I love a tropical holiday as much as the next person, but if I’m feeling romantic – like, proper intimate – the last thing I wanna do is spend a week sweating off my makeup and looking at my boyfriend’s Gollum-like feet in thongs. That just doesn’t appeal. But give me a fireplace, a cosy corner in a wine bar and a rustic cottage to call home and I’m feeling amorous, baby. Also, keep your shoes on baby, thanks. That’s why Tasmania is, in my humble opinion, the ideal holiday if the point of said holiday is to snuggle and I-N-D-U-L-G-E.
From Hobart to Launceston, Bruny Island to Coles Bay, Tassie is a southern melting pot of epic views, first-class vineyards and cute as heck eateries. Plus, there are a bunch of Tasmania flight packages getting around at the moment so there’s never been a better time to eat your way around the island. Speaking of, here are some of our faves.
Faro, Hobart
Okay, you can’t hit up Hobart without taking a trip out to Mona (Museum of Old and New Art). The art gallery complex is iconique for good reason.
Spend a day wandering the grounds and exhibitions, maybe holding hands with your S/O, discussing the merits of contemporary art and other smart things, before pulling up a pew at Faro. Suspended over the river, this is the best spot for lip-smackable share plates and a cheeky local vino.
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Freycinet Marine Farm, Coles Bay
Tassie is basically synonymous with seafood – it’s an island, after all – so make sure to secure a spot on the deck at Freycinet Marine Farm and throw down a plate of oysters and mussels harvested directly from the farm on the daily.
It just doesn’t get fresher than that, mates. Views to the water? Check. Fresh ocean air? Tick. Natural aphrodisiac? Don’t mind if I do.
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Josef Chromy Wines, Relbia
Whether you want a chill afternoon tasting your way through the wine list or three-courses in their beautiful restaurant, this is a perfectly picturesque joint that’s sure to have you feeling perfectly perfect.
There are vines to look at, a lake to wander and a lot of excellent pinot and sparkling to be tasted. It would be rude not to sample the collection while you’re there, you know?
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Van Bone, Marion Bay
What’s more intimate than a 20-seat restaurant? The answer is nothing. Van Bone is cut right into the Tassie countryside, close to Marion Bay. Its menu features produce pulled straight from its market orchard and neighbouring seaside; its ethos is minimal intervention, and its architecture is world-class.
If you’re looking to treat yourself, and your lover, head to Van Bone for a good time.
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Pub in the Paddock, Pyengana
Looking for something a little more low key? Cosy casual? Want to get a feel for the local life? Pub in the Paddock is one of Tassie’s oldest pubs, full of historic memorabilia, and it’s plonked smack dab in the middle of dairy country. So make sure to look up after dinner for some serious stargazing.
P.S. They’ve got a pig named Priscilla that is known to have the occasional light beer. No joke.
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Sullivans Cove, Cambridge
There’s a whole whisky trail that’s worth a look in Tasmania, but arguably top of the list is Sullivans Cove. So if you’ve only got time for one – head here. This epoch-making distillery put Australia on the world map, after all.
Whether you book a tour of the distillery or just head straight to the tasting room, a good nip of whisky is sure to warm you up on a cold day.
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Converted to try a snuggly, cold weather getaway? Check out the flights and packages over at Flight Centre. Go forth and get cosy, amigos.
