Tasmanian Treasures 2.0
Tasmanian Treasures 2.0
Hello strays!
This chapter of Tasmanian Treasures is ‘off season’ friendly. Tassie is stunning in winter! Although it can get pretty cold and wet, the magic is there regardless, and absolutely nothing beats a clear sunny winter’s day in Tas. Regardless of when you visit, we’ve got you.
First, stock up with groceries at Tassie’s own Hill Street Grocer, an institution for the finest produce. With 10 locations Tasmania-wide, grab yourself some of my favourites to make the world’s greatest cheeseboard. Coal River Farm’s triple cream brie, Meredith Dairy marinated goat cheese, Snowdonia Cheese Co. Black Bomber extra mature cheddar, Maggie Beer fig and fennel paste, Tasman Sea Salt lavosh crispbreads, and some fresh fruit.
If you drink alcohol, here is a list of my tried-and-true local favourites, with input from Papa BEAR, and my equally boozy friend Tayla.
When you’ve secured the goods, you’re going to escape to the Meander Valley with Cedar Cottage.* With uninterrupted views of mountains, valleys and forests, you’ll find yourself gazing into the distance for longer than intended. There is a hot tub (jump in at night and see the stars), a fully functional kitchen, bedrooms with forest views, and an abundant veggie patch called the Veg Mahal that guests can help themselves to! They also provide locally made butter and jam which was such a nice surprise.
* do yourself a favour and drive there via the Great Lakes rather than the Midland Highway. It will add a little time to your journey, but the scenery is unmatched.
Cedar Cottage
Four of us stayed comfortably for three nights at Cedar Cottage which was just the right amount of time to squeeze in activities, while also enjoying the serenity of the cottage! One of the days we settled on a quick walk to Liffey Falls. The walk takes a couple of hours from the lower car park, or 45 minutes from the top carpark, we opted for the longer walk through the mossy forest with a swim in the waterfall, and kiss biscuits from Frog’s Bakery in Deloraine as our end-of-walk reward.
Liffey Falls
Also a must, is a day trip to Meander Valley Vineyard to taste their beautiful wine. Bring a picnic rug and set yourself up under the orchard or book a table on the deck. There was live music while we were there, and the vibes were immaculate. They offer a unique style of build-your-own platter too where you can pick and choose which bits you’d like included on your cheeseboard!
Meander Valley Vineyard
While you’re up north, take a detour and visit The Floating Sauna in Lake Derby. With a completely off-grid location, and stunning architectural design, The Floating Sauna is a perfect way to recentre and refresh. Spend time sweating it out in the sauna, before channelling your inner Wim Hof and taking a cold plunge into the freshwater lake. You will leave your session feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of your day. The Floating Sauna is the most aesthetically pleasing sauna/cold plunge I’ve ever seen!
Floating Sauna, Lake Derby
Floating Sauna, Lake Derby
When you’re back in Hobart, I’m giving you two options for dinner. Option one is Suzie Luck’s Canteen and Cocktail Bar. Their menu is delicious, and their cocktail list is extensive! If you don’t see something that takes your fancy on the cocktail menu (unlikely), the bar staff are so creative and love to have a play! Tell them what kind of alcohol you’d like as a base, and they’ll shake something special for you! Option two is Syra, a Middle Eastern restaurant that houses my death row meal, their fried cauliflower. Now before you roll your eyes and think of the anaemic little trees your grandparents used to steam the life out of, think again. This dish is magic - crispy cauliflower with baby figs, tahini, pistachio and sesame. Ugh, I can’t get enough.
Picture by Susie Luck’s
Cooking & picture by Alex Mullan
If you really can’t decide, between locations – por qué no los dos - they are a stone’s throw from each other in Salamanca Square, head to Suzie Luck’s for a pre-dinner drop, then Syra for your feast.
Our final instalment of Tasmanian Treasures (3.0) coming soon.
Stray beautiful, BEAR.