Nearby Attractions
Hobart
Hobart offers a contrasting blend of heritage, scenery and culture, with world class activities and attractions nearby.
Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart combines heritage charm with a modern lifestyle in a setting of exceptional beauty. It's no wonder Lonely Planet has called Hobart one of the top ten spots to visit in the world right now.
Hobart is Tasmania's capital city and the second oldest capital in Australia, after Sydney. Located at the entrance to the Derwent River, its well-preserved surrounding bushland reaches close to the city centre while beaches line the shores of the river and estuary beyond.
With its captivating history, picturesque waterways, rugged mountains and gourmet experiences, the city has something for everyone.
Award-winning restaurants offer fine dining experiences using the best Tasmanian produce recognised by the world's best chefs, while on the waterfront punts and fishmongers sell the freshest seafood straight from the Southern Ocean.
Enjoy the contrast of elegant heritage sandstone alongside modern architecture. Explore Salamanca Place, a short walk from the waterfront, with its galleries, theatres, craft shops and restaurants in 1830s Georgian warehouses and on Saturdays enjoy the food and entertainment of Salamanca market, Australia's best outdoor market.
Take a walk along Hobart's iconic waterfront, explore the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or take a ferry up river to MONA for an out-of-this-world modern art experience.
It's easy to fall for the many charms of this quietly buzzing city that hits fever pitch at festival time.
Cygnet
The small hamlet of Cygnet lies between the beautiful D'Entrecasteaux Channel on one side and the majestic Huon River on the other and is the centre of the fruit growing Huon Valley where apple, cherry and berry orchards line the hills.
The township is popular among artists, musicians and those seeking alternative lifestyles. The town includes several craft shops, art studios and galleries. You can see their works firsthand in a meet the maker experience on the Cygnet Art Trail.
The TV program Gourmet Farmer, featuring renowned ex Sydney-based food critic Mathew Evans, is set in Cygnet. Matthew Evans has since gone on to establish a food partnership with local producers that has given further impetus to Cygnet as a foodie's treasure trove.
For lunch, try the Red Velvet Lounge, a unique dining experience in the heart of town that was named Australian regional restaurant of the year by Country Style magazine (2010).
Close by are two swimming beaches - Verona Sands and Randalls Bay.
There are also two award-winning wineries - Panorama Vineyard at Cradoc, and Hartzview Vineyard at Gardners Bay. At Hartzview, their Heritage Pickers Hut Village will let you experience the home of orchard workers and their families, and Italian Prisoners of War in the early 1900s.
Cygnet is a 50-minute drive (55 km) south of Hobart.
Mona: Museum of Old & New Art
The Museum of Old and New Art – MONA is arguably one of the most controversial private collections of modern art and antiquities in the world – it's certainly the largest. MONA is described by its owner as a 'subversive adult Disneyland'.
In all, the collection takes up three floors within a subterranean architectural masterpiece and is guaranteed to impress. With over 400 art works, the collection includes Sidney Nolan's Snake, Wim Delvoye's Cloaca Professional, a machine that turns food into excrement, and Chris Ofili's The Holy Virgin Mary.
The 3.5 ha site also includes the Ether Building Function Centre, Moorilla winery and vineyard, Cellar Door, Wine Bar and Barrel Room, Void Bar, Moo Brew microbrewery, The Source restaurant, a 63-seat cinema, the Mona Library and gallery and eight contemporary accommodation pavilions.
Visitors can also catch a high speed ferry from Hobart's waterfront for a 30-minute ride up the Derwent River right to the steps of the museum.
MONA is open from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm six days per week, closed Tuesdays
