I will always be a backpacker at heart, but even I cannot deny the dream of luxury travel. While I love the simplicity and the freedom of carrying my life on my back and being able to change my plans at the drop of a hat, luxury travel does give you a wealth of opportunities to stay in some incredible places and doing amazing things you only dreamt of until now. Having worked in hospitality at a rooftop bar in a 5* hotel, you soon get to grips with what takes a regular hotel stay and turns it into a luxurious one. It’s those tiny details, and most importantly the staff who really transform your experience. This combined with my experiences as a traveller has really showed me what defines the 5* experience and how you could get this on a budget to still live within your means while travelling.
Most importantly – you don’t have to be filthy rich to live like a queen on your holidays. You just have to be smart and do your research before you go. putting in a few hours of reading and booking time before you go can make a world of difference to your trip. Especially when it comes to planning your actual travel.
Travel tips for luxury on a budget
Accommodation tips for luxury on a budget
Activity tips for luxury on a budget
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It could be the trip you never forget.
Perhaps it’s the wild, rugged landscapes that are incomparable to anywhere else in the world, the fact that so few backpackers actually make it down from the mainland or just that so much of the island still feels undiscovered. But there is something about Tasmania that really captures the imagination and memories of the breathtaking scenery will often stay with travellers long after their trip has finished. After spending nearly a month down there exploring and road tripping the heart-shaped island, filling my lungs with the cleanest, crispest, freshest air, and eating the finest locally produced foods. I can safely say it is one of my absolute favourite places in Australia and the trip was everything I needed to fall in love with the country all over again. Read all about my experiences in Hobart here – including my guide for where to stay and what to do. My favourite part of the trip was the 10 days I spent in the complete wilderness of Tasmania, I was completely offline, surrounded by great people and back to basics. It was bliss and an experience I wish every backpacker could have so they could experience a real taste of Australia instead of just the mass-produced party of the East Coast. For any backpackers reading this – there is so much more to Australia than party hostels and goon – step outside of the box and chase experiences like this that are once in a lifetime.
Planning your trip
Finding your road trip gang
Travelling solo and don’t know a soul in Tasmania? Neither did I, but that didn’t stop me having the trip of a lifetime! Everyone who arrives in Hobart is looking to road trip so you’ll never be short of people to travel with. Your best shout is staying in a major hostel like The Pickled Frog which is full of travellers who are planning big two week and short weekend trips you could tag along with. I actually used the backpacker Facebook groups for finding my road trip gang – I just put a message up on both of the Tasmania backpacker pages I found explaining my plan to travel for around two weeks, to hire a car and try to do a full circle of the island. Within less than 24 hours I had a group of four people, including one guy who decided to fly over from Melbourne overnight to start the trip with us. That’s what I love about backpackers – they just say yes and grab the opportunity with both hands!
Hiring a car
We hired a car from Budget – after researching and visiting every car company in Hobart we found they were the cheapest both online and in person. We hired a big SUV because we were planning to take a lot of camping gear and to have two people sleeping in the car and two in a tent each night. It worked out at roughly $450 for 11 days between four of us, the pick-up was just round the corner from the hostel and the company were really helpful. The car was fantastic – brand new and easy to drive, we had four wheel drive but didn’t need it even when we went very rural and travelled through the national parks. When it came to insurance, we didn’t take the Budget insurance to lower our excess, instead we used a separate online company which cost us just $60-80 overall instead of an extra $30 a day. It may all sound complicated to anyone not used to hiring a car but this all took us less than a day – it was worth doing the research to get the cheapest and best deal for us.
*It costs more money is drivers are under 25, so be aware of this when planning your road trip group. We had two drivers over 25 so just put them on the licence but with just one person it would be a lot of driving.
Planning your route
When I first came to Tasmania, a friend of mine recommended I head to the tourism office in Hobart and pick up a booklet called 60 Great Short Walks Tasmania – this booklet became my Tasmania bible and quite frankly the trip would have been nothing without it. The book splits Tasmania up into five key areas and breaks down the best walks ranging from 20 minute strolls to eight hour treks, all varying in difficulty levels and the incredibly beautiful views they sure with you. The booklet gives all the information you need including talking about what to take, weather effects on the track, whether they are suitable for children/elderly and what kind of footwear is suitable.
