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ROAD TRIPS
THE TASMANIAN CAPITAL IS WELL VERSED IN CATERING FOR COUPLES AND YOUNG FAMILIES, BUT A SHORT BREAK WITH TEENAGERS IN TOW CAN OFFER UP A WHOLE NEW ROSTER OF THINGS TO SEE, DO AND EAT.
Hobart might be smaller than the mainland’s capital cities, but what this Tassie city lacks in size it more than makes up for with its vibrant cultural scene, seriously good food offering and enviable pace of life. Its compact layout also means that it is easy to explore on foot, making it the perfect family weekend getaway.
STAGE 1: HOBART HISTROY TRAIL
Start your day in the bustling heart of Hobart at Salamanca; walk the waterfront (and browse the famous markets if you’re there on a Saturday) and then head up Kelly’s Steps on Kelly Street to Battery Point. The sandstone steps were built by the adventurer Captain James Kelly in 1834, so they act as a great walking history lesson. Tour the neighbourhood, passing historic cottages dating back to the mid-1800s in a carriage with Heritage Horse Drawn Carriages.
Then make a beeline for Jackman & McRoss, with its display cases groaning under the weight of freshly baked cakes, sweet treats and pastries for lunch (the lamingtons are a standout). After you’ve had your fill, head back down to the waterfront to visit Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum, a faithful reproduction of the Antarctic camp used by explorer Sir Douglas Mawson and his team, and hear tales of endurance and disaster.
Spend the afternoon exploring the buzzy north Hobart neighbourhood along Elizabeth Street, with its plentiful cafés, shops and restaurants. State Bookshop in the State Cinema has all kinds of interesting things to browse from Young Adult books to stationery and gifts, and the bright and breezy Born in Brunswick across the road does an excellent chai latte (or milkshake for the traditionalists).
WHERE TO STAY?
Discovery Parks – Hobart – (03) 6243 9879 Barilla Holiday Park – 1800 465 453 Huon Valley Caravan Park Tasmania – 0438 304 383
STAGE 2: HOBART TO PORT ARTHUR (AND BACK)
TRAVEL TIME APPROX: 3 Hours return
Have breakfast at the funky and fun Bury Me Standing, where the freshly baked goods run the gamut from traditional boiled bagels (including a hot cross bun version) to donuts and croissants, with lots of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too.
From here, get the brain cells ticking over and head to Evolo Room Escape, where you and your teens will be given an hour to escape a themed room by solving a series of puzzles using creativity, communication and teamwork.
In the afternoon, set out for the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, a 90-minute drive from the city (pick up a hire car in the city or book one of the regular coach transfers). One of Australia’s most important convict sites, its 30 historic buildings and ruins trace the history of this penal settlement.
Stick around for one of the lantern-lit ghost tours that take place twice a night, and hear spine-chilling tales of ghosts and strange happenings. After returning to Salamanca, it’s time for dinner: choose between freshly-made sushi ordered via touchscreen at Sush Track or head to the always busy Suzie Lucks for its Asian fusion menu and fun mocktails.
STAGE 3: MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART (MONA)
Start your day at Small-fry, which opens bright and early for breakfast, and serves a modest but tasty menu to patrons perched at its 12-seater bench. It seems that no trip to Hobart is complete these days without a visit to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) to view the stunning modern architecture of the building itself, and the sometimes confronting, often controversial art pieces inside. The fun way to get there is on one of two bespoke camouflaged catamarans that come complete with ride-on sheep and tigers that not even older teens will be able to resist.
This article was written in conjunction with Discover Tasmania.
For more information about road trips in Tasmania, go to discovertasmania.com.
