TRAVEL OVER SEAS TO TASMANIA FOR HONEYMOON
Many couples love to take the opportunity to head overseas for their honeymoon. Bucket list destinations and dream travel spots are deliberated and booked well in advance to mark this significant moment in life. However, as with many things, Covid-19 put a halt to many an overseas adventure. Lucky for us, we live in an incredibly diverse and stunningly scenic nation. From coastal vibes to rainforest sounds, city lights to snowy slopes, newlyweds have a breadth of travel options right here in our own backyard. And, if you’re from mainland Australia and really want to travel ‘over seas’, then Tasmania may just be the honeymoon destination for you.
Hobart
Located at the foothills of kunanyi / Mt Wellington, Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania and home to 200,000+ people. This seaside village made it into TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Destinations on the Rise and Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities to Visit… and it’s no wonder why! Old Town historical charm mixes with modern culture in one of the most ruggedly beautiful settings. Hit up the cobblestoned waterfront for fine dining experiences with fresh Tassie produce, or visit Salamanca Market on a Saturday boasting over 200+ vibrant market stalls. Hobart has a wide range of shops, theatres, watering holes, and of course, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) which is well worth the 25-minute ferry trip up the river.
Image: Aleksandar Jason
kunanyi and Wellington Park
For panoramic views of epic proportions, make the 21km (~20 minute) drive up to the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington. On a clear day you’ll be able to look out across Hobart, Bruny Island, South Arm and the Tasman Peninsula. Perch on a boulder and enjoy watching the sunset illuminate the clouds, or ready your lenses to capture a snow-capped wonderland. Whatever the weather conditions, kunanyi will not disappoint! If you’ve had enough of being cooped up in a car, consider bushwalking, trail riding, cycling, or rock-climbing to the top instead. Wellington Park is home to 500 native plant species and a diverse range of fauna. There are waterfalls and dolerite columns to explore, and places to rest and picnic or BBQ.
Image: Daniel Kuberek
Eaglehawk Neck and Tasman Peninsula
Look, any place that’s named Eaglehawk Neck is set to be cool. It is a small stretch about an hour’s drive south of Hobart, connecting the Tasman Peninsula to the Forestier Peninsula. It has geological wonders such as the Tessellated Pavement, where you’ll find the heavens reflecting in shallow pool rock formations. Shipwrecks, sea cliffs, and local wildlife make this a playground for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Head further south and you’ll find yourself in the Tasman National Park, home to Tasman’s Arch, Blowhole, and Devil’s Kitchen. Breathe deeply the fresh sea air and marvel at the environmental beauty. Alternatively, travel to the Port Arthur Historic Site and delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Site.
Image: Withasee
Wineglass Bay
Located approx. 2.5 hours north of Hobart and south of Launceston, is the exquisite Wineglass Bay. Considered to be one of the top 10 beaches in the word, Wineglass Bay is part of the Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast of Tasmania. Make your way uphill through The Hazards about 30-45 minutes to get to the lookout. There you’ll be rewarded with a view of aquamarine waters against a lush mountainous backdrop and a curved stretch of sand giving the place its namesake. The additional 1.5-hour return trip to sink your toes into the sand at Wineglass Bay Beach makes every one of the 1000 stairs worth it. Take plenty of water, pack some snacks and your swimmers if you’re keen for a dip. There are longer treks throughout Freycinet if you want to explore more of the park. Accommodation wise, there is everything from camping to cabins to cosy chalets dotted around the area. You’ll be spoilt for choice on honeymoon, with splendour at every doorstep.
Image: Jason Charles Hill
East Coast Wine Trail
Devil’s Corner Cellar Door overlooks Moulting Lagoon and Freycinet Peninsula making it our pick for the perfect lazy afternoon. Grab a tasting paddle or book in for a Guided Tasting with one of the hosts. Their Pinot is delicious and you’ll find some special varieties on offer in their cellar door. If you’re feeling peckish, order the wood-fired pizza by Tombolo (it has the Factory51 tick of approval) or indulge in some of Tassie’s finest seafood at The Fishers. Climb their architectural mascot to get a view from up high, or simply spread a blanket on the grass vino in hand. There are a tonne of other vineyards and cellars within the vicinity too, including Spring Vale Wines, Gala Estate Vineyard, Stefano Lubiano Wines, Craigie Knowe Vineyard, and Freycinet Vineyard.
Image: Devil’s Corner Cellar Door
Bay of Fires
If you’ve ever seen striking images of orange lichen-covered granite boulders, then it’s a good chance it was taken at the Bay of Fires. This spectacular 50km coastline stretches from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, and is a popular conservation reserve. Sugar-white sand and clear turquoise waters make up the secluded beaches and lagoons. There’s reefs and underwater caves to be explored by snorkellers or divers; bird-watching and dolphin-spotting for those staying dry. Base yourself in St Helens or Binalong Bay, or indulge in a luxury eco-lodge experience as part of a 3-day Bay of Fires Walk or 4-day wukalina walk.
Image: Leigh Williams
Honeymoon Here This Year
We know that the lack of overseas travel can be disappointing right now, but we’re massive advocates of our own country. Our east-coast snapshot of Tasmania has only just scratched the surface of the wild romance that this place has to offer. There’s plenty more to explore from the western wilderness and Cradle Mountain, to Launceston and the Tamar Valley, to the far northern isle of King Island.
We love hearing the plans our couples are making to celebrate their marriage, so be sure to share them with us! And if you’ve started with the honeymoon, but are yet to find your perfect ceremony and reception venue, then we’d be delighted to show you around our rustic industrial space. Contact us today to find out more.