Hi guys,
Booked a spontaneous trip for mid-Nov and I need some help. I saw a forum post similar to this but given the short amount of stay I was hoping if someone could suggest the absolute must-dos.
Also, is it worth it to book a rental car for this trip?
Any input would be much appreciated!
G77
Great tip, thank you. Have booked the Ghost Tour based on another Ozbargainer's recommendation :)
Glad to hear. I've done it myself, it's both fun, intriguing and yes… a little spooky!
Federation Chocolate factory is in the area - it is fantastic
Really depends what kind of activities you are into as two days isn't much so you will need to prioritise. Port Arthur will take a full day and if you want to do the ghost tour you will probably need a hire car as I'm not sure if any tour companies go there at night. If you are into animals then go to Bonorong wildlife park which is a 20 min drive out of Hobart. On your way there go to MONA if you like wacky art. Personally I'd take the ferry to MONA as the harbor is beautiful but that adds extra time and if you have a car you might as well use it. I can suggest other stuff if you let me know what your interests are.
Second MONA. Unless art galleries aren't your thing because you'll hate MONA even more.
If you're there on Saturday, Salamanca Markets has a good atmosphere. Don't go to the casino; it's nothing like Crown
Thank you! No interest in casino, but the waterfront seems nice. Might book a short cruise :)
Captain Fell (I think) do short harbour cruises and are reasonably priced.
Thanks for the ideas. I have Mt. Wellington, Port Arthur, MONA and Bonorong on the list so far. Won't make it to the Salamanca Market. I am planning to go to Hobart again soon, hopefully longer than 2 days - will explore properly then :) How's the night life like? Any recommendations on good cafés, restaurants or pubs?
Dead and nothing like Melbourne, apart from the pubs. I was there from Wednesday to Saturday in the middle of Winter when I went
Night life isn't spectacular, we are a small city and the night life reflects that. We are pretty lucky food wise we punch above our weight. I don't eat out a lot, your best bet would be to go to tripadviser for good reviews. I will say for Chinese go to Me Wah, Italian it is Da Angelos or Solo, Indian go to Tandoor and Curry house or Magic curries, for a good breakfast go to Dandy Lane or Whisk and Co. All these places are in Hobart or a short drive away.
Thank you, I'll check them out :)
You can walk to Da Angelo's from the city; I did that
good recommendations from tassieeagle.
If you like a steak, the coffee rub eye fillet at Rockwall (Salamanca) is one of the best I've ever had
Small Fry is an excellent little brekkie spot, then you can't go wrong with something like Dier Makr (a bit pricey but worth it). Templo also very cool.
Mt Wellington
+1, doable in a two-hour bus ride
Bruny Island is also a great day trip for next time.
Yes Bruny is great, go there for 2-3 days to have a proper look around
Day 1
Bonorong
MONA
Mt Wellington (if it's a clear day. You can get away with some clouds but if it's raining don't waste your time)
Walk through the waterfront and have something at Salamanca for dinner.
Day 2
Head down to Port Arthur
Visit Pirates Bay lookout (just a left turn before Eagle Hawk Neck)
Visit Devils kitchen and blowhole on your way
Spend the rest of the day walking through Port Arthur (they also have a free cruise)
I would be governed by meteorological synoptic charts and gauge your stay according to favourable weather patterns. On your phone you can book flight, accommodation and car hire.
Day 1:
Fly to Melbourne ;-)
The OP lives in Melbourne …
<<whoosh>>
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts/experiences. Have formed a rough plan based on this. Looking forward to the trip :)
Rental car would be a good idea. Of course if you haven't been to Port Arthur this is an absolute must do IMO.
The scenery and grounds are really something to see despite it's historical tragedies. One day here is hardly enough if you ask me.