Ahhhh Bliss....

The word holiday means different things to different people.  My husband's idea of a holiday is flying for hours to an international destination, checking into an expensive hotel and sleeping for a week.

This drives me mad.

As a mother of several small children I've learnt that sleep is overrated (sleep? What is this sleep that you speak of?) and on holidays I want to DO something.

And I'm not referring to the same old tourist activities that are offered everywhere that we seem to visit.  The ones that leave your wallet empty and credit card company in business.

Let's do something interesting and CHEAP.  Something that gets you into shape (bonus after having babies), increases stamina and pushes you to new heights.

Let's go bushwalking.

Okay, okay.  I can see that you're a bit hesitant.  Bush walking (or hiking) doesn't quite have that wow factor.  You're probably thinking that all it involves is walking...through the bush.

It does.  But let's make it interesting.

If you've been following this blog, you may remember that I've been exploring the wineries and cheese makers of Tasmania.  I've decided that combining a walking trip with my gastronomic holidays is a great idea.  Best of both worlds.

Throw in stunning scenery, a great lunch and exercise to work off the camembert.  Bliss.

If you're holidaying with the kids, bush walking provides quality time without the distractions of video games and television.  It's a great opportunity to develop a real connection to the natural world and to see wild life up close.  And all that fresh air makes them really, really tired.  Double bonus.

 

If you're lucky enough to be able to ditch the kids for a few days, then a walking holiday gives you the opportunity to take a break from your ordinary routine and a chance to reconnect with the natural world and ourselves.  You can go totally zen.

Why have I jumped on the promote Tasmania band wagon?

I've travelled to a lot of places, in Australia and overseas.  And I've discovered that sometimes the most spectacular places are at home.

Tasmania's location in the Southern Ocean has preserved it as not only an island of rare beauty but also one of the most unspoiled places left on earth.

Much of its ancient glacial formed mountains and lakes, temperate rainforests and undeveloped coastline are protected as World Heritage Area, national parks and marine reserves.

This means the rains that fall, the rivers that tumble through its valleys and the oceans that brush its shores are still clean.

Sounds pretty good to me.  And you know I'm a sucker for mountain views.  It's that whole Sound of Music obsession I had as a child.

So I present to you Cradle Mountain in Tasmania.  It has world renowned walking tracks.  Really.  I googled it.

And guess what?

After a day in the wilderness, you've earned some special pampering don't you think?

I've found a spa that will take special care of your tootsies after a long day of trekking.

WALDHEIM ALPINE SPA - Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Doesn't this sound like heaven?

"Waldheim Alpine Spa invites you to embark on the ultimate sensory journey designed to indulge the senses.  The pampering begins with a traditional Hot Lime Foot Cleansing and Thai Foot Ritual, using warmed aroma-therapeutic oils, applied to nourish and condition the feet, followed by the decadent experience of soaking them in Elemis' award - winning Skin Nourishing Milk Bath.  Exfoliating with Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow, feet are lavished with an application of warmed Frangipani Monoi Oil to seal in moisture and leave skin feeling silky soft.  With feet and mind in a blissful state, the focus shifts to the upper body with a customised back, neck and shoulder massage and is completed with an energising foot massage that will leave you floating on air as you leave the Spa."

See, a bushwalking holiday isn't as daggy as you thought, is it?

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A quick culinary delight...

Well the mayhem of Christmas is behind us and The Girl With A Suitcase is already organising my next weekend getaway.  I've developed an obsession with fresh local produce and beverages (cheers!) so in the next few weeks I'll be scouting out the best locations to experience some of these delicacies.

First destination?

Hobart.

Southern Tasmania has some of the most incredible food experiences on offer (wine, cheese, seafood, beer) and has quickly become a gastronomic extravaganza for those in the know!   Hobart is the perfect place to drop anchor and then explore the surrounding area.

My recommendations for a quick visit?

Grandvewe Cheese Factory in Birchs Bay.  Australia's only Sheep Milk Cheesery.  You can experience up to 15 different cheeses, visit the sheep farm and enjoy platters overlooking the spectacular D'Entrecasteaux Channel.

MeadowBank Winery/ Restaurant in Cambridge.  Just 15 minutes drive from Hobart puts you on the doorstep of this multi-award winning restaurant and cellar door, it's surrounded by a sea of vines and overlooks Coal River Valley.

Next?  The Lark Distillery in Davey Street, Hobart.  The cellar door and whiskey bar overlook Mawson Place and give you the chance to sit outside and enjoy your favourite drink whilst overlooking the Derwent.

                                

After all that booze culinary delight, you'll need somewhere comfortable to lay your head each night and recuperate, before the next days adventure.

I like to stay someplace that is full of old world charm but full of the latest modern convenience.

Here I can relax on the private balcony, sipping a James- Boag (yes, more booze but it's Tasmanian)...

and watch the boats sail in.

Upon a good friends recommendation I stay in Hobart at Kinvara House.  It was built in the 1890s but has undergone ultra- modern renovations to create a unique and spacious house with unsurpassed views of the city and Derwent River.

It offers fully self-contained luxury accommodation for up to 10 people.  That's fantastic for getting a group of good friends together or for the family.  It is designed for those who appreciate quality and privacy, with all the feel of a century old home with all the modern additions.

All located within walking distance to the city centre and famous Salamanca Place.

When you're not visiting all the gastronomic delights in the surrounding Tasmanian area, Salamanca Place is the place to go, with its daytime shopping, galleries and its evening restaurants.  It is in one of the most picturesque areas of Hobart and if you are in Hobart on a Saturday, you can't miss the Salamanca Market.

Regardless of the weather it is the place to visit for odds and ends and to taste Tasmania's famous local produce.  Food, more food.

(Insert Homer Simpson drool).

Ahhh, bliss.

More Tasmaninan experiences to come.

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