Tasmanian experience

Down under

The Doberman’s hyper senses came alive as it sprinted back and forth, sniffing intensely on our baggage being dropped off from the conveyor belts at Hobart airport. “You don’t probably need that!” We smiled at the stocky and cherubic security officer. “Yeaaah, I do agree but we need to keep trouble outta here for good, it’s a peaceful island, y’see?” That figured. Outside, a cool breeze welcomed us into the bracing climes of Tasmania, and as we drove the short distance to our hotel on the cheerful harbour, we liked the place instantly.

The harbour was chequered with bright sailboats and an ocean cruise liner that had crept in from Launceston on the other side of the island state. As we strolled along the pier, where seagulls juxtaposed with nylon ropes and the air smelled of freshly-caught fish, a brass band announced the re-opening of an art gallery. Elizabeth Street was in a festive mode, with fine wining and dining places readying up for a long night. In the lap of Mount Wellington, Hobart, the Tasmanian capital, sits comfortably on the Derwent River.
Nature’s largesse

The 40-minute drive into the close hinterland opened up vistas of tranquility. We stopped at the picturesque Peppermint Bay to catch a glimpse of untouched natural beauty, changing with every cumulonimbus cloud formation on the azure blue waters. The dazzling D’Entrecasteaux Channel, which offers exciting sailing thrills on the Tasman Sea inlet, is also ideal for water sports, angling and trekking along its grassy knolls.

The delightfully-infectious Mediterranean climate that blesses Tasmania, promotes healthy farm produce. Sheep rearing, poultry farming and orchards constitute a booming agro-based economy, while Tasmania’s award-winning premium wines make a mark across the globe. The scenic Grandvewe Cheese Farm offers idyllic panoramas, as an added bonus to their fine country cheeses, paired with boutique Tasmanian dessert wines.

We couldn’t have possibly missed out the region’s famed pinot noirs and rieslings at the scenic Moorilla, Meadowbank and Home Hill Estates, leaving our oenophilic senses better conditioned to appreciate the vintage varietals. Wine tastings are an experience apart, and our quest took us to finer experiences at fine wining and dining outlets in Hobart and its beautiful surroundings.

Our short drive to little Heritage town Richmond created a gentle curiosity of sorts. The place is coloured with quaint shops, bars, cafés and stately villas in quintessential colonial Aussie architecture, with filigree balconies, awnings and iron columns. As we strolled down the leafy lanes in no apparent hurry, we saw folks spending quality time sampling cheeses, breads and savouries at the local deli, admiring local art, chatting up with winemakers on pavements and enjoying premium Espresso at the local café.

Local lure

Our Tassie trip was crowned with our 4-hour amble-and-ingest experience at the Salamanca weekly market in the heart of the city. This kaleidoscopic mélange of all things Tasmanian and Australian celebrates the easy-n-breezy Ozzie way of enjoying the best in life. From amazing handcrafted woodwork, sculptures, wall hangings to whacky paintings, neon hats, and excellent local liqueurs, wines to the world’s tiniest pancakes to spicy Mexican tacos, the market has everything under the sun.

As a motley group of teen musicians whipped up an impromptu jazz rendition along the Salamanca pavements, people gathered around, eating, drinking beer and beaming in appreciation. A huge, pot-bellied, beer-guzzling visitor from Western Australia whistled with gusto as the composition peaked to crescendo, winking at us. The beer had done things to his garrulous mood. Tasmania…we shall remember with nostalgia.

Getting to Tasmania

Flights are avaible from several Indian airports to Singapore, which has direct connections to Sydney and Melbourne. And Hobart is just two hours by domestic connections from either of these Australian airports.

Conducted coach tours or self drives are the best options to experience the region.
 Excellent B&B, modest hotels and luxury 5-star accommodations are available with prior bookings.