‘48 hours in…’ is a monthly series on ABC 612 Brisbane featuring well known and not so well known destinations around the world.

DAY ONE

8.00am : Battery Point walk

Historic Battery Point

Hobart has a rich colonial heritage and Battery Point is one of my favourite spots to experience it.   This area sits slightly above the waterfront and is largely removed from the tourist hustle and bustle. 

Head off early for a glimpse into the way things used to be (it’s much easier to let your imagination to run wild when there is no one else around). 

Some of Hobart’s oldest cottages are located in the back streets as is Jackman & McRoss Bakery which you are sure to stumble across (follow the delicious smell and hungry locals).

10.00am : Cascade Brewery tour

Catch the bus to Cascade Brewery which is about 20 minutes outside the Hobart CBD. 

This is Australia’s oldest brewery and offers an immensely enjoyable tour suitable for beer lovers and non beer lovers alike.  Wear long trousers and covered shoes as you will be walking all around this working brewery. 

Very professional and entertaining; some of the historic brewing equipment is amazing.  Tours finish with a generous tasting session (thankfully with brewed Cascade soft drinks for non-beer aficionados).

1.00pm : Take a punt on lunch

Stop at one of the Constitution Dock fish punts along the Hobart waterfront.   

These look a little like houseboats and serve fish which has been caught on the trawlers moored nearby.  Everyone has a favourite punt; ask around or follow the locals.

2.00pm : Mt Wellington

Mt Wellington

Sign up for a half day tour or drive yourself up the 21kms to the top of Mt Wellington.  The 10 minute trip passes through temperate rainforest, sub-alpine flora and glacial formations before ending in panoramic views of Hobart and the Tasman peninsula. 

Visit the viewing platform to see historic photos of women climbing the mountains in full length skirts with a bustle and petticoats.   There is often snow up here even when it seems quite warm in Hobart (an impromptu snow fight is loads of fun and a must if you have kids).

4.00pm : Afternoon stroll and starfish search

Take a stroll along Constitution Dock to check out the Antarctic vessels in port and visit the docking area beside the tour offices to see myriad starfish. 

7.00pm : Dinner

Hobart is fast developing a reputation as a fine dining destination.   Check out Marque IVwhich recently received an outstanding review in The Weekend Australian (their take on Chateaubriand is to die for) or Smolt which is a joint venture with Tasmanian salmon producer Tassal.  

Visitors can purchase a Tassie Dining Card for $39 and receive discounted dining at over 80 venues. 

DAY TWO

8.00am : Salamanca Markets

Salamanca Markets

You can buy anything from a handmade wooden toy or a hand-spun, hand-knitted sweater to fresh fruit and vegetables or a 50-year-old china plate.

Across the road there are green lawns and park benches shaded by plane trees which provide a perfect spot to enjoy take away coffee and a few breakfast goodies. 

Don’t miss the galleries filled with works by local artisans (the silver jewellery is particularly beautiful). 

10.30am : Peppermint Bay Cruise

Take a cruise with Hobart Cruises to Peppermint Bay, a beautiful waterside spot just outside Hobart. 

We saw dolphins frolicking in the bay and seals and sea eagles trying to get a free feed at the Tasmanian salmon farm we passed along the way. 

There is an hour spent at Peppermint Bay before the trip back which includes a fascinating story about the original Tasman Bridge which collapsed in the 1970s. 

6.00pm : Balcony bliss

Stay in one of the historic dockside buildings which house accommodation like Sullivans Cove Apartments located in the old IXL Jam Factory. 

Sit on the balcony and enjoy a glass of Tasmanian wine with fresh cheeses picked up at the markets and admire the views and sense of history. 

7.00pm : Pub dinner

Within 20 years of settlement Hobart boasted 50 pubs for its 10,000 inhabitants.  Visit one of the historic ones along the dock for dinner in an authentic atmosphere.

Visit www.discovertasmania.com for package bookings and further information.    Travelpoint Holidays also has some great deals (check out No Leave, No Life).

Fresh and tasty

There are plenty of great reasons to shop at your local farmers market.   

I’ve been encouraged to touch, taste and smell what I’m buying and to ask questions about it.  The chance to exchange recipes and storage tips with stall holders is invaluable for keen cooks.  

I’ve also met interesting people and actually enjoyed going shopping (not something that comes with a visit to the local supermarket unfortunately). 

There are a few things to watch out for when you visit a farmers’ market.   Some producers travel a long way to sell their produce so if food miles are a concern, not everything at your local farmers market may be for you.  

Also, beware of buyers who visit the local fruit and vege markets and then sell the produce as if it’s straight from the farm (a huge range of produce is a giveaway; genuine producers usually only sell one or maybe two things).   Sure, it’s probably fresher than what’s on offer at your local supermarket, but it’s coming to you via a ‘middle man’ and is often priced accordingly.

To get the most out of your market experience it is wise to arrive early to get the pick of the produce on offer (keen market goers are there as early as 5.30am).   Get to know your favourite providores and they might even put a few things away for you.

www.farmersmarkets.org.au

Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island

Where is your favourite holiday destination?   Mine is a little piece of paradise off the New South Wales coast called Lord Howe Island.   

It may only be 11 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide but it certainly packs a punch and proves that good things really do come in small packages. 

At Lord Howe Island you can snorkel the southern most reef in the world, see rare plants and exotic birds, soak up the stunning scenery and treat yourself to world class dining. 

Whatever your budget, this beautiful location offers something for everybody.