We planned to travel up the East Coast, around Wineglass Bay, up towards Bay of Fires and Launceston then across to the West and down via Cradle Mountain back to Hobart. This was our original plan but we checked again and again with the weather – it’s so unpredictable down there that you have to be smart to get the most out of your trip. There is another useful booklet available from tourism centres called Tasmania, Your Complimentary Touring Guide, which gives you all the information you need on 11 different touring routes around the island if you have limited time or just want to target one specific area. For me, the most important thing was being active – I wanted to break up the driving and to stop off to do as many hikes/climbs and explore as much as possible along the way – by planning this way we stopped off in 11 national parks and saw an incredible amount of national beauty and different landscapes.
Packing the right gear
Tasmania is definitely not as built up as other parts of Australia so you’ll struggle to find many hostels outside of Hobart/Launceston. Skip them all together and save money by picking up camping gear and diving deep into the national parks. You’ll need a good tent, sleeping mats, take a tarp for sitting on damp ground and any chairs you can get your hands on. We borrowed a lot of items from the hostel which saved us a lot of money as we just put down a deposit for them which we got back when we arrived back at the hostel. One of the girls already had the tent, we all chipped in for a good stove and gas cylinders but this was our most expensive outgoing for camping gear. I bought myself a sleeping bag and torch from KMart which were great for the trip and perfect to sell afterwards. We bought a cheap plates/cups/cutlery set from Target, and everything else we “borrowed” from the hostel and brought back with us. Just be sure to make sure you try and sell anything you buy after the trip – recycling is great among backpackers and it helps you save money. Also, if you have big bags with you, just leave them all in hostel storage while you are away and just take the essentials.
Pack the right clothes
This is important because the weather is so changeable down there – you want to make sure you have clothes for all weathers without taking too much. The best things I bought for the trip were definitely thermals from Kathmandu – bright pink and stripey – they made one heck of a statement but most importantly, they kept me warm both at night and during the day and acted as a good wind resistor. The rest of my clothes were just workout leggings, a few tops and vests, lots of socks as there’s nothing worse than sweaty old socks. I took a jumper, a hoody and a thin waterproof jacket for the rain. I also took sweatpants which were a great warmer layer for over my leggings when it was wet or cold. You have to be prepared to smell and feel gross when you’re camping for 10 days, but small things can make it better. Things like wet wipes and keeping one clean set of clothes just in case you decide to shower at one of the campsites.
Other important details
Don’t forget to get your National Parks pass! This can be bought for around $50 from the tourism office and gives you access to all of the national parks, it stops you picking up fines and buying it in Hobart means not being slowed down later on.
Always make sure you are stocked up on fuel – some parts of Tasmania can see you driving for ages without a petrol station and it is not a nice experience to run out as we almost did on Sunday night miles away from an open fuel station. Trust me, driving on eco mode up steep hills is a pretty stressful way to drive when you don’t know where the nearest fuel stop is.
Use Wiki Camps app – this app is great for letting you know where the nearest camp sites are, particularly free ones, and what facilities they have available. We didn’t pay for a single one and had amazing campsites surrounded by wallabies on the beach or in the shadow of mountains.
Expenses apps like Splittr and GroupMe are great for working our what everyone owes on the trip, we had once person in charge of documenting every charge/cost and then worked out easily at the end what everyone owed to who. So much easier that way!
Planning a Tasmanian road trip? Leave any questions below and I’ll try to help. Also, look out for my upcoming posts on highlights of the East and West Coast.
What was your favourite part of Tasmania – did you road trip? Any tips for other travellers?
