As an Aussie Specialist, I am obsessed with the range of climates, ecosystems, topography, and countless things to do in this incredible destination known as Australia, or “Aus” or “Oz”. In the next several weeks, I want to take you on a tour of this stunning country and share some of my favorite recommendations along the way.
You’ve seen the stunning beaches, native wildlife, and beautiful outback, and guess what, they’re all as beautiful as you imagine!!!
You’ve probably heard of Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef, but have you seen Tasmania before, Tassie as it is affectionately known?
Tasmania is an unbelievably beautiful island, Australia’s smallest state, known for having the world’s cleanest air, rich colonial history, and some of its most incredible beaches! Surrounding the Island are 334 smaller islands, many of which are uninhabited. As the most mountainous of Australia’s states, Tasmania is famous for offering some of the best opportunities for hiking.
As Americans, we certainly know our little friend, Taz, the Tasmanian Devil, but did you know that devils are the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial and can only be found on this Island? These famously feisty animals were once found throughout Australia but it is thought they became extinct on the mainland due to the introduction of Asian dogs known as dingoes about 400 years ago.
Over 20% of Tasmania’s wilderness is a UNESCO World Heritage Area…
which includes 19 National Parks.
Would you have thought that Tasmania, aka the Apple Isle, is one of the world’s biggest apple growers?
Guess who imports tulips from Tasmania? Holland!
Amazing right? And remember I mentioned the cleanest air? Well, Tasmania bottles its rainwater from the rainforest of the Northwestern region due to its purity.
I hope you will be able to join for all three destinations. This is a wonderful way to dream and travel without having to leave your home. We will be using zoom and once you RSVP we will let you know how to get the wines and send you the zoom link along with some other special surprises. Please RSVP even if you are only interested in one destination. Looking forward to sharing these amazing countries!
The Aurora Australis
| A few years ago, I enjoyed spending time in New Zealand at the Abel Tasman National Park, named for the famous explorer. Credited with discovering New Zealand, Fiji, and Tasmania, he was also one of the first to chart the northern coastline of what is today, Australia. |
| While we may only be dreaming at the moment, Tasmania should definitely be on your list for future travel – here are some superb luxury options! |
Islington Hotel
If you want luxury, how about staying in Hobart’s most-awarded luxury boutique hotel? It is also the only 5-star hotel in Hobart!
The Islington Hotel is in the middle of Tasmania’s historic capital of Hobart, and this 1847 restored building offers marvelous luxury. Guests will enjoy diverse antiques, such as Persian rugs, Khmer statues, Picasso sketches, and Japanese lacquer furniture.
You will enjoy stunning views of Hobart’s notorious Mt. Wellington and benefit from the hotel’s personalized service, serenity, tranquility, and peaceful atmosphere. Also, Tasmania is home to some of Australia’s best wine, and this hotel has an eclectic collection of Tazzy wine!
Unique Hotel Benefits
- On-site bar and restaurant
- A garden with amazing views
- In-house library
- Massage facilities
- Adults-only
Address: 321 Davey St, South Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
Virtuoso Amenities
For 2021:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full breakfast already included in the rates
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Saffire Freycinet
Saffire Freycinet offers mind-blowing views of Freycinet National Park – one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks. And the national park is home to Wineglass Bay Beach, regularly voted as one of the world’s best beaches!
Tripadvisor awarded Saffire Freycinet as the traveler’s choice 2019. It has also won an array of awards from Tasmania’s tourism awards. And Condé Nast Traveller listed it as one of the world’s best places to stay.
Why? Because the hotel offers a fitness center, fishing, full-spa facilities, and an on-site bar and restaurant. The Telegraph described the hotel as “One of Australia’s most coveted travel experiences, for many reasons.“
Unique Hotel Benefits
- Exclusive on-site fitness center
- Balcony views of Freycinet National Park
- On-site bar and restaurant
- Fishing facilities
- Full luxury spa facilities!
Address: 2352 Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay TAS 7215, Australia
Thalia Heaven
Thalia Haven is on a private 130-acre site surrounded by the most untouched, pristine Tasmania beauty you could imagine! You will be next to Oyster Bay – one of Tasmania’s most beautiful and famous attractions.
And you will be blessed with your own private beach and have 5-kilometers of Tasmania’s rugged east coast all to yourself. The accommodation includes four-ancient stone bedrooms, an olive-tree courtyard, and a living area with ample space to relax!
And we couldn’t forget to mention the famous Instagram bathtub. Why not relax in the bathtub while the sun drops over Australia’s most southerly Island?
Unique Hotel Benefits
- Four bedrooms with king-size beds
- Your own fully equipped kitchen
- A lounge with a huge stove and selection of games
- Internet famous bathtub with amazing views
- Complimentary pantry stocking breakfast provisions for various cooking styles
Address: Only available after the booking is confirmed!
Avalon City Retreat
The Avalon City Retreat is the ultimate luxury apartment in Tasmania, and you’ll adore the outstanding views of the harbor waterfront from the exclusive penthouse views! Visitors enjoy the two luxurious bedrooms with king-size beds offering deluxe linen!
You’ll never be bored in this apartment – it will offer you full wifi, IPad, Apple TV, and a Sonos music system, all for your pleasure! And better still, you’ll marvel at the beautiful outdoor Huon pine bath under the stars of Tasmania (one of the world’s best locations for stargazing)
The Telegraph experts rate the apartment glowingly, stating “for absolute privacy and easy access to Hobart’s many pleasures, this is the city’s most luxurious apartment” The view of Hobart is probably the best in the city; why not see for yourself?
Unique Hotel Benefits
- Amazing penthouse city views
- A fully equipped private kitchen
- Unique technology options from an IPad to Apple TV
- Your minibar
- Dining area, seating area, and sofa area for yourself!
Address: 152 Macquarie Street, 7000 Hobart, Australia
So don’t forget to visit Tasmania when you find yourself Down-Under!
Whether you want to visit uncharted rugged areas or stay in the Island’s fantastic capital city of Hobart – there is no shortage of excellent accommodations.
The Island is a must-see if you’re vacationing in Australia,
In the next few weeks I will share some other amazing places to visit in the remarkable country of Australia.
