Tassie Unplugged: 8 Spots Redefining Adventure And Shaping Local Culture
Tasmania's incredible landscape is a treasure map for the thoughtful adventurer, an invitation to step into nature with eco-friendly experiences, taste hyper-local farm-to-table dining, go off-grid while leaving wilderness unspoiled and connect with communities shaping the local culture.
Inspired by Toyota's all-electric SUV, the bZ4X Touring, we’ve rounded up the best culture-driven, eco-conscious stays, eateries and experiences in Tassie.
Here's your route to adventure, and everywhere to recharge along the way.
Discover Tasmania's Off-Grid Escapes And Eco Lodges
Compass Hut
195 Bellamy Road, Forthside
Image credit: Compass Hut | Instagram
Compass Hut’s trio of eco-friendly self-contained accommodation lets you stay with minimal impact and maximum comfort. Located on an organic farm in Forth, 10 minutes drive from Devonport, each hut is unique, constructed with renewable and sustainable materials with solar passive design and off-grid power.
Barnhaus takes Scandi cues in a barnhouse-style exterior with French-inspired decor, views over the country and a cottage garden. The sculptural timber design of Arc Pavilion sits harmoniously within the landscape, with a fireplace for keeping cosy indoors and an outdoor bathtub for star-bathing on clear nights. Colonial Blue, a tiny house on wheels, sits in a private cottage garden with a luxurious ensuite bathhouse all to yourself.
Insider Intel
- For the peak-seekers, Cradle Mountain is a day-trip-able hour’s drive (with an onsite charging station at the visitor’s centre), and Mount Roland is a mere 14 minutes (with charging in Sheffield). Or power up and take the bZ4X Touring to the coast to explore Narawntapu National Park.
Freycinet Lodge
Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay Road, Coles Bay
Image credit: Freycinet Lodge | Website
Overlooking the stunning waters of Coles Bay is Freycinet Lodge, the only accommodation in Freycinet National Park (tip: don’t forget your Parks Pass). Choose from stylish suites, private cabins and the exceptional Coastal Pavilion surrounded by serene bushland that blends into the architecturally designed timber aesthetic (plus a deck with an outdoor bathtub).
You’re spoilt for on-site dining options, with The Bay Restaurant showcasing seasonal regional produce, the casual Hazards Bar and cheery Richardson’s Bistro. You can also sea kayak along the coast of Freycinet National Park, take day walks to Wineglass Bay, get close to nature with the delightful Bicheno penguins or spend an afternoon in the water at an oyster farm.
Insider Intel
- The Great Eastern Drive is right on your doorstep. Drive up to Bicheno and onward to St Helen’s for the best adventure on four wheels.
Pumphouse Point
1 Lake St Clair Road, Lake St Clair
Image credit: Pumphouse Point | Website
Secret yourself away in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area at Pumphouse Point overlooking Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake.
With beautifully appointed suites, all-inclusive dining, e-bikes, a free history tour and communal lounges, the environmentally-conscious accommodation has plenty to offer. The premium Retreat suites are purpose-built contemporary hideaways, with an indoor fireplace and lounge surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows looking out into the ancient forests.
Go on excellent walks and hikes nearby to fill your days (and soul), wandering along the lake shore, through different vegetation and up to hilltop views. The determined hiker and early riser might even manage the full day Mt Rufus.
Wallabies and pademelons abound, echidnas and wombats are lurking nearby, and even a platypus or two has been seen from time to time. Not to mention an abundance of birds—bring the binoculars.
Insider Intel
- If you’re taking the bZ4X Touring on a drive through the forested hills, Pumphouse Point has an electric charger, with another high-speed charger in the Derwent Bridge Rest Area, a short drive away. Just make sure to check if you need to BYO cable.
