Let a local show you around their town for an insider’s guide to all the best bits.
New Norfolk is a charming town situated on the River Derwent, just 38 kilometres northwest of Hobart with a modest population of approximately 5432. New Norfolk, the third oldest settlement in Tasmania, was established by prisoners from Norfolk Island after the gaol was abandoned in 1807. It is a town rich in character, dotted with heritage architecture and antique stores, a hub for growing hops, and surrounded by picturesque rural scenery. But when it comes to top things to do in New Norfolk, it’s best to ask an expert. We’ve turned to Tammy Baird. As part-owner of three of New Norfolk’s much-loved businesses: The Drill Hall Emporium , which sells authentic antiques in an old army drill hall; Miss Arthur , an exquisite store of handcrafted homewares; and Flywheel , which specialises in boutique stationery and letterpress printing. Here, this curator of good taste shares with us the perfect day in New Norfolk, Tasmania.
9am: Swan down to the river
Head into New Norfolk, which is just a short stroll along the Esplanade on the River Derwent. Admire beautiful Woodbridge on the Derwent, a heritage-listed boutique hotel constructed circa 1825.
The misty River Derwent is a sight to behold.
10am: Know the drill
Pack your eco bags for a saunter down Stephen Street. Drop into The Drill Hall Emporium for antiques, Miss Arthur for handcrafted homewares and The Black Swan for books. Grab a pastry to enjoy in Arthur Square.
11.30am: Explore the town
Flywheel is a boutique stationery store with a working letterpress studio halfway along High Street. We stock stationery from around the world along with our own handcrafted stationery. You may get to see the 1920s printing press in action.
The flywheel boutique stationery store
12.30pm: Track down the barracks
Wander the Willow Court Barracks, Australia’s first purpose-built mental asylum, which operated continuously for more than 170 years and pre-dates Port Arthur Historic Site.
1pm: Enjoy quality local produce
Enjoy a paddock-to-plate lunch at The Agrarian Kitchen eatery, owned by Rodney Dunn and Séverine Demanet, founders of the Agrarian kitchen cooking school.
The Agrarian Kitchen eatery heroes paddock to plate
2.45pm: Wander to waterfalls
Drive along the River Derwent to Russell Falls in Mt Field National Park, admiring hop kilns at bushy park estates along the way. It is a short walk to this spectacular waterfall.
Russell Falls glory
4pm: Have a beer or three
Head back through Rosegarland and stop at Two Metre Tall Brewery for a pint of hand-pumped ale and cider.
Welcome to Hotel Addict, a monthly column where I check into Australia’s best hotels, exploring not just the rooms, but the stories, service and settings that make each stay unforgettable and worth adding to your wishlist.
I arrive at The Tasman in Hobart at 10pm. Two McLaren 620Rs are parked out front, and a welcome cup of mulled wine – made from local chardonnay, not red wine – lands in my hand. It’s already clear this isn’t your average hotel stay. The last time I was in the Tassie capital was in 2022, when my family stayed at MACq 01 and cheered on my brother-in-law who raced in the Sydney to Hobart. This time, I’m moving away from one of my favourite Australian hotels and checking into this award-winning stay.
What I love most about Tasmania is the dedication to good produce. Farmers, chefs and locals alike create and grow some of the country’s finest offerings – plump oysters, world-class gins, irresistible cheese and fresh berries. And much of it can be savoured from the comfort of the unique accommodations peppered across the island, each impressing with its attention to detail. Perhaps none do it as well as this month’s chosen hotel, though.
Having opened its doors in December 2021, The Tasman was named in The World’s 50 Best Hotels list for 2024, putting Hobart firmly on the map for international travellers. Visitors and locals are also drawn to its onsite restaurant Peppina, an Italian eatery helmed by Tassie-born and Napoli-raised chef Massimo Mele, whose food philosophy centres on using the best produce, simply.
The hotel is a short walk from Salamanca Place, the waterfront and Battery Point.