Some people swear by snowy skiing holidays, some people can’t live without fresh mountain air – for me it’s beachy bliss and ocean dreams that fuel my travels. I’ve been a total water baby since I was a kid and I can’t stand being far from the ocean – I’ve always lived no further than 20 minutes from the sea and it’s always been the one thing to soothe me. From winter beach walks to summers running along the seafront and charing the waves, I just love the peace and simplicity of a life with sandy feet and salty hair. My farm work was possibly the hardest time of my travels – and some of that I put down to being the furthest away from the ocean I have ever been. 800km west of Brisbane, I was pretty much in the centre of Australia and a minimum of 12 hour driving away from the sea. It sounds silly, but we humans are 80% water and it seems crazy that being near or far from water cannot affect our mood.
Since being back in Melbourne, I’ve been working like crazy sometimes 50/60 hour weeks and so it’s become more important than every that I make the most of my time off by going to new places I haven’t yet explored. For me, that means venturing in different directions to explore the best beaches and most beautiful places I haven’t yet seen in this amazing city. I love Melbourne and there is so much more for me to discover so I’ve been on the buses, trains and trams to find my favourite new beachy destinations in the area. I’ve come up with my top 10 list of my favourite beaches I’ve been to in the area – all within easy reach of Melbourne CBD and well worth visiting if you fancy a change.
My top 10 beaches in Melbourne
St Kilda Beach
It goes without saying that St Kilda Beach is a lot of fun – it’s far from the prettiest beach in Melbourne but it’s the place to be if you want to enjoy beers in the sunshine, the odd festival or to warm up for a night out. I spent Christmas Day here with my nearest and dearest – we enjoyed a full Aussie Xmas Day from beers in the sunshine to water fights in the sea and a full rave on the beach – so much fun and always a good place to head to meet people. Plus, penguins… need I say more?!
Sandringham Beach
My new favourite after visiting the other day, this one is perfect for escaping the city. Just 30 minutes on the train from Flinders, this beautiful untouched beach promises crystal clear waters and gorgeous golden sandy beaches. Endless rock pools and nature to explore, or you can just relax in your own little cove.
Half Moon Bay
Last time I was in Melbourne, I went on a lovely date with a guy to Half Moon Bay. It was a beautiful little cove attached to Sandringham Beach but also completely separate. We had the whole beach to ourselves and went swimming at sunset, it was beautiful to watch the sun hit the water and watch the ships sailing past. A perfect spot to romance anyone special in your life.
Brighton Beach
A home away from home, this little gem comes complete with an amazing view of the city from across the water and cute little beach reminiscent of those you’ll find on quaint English beaches like those near my home. Plus, it’s only 20 minutes by train! A lovely chilled beach and great for swimming as there isn’t too many rocks in the water and it isn’t quite as shallow as some of the beaches. While you’re in the area you can also check out Elwood and Hampton beaches.
Port Melbourne
This has become my local beach of late -just 5 minutes on the tram from my apartment, it’s my perfect escape for a sunny morning before work. on the same stretch of Port Phillip Bay as St Kilda, it couldn’t be more different. Usually empty of people and very peaceful, this is more of a family beach and less party. It’s a perfect place to take a book and relax for a few hours.
Mount Martha
Halfway between a beach and a cliff face – this one is definitely worth a visit. The water was ice cold when I went but you couldn’t miss the beauty of the place. Come here for cliff jumping and a good swim in crystal clear deep waters. On hot days the place turns into a party for the Mornington crowd!
Williamstown Beach
Take a 25 minute train ride and a step back in time to Williamstown, a small seaside town with all the cuteness of a British seaside resort. I went on a windy day when it was perfect for sandy beach walks instead of sunbathing but still saw the beauty in the simple, untouched beach. Perfect if you fancy escaping the busy sands of St Kilda.
Bells Beach
Escape the city for a day or overnight like I did, I went to visit a friend who lived down in Torquay, near the start of Great Ocean Road. This was a perfect excuse to head down to the gorgeous surfing beaches like Bells Beach to walk the dogs and catch up for a few days. While you’re at it, why not hire a car for a few days and do the whole Great Ocean Road? Check out my posts for planning your trip here and here.
