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This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Tasmania is one of Australia's most rewarding destin… Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Tasmania is one of Australia's most rewarding destinations for travelers seeking a mix of nature, food, wildlife, and authentic local experiences. While many visitors begin in Hobart, the island's greatest treasures are often found beyond the capital, from secluded beaches and wildlife-rich islands to vineyard-covered valleys and charming coastal communities.

In this episode, Tim and David explore some of their favorite experiences across Tasmania, highlighting destinations that showcase the island's remarkable diversity. From helicopter winery tours and floating saunas to penguin encounters and pristine national parks, Tasmania offers a travel experience that feels both adventurous and deeply connected to place.

The conversation also emphasizes one of Tasmania's greatest strengths: its ability to deliver world-class experiences without the crowds often found elsewhere in Australia. Whether you're interested in wildlife, food, outdoor adventure, or simply slowing down and enjoying the landscape, Tasmania rewards travelers who take the time to explore beyond the obvious.

Top Things to See & Do

Maria Island

A short ferry ride from Tasmania's east coast, Maria Island combines convict history, Aboriginal heritage, spectacular scenery, and some of the island's best wildlife viewing. Wombats and wallabies are abundant, and the car-free environment makes it ideal for cycling and hiking.

Unique Charters Helicopter Winery Tour

Departing from Launceston, these scenic helicopter tours offer a memorable way to experience Tasmania's wine regions. Guests enjoy aerial views of rivers, farmland, mountains, and vineyards while visiting a variety of cellar doors.

Cataract Gorge Scenic Chairlift

One of Launceston's most iconic attractions, this historic chairlift crosses the dramatic Cataract Gorge and provides access to walking trails, scenic lookouts, and beautiful riverside landscapes.

Bicheno Penguin Experience

The coastal town of Bicheno offers one of Tasmania's best opportunities to observe little penguins returning to shore at dusk, particularly during breeding season.

Sauna Boat at Little Oyster Cove Marina

A uniquely Tasmanian wellness experience, this floating sauna combines waterfront views, a relaxing atmosphere, and optional cold plunges in a beautiful marina setting.

Wineglass Bay Cruises

Cruises through the Freycinet region showcase some of Tasmania's most spectacular coastal scenery, including white sand beaches, granite cliffs, and opportunities to spot dolphins, whales, seabirds, and penguins.

Freycinet National Park

One of Australia's most celebrated national parks, Freycinet is known for dramatic coastal landscapes, hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and the famous Wineglass Bay lookout.

Where to Eat & Drink

The Lobster Shack, Bicheno

A relaxed waterfront seafood spot known for fresh Tasmanian rock lobster and lobster rolls.

Stillwater Restaurant, Launceston

One of Tasmania's most respected dining destinations, celebrated for its seafood, local ingredients, and waterfront setting.

Tasmanian Wine Country

The vineyards surrounding Launceston offer opportunities to meet winemakers, sample cool-climate wines, and experience the island's thriving food and wine culture.

Neighborhoods & Regions to Explore

Launceston

Tasmania's second-largest city serves as a gateway to wine country, outdoor adventures, and one of the island's strongest culinary scenes.

Bicheno

A laid-back coastal town known for seafood, surfing, beach culture, and penguin viewing.

East Coast Tasmania

Home to some of Australia's most beautiful beaches, marine wildlife experiences, and scenic coastal drives.

Turners Beach

A quiet seaside community on Tasmania's northwest coast offering beach walks, local charm, and a slower pace of travel.

Where to Stay

Satellite Island

A private island retreat offering an exclusive Tasmanian experience. Guests enjoy waterfront accommodations, exceptional privacy, marine wildlife, and the feeling of staying in a luxurious island hideaway.

Stillwater Seven, Launceston

A boutique hotel created within a historic former mill. Each suite is individually designed using local craftsmanship and offers easy access to Launceston's dining and cultural attractions.

