Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Tasmania

Touching Tasmanian Soil: A Promising Start

After what felt like an eternity in transit, we finally arrived in Tasmania! The long flight from Berlin to Hobart was tiring, but the excitement of exploring the Tasmanian Wilderness with Hans and Anna kept my spirits high. As an archivist, I'm used to delving into the past, but this trip is all about experiencing the present and creating memories with my family. Our journey began in Hobart, and I already knew this would be a trip to remember.

Our first day was a blend of urban exploration and natural beauty, perfectly setting the stage for the wilderness adventures to come. After picking up our rental car, we headed straight for breakfast, eager to try some local Tasmanian fare.

Breakfast at The Pancake Train Restaurant

For breakfast, we visited The Pancake Train Restaurant in Margate. Yes, you read that right – a pancake restaurant inside a train! It was a whimsical and delightful experience. The restaurant is located in a set of train carriages, offering a unique dining atmosphere. Anna was particularly thrilled, and even Hans, ever the pragmatist, couldn't help but smile at the novelty. I opted for the classic pancakes with Tasmanian berries, while Hans enjoyed a hearty breakfast platter. Anna, of course, went straight for the chocolate-banana pancakes, her eyes wide with delight when the dish arrived. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious, and the setting was a perfect start to our Tasmanian culinary journey.


Discover delicious pancakes and cozy vibes at The Pancake Train Restaurant in Margate - A must-visit breakfast spot in Tasmania.

After our delightful breakfast, we took a brief stroll around the Margate Train complex. It was charming to see the various small businesses housed within the train carriages. We explored a few shops and even let Anna play for a few minutes in the small playground. It was a fun, quirky experience that gave us a taste of Tasmanian hospitality.

Ascending Mount Wellington

Next on our itinerary was kunanyi / Mount Wellington, a majestic peak overlooking Hobart. The drive up the mountain was an adventure in itself, with winding roads and breathtaking views at every turn. As we ascended, the landscape transformed from lush greenery to a more rugged, alpine environment.


Discover the breathtaking views and outdoor adventures at Mount Wellington, Hobart's iconic mountain peak in Tasmania.

The higher we climbed, the more I felt a sense of awe and wonder at the sheer scale and beauty of nature.

At the summit, the panoramic views were simply stunning. We could see the entire city of Hobart, the vast waterways of the Derwent River, and the surrounding suburbs stretching out before us. The air was crisp and cool, a refreshing change from the city below. We spent some time taking photos and simply soaking in the scenery. I couldn't help but reflect on how different this landscape was from the rolling hills of my native Bulgaria or the urban sprawl of Berlin. It was a reminder of the incredible diversity of our planet.

We learned that the mountain is also known as kunanyi, its traditional indigenous name. It felt important to acknowledge the deep history and connection of the Aboriginal people to this land. The information boards at the summit provided insights into the mountain's geological formations, plant life, and cultural significance.

One of the highlights of Mount Wellington was seeing the Organ Pipes, a massive rock formation of dolerite columns. These sheer cliffs were truly awe-inspiring, and we took a short walk to get a closer look. The scale of the rocks was humbling, and I imagined how they must have formed over millions of years. Anna was fascinated by the rock formations, asking endless questions about their shape and origin. Hans, with his engineering background, did his best to explain the geological processes involved.

Lunch at Hungry Wombat Cafe

After our mountain adventure, we made our way towards Cradle Mountain, our base for exploring the Tasmanian Wilderness. Along the way, we stopped for lunch at the Hungry Wombat Cafe. This roadside cafe was a welcome sight, and we were ready for a hearty meal. The cafe is known for its burgers, so Hans and Anna opted for the classic Aussie burger with beetroot, pickles, and cheese. I decided to try one of their pies, a curried prawn and chicken pie with a Tasmanian twist. The food was delicious and satisfying, and the cafe had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It was the perfect place to refuel before continuing our journey.


Discover comfort food and exceptional coffee at Hungry Wombat Cafe in Tasmania's picturesque Derwent Bridge.

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery

Before reaching our accommodation, we stopped at the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery. As someone who appreciates art and culture, I was eager to see what the gallery had to offer. The gallery features a diverse collection of works by Tasmanian and visiting artists, showcasing various mediums such as sculpture, photography, and paintings.


Discover the intersection of art and nature at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery, where Tasmania's breathtaking landscapes inspire every creation.

The gallery is divided into several unique exhibition rooms, each with its own theme and style. We wandered through the Peter Dombrovskis Gallery, dedicated to the late and internationally celebrated photographer. His images of Tasmania's wilderness were breathtaking, capturing the raw beauty and serenity of the landscape. There was also an Aurora Island exhibition, featuring photographs of the Aurora Australis phenomenon. I've always been fascinated by the Southern Lights, and it was incredible to see them captured in such stunning detail.

Anna was particularly drawn to the outdoor garden, which features over 27 Tasmanian native plants. She enjoyed exploring the garden and trying to spot native birds. The gallery also has a movie room where visitors can watch a film about Peter Dombrovskis and Olegas Truchanas, two important figures in Tasmanian conservation. We didn't have time to watch the film, but I made a mental note to learn more about them later.

Before leaving, we browsed the gift shop, which was full of Tasmanian-made products. I picked up a small wooden carving as a souvenir, and Anna chose a hand-poured candle with a scent inspired by the Tasmanian wilderness.

Dinner at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Restaurant

Finally, we arrived at the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village, our home for the next few days. The village is nestled in the temperate rainforest, on the edge of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Our accommodation was cozy and comfortable, with a beautiful view of the surrounding forest. After settling in, we headed to the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Restaurant for dinner.


Experience gourmet dining amidst stunning landscapes at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Restaurant - where nature meets culinary excellence.

The restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a stacked stone fireplace and wooden beamed ceilings. We were seated at a table with a view of Cradle Mountain in the background. The menu featured fresh, local Tasmanian products, and we were eager to try some of the regional specialties. Hans ordered the pan-seared wallaby, a local delicacy, while I opted for the ocean trout. Anna chose a pasta dish, which she declared was the best she'd ever had. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Tasmania.

As we sat there, enjoying our meal and reflecting on the day's adventures, I felt a sense of contentment and gratitude. We had traveled a long way to be here, but it was already clear that it was worth it. Tomorrow, we'll be exploring Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and taking the Enchanted Walk. I can't wait to see what wonders await us. For now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of wilderness exploration.

The plan for tomorrow is to explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including the Enchanted Walk. We'll start the day with breakfast at Earthwater Café, have lunch at the Highland Restaurant, and end the day with dinner at Wild Rivers Dining. Maybe we'll even have time for a drink at The Den Salamanca. It sounds like another exciting day ahead!