The Travel List: Musician Julia Stone On Where To Hike, Stay, Eat & Drink In Tasmania 

You’ll likely know musician, performer and writer Julia Stone as one half of brother and sister indie-rock duo, Angus & Julia Stone. The Stones grew up in a small town near the Northern Beaches of Australia in the 1990s, and their music career has taken them to London, LA, and New York and Melbourne. However, when their mum bought a place in Tasmania three years ago, Stone fell in love with the Australian island state and decided to relocate there. She’s lived in Hobart – the 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.”

Here, Stone shares her list of where to eat, stay, see and explore in Tasmania...

The Must-Visit Natural Sights In Tasmania

Tasmania’s pristine nature makes it a hiker’s 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. Then there’s the 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. For a more down-to-earth, small-town vibe, visit Coles Bay; a beautiful destination for nature-lovers and hikers. And you won’t see this listed in many tourism brochures, but Highland Lakes Road 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

There are heaps of curated shacks all over Tasmania that are well worth staying in – check out Shacklife for some great options. For added luxury, there are the MONA Pavilions, offering unique, artistic ‘dens’ featuring artwork from the MONA collection (see below for more details on the gallery). As for hotels, the Alabama Hotel is a charming (and affordable) place to stay, or even just drop in for a cocktail, and The Waterloo is a revamped ’70s hotel on the water in Swansea that’s charming, pet-friendly and has an amazing restaurant. Or for a retreat into nature, Pumphouse Point overlooks Lake St Clair – stay here for a special occasion or to enjoy your own space. 

The Art & Culture Spots To Visit In Hobart 

MONA Gallery is 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 – you absolutely will not be bored here. For more art, visit 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. Then you have the Longley Hotel, which is a laid-back out-of-town pub that has become a surprising hub for music. And for a great excuse to visit the rugged west coast, The Unconformity is 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 is a vinyl listening bar with amazing food and wine. There’s almost always a line to get in. It doesn’t take reservations, but it’s worth the wait. You can, however, make a reservation at Ogee – and you should; it’s always busy. It has a lovely atmosphere with an open-plan space. For more incredible food, try Trophy Room. There’s a wood-fired oven in the corner and everything on the menu is amazing. If you’re looking for a daytime spot, Pigeon Whole Bakers does the best pastries and coffee in town; Sunbear serves up delicious sandwiches and great coffee, right in the CBD; and Hamlet is 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 by Angus & Julia Stone is out now