Hobart/Tasmania: NY Times Profile, Ideas, Tips??!!

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times Travel Section that will be coming this weekend, they will have this headline: “36 Hours in Hobart” with this sub-head: "Pristine nature, an unhurried vibe, incredible food: The popularity of Hobart, and Tasmania in general, is growing, and for good reason."

 

Here are some of the story highlights: “Tasmanians have heard all the tired jokes from mainland Australians. The country’s isolated southern island state has been so overlooked in the past, it’s even been left off maps of Australia. In recent years, however, Australians have changed their tune. Tasmania is experiencing a surge of weekenders and property buyers, driven by a newfound interest in its pristine nature, unhurried way of life and an increasingly diverse food and art scene that really started to take off with the arrival, in a Hobart suburb, of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in 2011. The biggest transformation has taken place in the once-sleepy capital of Hobart, which now boasts a plethora of creative new restaurants and an edgy spirit, particularly during the winter Dark Mofo festival. Tasmania’s profile is rising overseas, as well. International visitors jumped by 21 percent from mid-2017 to mid-2018 — the biggest rise by far of any Australian state. Tasmanians have always known how good the life is here. The rest of the world is only now starting to find out.”.

 

This profile has many options outlined and detailed.  Plus, an interactive map, many visuals, etc.  Brings back nice memories from our 2014 visit as detailed below in my live/blog.  Here is another story highlight: "Salamanca Place has been a focal point of Hobart life since the early 1800s, when warehouses lined the harbor to store whale oil, wool, apples and other goods for export. Today, at the lively Salamanca Market, there are slightly more contemporary, artisanal goods on offer: wallaby and scallop pies; Tasmanian-made gin, saffron, truffle mustard and pepperberry salt; and all manner of handicrafts, antiques and echidna- (spiny anteater) printed tourist kitsch. Arrive early to beat the crowds — thousands descend here on most pleasant Saturdays — and have enough time to saunter through the 300-plus stalls and take in a busker or two."

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/05/travel/36-hours-in-hobart-and-environs.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 226,081 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[iancal]

We were in Australia for part of last winter.  We took advantage of low cost Jetstar flights to fly into Hobart (from Brisbane) and fly back from Launceston to Sydney in early March.  Our Australian friends suggested this and gave us a heads up on one of the very frequent Jetstar seat sales.

 

We spent a two  nights in Hobart, then rented a car for a week and toured the island, staying at B&B's along the way.   Our only regret was perhaps not staying for a few more days.    Very friendly people.

 

We found it very different from other places we have been in Australia.  Definitely worth a trip for anyone who is doing a pre or post in Australia. 

[lovestx]

In case it's helpful, here's what we did on our port day in Hobart off Celebrity Solstice last April (great day!).  We took an Uber to Bonorong Animal Sanctuary where we spent time with kangaroos, Tasmanian devil, koala.  Great experience.  Were relieved to get an Uber back to Hobart where we grabbed some lunch in one of the renovated pubs in the Salamanca Market area.  Then we walked uphill to the Cascade Female Factory and took a tour.  I had read "The Tin Ticket" before our trip to Australia as I wanted to understand the country's penal history better.  Much of the book took place in Hobart and in the Cascades so it was a very interesting tour to take though there isn't much left of the factory itself (which I knew in advance).  We enjoyed the walk (2 miles maybe?) as it gave us a chance to see everyday life in Hobart.  Took a cab back to the wharf area and then walked back to the ship.

 

I wish we had made time for a walk around Battery Point which others said was lovely. 

[TLCOhio]

Appreciate these posts and details from iancal and lovestx.  

 

From Travel and Leisure magazine yesterday, they had this headline: “50 Best Places to Travel in 2020” with spotlighted attention as a top option for: “Tasmania”.  T+L rates these top areas as "must-visit vacation destinations, and with something to suit every interest — food, shopping, culture, history, and nature."

 

Here are some of the story highlights:   "This heart-shaped Australian island rose to international prominence in 2011 with the opening of the quirky-cool Museum of Old and New Art in southeastern capital city of Hobart. Now the Tamar Valley in the state’s central north region is beginning to attract travelers with its zippy sparkling wines, balanced chardonnays, and easy-drinking pinot noirs. The region is also experiencing a boutique-property boomlet. One of the most promising new options: the charming seven-suite Ship Inn Stanley. Housed inside a refurbished building from 1849 that at one point also served as a pub for the seaside town of Stanley, the inn celebrates local history, decorating rooms with maritime antiques and custom artwork. Some small winemakers have also branched out to offer their own accommodations. The husband-and-wife team behind Loira Vines recently introduced The Shed, a well-appointed studio apartment on their five-and-a-half acre vineyard." 

 

Keep up the great sharing and comments from others who have enjoyed Tasmania.

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2020

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 16,770 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/