Solo Exploration of Tasmania's Pristine Wilderness

A Day of Tasmanian Treasures

Today was a delightful mix of indulgence, wildlife encounters, and souvenir hunting in the heart of Tasmania. It was a day that perfectly captured the essence of this wild and beautiful island, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure. As I reflect on the day, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience such unique moments.

The morning started with a hearty breakfast at Earthwater Café. I was looking forward to trying their vegan options, but it seems like the café is permanently closed. Instead, I found a charming little spot nearby that served a delicious breakfast with locally sourced ingredients. It reminded me of the cozy cafes back in Munich, where Maximilian and I often enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch. Astrid would have loved the pancakes they had on offer!


Discover Earthwater Café: A charming spot in Mole Creek for delicious coffee and breakfast amidst stunning gardens.

With a full stomach, I set off to Hartzview Vineyard, nestled amidst rolling hills and offering spectacular views. The drive itself was a treat, with the Tasmanian landscape unfolding before me in all its glory. The vineyard was charming, with heritage-listed pickers' huts adding a touch of history to the experience. I indulged in a tasting of their estate-grown Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnays. Being a fan of sustainable practices, I was particularly intrigued by their preservative-free fruit fortified wines and liqueurs. I sampled a Blackcurrant Port that reminded me of a Tawny Port and a unique Spiced Apple Liqueur Mead. It was a delightful experience, and I even managed to capture some lovely photos with bumblebees flitting around the vines.


Experience the allure of Hartzview Vineyard in Tasmania, where exquisite wines meet breathtaking landscapes for an unforgettable getaway.

Sometimes, the most unexpected encounters create the most lasting memories.

Next on the agenda was the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, an experience I had been eagerly anticipating. It wasn't just a zoo; it was an 'Unzoo,' aiming to create natural habitats where animals can roam freely. The concept was fascinating – instead of cages, the Unzoo focuses on encouraging wild animals to interact with the environment alongside the resident ones. I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the iconic Tasmanian devils. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable, and I learned so much about these unique creatures and the conservation efforts to protect them. They are such feisty creatures! I also hand-fed friendly Forester kangaroos and met endemic wattlebirds, wallabies, and various native birds. It was heartening to see the commitment to preserving Tasmania's unique wildlife.


Discover Tasmania's wildlife at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, a unique conservation-focused park featuring close encounters with native animals.

For lunch, I had made a reservation at Van Bone, a restaurant recommended by many chefs. The restaurant is tucked away behind the coastline of Marion Bay. Tim Hardy and Laura Stucken are the minds behind this fine diner, and their ethos revolves around minimizing food waste and embracing seasonality. The restaurant overlooks a market garden and orchard, adding to the dining experience. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my reservation. The drive to Van Bone was longer than expected, and I was running late on schedule.


Experience the essence of Tasmanian cuisine at Van Bone - where fresh local ingredients meet culinary artistry in a serene setting.

After the Unzoo, it was time for some souvenir shopping. I headed to Mawson Sheepskin & Opals in Hobart. The store was a treasure trove of Tasmanian goods, from cozy sheepskin rugs to stylish UGG boots. I found the perfect gifts for Maximilian and Astrid – a soft sheepskin rug for our living room and a cute plush Tasmanian devil toy for Astrid. I also picked up a possum and merino wool scarf for myself, perfect for the chilly Munich winters. The staff was friendly and helpful, sharing stories about the origins and significance of the items. I think Maximilian will love the UGG boots I got him!


Discover authentic Tasmanian souvenirs at Mawson Sheepskin & Opals, featuring exquisite sheepskin products and stunning opal jewelry.

Dinner was at Mrs. Jones Restaurant Bar Lounge in Devonport. The restaurant offered spectacular views of the water, and the ambiance was elegant yet relaxed. The menu featured modern Australian cuisine with an Asian-inspired twist. I started with the crispy scallop spring rolls with Kaffir lime and lemongrass syrup, followed by the pan-seared Tasmanian scallops with new season pea and iced fennel salad. For the main course, I chose the market fish, roasted with tomato and cashew nut romesco. The flavors were exquisite, and the presentation was impeccable. The service was attentive, and I enjoyed a glass of Tasmanian wine with my meal. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and indulgence.


Experience the essence of Australian cuisine at Mrs Jones Restaurant Bar Lounge in Devonport - where local flavors meet elegant dining.

As I sit here writing this, I’m already looking forward to tomorrow’s adventure. I'll be heading to Freycinet National Park, hoping to hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout. I’ve heard the views are breathtaking, and I’m eager to experience the beauty of Tasmania’s east coast. I might even treat myself to some fresh seafood at Freycinet Marine Farm for lunch. And perhaps a nightcap at The Den Salamanca before heading back to my campsite. It's another early start, but the promise of stunning coastal scenery is more than enough to motivate me.

Tasmania continues to surprise and delight me at every turn. It’s a place where nature, wildlife, and culinary experiences come together in perfect harmony. I feel so lucky to be here, exploring this incredible wilderness and sharing my adventures with you all.

I really must remember to buy some insect repellent! I forgot it at home, and the Tasmanian mosquitos are vicious! Also, I'm starting to run out of memory on my camera, so I will have to buy an SD card tomorrow in Freycinet.

Until tomorrow!