, or the picturesque Queens Domain.
Battery Point is another popular attraction; now one of Tasmania’s most fashionable destinations, it is also rich in history (and gorgeous views). Check out the 2-hour Battery Point Historic Walk. Wandering along the iconic Hobart waterfront is a treat at any time of day, but particularly during the spectacular sunset; stroll around hand-in-hand, and share some fish and chips (or oysters, if you’re feeling fancy)!
Aerial of Battery Point and Hobart (Image: City of Hobart)
You won’t want to miss the beautiful heritage streetscape of Hunter St, with its row of stunning Georgian warehouses, most of which were previously the home of the Henry Jones IXL jam factory (yes, that IXL jam!) which now houses the University of Tasmania’s Art School (including several galleries open to the public) and the lovely Henry Jones Art Hotel.
Finally, if you want to experience this charming city in a whole new way, how about a private airplane? The thirty-minute tour crosses the Derwent River and goes past Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, flies over Hobart City and the harbour, and more – a truly romantic experience. As they say, love is in the air!
Climb Kunanyi/Mt Wellington
Wellington Park is located right on the doorstep of Hobart, with Kunanyi/Mt Wellington providing a 1271-metre, spectacular mountain backdrop to the city. Wellington Park itself is enormous, with so much to do – from horse-riding to bushwalking, birdwatching to four-wheel driving – and one of the highlights is the journey to the summit of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, where you’ll find the pinnacle observation shelter with its extraordinary vistas of Hobart. It’s not an easy walk, but if you’re looking for something a little less adventurous you’re still in luck – check out Wellington Park’s guide to its bushwalking trails.
View at the summit of kunany/Mt Wellington (Image: Emilie Ristevski)
Romantic Hotels
Treat you and your paramour to a stay somewhere that love is in the air! Many of Hobart’s gorgeous heritage buildings have been converted into accommodation, such as the Lenna of Hobart Hotel, Corinda’s Cottages, Clydesdale Manor, the Henry Jones Art Hotel and the Hadley’s Orient Hotel. With their old-fashioned charm, visiting couples can enjoy feeling like they’ve stepped out of 2020 and into a BBC Victorian period drama.
Built way back in 1861, Hadley’s Orient Hotel is particularly historic (and ever-so-Instagrammable), having hosted balls and soirees for almost two centuries and welcomed famous names such as Dame Nelly Melba.
Corinda’s Cottages is a gorgeously-appointed historic collection of self-contained Victorian cottages dating back to the 19th Century, located in what are widely considered to be one of Tasmania’s most beautiful private gardens. This setting gives Corinda an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. Their breakfasts focus on using Tasmania’s finest ingredients, and the Honesty Bar in the drawing room is a perfect place to wind down after a long day of exploring Hobart’s most romantic places.
With so much to do and see, Tassie couples have plenty of date ideas to choose from – day or night. If you’re a couple thinking of checking out the best of this romantic city, we hope this has inspired your future travel planning – and don’t forget to get in touch with an ATAS-accredited travel agent when the borders reopen and you’re ready to book!
Looking for more insights on the best of Australia from ATAS-accredited travel agents? Check out our features on Tasmania, WA and SA, learn about Australia’s Aboriginal tourism experiences, and find out what Aussie travel agents consider the most romantic places in Australia.
Categories – LEISURE TRAVEL TAS TRAVELLING IN AUSTRALIA