A Queen Mary Scandi-inspired tour of Tasmania

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Tasmania offers everything you need to have a Scandi-inspired holiday, fit for a royal.

Tasmanian-born Mary Donaldson has officially become Queen Mary of Denmark . Although her transformation from Hobart local to Scandinavian royalty is a major shift, there are plenty of parallels between the small Nordic country and Mary’s home state of Tasmania.

In celebration of Australia’s first queen consort, we’ve rounded up a Scandinavian-inspired bucket list of things to experience in Tasmania. From wilderness saunas to fine arts and culture, these Tasmanian experiences are fit for a queen.

Wine and dine like a queen

Fine dining and fresh produce go hand in hand. Launceston, in Tassie’s north east corner, has been named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, thanks to its outstanding local produce and abundance of impressive culinary talent.  Stillwater , a fine dining restaurant housed in an old flour mill, is a stand-out for its modern dishes which draw on fresh, local ingredients. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to wine, too. The Tamar Valley, a stone’s throw from the city, is one of the best cool-climate producers.

the lush vineyards in Josef Chromy Wines, Tamar Valley
Josef Chromy Wines is a wine-lovers paradise. (Image: Andrew Wilson)

Check out innovative architecture and design

Nordic design is known for its elegant, pared-back sophistication, but Tasmania has the architectural prowess to rival it. A new vanguard of designers and architects is creating sleek, modern spaces, such as the Mona , the Museum of Old and New Art, which is impressively carved into the rockface. The luxurious Saffire Freycinet also features a high concept, sustainable design, with a breathtaking view of the Hazard mountains to boot. Down in Hobart, The Tasman hotel accentuates its 1840s Georgian heritage bones with restored bathtubs and fireplaces, and adds a modern twist with sleek interior design and a refined colour palette.
an aerial view of Saffire Freycinet, Freycinet National Park

Check into Saffire Freycinet for breathtaking views of Freycinet National Park. (Image: Saffire Freycinet)

The Tasman Hotel
The Tasman in Hobart combines its 1840s heritage exterior with a sleek, modern interior.

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Marvel at art

Mona is largely responsible for putting Australia on the map as an arts destination – in one of the country’s more unexpected locations, too. Now, thousands flock to Hobart to view Mona’s world-class collection, as well as the museum’s two festivals, Dark Mofo and Mona Foma .

the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in River Derwent in Berriedale
Mona is perched on the banks of the River Derwent. (Image: Jesse Hunniford)

Indulge in the art of bathing

Scandinavia is known for its sauna and bathhouse culture. But Tassie is carving out a reputation as a wellness epicentre with a slew of difficult-to-beat saunas and wilderness spas. Get your sweat on in The Wilderness Sauna on the Tasman Peninsula , overlooking the vineyard-fringed Impression Bay.

a scenic view of Derby's Floating Sauna
Head to Derby’s Floating Sauna for a well-deserved R&R. (Image: Dearna Bond)

Derby’s Floating Sauna  seems as if it was plucked straight from Northern Europe, surrounded by a placid lake and pristine nature. Wilderness and wellness are a winning combination – and nowhere does it quite like the Apple Isle.

two people relaxing in Floating Sauna
Dip your toes in the water. (Image: Dearna Bond)

Chill out in the snow

While Australia is known as a summer destination, its southernmost state thrives in the winter. Tasmania comes alive during the off-season, celebrating all things hygge (think cosy cabins in the woods, and even dog sledding). When it comes to snow, Mt Wellington near Hobart often gets a sprinkling, but if you want to see mountains blanketed in white, head to the beautiful, UNESCO-listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Those with more active inclinations can check out the ski fields at Mt Mawson.

winter in Mt Wellington
See Mt Wellington blanketed in snow. (Image: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman)

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Witness an Aurora

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list item for many. But did you know that the same phenomenon exists in the southern hemisphere? It’s called Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights, and they can be seen year-round from Tasmania.

Goat’s Bluff on Tassie’s South Peninsula is where you’ll have the best shot of catching the beautiful light display. But for those who don’t want to stray too far from the city, you’ll stand a decent chance on the summit of Mt Wellington, too.

the view of Aurora Australis in Tasmania
Admire enchanting views of the Aurora Australis. (Image: Tourism Tasmania; Simon Kruit)

Get cosy at a cafe or bakery

Tasmania is home to a vibrant, bustling cafe scene. Here, you can expect top-notch coffee and delicious pastries to accompany your beverage. You’ll find plenty of quaint, heritage bakeries with pastries that give the Danes a run for their money. We’ve rounded up the best cafes in Launceston and the best coffee spots in Hobart for you to check out.

the cafe interior of Sweetbrew, Launceston
Get your caffeine fix at Sweetbrew. (Image: Lusy Productions)

Roll around on a bike

Denmark (Copenhagen in particular) is known for its bike-riding culture. Granted, Tasmania is not as flat, but the beautiful scenery is certainly worth peddling up hills for. Roll around the slopes at Derby  with Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails , or if you feel like something a little more easygoing, explore the port city of Hobart by bike.

biking with Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails
Roll around with Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails. (Image: Natalie Mendham)
Elizabeth Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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Why you should visit these iconic Tassie destinations

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

    Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

    Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

    two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

    For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

    As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

    Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

    Finding the flavours of Freycinet

    aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

    As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

    By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

    Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

    Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

    interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

    Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

    Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

    Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

    Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

    Slow down in Strahan Village

    aerial of boat going through strahan tasmania
    Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.

    As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

    Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway . Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

    Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro .

    Delve into history in Port Arthur

    interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

    Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

    Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

    The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

    Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.