The Travel List: Musician Julia Stone On Where To Hike, Stay, Eat & Drink In Tasmania
Julia Stone is a musician, performer and writer best known as one half of brother and sister indie-rock duo, Angus & Julia Stone. They grew up in a small town on the nearby Northern Beaches of Australia in the 1990s, and their music career has taken them to London, LA, and New York and Melbourne.
But when her mum bought a place in Tasmania three years ago, Stone fell in love and decided to relocate. She’s lived in Hobart – the Australian island state’s capital city – ever since. “Tasmania blew me away from my first trip,” she says. “The art, the food, the beautiful harbour… I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home.”
For Stone, the best part of Tasmanian life is the people she’s met. “Everyone is so welcoming and kind,” she Stone. “I’ve been so moved by the community and how they support each other.” Not to mention Hobart’s thriving art scene. “I find it to be one of the most inspiring places creatively,” she says. “So much extraordinary music and art is being created in this city. I feel pushed to be better here because I’m surrounded by such great musicians and artists.”
08.08.2024
Here, Stone shares her list of the must-visit restaurants, galleries, hotels and natural beauty spots in Tasmania…
The Must-Visit Natural Sights In Tasmania
- Hiking hotspots – Tasmania’s pristine nature makes it a hikers’ paradise. The Overland Track is the most iconic six-day hike through alpine landscape, and Bay of Fires is a must for the postcard perfect beaches.
- Franklin River – A natural wonder. Take a wild trip on the rafts, it’s incredible to see it from the river. It’s a 10-day journey in total, and not for the faint hearted, but life changing.
- Coles Bay – A beautiful destination for nature lovers and hikers with down-to-earth, small-town vibes.
- Highland Lakes Road – You won’t see this listed in many tourism brochures, but it is such an incredible drive that connects the north and south of Tasmania over the mountains. You get to see all of the different landscapes, from low-lying bush land to the rugged highland and intense forests.
Where To Stay In Tasmania
- Shacklife – There are heaps of curated shacks all over Tasmania, well worth staying in.
- Alabama Hotel – A charming (and affordable) place to stay, or even just drop in for a cocktail.
- Pumphouse Point – In Lake St Clair, stay here for a special occasion or to enjoy your own space.
- MONA Pavilions – Another of the MONA spin-offs offering unique and artistic accommodations.
- The Waterloo – A revamped ’70s hotel on the water in Swansea. It’s charming, pet-friendly and has an amazing restaurant.
Art & Culture Spots To Visit In Hobart
- MONA Gallery – The perfect place to get lost for the day. Order the Corpse Reviver Number 2 at the downstairs cocktail bar and wander through the incredible collection of old and new art. The museum is owned by local philanthropist David Walsh who has some wild and wacky taste so you absolutely will not be bored here.
- Good Grief – A collective of incredible artists that puts on shows every week. The space is known for supporting emerging and experimental artists and bring true inspiration to the local community.
- Longley Hotel –A laid-back out-of-town pub that has become a surprising hub for music.
- The Unconformity – A great excuse to visit the rugged west coast. It’s a super unique arts and culture festival that brings quality art and performance to a remote and (slightly wild) small mining town.
The Best Places To Eat & Drink In Hobart
- Sonny – A vinyl listening bar with amazing food and wine. There’s almost always a line to get in. No reservations, but worth the wait.
- Trophy Room – Incredible food, with a wood-fired oven in the corner. Everything on the menu is amazing.
- Ogee – Make a reservation; it’s always busy. It has a lovely atmosphere with an open-plan space.
- Pigeon Whole Bakers – The best pastries and coffee in town.
- Sunbear – Delicious sandwiches and great coffee, right in the CBD.
- Hamlet – An amazing social enterprise cafe with incredible food, which strives to empower people who are underrepresented in the workforce or living with a disability.
Cape Forestier, the new album by Angus & Julia Stone, is out now