Can't-Miss Experiences

• Cycle around wildlife-rich Maria Island.
• Photograph wombats and wallabies in their natural habitat.
• Take a helicopter flight over Tasmania's wine regions.
• Ride the Cataract Gorge Scenic Chairlift.
• Watch little penguins return to shore in Bicheno.
• Relax in the floating sauna at Little Oyster Cove Marina.
• Cruise the coastline around Wineglass Bay.
• Sample fresh Tasmanian seafood on the east coast.
• Explore Freycinet National Park's beaches and wa more

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Hobart is one of Australia’s most distinctive destin… Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Hobart is one of Australia’s most distinctive destinations, combining a thriving food scene, world-class contemporary art, dramatic waterfront landscapes, and a welcoming small-city atmosphere. Located on Tasmania’s southern coast, the city serves as the gateway to an island known for its exceptional produce, wildlife, and outdoor adventures.

In this episode, David and Tim explore what makes Hobart such a rewarding destination for travelers seeking a deeper Australian experience beyond Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef. From bustling waterfront markets to one of the world’s most unconventional museums, Hobart blends creativity, heritage, and natural beauty in a way few destinations can match.

The hosts also share their favorite places to stay, eat, and explore, along with insights into why Tasmania continues to feel refreshingly authentic despite its growing reputation among travelers and food lovers.

Topics Covered

• Tasmania’s Unique Identity – How Tasmania differs from mainland Australia through its climate, culture, and pace of life.

• Hobart as a Gateway Destination – Why the city serves as the ideal base for exploring southern Tasmania.

• Food & Produce – Fresh seafood, artisan producers, local markets, and Tasmania’s world-class food culture.

• The MONA Effect – How Hobart’s iconic contemporary art museum transformed the city’s creative scene.

• Waterfront Experiences – Seafood cruises, harbor views, and Hobart’s connection to the sea.

• Accommodation Recommendations – Character-filled hotels and unique heritage stays.

Top Things to See & Do

Salamanca Market

One of Australia’s premier farmers markets, Salamanca Market takes over Hobart’s historic waterfront district every Saturday. More than 300 vendors showcase local produce, artisan goods, books, crafts, and some of Tasmania’s best food.

Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)

MONA is Tasmania’s most famous cultural attraction and one of the world’s most unconventional art museums. Its provocative exhibitions, striking architecture, and ever-changing installations make it a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art and creative expression.

Bruny Island

A short ferry ride from Hobart, Bruny Island is known for pristine beaches, artisan food producers, wineries, cheese makers, honey producers, and spectacular coastal scenery. It makes an ideal day trip from the city.

Hobart Seafood Cruise

Experience Tasmania’s renowned seafood directly from the source on a small-group cruise departing from Hobart’s waterfront. Guests enjoy freshly harvested seafood while exploring the surrounding waterways and coastline.

Salamanca Place

The historic sandstone warehouse district surrounding Salamanca Market is packed with galleries, cafés, restaurants, and bars, making it one of Hobart’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Where to Eat & Drink

Aloft

A waterfront restaurant known for creative dishes built around Tasmania’s exceptional seafood and seasonal local ingredients. Sitting at the chef’s bar offers an especially memorable dining experience.

S.C.H.O.L.E.

An intimate tasting-menu restaurant where guests gather around a communal table for a multi-course experience focused on local ingredients and thoughtful preparation.

The Hanging Garden

A lively open-air food hall, beer garden, and live music venue in central Hobart. With multiple food vendors and a welcoming atmosphere, it is an excellent choice for groups and families.

Salamanca Place

One of the best areas in the city for casual dining, drinks, and exploring Hobart’s growing culinary scene.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Salamanca & Waterfront District

Historic sandstone buildings, harbor views, restaurants, galleries, and market culture make this the heart of visitor activity in Hobart.

Hobart CBD

The city center combines heritage architecture, contemporary dining, cultural attractions, and easy access to the waterfront.

Where to Stay

MACq 01 Hotel

A distinctive waterfront storytelling hotel where every room celebrates a notable Tasmanian figure. Guests can also participate in the property's acclaimed storytelling tours that provide unique insight into Hobart’s history and character.

The Tasman

One of Australia’s finest luxury hotels, blending a restored 19th-century heritage building with contemporary design. Located just steps from the waterfront, it offers exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and Marriott Bonvoy participation.

David’s Recommended Historic Hobart Airbnb

A beautifully restored historic pub transformed into a stylish modern accommodation while preserving much of the building’s original character and heritage charm.

Can’t-Miss Experiences

• Visit Salamanca Market on a Saturday morning.
• Spend seve more