Mornington
I just spent a few hours on one of the many Mornington Peninsula beaches during a stormy day, but it was very beautiful and the whole area is covered with gorgeous beaches to explore. Easy to get to in a day, they’re worth exploring and if you have more time then Sorrento and the beaches down at Wilson’s Promontory are also worth a visit.
Frankston
Pretty far out of the city but worth a visit if you have more time, Frankston is full of lovely beaches to explore, most of them I saw during windy days so I enjoyed walks rather than sunbathing but they’d be beautiful on a hot day!
There’s something so soothing about the ocean isn’t there? If you love it as much as I do, why don’t you check out Celebrity Cruises by Bolsover Cruise Club for their take on modern luxury while you explore the globe.
What’s your favourite Melbourne beach? Can you recommend any others?
When I first set foot in Tasmania, I never expected to fall in love with the sleepy little town of Hobart. So, it’s a shame that many backpackers tend to skip it in favour of the popular party towns of the East Coast or the big city life of Melbourne and Sydney.
As someone who is always on the lookout for hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations, I was looking forward to exploring Hobart, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The quaint town is nestled at the foot of Mount Wellington and is brimming with charm. Despite its small size, there’s actually plenty of things to do in Hobart, plus a lively music scene. Anyone travelling to Tasmania will arrive first to Hobart, then head off exploring the rest of this remote island so it’s a great way to start your trip.
Did you know that in Hobart you can hike a mountain, eat some of the freshest seafood and see world renowned art in just a few hours? It’s an incredibly diverse city on the island of Tasmania and yet so many of those travelling to Australia never make it there. If you want to head slightly off the beaten track and discover something a bit different when visiting Australia – Hobart in Tasmania is the place to do it.
Essentials for Hobart, Australia |
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| Hire a car in Tasmania |
Hobart is 100% worth visiting. It exudes a unique charm that sets it apart from other parts of Australia. Perhaps it was the quaint, older feel of the city that won me over, reminiscent of my English roots. I loved how everything felt steeped in history and ghosts of the past.
One of my favourite things to do in Hobart was simply taking a stroll through the pretty streets, where almost every corner evokes a sense of a time long before modern skyscrapers dominated Australia’s skyline. Look around and you’ll spot the solid wooden bars and quirky street musicians showcasing their unique talents.
As a country girl from the UK who loves getting outdoors and staying active, I love that Hobart seemed to embrace the outdoors and a deeper connection with nature. In fact, some of the best things to do in Hobart involved getting outside and staying active. I also love how the lifestyle here is slower and more laidback, in contrast to busy cities like Melbourne or Sydney.
Getting to Hobart from the UK is quite an adventure, but totally worth it. If you’re looking for cheap flights to Tasmania, I recommend using Skyscanner to browse for the cheapest dates, but you can also use my favourite travel hacking website to find amazing deals on flights.
You can start your journey from London, with a flight to Melbourne. The cheapest option is often flying with airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Singapore Airlines. You will have a layover in either Dubai, Qatar, or Singapore, depending on the airline. Prices range from £600 to £900 for a round trip if you book in advance. Want some tips on finding the best deals on flights? Check out my detailed guide on finding cheap flights.
When you get to Melbourne, there are a couple of ways to reach Hobart. The quickest option is a direct flight, which will only take 1.5 hours and costs around AUD 100-200. Airlines like Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia offer frequent flights to Hobart.
If you’re not in a hurry and want a bit of adventure to get to Hobart, take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne to Davenport. The journey can take up to 11 hours, and costs around AUD 100-200 per person, depending on the accommodation choice. If you have a rental car, you can take it with you for an additional AUD 100-300. Bringing a car is a convenient option since getting to Hobart from Devonport requires a bit of driving – about a 3-hour journey. Trust me, you won’t regret taking a road trip through the scenic Tasmanian countryside.
There are many great places to stay in Hobart and a lot of them are perfect for those travelling on a budget. Here are some of my recommendations:
This is one hostel I would highly recommend. From the moment I arrived, it quickly became one of my all-time favourite hostels, not just in Australia but anywhere. The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, filled with friendly travellers. Many were there for longer stays, working or exploring Tasmania, which gave the hostel a genuine sense of community and homeliness. If you’re looking for more than just a place to sleep but a place where you can feel at home and make lasting connections, The Pickled Frog is definitely the spot to be.
