Savour seafood and the Southern Lights on this Tassie night cruise

By Rachael Thompson
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Experience Tasmania from a new perspective on this unique night cruise.

Tasmania is brimming with unforgettable experiences. From its rugged wilderness to vibrant local culture, there are countless ways to discover this unspoiled island. One unique way to discover it is by night, sailing through quiet waters while stargazing and tucking into fresh local seafood.

Departing from Margate, just 20 kilometres south of Hobart and concluding at Hobart’s Elizabeth Street Pier, the two-hour Sea to Sky Night Cruise blends storytelling, stargazing and marine life observation on Friday and Saturday nights during the cooler months. 

The Sea to Sky Night Cruise catamaran sitting on the water.

The luxury catamaran concludes its journey at Hobart’s Elizabeth Street Pier.

Upon boarding the luxury catamaran, designed and built in Tasmania, guests are welcomed with a warm cup of cider. This is followed by a charcuterie platter and a comforting bowl of soup as you set sail through the scenic d’Entrecasteaux Channel — a sheltered body of water nestled between Bruny Island and the Tasmanian mainland.

Tasmania provides some of Australia’s finest opportunities for astronomy and stargazing, with 2025 being an exceptionally exciting year for celestial events. On this cruise, adventurers can marvel at the Southern Sky and may even catch a glimpse of the stunning Aurora Australis. Look into the water and you’re likely to see dolphins, whales, seals, and if you’re lucky, a 7-gill shark swimming by.

The Aurora Australis in Tasmania.

Tasmania offers some of the best opportunities to catch the Aurora Australis. (Image: Getty/gavwak2012)

Along the way, enjoy captivating stories from local commercial fishers and discover over 40,000 years of Indigenous celestial and aquatic traditions. Complementing the rich stories and starlit skies, delicious Tassie treats such as abalone, scallop pie, and apple cake – each prepared by a local chef at the interactive cook station – are to be enjoyed. A curated selection of regional wines, beers, and ciders is also available to enjoy as you soak in the sights.

Tasmanian abalone being cooked in a pan.

Enjoy tasty local snacks like abalone.

As you sail toward Hobart, watch the city lights sparkle into view, creating a magical contrast to the natural wonders around you. For your comfort and convenience, the vessel is also equipped with heaters, wi-fi and two toilets. 

Reserve your spot now

Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and gin connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, along with an English major from The University of Sydney, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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Is this sleek home Hobart’s most underrated stay?

    By Lauren de Sousa
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    Find modern convenience and comfort in this picture-perfect holiday home.

    Hobart is a city that effortlessly blends historic charm with contemporary edge. From the convict-era sandstone warehouses lining its historic wharf to the cutting-edge MONA and a thriving food and arts scene, there’s much to discover in this small but mighty waterfront capital.

    Capturing this dual aesthetic perfectly is the work of award-winning Tasmanian architectural firm Rosevear Stephenson, which has worked on four separate accommodations in the city. One of their standout projects, The Conservatory, is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your itinerary next time you visit the heart of the Apple Isle.

    the sandstone building at The Conservatory Hobart

    The Conservatory Hobart sits behind a historic sandstone building.

    Tucked just behind a beautifully restored heritage sandstone building – also available to stay in and designed by the same team – The Conservatory is a light-filled, modern holiday home that offers a striking counterpoint to its historic neighbour, both thoughtfully conceived to meet the needs of today’s travellers. 

    the exterior of The Conservatory Hobart

    The modern townhouse is designed with striking Tasmanian architecture.

    This four-person property is designed for comfort and convenience, whether you’re heading down for the Dark Mofo festivities or you’re looking for a quiet weekend enjoying the best of Tassie produce. Just a 10-minute walk from the action of the CBD, it’s perfectly positioned to access all the city’s highlights.

    an open-plan living area at The Conservatory Hobart

    The light-filled, modern holiday home is equipped with cosy amenities.

    Spacious enough for families, a group of friends or two couples, you’ll find an open-plan living area that invites you to unwind after a day of exploring, two bathrooms with walk-in showers and two stylish bedrooms with plush bedding and thoughtful finishes that make it feel like home.

    Elevated details such as under-floor heating in the bathrooms are a welcome feature on chilly Hobart days, while the terrace is an idyllic spot to relax in the sun with some local gin.

    the bedroom at The Conservatory Hobart

    Elevate your stay in Hobart with stylish bedrooms that are dressed with plush bedding.

    You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Hobart. But if you’d rather enjoy some moreish baked goods from Pigeon Whole Bakers in the comfort of your own space, or cook up a meal with fresh produce from the Salamanca Market (a short walk away), this home has you covered with a fully equipped kitchen. Here you’ll find high-end appliances, including a state-of-the-art Smeg touchscreen cooktop and a spacious dining table, making home cooking both stylish and effortless.

    the exterior of The Conservatory Hobart

    The Conservatory Hobart is classically restored into a contemporary home.

    For longer stays, the in-house washer and dryer add extra convenience, while the EV charger is a welcome feature for electric vehicle drivers. And with code-only access, check-in is a breeze – no keys to collect, just a smooth, hassle-free arrival.

    Our advice? Book early before the word gets out about this underrated gem.