Tasmanian East Coast

The eastern Tasmanian coastline is rugged, isolated and one of the most pristine places on earth. Admired for its sugar-sand beaches, sparkling blue water and orange granite rocks, the coast is best explored by car. Fly into Hobart and make your way east before heading north.

EAT

Trimbolis Pizza + Pasta This St. Helens outpost is open late-ish and one of the only places in town to get a beer in the evening.

DRINK

East Coast Wine Trail Sample Tassie wines.

PLAY

Bay of Fires’ beaches This string of beaches on Tassie’s northeastern coast was named in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux , who saw Aboriginal fires on the beaches.

Freycinet National Park World-renowned Wineglass Bay, one of the top beaches in the world, is a three hour return hike but well worth the effort. Also take a dip in Honeymoon Bay.

Port Arthur One of the best-preserved penal settlements in Australia, this 100 acre outdoor museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also the site of a 1996 mass shooting which prompted sweeping gun policy changes in Australia.

STAY

Big4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park A family-friendly campground with private cabin accommodation in Cole’s Bay. The site is very near Freycinet National Park, nature trails, local wineries and a two minute walk from a white sand beach with beautiful sunsets. There is also a small grocery and cafe on the grounds.

Tasmanian East Coast

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Hobart

Hobart is small with a population of just over 225,000, but in recent years has become a food and wine hub. We used this former British penal colony as a starting point for a road trip up the eastern coast.

Winters are cold in Tasmania. If you are going June through August bundle up!

EAT

Jack Greene Bar Cosy pub on the wharf with outdoor seating, local beers and good burgers.

Maharaja India Restaurant Casual, BYOB restaurant serving up tasty Indian.

DRINK

Preachers Hip pub with board games, a fireplace and an outdoor beer garden. Recommended by a friend.

Republic Bar & Grill Popular dive with live music.

PLAY

Mt. Wellington Drive to the top or hike up before sunset to admire views of the city and the River Derwent.

Salamanca Wharf Explore the shops and pubs in this main area. On Saturdays there is a local market.

STAY

No where should be too far from the central district. We rented a car and stayed at Rydges Hobart, a four star hotel in North Hobart with pretty views of the city, and about a 25 minute walk to Salamanca.

Hobart

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Sydney

Sydney represents the best of New York City and Los Angeles - incredible restaurants and nightlife, excellent shopping, fabulous weather and world class beaches.

A visa is required for most nationalities to enter Australia and can be obtained through the Australian Department of Home Affairs online in advance.

While Sydney is beautiful any time of year, the summer months of December through February are the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

Acquire and load an Opal card to access all public transportation - buses, trains and ferries. Uber is cheaper than taxis..

If it is your first trip to Australia, check out the book Tracks by Robyn Davidson, to better understand the challenges of living on the world’s driest continent (after Antarctica).

EAT

The Beresford Chic pub in Surry Hills with a leafy, garden patio.

The Glenmore Hotel Traditional, three-story pub in The Rocks, one of the oldest parts of town, with a beautiful view of the harbor.

Hugo’s Manly Go for the beach, stay for the pizza and cocktails.

DRINK

The Argyle Hip bar and lounge in a large 1820s building and courtyard in The Rocks.

Burdekin Hotel in Darlinghurst In the heart of the gayborhood, this is a fun place for a night cap.

The Sheaf Sprawling pub and beer garden in Double Bay known for its music.

The Taphouse in Darlinghurst Great craft beers and live music.

PLAY

The Blue Mountains Head west two hours by train for a day hike with stunning views of rolling mountains, waterfalls and eucalyptus forests.

Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly or Watson’s Bay

The Hunter Valley Head north for wine tastings in the bush.

Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Garden Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns while admiring views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Oxford Street in Paddington Great shopping. Skip the masses on Market Street in the CBD and head to Paddo. Check out Paddington Market, an outdoor, multi-vendor market.

Newtown Sydney’s hipster capital. Check out King Road’s used bookstores, thrift shops and Middle Eastern and African food.

Paddy's Market Novelty souvenirs and produce at this Chinatown institution.

Sydney Beaches Explore world class beaches from Bondi to Maroubra. The six kilometer coast walk from Bondi to Coogee Beach is one of the prettiest in the world. Swim between the flags on the beach.

Sydney Opera House

STAY

For good food, shopping and easy access to the CBD, stay in one of the trendy neighborhoods of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington or Woolloomooloo.

For beach-life and relaxation, any of the beach towns from Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee will do.

Sydney

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