From sea level to the apex of Mount Wellington , the Tasman coast must be seen from all vantage points . On a clear day , at the top of Mount Wellington , you can see out to Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula . No trip to Hobart is complete without the drive to the summit . If you don ’ t have a car , it might be quicker and cheaper to take a taxi . Our friends at 13 Cabs are highly recommended . On the descent , a must-stop is Australia ’ s oldest continuously operational brewery , Cascade . Cascade is not a tourist trap — the beer and the cheese plate are both amazing . We spent lunch enjoying the gardens around the brewery .
I have mentioned whiskey and beer , but don ’ t worry , this story includes wine too . There are many day tours from Hobart to the Coal River Valley and Richmond winery areas . My favorite was Craigow Vineyard , a small boutique winery established in the late 1980s by Dr . Michael Dunbabin . Craigow Vineyard has developed a reputation for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area . Upon entering Craigow , you feel like you are stepping into someone ’ s home . Dunbabin capitalizes on this feeling , making you feel welcome and personally directing the tasting .
His passion for his products is evident , and of the five vineyards we visited that day , his wines surpassed the rest . The most unique tasting was the sparkling Merlot . When chilled , the entire complexity of flavor is changed . I safely transported a bottle home and shared it with family over Christmas Eve .
With any new place , there is a moment of reflection . My moment of realization that I was in Australia came while sitting in a beanbag chair enjoying a jazz benefit at the Museum of Old and New Art ( MONA ). MONA is the most unique museum I have ever visited . It wasn ’ t just the collection of art but the building itself that was a
Guests soak in the vibrant atmosphere outside Hobart ’ s iconic Museum of Old and New Art .
piece of art . MONA , the largest privately funded museum in Australia , was built by David Walsh , a Tasmanian businessman and art collector .
Walsh , who made his fortune through a gambling system he developed , opened MONA in 2011 . The museum has quickly become a cultural landmark . The architecture of MONA is striking , with much of it built underground into a sandstone cliff , giving it a labyrinthine feel . The exhibits are provocative and eclectic , ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works , designed to challenge and engage visitors in a deeply personal experience .
MONA embodies the spirit of freedom of expression that represents Hobart and Tasmania in general . With its deep convict history , Tasmania has cultivated a rebellious attitude that has translated into eclectic entrepreneurial and artistic endeavors . MONA is not just a museum but a reflection of Tasmania ’ s rich history and vibrant present , blending the old with the new in a way that is both thought-provoking and inspiring .
Before this trip , my only association with Tasmania was the Tasmanian Devil from “ Looney Tunes .” I can now say that I did not see a single Tasmanian Devil in the wild . The cartoon character ’ s abrasive nature stands in stark contrast to the real Tasmania . This trip taught me that sometimes it ’ s better to have no expectations and let the journey reveal the place to you .
Tasmania , you were quite the surprise . •
Mount Wellington dominates the Hobart skyline .
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