For a budget-friendly stay in the heart of Hobart, I’d suggest Ibis Styles. It has a modern and vibrant design, with a warm and welcoming ambience. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and stylish. For a budget hotel, I’m impressed that it has great amenities, such as a rooftop pool with stunning views of Mount Wellington. But what I love most is the location, which is only a short walk from the waterfront, Salamanca Market, and other major attractions.
Want to experience what it is like to sleep in cosy capsule rooms? Choose Airone Capsule Hotel. It’s one of the best-rated, budget-friendly hotels in Hobart with friendly and efficient service. The capsules are surprisingly spacious and equipped with comfortable bedding, personal lighting, USB charging ports, and a small TV. The location of the hotel is unbeatable – it’s right in the heart of Hobart.
For a budget-friendly accommodation that doesn’t compromise on comfort, stay at the Mayfair Plaza Motel. Its rooms are clean, spacious, and well-appointed. The motel is conveniently located at the bustling Sandy Bay area, just a short walk to great cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Planning a solo trip to Hobart was one of the best decisions I made. Tasmania’s capital is not only incredibly safe for solo travellers, but it has a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to connect with fellow backpackers. Given the numerous things to do in Hobart, from hiking Mount Wellington to exploring historic sites like Battery Point, I had an absolutely amazing time here.
For those considering a solo journey, I highly recommend checking out my article on The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Australia. It covers everything, from budgeting and visa requirements to the best places to visit and staying safe. Hobart, in particular, is one of those places that stand out on all my solo trips due to its friendly locals and vibrant scene, where it’s effortless to strike up conversations and make new friends.
There are so many things to do in Hobart that you may have to spend at least a week to fully enjoy all the best things in this picturesque city. If you need ideas of what to do, here are my top recommendations:
I consider myself an outdoor enthusiast, so it’s not surprising that one of my favourite things to do in Hobart is hiking Mount Wellington. Also known as “kunanyi”, the mountain is accessible year-round with no entrance fee, so it’s perfect for budget travellers like me. There are many scenic trails to choose from, including those suitable for beginners. If you’re not fond of hiking, it’s also possible to get to the summit by car.
I suggest bringing layers since the weather can change in an instant. For a hassle-free experience, book this sightseeing combo ticket that already includes transportation and stops to many other attractions in the city.
When sightseeing around Hobart, don’t miss MONA or the Museum of Old and New Art. The museum showcases a mix of contemporary and ancient art. The building itself is a work of art, featuring striking architecture and underground galleries.
MONA is open Wednesday to Monday from 10 AM to 5 PM. General admission is AUD 35 for adults. For a unique way to visit the museum, book this sightseeing tour with MONA ticket. You’ll ride a converted historic tram to visit MONA and other Hobart attractions.
It’s no secret that I love a glass of wine, which is why I always go for a wine tour throughout my travels. So, when I found out about the amazing Wineries Day Tour and Tastings of Hobart, I did not miss the chance. The tour includes transportation and guided visits to wineries and, of course, tastings.
Many top wineries in Hobart are offering wine tours if you want to do it independently. Fees typically range around AUD 20-30, depending on the tour. Joining these tours is a great way to sample award-winning local wines and learn about the local winemaking industry of Hobart.
Australia is a top destination for amazing wildlife encounters, and this is one of the things I look forward to on my visit. The best place for this is Bruny Island, located near Hobart. Open year-round, this island is a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Some of the wildlife species you’ll encounter are the fairy penguins, fur seals, and a rare white wallaby.
For a convenient way to visit, book this Bruny Island Day Trip from Hobart. It already includes ferry transfers and guided tours of the island, where you can learn more about the wildlife that dwell here.
