Road Trip - Culture Buff

From Devonport, take a short drive to Burnie to Step back in time by visiting Federation street at the Burnie Regional Museum. Then make your way to Burnie Park, for an easy stroll past the historic Burnie Inn to Oldaker Falls. Wander along the waterfront boardwalk to visit the Little Penguin Colony and Observation Centre. Head to Hellyers Distillery to learn about the whisky making process and why Tasmanian whiskies are among the best in the world. You can even pour, wax and seal your own whisky while you’re there.

Head back to Devonport in time for cocktail hour. Call in to Southern Wild Distillery to enjoy a Dasher + Fisher gin tasting. Their three gins - Ocean, Meadow and Mountain - feature different local botanicals, and are served simply with lemon slithers, radish thins and lavender to garnish.

Overnight Devonport

Maker's Workshop Interpretation Centre (photo: Tourism Tasmania & Brett Boardman)

Take your tastebuds on the pretty drive to Launceston this morning stopping at House of Anvers chocolate, Ashgrove Cheese and the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm along the way. Take a detour into Deloraine to take the Great Western Tiers Sculpture Trail, a series of sculptures in and around Deloraine. If you’re lucky enough to be here in November, time your visit with the Tasmanian Craft Fair - Deloraine is a key regional art and craft centre. Enjoy lunch at the licensed Deloraine Deli before continuing on to Launceston.

Tonight, try Geronimo Aperitivo Bar and Restaurant, with pretty park views and unforgettable Tassie produce, or Mud Bar on the waterfront. If it’s Thursday don’t miss the Hubert and Dan popup at Tamar Ridge Winery, 15 minutes north of the city.

Overnight Launceston

Great Western Tiers Sculpture Project (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Geoffrey Lea)

Start your day with some Launceston history at Inveresk. Once Tasmania’s main railway workshop, it has been converted into a home for the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery’s natural science and history collections. Rail-buffs will be pleased to find the Launceston Tramway Museum next door, where work is underway on rebuilding the city’s very first tram.

For even more local history, squeeze in a visit to historic local estates, Brickendon or Woolmers. Dine tonight at Black Cow Bistro, serving up delicious local produce and wine in an old butcher shop.

Overnight Launceston

QVMAG at Royal Park (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Sean Fennessy)

The Design Centre, on the edge of pretty City Park, showcases Tasmanian design through exhibitions, workshops and of course, a gallery shop. The permanent, Design Tasmania Wood Collection, is a continuously-evolving museum collection of contemporary Tasmanian wood design.

Wander through the Royal Park outpost of QVMAG, which houses decorative arts and colonial painting, as well as a fascinating planetarium. Kids (of all ages!) will love the Phenomena Factory, a hands-on an interactive science display.

Tonight keep it casual and sample the local craft beer at Saint John or the food truck fare at Eat Street in St Georges Square. Or go all out and enjoy a degustation feast at Stillwater, the city’s finest.

Overnight Launceston

Saint John Craft Beer (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Chris Crerar)

The drive from Launceston to Hobart is steeped in colonial history and dotted with quaint little towns to explore. At Ross, pop your head in the Ross Bakery, serving up wood fired bread since the 1860’s. In Oatlands, detour to the Callington Mill, a working Georgian style mill dating back to 1837. Buy flour at the working mill or enjoy the fruits of the labour in the cafe - naturally the scones are a must! At Richmond, stroll through the art galleries and craft stores and visit the Richmond Bridge and Gaol, both with so many stories to tell.

Continue on to Hobart and check in to Tassie’s latest hotel, MACq01, home to 114 rooms, each telling the story of a fascinating Tasmanian, or Henry Jones Art Hotel, bringing together modern art and colonial architecture under one (Georgian style) roof.

Overnight in Hobart.

 Callington Mill (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Steven French)

Prepare to have your mind altered today, in the art playground that is Mona. You can drive or cycle there, or take the ferry for a different perspective on the Fender Katsalidis designed building. Splash out on Posh Pit tickets for a private deck, drinks and canapes. Spend the day wandering through the collection of contemporary art and historic artefacts. If it’s Wednesday or Thursday, don’t miss Golden Hour, where you can witness the sunset courtesy of James Turrell's rooftop spectacular, Amarna (2015), then, then retire to the wine bar for a communal wining and dining menu by executive chef Vince Trim.

Overnight in Hobart

Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Scott Sporleder, Matador)

It’s your last day in Hobart and time to explore the artful nooks and crannies of Salamanca. If it’s Saturday, the Salamanca Markets is the place to be when arty locals share their wares - jewellery, handcrafted timbers and clothing, as well as vintage collectables, pottery, plants and flowers.

The nearby Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is Australia’s second oldest museum collecting and preserving the art, plants and artefacts that makes Tasmania so special. The exhibition program is regularly updated, and be sure to check out the Thylacine Gallery and Antarctic exhibition.

Tasmania has a rich maritime history from convict ships and whaling to Antarctic voyages and yachting culture. Explore the collection at the Maritime Museum before celebrating the end of your cultural week in Tasmania with a drink at the Brunswick Hotel, the second oldest in Australia.

If you are lucky enough to have some spare time, Port Arthur is a must-do for history buffs. Just an hour and a half drive from Hobart and one of Australia’s most important heritage sites, Port Arthur houses some incredible stories and epic history.

Depart for Devonport to board Spirit of Tasmania home

Salamanca Arts Centre: Gallery 77 (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy)