This month I did something I have been wanting to do for years- head to Tasmania!

Luckily for me, I also got the opportunity to team up with Spirit of Tasmania and learn what they are all about. This was my first time on SoT, and as the first time for Tasmania (EVER)- it was certainly very memorable.

Melbourne Food Finds and I headed there for the weekend, but decided to get a head start by leaving on the Monday night. Although I had work during the week, I still got to explore the night life. Plus, when my weekend rolled around, we went all out!

We arrived on the Monday night at 6.30pm for boarding, with boarding being 2.5hrs prior to departure.

However the best thing about travelling at night is waking up in the morning to a beautiful sunrise and having a head start to the day!  We arrived at Devonport at 6am which gave us plenty of time to get to our accommodation.

As for the trip back, we chose to go during the day! Just for something a little bit different.

We got up nice and early because we wanted to see the sunrise, however, unluckily for us, it was raining so we missed that opportunity.

Experience 

I can’t wait to do this again. I was very lucky to be able to take over a RR Evoque on behalf of JLR (see here for review), however, I’d also take my own car to Tasmania!

If anything my trip to Tasmania proved that I DEFINITELY need to go back. There are just so many things for you to do.

For example, we went to the beach, sampled the local seafood (I FREAKIN’ LOVE SEAFOOD), and even headed to the Mountains. We really wanted to have an all-rounder taste of Tasmania, and even though we just scratched the surface, we absolutely loved it.

Having your own car meant that you could drive anywhere, do anything, be that spirited traveler without restrictions. I was amazed by the natural beauty of Tasmania, and as a food obsessed gal, the produce was no exception.

It was a remarkable experience, and that would not have been possible without SoT. PLUS, bringing our own car meant I got to pack the car with a whole bunch of things I totally swear I needed- I was prepared for all the Seasons! But really, we made ourselves at home and let our imaginations take us away.

SoT Entertainment

There is heaps to do on board! So you don’t have to worry about boredom. From gaming, to movies to even enjoying the sunset. They’ve got you well and truly covered.

SoT Food & Dining

Depending on your sailing there will be different choices of food. For example, day sailing you have breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. I wasn’t feeling too hungry at lunch, instead I had afternoon tea. I had a big breakfast. Plus the food prices are actually super affordable. Breakfast cost us about $15 each and included a drink and small snack. It depends on what you get, but you can easily have a filling breakfast for under $15.

Lunch is similar, but about $10 more. However, like a buffet you can choose whatever you’d like and it’s pre-set at a price.

SoT Accommodation 

There are so many choices, but since it was just the two of us, we opted for the 2 bed port hole room. We went for a room because it gave us privacy and our own shower.

Other options include the deluxe suite, 4 room, shared or recliners. It’s really up to you, but I personally prefer private cabins.

Let the roadtrip begin….

Falmouth/ St Helens

We began our trip staying in Falmouth, which is about 20 minutes south of St Helens. This was the most relaxing part of our trip as our accommodation was right on the edge of  the cliff face, this meant waking up was even more stunning that I could imagine. PLUS, the weather was absolutely spectacular. As I had commitments during the day, it was a great location to be at. Once the night rolled in I was able to go outside and enjoy the scenery. Plus, it was the perfect place for photos because all I had to do was walk outside the door. We stayed here for 2 nights and fell in love.

Launceston/ Cradle Mountain

Once the weekend hit, we decided to check out Launceston to see what it was about. First we had breakfast at Stillwater, which was absolutely amazing. Parking was a bit painful because this place is hella popular, but it was worth it!

After this we explored the town of Launceston as we had a bit of free time before trekking to Cradle Mountain.

As a person who is constantly glued to technology, I get very excited when I get the opportunity to go off the grid. Even if it is for a few hours.

Cradle Mountain is a stunning place to stay and visit. Given my time constraints, we went up for the afternoon & night.

I knew I really wanted to check out the Waldheim Spa and had my dear friend Cass (aka HungryCookiee) vouch for their awesomeness. We booked a private spa session for 2, and even though it was raining, man was it beautiful.

After we were ultra relaxed, we headed to the Tavern for some filling food and after this, decided to go and explore Dove Lake before the sun went down. I was gobsmacked by it’s beauty, and I will need to come back to do some of the treks!

Grindlewald (Wine Region)

For our second accommodation and final destination, we wanted to stay in the heart of the wine regions. For those who are familiar, I absolutely love good food and wine so I was already in heaven.

Our accommodation looked over the winery, and was within walking distance to it’s cellar door (#winning).

The first night we were here, we walked down and grabbed a bottle, and had some nibbles for a lowkey dinner.

On the weekend, we hit the wine region and although we were very optimistic (thinking we’d visit at least 3 wineries), we ended up falling in love with the first one we went to (which is where we also had lunch). Luckily for us, it was an absolute stunning day, or at least it was until we finished lunch.

We sat outside and had the chefs table spread. I was so satisfied by this meal, I didn’t even eat dinner. I definitely TRIED to but alas, I was not hungry.

Now you can’t go to a winery and not buy wine…especially since this wine was so damn amazing, I thought ‘to heck with it’… and bought 6 bottles. Noah stood there in disbelief, noting, ‘I thought you said you were only buying 3.’ Alas, the heart wants what the heart wants.

We ended up heading to our winery to get a last few bottles of wine, and instead of going to another winery- checked out the Grindlewald Swiss Village, where I channeled my inner tourist.

Final Thoughts

Our last day in Tasmania, we spent heading home on the SoT. It was a bitter sweet end (we didn’t want to leave!).

I will always remember my first trip, but it sure as hell won’t be the last.

Special thank you to the team at Spirit of Tasmania & Jaguar Land Rover Group for helping me fulfill my dream, and being part of making these treasured memories.

If you could go anywhere in Tasmania, where would you go?

#SpiritofTasmania #SpiritedTraveller

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Instagram: @andreamichelleindy
Twitter: @andreainarcadia
Facebook: Andrea in Arcadia

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Source:

• Spirit of Tasmania
• Photography by Noah Esposito & Andrea Hobbs