A Cascade Brewery tour is one of the things to do in Hobart that I highly recommend. Established in 1824, Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest operating brewery. The brewery is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, and the fee for the tour is AUD 30-35, which already includes free tastings. Note that you are required to wear closed-toe shoes and only visitors over 18 years old can join.
Book the Hobart: Cascade Brewery Historic Tour – with this guided tour, you will learn more about the history of breweries in Hobart, including the brewing process. My favourite part is, of course, the beer tasting.
The bustling Salamanca Market is one of the most visited attractions at the heart of Hobart, and I highly recommend visiting this place to experience its vibrant atmosphere. Open every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3 PM, it has over 300 stalls selling local produce, arts & crafts, and lots of delicious food. It’s easily accessible by foot from anywhere within Hobart’s city centre or via public transport.
Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy browsing unique Tasmanian goods. You can also witness live music and street performances on some days!
After a day of sightseeing, you may want to go somewhere peaceful to relax. Head to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, which feature beautiful gardens with diverse plant collections including rare and native species. Enjoy peaceful walks or have a picnic in the picturesque surroundings.
The gardens are about 2 km from the city centre, which you can access by car, bike or a 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus.
The best place to spend your Sunday morning in Hobart is at the Farm Gate Market, a lively market that opens every Sunday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM. Located on Bathurst Street, the market is easily accessible by foot from the city centre or via public transport.
Spend your morning browsing the line of stalls to shop for fresh local produce, artisanal foods, and unique handmade products. Arrive early for the best selection. The Farm Gate Market is a fantastic place to sample local delicacies, enjoy live music, and chat with friendly local vendors.
While in Hobart, don’t miss the chance to sample the tastiest fish and chips! There are many wonderful places to enjoy this classic dish, but one of my favourites is Mures Lower Deck on Victoria Dock. I love their beautiful outdoor seating with stunning harbour views.
Another place I highly recommend is the Flippers Fish and Chips, which is a floating seafood stand specialising in delicious, crispy fish and chips right by the picturesque waterfront.
Tasmania has a long history of distilling, dating back to as far as 1822. If you want to learn more about Hobart’s rich distilling heritage, consider booking this Whisky Distillery Tours and Tastings. The guided tour will take you to experience the art of whiskey-making firsthand. Learn about the distillation process and enjoy tastings of award-winning whiskies.
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is one of the must-visit museums in Hobart. Here, you’ll enjoy a diverse range of exhibits about Tasmania’s natural history, including indigenous heritage and contemporary art and colonial artefacts. The museum is housed in a beautiful historic building, but the best part about visiting this place is that entry is free. Except Mondays, the museum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Kayaking is one of the best things to do in Hobart for outdoor enthusiasts like me. Paddle through the scenic waterfront, past picturesque bridges, and into historic docks while enjoying the views of Mount Wellington.
For an unforgettable kayaking experience, book this Hobart City 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour. I love that this guided kayaking tour includes all necessary equipment and safety briefings, so it’s safe even for beginners.
The Port Arthur Historic Site is another place I’d highly recommend you visit in Hobart. It is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site renowned for its well-preserved convict history. The site was established in 1830 as a penal settlement and houses some of Australia’s most notorious criminals.
For a more enjoyable experience, join this Tasman Peninsula Tour. It’s a guided boat tour of the Tasman Peninsula coming from Hobart, and already includes transportation, morning tea, and lunch.
No visit to Tasmania is complete without seeing the Tasmanian Devils, which are some of Australia’s most popular animals. These marsupials are fun to observe up-close in their natural habitat.
The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is one of the best places to see the Tasmanian Devils in a naturalistic setting. Aside from seeing these unique creatures, you can also witness interactive exhibits and wildlife presentations to learn more about their conservation.
If you’re like me who loves history, visit the historic Battery Point while in Hobart. You’ll love wandering around this charming neighbourhood and admiring the well-preserved colonial-era cottages lining its picturesque streets.
You’ll also discover boutique shops and beautiful gardens. One of the famous sites to see here is the Arthur Circus, one of Australia’s oldest cul-de-sacs. If you need a break, stop by for refreshing drinks at one of the quaint cafes.
