We were sad to leave Stanley. Such a lovely, peaceful town full of history and seafood. One thing that we won’t miss, though, is the cold wind. Some days it was freezing and relentless and even the locals struggle (so we hear).

Leaving Stanley, we headed east along the north coast for a while longer, enjoying the beautiful sea views, rolling green paddocks and small coastal towns. The day was overcast but the landscape was still stunning.

Driving along that section of the north coast, we passed vast poppy fields, well fenced with warning signs. A reminder that these crops are carefully monitored and form part of Tasmania’s tightly regulated pharmaceutical industry.

We spent a transit night in Devonport, watching the Spirit of Tasmania glide in and out. A simple but strangely compelling end to the day. There’s something mesmerising about watching ships come and go.

After a night in Devonport, we turned inland, heading down through the centre of the state towards Hobart. The landscape shifted again with farmland giving way to bushland, winding roads, and distant mountain ranges that seem to follow you wherever you go in Tasmania. This road trip really showcased just how varied this small island landscape really is.

Hobart

It felt a little like coming home, especially as we checked back into the Crowne Plaza. A fabulous suite, complete with lounge access, had been pre-booked — just how we like it and a fitting way to end our Tasmanian adventure. We were looking forward to slowing down, relaxing, and immersing ourselves in Hobart life for a few days.

Healthy breakfasts our way

Breakfasts are important for our travel time. It sets us up for whatever the day brings and gives us plenty of energy. We always choose a simple, protein-based breakfast. It’s our anchor for the day to keep energy steady.

Tip: keep serving size proportional to your metabolism and what you plan to do that day. Overeating will ruin your energy. Here’s some examples:

If you’d like to know how I approach digestion support when travelling, I’ve shared more of my naturopathic tips here: “Why travel messes with digestion (and what helps)”

Salamanca Markets

Salamanca Markets have been a Hobart institution since 1972, held every Saturday in the historic sandstone precinct by the waterfront. What started as a small local market has grown into quite a famous weekly vibe, where creatives of all sorts come together for a few hours to showcase their wares. It’s big, expansive and has something for everyone.

Battery Point

Battery Point is one of Hobart’s oldest and most charming neighbourhoods, dating back to the early 1800s. Its name comes from the small battery of cannons that once defended the harbour, and the streets are lined with beautifully preserved colonial cottages, sandstone walls, and hidden lanes. It’s spring and the perfect time for walking through this suburb with it’s a delightful blend of history, quiet streets and gardens in full bloom.

St David’s Park

St David’s Park sits at the heart of Hobart and is one of the city’s oldest public spaces, established in the early 1800s. Originally, it was the site of the city’s first cemetery but with heavy rains some of the graves would get disturbed and bodies would wash up and then down the hill. Not pleasant. To address this, many of the headstones were later moved and carefully arranged along the park’s gravestone wall. Reading the old headstones along the wall is a solemn reminder of Hobart’s early settlers. It’s a beautiful park right in the centre of the city with green lawns, shady trees, and a quiet space.

It was time to pack up and head home, back to Canberra, with our next trip and adventure already in the pipeline. But first, we are looking forward to spending Christmas at home.

Catherine & Jeff