Tasmania is still Australia, but it’s just that little bit different and whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, foodie or culture vulture, there’ll be plenty to keep you busy. Here's our Top 5 of Lonely Planet's experiences you shouldn't miss while you're there (for the full article - have a look here).
Meander through Salamanca Market, Hobart
Colourful hippies and craftspeople have been selling their wares at Salamanca Market on Saturday mornings since 1972. They come from all over the state’s southern reaches with their fresh produce, second-hand clothes and books, tourist souvenirs, CDs, cheap sunglasses, antiques and bric-a-brac. See www.salamanca.com.au to download a handy guide and map of the market, and get planning to maximise your time in this labyrinth of bargains, buskers, ethnic food, and arts and crafts.
Take a lazy, lingering lunch in the Tamar Valley wine region
The broad Tamar River flows north 64km from Launceston and empties into Bass Strait. Along its flanks are orchards, forests, pastures and vineyards. This is Tasmania’s key wine-producing area, and the premium wines created here have achieved international recognition. See Tamar Valley Wine Route (www.tamarvalleywines.com.au) for touring information.
Admire the natural beauty of the Mt Field National Park
Declared a national park in 1916, Mt Field is famed for its spectacular mountain scenery, alpine moorlands and lakes, rainforest, waterfalls and abundant wildlife. It’s 80km northwest of Hobart and makes a terrific day trip. The park’s visitor information centre (www.parks.tas.gov.au) houses a cafe and displays on the park’s origins, and provides information on walks.
Pack a picnic and hike into photogenic Wineglass Bay
Brilliant Freycinet Peninsula is one of Tasmania’s principal tourism drawcards. Long hikes include the two-day, 31km peninsula circuit, and shorter tracks include the up-and-over saddle climb to Wineglass Bay.
Ascend the saddle as far as Wineglass Bay Lookout (one to 1.5 hours return, 600 steps each way) or continue down the other side to the beach (2.5 to three hours return). Alternatively, the 500m wheelchair-friendly boardwalk at Cape Tourville affords sweeping coastal panoramas and a less strenuous glimpse of Wineglass Bay. On longer walks, sign in (and out) at the registration booth at the car park.
Experience artistic enlightenment at MONA
Occupying an improbable riverside location a ferry ride from Hobart’s harbourfront, Moorilla Estate’s Museum of Old & New Art (MONA) is an innovative and truly world-class institution. Described by its owner, Hobart philanthropist David Walsh, as a ‘subversive adult Disneyland’, three levels of spectacular underground galleries showcase more than 400 often challenging and controversial works of art. Visitors may not like everything they see, but it’s guaranteed that intense debate and conversation will be on the agenda after viewing one of Australia’s unique arts experiences.
We currently have opportunities for GPs and Consultants in both urban and rural Tasmania so, if you think you might be interested in experiencing this unique island state check out or jobs page for further details or get in touch with one of our friendly consultants for an informal chat.
For more information on Tasmania have a look at the full article or visit discovertasmania.com.