Hello from Hobart, again!
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, a heart-shaped island state just south of mainland Australia. Tasmania is known for farm-fresh produce, cozy cafes, world-class art, and jaw-dropping landscapes. The city has about 200,000 people and is just my speed.
We are stuck here until the New Zealand border opens. Nonetheless, we are going to make the best of it. If we had to be stuck anywhere in the world, Hobart would make the top five places. Somehow, it’s Durangoesque. It’s got the small-town vibe where people are friendly, but it’s also got live music, bangin’ food, trendy cafe culture, and hikes that will blow your mind. If you never see me again, you’ll know where to find me.
Of course, we are a little disheartened to be so far away from Rasmus’ basketball team. It’s no fun to train solo, and boy has he been getting after it in the gym. Luckily for us, one of his coaches got stuck here, too (unluckily for him)!
I honestly thought we’d be in New Zealand by now, but fate had other plans. On the plus side, it’s already spring, and warm weather is upon us!
The Great Outdoors
If you're looking for a postcard of Hobart, the odds are good that you'll find one featuring Salamanca Market. Open on Saturdays, and it’s the most-visited tourist spot in all of Tasmania.
Whether you're after a snack, a souvenir, or a sweet new outfit, this open-air space is the place to go hunting for it -- vendors change constantly but include locally made and grown products from ginger beer to glassware.
We are enjoying our Saturday mornings there and always come home with a bag overflowing with fresh produce. I’m a sucker for local honey and jams; these Hobartians know what they’re doing.
On the weekends, we’ve spent our time exploring places within a two-hour drive. And we’ve made it out to Port Arthur and hiked about nine miles out to Cape Raoul. I’ve hiked all over the world, but I’ve never hiked along a cliff edge like that.
Video from Cape Raoul:
Another stellar place we hit was Russell Falls and the surrounding area. This waterfall is tucked back into the mountains in a scene that looks a bit like Jurassic Park. There was something wholesome feeling about the green nature in Mount Field National Park.
Video from Russell Falls:
We got our park pass, too. I’ve got a giant list of must-hit spots. I’m on a mission to see the white kangaroos out on Bruny Island!
Fun Things to Explore
The capital city does have a university, which, lucky for us, keeps the city young. On the weekends, we venture out where you can always find live music or some kind of festival or art show.
I love the pub crawlers in the city. Australians are some of the most friendly people I’ve encountered, and it’s always fun meeting new people. And the accent, it just doesn’t get old.
The Mona Art Museum is right up the road, and it holds the title of being the largest privately-funded museum in the southern hemisphere. They have fun concerts there on the grass and feature new art exhibits all the time.
Foodie Culture
Hobart is hip. Full stop. It’s become a trendy destination for Aussie vacationers, and for good reason. Downtown, there is a coffee shop every 50 meters with killer coffee and baked goods. I’ve got an extensive list going for a future blog.
Tasmania has a rich agricultural culture. You’ll find local honey (especially clover and manuka honey), apples, fish, oysters, eggs, lamb, wallaby, and cheese are among some of the island's best offerings, and local restaurants turn them into stunning and usually affordable dishes. When we drive out into the country, we see farms for miles with large cardboard signs indicating that we can turn off to buy local goods.
And man, oh man, the local craft beers here are refreshing! Cascade Brewery is the oldest brewery in Australia, and the brewery tour is a treat. But we’ve also stopped into T-Bone Brewing and Hobart Brewing Co. You cannot go wrong with something local on tap.
In short, life is good! Road life is always a bit lonely. I keep waiting for life to slow down, but it doesn’t. We are jumping Airbnb’s every few weeks, and living without permanent housing comes with many challenges.
But I’ve come to accept that this is my life! If you don’t live your life like it’s a vacation, it might just pass you by. I’ve been thinking a lot about mom lately and how she owned her last four years of life. One great piece of advice she gave was, "At the beginning of each year, take your calendar out and put in your vacations."
I think mom would love Tasmania. She’s probably out dancing over the water!
Sending love to your corner of the world,
Xx