A Queen Mary-Inspired Tour Of Tasmania

Tasmania offers everything you need to have a Scandi-inspired holiday, fit for a royal.

Tasmanian-born Mary Donaldson has officially become Queen Mary of Denmark . Although her transformation from Hobart local to Scandinavian royalty is a major shift, there are plenty of parallels between the small Nordic country and Mary’s home state of Tasmania.

In celebration of Australia’s first queen consort, we’ve rounded up a Scandinavian-inspired bucket list of things to experience in Tasmania. From wilderness saunas to fine arts and culture, these Tasmanian experiences are fit for a queen.

Wine and dine like a queen

Fine dining and fresh produce go hand in hand. Launceston, in Tassie’s north east corner, has been named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, thanks to its outstanding local produce and abundance of impressive culinary talent. Stillwater , a fine dining restaurant housed in an old flour mill, is a stand-out for its modern dishes which draw on fresh, local ingredients. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to wine, too. The Tamar Valley, a stone’s throw from the city, is one of the best cool-climate producers.

the lush vineyards in Josef Chromy Wines, Tamar Valley — Josef Chromy Wines is a wine-lovers paradise. (Image: Andrew Wilson)

Check out innovative architecture and design

Nordic design is known for its elegant, pared-back sophistication, but Tasmania has the architectural prowess to rival it. A new vanguard of designers and architects is creating sleek, modern spaces, such as the Mona , the Museum of Old and New Art, which is impressively carved into the rockface. The luxurious Saffire Freycinet also features a high concept, sustainable design, with a breathtaking view of the Hazard mountains to boot. Down in Hobart, The Tasman hotel accentuates its 1840s Georgian heritage bones with restored bathtubs and fireplaces, and adds a modern twist with sleek interior design and a refined colour palette.
an aerial view of Saffire Freycinet, Freycinet National Park

Check into Saffire Freycinet for breathtaking views of Freycinet National Park. (Image: Saffire Freycinet)

The Tasman Hotel — The Tasman in Hobart combines its 1840s heritage exterior with a sleek, modern interior.

Marvel at art

Mona is largely responsible for putting Australia on the map as an arts destination – in one of the country’s more unexpected locations, too. Now, thousands flock to Hobart to view Mona’s world-class collection, as well as the museum’s two festivals, Dark Mofo and Mona Foma .

the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in River Derwent in Berriedale — Mona is perched on the banks of the River Derwent. (Image: Jesse Hunniford)

Indulge in the art of bathing

Scandinavia is known for its sauna and bathhouse culture. But Tassie is carving out a reputation as a wellness epicentre with a slew of difficult-to-beat saunas and wilderness spas. Get your sweat on in The Wilderness Sauna on the Tasman Peninsula , overlooking the vineyard-fringed Impression Bay.

a scenic view of Derby's Floating Sauna — Head to Derby’s Floating Sauna for a well-deserved R&R. (Image: Dearna Bond)

Derby’s Floating Sauna seems as if it was plucked straight from Northern Europe, surrounded by a placid lake and pristine nature. Wilderness and wellness are a winning combination – and nowhere does it quite like the Apple Isle.

two people relaxing in Floating Sauna — Dip your toes in the water. (Image: Dearna Bond)

Chill out in the snow

While Australia is known as a summer destination, its southernmost state thrives in the winter. Tasmania comes alive during the off-season, celebrating all things hygge (think cosy cabins in the woods, and even dog sledding). When it comes to snow, Mt Wellington near Hobart often gets a sprinkling, but if you want to see mountains blanketed in white, head to the beautiful, UNESCO-listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Those with more active inclinations can check out the ski fields at Mt Mawson.

winter in Mt Wellington — See Mt Wellington blanketed in snow. (Image: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman)

Witness an Aurora

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list item for many. But did you know that the same phenomenon exists in the southern hemisphere? It’s called Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights, and they can be seen year-round from Tasmania.

Goat’s Bluff on Tassie’s South Peninsula is where you’ll have the best shot of catching the beautiful light display. But for those who don’t want to stray too far from the city, you’ll stand a decent chance on the summit of Mt Wellington, too.

the view of Aurora Australis in Tasmania — Admire enchanting views of the Aurora Australis. (Image: Tourism Tasmania; Simon Kruit)

Get cosy at a cafe or bakery

Tasmania is home to a vibrant, bustling cafe scene. Here, you can expect top-notch coffee and delicious pastries to accompany your beverage. You’ll find plenty of quaint, heritage bakeries with pastries that give the Danes a run for their money. We’ve rounded up the best cafes in Launceston and the best coffee spots in Hobart for you to check out.

the cafe interior of Sweetbrew, Launceston — Get your caffeine fix at Sweetbrew. (Image: Lusy Productions)

Roll around on a bike

Denmark (Copenhagen in particular) is known for its bike-riding culture. Granted, Tasmania is not as flat, but the beautiful scenery is certainly worth peddling up hills for. Roll around the slopes at Derby with Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails , or if you feel like something a little more easygoing, explore the port city of Hobart by bike.

biking with Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails — Roll around with Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails. (Image: Natalie Mendham)

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

A Queen Mary Scandi-inspired tour of Tasmania