Destination: Tasmania

Ever since David Walsh opened the doors to MONA, the multi-million dollar museum often dubbed the 'adult's version of Disneyland', we've been overwhelmed with the number of people raving about Tasmania as their 'must visit' destination. It's almost as if it appeared on the map overnight!

Nat recently visited Tassie to find out what all of the fuss was about. We thought we'd share her highlights of the trip just in case you're considering visiting the land of intoxicating beauty and its incredibly creative inhabitants.

Food

We started with two days in Hobart and enjoyed indulging in the local produce and the common appreciation for ethically sourced, real food.

We enjoyed the most delicious lunch at Ethos. This food-lover's dream was located in an historic building, down a carriageway in a former stable which has been transformed into a modern yet classic restaurant. I was inspired by the use of premium ingredients offering a range of tapas dishes.

If breakfast is your favourite meal of the day, you just can't miss Jackman and McRoss. Indulge in great pastries, delicious fresh bread and good coffee. It’s situated in the epicentre of historic Battery Point, so there's some great sight-seeing to be done too!

While the exterior and interior of Smolt didn't grab my attention, the food was extraordinary. Our dinner was a mix of divine flavours incorporating some ingredients I had never seen before.

Shopping

A Common Ground was located in the historic Salamanca Arts Centre. This little delight was like a secret cupboard under the stairs and packed with inspiring Tasmanian artisan produce hand selected by Matthew Evans and Nick Haddow. But be warned, it's closed on Sundays!

Matthew Evans in a renowned food writer who, in The Real Food Companion, shows us how to ethically source, cook and eat real food. It's like having 'the farmer, butcher, fishmonger and baker by your side'... in other words, a must-read! Get your hands on it here.

The Marker was a gorgeous showcase of Tasmanian contemporary design of a timeless nature. This retailer supports local independent designers and craftspeople who share their ideals and philosophies. If you're a bit of a bowerbird like me, then you will adore this shop.

MONA

Despite most of the art not really being my preferred cup of tea, we spent almost an entire day here. It was an incredible experience, which began with a ferry ride to the museum that gave you the most spectacular view of the building. What impressed me the most was the ‘O’ iphone-like gadget that documented my tour with a follow up email providing a website link detailing my tour. WOW, now that’s technology at it’s best! It blew me away.

Maria Island

Nature at its most beautiful. We spent four days here walking and soaking up our Australian landscapes exotic and untouched beauty. Seeing the maginificence of our own 'backyard' made me swell with pride thinking about our Bloom Organics range, which supports local produce and sustainability, as well as being gentler for skin (and not to mention the earth!).