I think Australians are accustomed to enjoying amazing scenery washed down with world famous food and wine experiences. Remember Tourism Australia had a whole campaign called Restaurant Australia not that long ago. Pre pandemic and all…

So, it should not be such a surprise to re-discover the amazing delights of ol’ Hobart town on a very smart 36 hours on the ground. But guess what, it was!

Starting with a vegetable forage at the impressive and sustainable #farmgatemarket we collected produce for the Chef to cook for us that evening. Having not met said Chef, it did have me wondering what on earth they had in mind with Rainbow Chard and Breakfast Radish top of the list.

Onwards to board the Posh Pitt for the short Derwent River crossing, generously accompanied with canapes and bubbles. A lovely touch to what otherwise is referred to as a simple ferry transfer.

MONA on arrival is impressive no matter how many times you have visited. Literally carved into the earth and with new galleries/exhibitions in plan, it does not stand still.

Not only is #MONA Australia’s largest private art gallery, but it is also a destination in itself with numerous restaurants, bars, wineries and a brewery on site. It’s almost like the visionary and owner thought “only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go”. #impressive

But wait… there’s more. Checking in to the new #CrownePlazaHobart, a brand that is demonstrating its innovation and collaboration for the business traveller, we discovered the artist within. Or not. That’s subjective. Frida’s Sip and Paint located our second wind as we made sharp work of a blank canvas (accompanied by Tassies finest brews) to see whether MONA had rubbed off on us.

And then, what better way to end the day than to meet our Chef who had sent us foraging to be presented with the most magnificent dinner, a true inspiration of Tassie ingenuity with fresh local ingredients. Does IHG consider nutrition as part of their elevated essentials messaging? It certainly seems like it. #delish

The next day (have we really only been here 24 hours?) after being presented with a stunning exclusive breakfast, it was time to walk it all off and discover what makes Hobart town tick. And that we did. The second oldest city in Australia (after Sydney) boasts fantastic Georgian architecture amid the distinctive old-world charm of its docklands and port. A former penal colony and defensive outpost for the British, Hobart is a city so walkable, it’s almost criminal not too (pardon the pun).

Now, did someone say lunch?

A short drive from the city centre, across the Tasman Bridge, and we are in the produce rich Coal River Valley. #FrogmoreCreekWinery lies amongst the vines with spectacular views in every direction.

With an enviable reputation for its wines, the kitchen doesn’t hold back with produce that comprises the absolute best in season from the land, sea and garden. Another very impressive feast was in store… it would be rude to not partake.

And then just in case some of us were a little disheartened with our painting achievement yesterday, rehabilitation was in order with a very fun ceramics workshop outside. I’m quite certain the laughter and joy that we all experienced assisted us to wash down a few more glasses of the delicious wine. In fact, I am quite certain I managed an entire flight, completely unintentionally, of course.

The trip to the airport was not without a stop at #CoalRiverFarm just to make sure we had enough chocolate for the flight and any last-minute produce purchases we simply had to have.

Bon Voyage Tassie, you really were the apple of my eye!