I’ve been remiss in posting these in a timely manner-sometimes life gets in the way of my intended fun blog posts! But we’re finally heading back Down Under to Tassie today for more recommended Aussie adventures. (Check out more about this series in honor of our two year anniversary of moving Down Under).
Tasmania sounds like one of those places you’ve heard of but aren’t really sure where it is. Famous for its devil (now endangered) and a quick flight from Sydney and Melbourne, everyone plans their trip there to be in the historic capital city, Hobart, for their famous Saturday market at Salamanca Place. We have farmers’ markets in NYC as well as craft fairs, but this one is really kicked up a notch–the flower stands had arrangements straight out of Martha Stewart Living, friendly vendors sold gorgeous and high quality children’s clothing as well as beautiful handmade cutting boards made of various local wood, and the fruit and veggie stands provided a visual rainbow of fresh culinary options. We even met a children’s book author selling some wonderful Aussie storybooks that he autographed for my nieces and nephews. Our morning at the market was gray with a light misty rain, but it didn’t detract from being an experience I’d love to revisit!
Background:
Tasmania is an island and state located 150 miles south of the Australian mainland. Nearly half of the island is composed of national parks, reserves, and world heritage sites. Hobart, its capital, is full of 1830’s Georgian style warehouses and has been described as “a mashup of the 19th and 21st centuries”.
The Adventure:
Stay in the area near Salamanca Place, a charming area surrounded by four story historic sandstone buildings and old warehouses. Hit up the Farmer’s Market early, grab your (delicious and amazing) Australian coffee, and just wander. Bring cash and go bananas- and remember you can bargain for some items.
Replicate:
You can get to Tassie by overnight ferry (11 hours) across the Bass Strait from the Australian mainland, or by a quick flight from Melbourne or Sydney. Time your trip to be in Hobart for the Salamanca Market, which runs on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Be sure to wander about hilly yet walkable Hobart, full of beautiful architecture, great restaurants and sidewalk cafes, and gorgeous vistas of the harbor.
For a real treat, head down to the harbor take the (very cool and tricked out) ferry to MONA, a unique contemporary art space. Spend an afternoon among art and grab lunch in this dockside contemporary building.
For travels beyond Hobart, don’t miss the stunning Freycinet National Park and its famous Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain, and the gorgeous drives in between.