Are you interested in Tasmania’s convict history? If you are, then book a guided tour of the Hobart Convict Penitentiary. Established in 1830, the Hobart Convict Penitentiary serves as a chapel, jail and court for male convicts.
Joining a guided tour is the best way to explore the former prison and learn about its interesting history. You get to explore eerie cells and historic courtrooms on your visit. Listen to your guide share expert insights and gripping stories and get ready to access hidden and somewhat eerie areas within the penitentiary.
I love taking strolls and one of my favourite places to stroll in Hobart is along its lovely waterfront. It’s bustling with activity, so it’s also my favourite place to people-watch. Aside from the stunning views, I also enjoy the sight of fishing boats and yachts.
Hobart’s waterfront is also home to many restaurants and cafes, where I would sometimes have my breakfast. I highly recommend checking out the local artworks at the Salamanca Arts Centre nearby.
One of the best viewpoints in Hobart is the Mount Nelson Lookout. Perched high above the city, it looks out to the panoramic vistas of the city, the Derwent River, and beyond.
The best way to get to the lookout is on a scenic drive, so if you have a rental car in Tasmania, this is a great place to visit. It’s also perfect for those seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. For the best views, come here at sunrise or sunset.
Listening to live music is the best way to end your day in Hobart and experience its vibrant nightlife scene. The city has plenty of venues where you can enjoy a nightlife, from cosy pubs to lively bars. These places often feature live performances by local musicians. Whether you prefer folk, jazz, or contemporary tunes, you’ll find many incredible nightlife spots in Hobart to wrap up your day. Check out this website for up-to-date info on the best bars with live music.
Are you a thrill-seeker? Then you should experience a ghost tour in Hobart. It’s an exciting way to learn about the city’s haunted history. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours take you through Hobart’s dark and mysterious past. You’ll visit eerie sites and recount chilling tales of paranormal encounters.
Joining these tours allows you to learn about Hobart’s lesser-known aspects and uncover hidden tales of ghosts, legends, and mysteries. If you’re looking for thrilling things to do in Hobart, this should be on top of your list.
It’s taken a while to get to my final Bali post but here we are, and what better to write about than my time spent in the incredible jungle haven where Julia Roberts famously found love again in Eat Pray Love? Ubud is the spiritual centre of Bali and if you’ve visited the island without setting foot in this jungle paradise, you honestly haven’t seen Bali. It was so different to every other place I visited while there and it was easy to see why so many expats had now chosen to call it home. Easily my favourite place on the island, Ubud is the perfect place to relax and really look after yourself for a while, especially if you’ve just come from partying in Seminyak or Kuta. I won’t lie, I had been indulging a lot and partying pretty hard over there and on Gili T for a few weeks so I was more than ready for a rest and a chance to try out the alternative, yogi, health-food lifestyle for a while.
Planning your day trip
Earlier in my stay on Bali I had taken a day trip with a friend to Ubud where our taxi driver took us to visit the Monkey Forest, the Tegalalang Rice Paddies and Tegenungen Waterfall – as you’ll see from some of the pictures in this post, they are all worth a visit! Ubud is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and while it takes you away from the sandy beaches the island is famous for, it offers something even more beautiful instead. The best way by far to explore the island is by motorbike which you can hire for almost nothing, but we found as there was a few of us it worked out pretty cheap to do a taxi as we managed to strike a deal for around 250,000RP for the day – the average day taxi costs around 3-350,000RP. Our driver was great and told us a lot about the different places we visited, plus it meant we could have a nap in the back of the car instead of driving all day. We visit from Kuta, if you do this make sure you set off extra early to beat the traffic as it gets pretty hectic mid-morning onwards.