Try The Tassie Dining Spots Making A Real Impact
Stillwater
2 Bridge Road, Launceston
Image credit: Stillwater | Instagram
Not many spots let you dine in an old flour mill, much less sleep there. Stillwater restaurant transformed the original 1840s flour mill into a gastronomic hub beside Cataract Gorge. 25 years on, the restaurant remains one of Tasmania’s most thoughtful dining experiences. The menu is driven by long-time producers, kept as local as possible, with free-range or wild meats and seafood from the Bass Strait in a seasonal menu.
When they added boutique accommodation with the Stillwater Seven, it was a similarly considered blend of history and modern comforts. Thick stone walls and heavy beams hug the rooms, with king-sized beds and luxurious baths. A minibar? No, bespoke cabinets filled with gourmet Tasmanian treats and fresh croissants delivered to your door.
Insider Intel
- Rest easy knowing your car is plugged in and charging on-site, just check if you need to bring your own cable.
Trophy Room
342 Argyle Street, North Hobart
Image credit: Trophy Room | Instagram
James Latham and Rose Tweeddale bring farm-to-table vibes to the urban centre of North Hobart at Trophy Room with a super fresh approach to produce. This isn’t just a seasonal menu switch-up; they change daily, based on whatever is best and beautiful. Oyster mushroom tostada and green mole one day, Fork It Farms dry-aged beef the next.
The share-style dining is best explored through the ‘Feed Me’ of 7 to 8 courses. Graze through snacks, starters and mains with a delightful dessert to finish. Their house-made soft serve draws from the freshest tastes of Tasmania, like maple and squash in autumn and berries in summer.
Insider Intel
- Making their bread, pasta, pickles and even cheese and charcuterie from scratch also means minimal waste and thoughtful care. Basically, if ‘goodness’ were a flavour, you’d find it running through every dish.
Hamlet Hobart Cafe
40 Molle Street, Hobart
Image credit: Hamlet Hobart | Instagram
Few cafes have the real heart of Hamlet. Now in its tenth year, this cafe runs as a social enterprise, providing training and opportunities for people facing barriers to employment.
It has a vibrant, ever-changing menu including baked treats and wholesome brunch dishes. They use fresh produce from local farms and friends, turned into pickles, preserves, vinegars and sauces.
Insider Intel
- Check out the jars for sale while you’re there, and grab something to take home.
Get Grounded With Thoughtful Tassie Experiences
Sauna Boat Tasmania
Oyster Cove Marina, Ferry Road, Kettering
Image credit: Sauna Boat Tasmania | Instagram
Sauna Boat Tasmania is a premier floating sauna pontoon for up to 4 people in the sheltered waters of Kettering, an easy 30-minute drive from Hobart. It’s more than just a pamper session: this Scandi-inspired experience gives you a gorgeous glimpse at Little Oyster Cove's breathtaking scenes.
Pull up and enjoy a 60-minute sweat with soothing water views through the large sauna windows, then cool off with a refreshing plunge (it can get to 9 degrees in winter).
Insider Intel
- Operating on Saturdays and Sundays, the sauna boat offers nine one-hour sessions per day from 7am to 6pm, with bookings opening three months in advance.
wukalina Walk
Palawa Country, 163 St John Street, Launceston
Image credit: wukalina Walk | Website
Palawa-owned and operated, wukalina Walk takes you on a four-day, three-night journey into the north east. Guided by Traditional Owners on their land, it's a multi-award-winning, life-changing experience.
Drive into Launceston, where you and your group (about 10 total) will meet and be taken to the beginning of the hike. Move through bushland to the summit of Wukalina and then head out to Larapuna/Bay of Fires. Share bush tucker and traditional foods, hear stories from your guide, and have a yarn with your fellow travellers.
No need to pack a tent, you’ll rest your head two nights in dome-ceilinged camping huts at Krakani Lumi (resting place) in the heathland, then one night in a restored lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
Insider Intel
- This is an incredible way to encounter this corner of the island while supporting Palawa business, which contributes directly to the community and their ability to care for Country.
Book online
Ready to discover more of Tassie? From urban streets to rugged surrounds, Toyota’s bZ4X Touring will get you there. Learn more here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Toyota and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Main image credit: Pumphouse Point | Website