The building is located in the heart of Hobart CBD in the Parliament Square precinct – a short walk from the waterfront – making it a convenient base for exploring the city. Designed by Sydney-based architects fjcstudio with heritage guidance from Design 5 and interior design practice JPDC, the project involved melding and restoring three distinct architectural styles – 1840s Georgian, 1940s Art Deco and the new Contemporary Pavilion – while celebrating the city’s maritime heritage. The result is an elegant fusion of heritage character and modern sophistication.
There are 152 rooms and suites divided into Heritage, Art Deco, and Pavilion. My room is in the Heritage part of the building and features dramatic ceilings, a mini bar stocked with local treats and a huge marble-swathed bathroom with an enticing freestanding bath and Tasmanian dairy cream and leatherwood honey soap.
I decide to order room service since the onsite speakeasy, Mary Mary, is closed and I don’t have a dinner reservation. The late-night menu tempts withseafood chowder served with crusty bread and a ham and cheese toastie – but whenever I see a cheese plate, I can’t resist. Have I ever had a truly great one in a hotel? Not even in Bordeaux. But this time, it’s different: the spread is beautifully presented with thinly sliced apple and pear, three local cheeses, honey and an assortment of crackers made onsite. I pair this with a gin and tonic made with Forty Spotted Classic Tassie Gin and Tasmanian Tonic Company gin – it’s my perfect night in.
The minibar is stocked with local treats. (Image: Rachael Thompson)
The next morning, I opt for the buffet breakfast. Hotel buffets can be hit or miss, and I generally see them as a waste of money, but my sister claimed the offering at Peppina was her favourite she’s ever had. Coincidentally, one of her closest friends is in town for a conference and, having stayed here before, chose The Tasman and breakfast at Peppina again; more assurance of its deliciousness.
The space is light and bright with two productive olive trees boosting the mood. I load up a plate of chickpeas, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach, pickles, the world’s creamiest mushroom quiche and slices of cheddar. A bit unconventional, but it’s all perfect, and I’m convinced this is the best breakfast I’ve ever had. I finish with a pear and lemon pastry, which is on par with the baked goods I savoured on a recent trip to France.
Peppina celebrates seasonal Tasmanian produce.
I spend the rest of the morning and afternoon walking around Salamanca Markets and the waterfront areas in the historic Sullivans Cove precinct, enjoying 12 Bruny Island oysters for just $20 – a steal! Back at the hotel, I squeeze in a quick gym session. It’s small, but the preserved sandstone walls give it a unique charm that makes the workout feel more like a novelty rather than a chore.
There’s no spa or swimming pool onsite – a disappointment I have to admit – but what it does have is a wine cellar and that might excite me even more. The cellar is stocked with Tassie drops as well as notable international bottles. During my tasting I decide to stick with local sips, which will be paired with a charcuterie plate, and to my delight, another cheese plate. Our sommelier Adrian guides us through eight different wines, including a very tasty 2023 Syrah, Bubb + Pooley and a 2024 Pinot Noir, Stoney Rise. The region is known for its cool-climate wines, especially sparkling wine and Pinot Noir, and Adrian’s animated commentary on each pour transforms the tasting into a performance. That or the wine is just working its magic…
Sample Tassie drops in the wine cellar. (Image: Rachael Thompson)
I make the tipsy pilgrimage back to Peppina to try their dinner offering. I dive into a memorable line-up of kingfish ceviche, Bruschetta al Tonno, and gnocchi with pink oyster, nameko mushrooms, mushroom-celeriac broth and parmesan cream. Retreating to my ultra-comfy bed and almost eerily quiet room, the blend of character and comfort makes me feel like there’s nowhere I’d rather be after a full day of eating and exploring.
Although part of the Marriott family, The Tasman’s respect and celebration of its location allows it to exude personality and charm, making it feel worlds away from the impersonal atmosphere often found in large hotels. Where many hotel kitchens are fine but forgettable, The Tasman stands out for its dedication to great produce. And with rooms starting from $300 per night, it offers luxury at a more attainable price.
Details
Address: 12 Murray St, Hobart TAS 7000
Best for: Couples, foodies and design-savvy travellers.
Family-friendly?: Yes
Accessibility: The Tasman has a number of accessible rooms for each room type.