These three attractions are the most popular and well known for Ubud, plus they are great to combine even if you are just visiting for the day as they are the perfect distance from each other so you don’t have to rush. I absolutely loved the rice paddies – you do have to pay to get in but it is worth it if you go early and pretty much have the place to yourself. We spent a few hours doing the sweatiest hike I have ever done across the fields which stretch as far as the eye can see. We joined a farmer for a cool refreshing coconut and played his musical instruments with him as we chatted with some Swedish guys we met. After, we headed to the Monkey Forest for a wander around an amazing temple that reminded me of King Louis’ in The Jungle Book, monkeys scamper around the forest climbing on tourists and stealing food. It was pretty cool, but oh my gosh I still haven’t got over my fear of monkeys so I was squealing a bit – especially when one stop a water bottle from my friend and started to stare him down!
Finally a refreshing dip in Tegenungen Waterfall was a perfect end to the day – it was absolutely beautiful and a perfect place to be for sunset. Despite being quite busy, there was still plenty of space to swim/get photos/relax, and it is well worth paying a little bit to get up to the top! We drove back to Kuta in rush hour traffic which took ages but it was a great day, well planned and we had spent about six hours on the road and visiting the sights. We probably spent around 500,000RP altogether for the taxi, entry to the sights and meals for the day which is equivalent to around £30 – you could probably do it for a lot less if you went by motorbike.
Where to stay?
At the end of my trip, I couldn’t resist joining some friends for a few days in Ubud. It’s a bit cheesy but I really fancied a Julia Roberts experience – some yoga, some healing, some jungle life and some time to figure my next move out. Our friends had booked into the brand new Ons Hostel which they raved about, so I booked in to join them. On arrival with two other friends, myself and one of them were checked into a 14 bed dorm with no-one else in it! The place was so new they were just building up custom but it meant we had the whole place to ourselves. Imagine whitewashed walls, clean fresh dorms with the comfiest beds, luxury bathrooms with rain showers, a swimming pool with an area to sit and eat the freshly made pancakes and omelettes made to order for breakfast. It was like staying in a hotel – absolute luxury. I can’t recommend staying there enough. It is positioned the other side of the Monkey Forest which although separate from the centre of Ubud, it gives you a lovely walk into the centre and a chance to see a different side to the area. Check out this HotelsCombined blog on the 7 Best Value Hotels to Relax in Bali to complete your Bali experience.
Where to eat?
I would really recommend dining at Laka Leke restaurant one evening – our hostel was just down the road so we gathered all 20 of our friends and booked in for the night’s entertainment. The food was incredible, I had a traditional Indonesian curry which was mouth-wateringly good, and as we ate we watched a live performance of the Kecak and fire dance. It was a very interesting performance and there are several others they perform on different nights if you fancy something different. I believe the restaurant will also do pick-ups from your hotel/hostel if you are staying further away. Other favourites of mine included the amazing selection of vegetarian restaurants – I can’t name them all here but there are so many that offer really high quality food. Also, the tiny Warungs – my favourites were the really small, local family run ones who would treat you like a daughter and cook you the best meal from scratch.
Where to yoga?
Everyone talks about Yoga Barn when it comes to Ubud, but after reading up, it sounded like there were a lot of people complaining about having to join huge classes of 60 people. As a bit of a beginner, I wasn’t sure that was for me. But I did spot that Ubud Yoga Centre was just down the road so I signed up for a Bikram Yoga Class at the centre instead. It was cheap and the centre was really lovely, all brand new and very high quality. The class was hard and the heat was a lot to take, but I gave it my best shot and really enjoyed the class, it was lovely to have a good stretch out. Afterwards I was exhausted and spent the day sunbathing.
What to do?
You may have already seen the main sights, but there’s lots more to do around Ubud. Your best bet is to hire a motorbike as we did and go off exploring local temples, rice paddies and villages for the day. We had a great day visiting local craftsmen, getting lost in the rice paddies barefoot in the pouring rain as we tried to find waterfalls and being blessed at the temples. We asked at our hostel who gave us a booklet of all the best places to visit and we worked out way through as many as we could cram into a day. Some to add to your list would include the Elephant Cave, Puri Saren Royal Palace and the Blanco Renaissance Museum. Also, if you get time, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is totally free and looks really beautiful – sadly I didn’t get time.
If you fancy sticking closer to the centre of Ubud, don’t forget to check out Ubud Market for some of the best shopping I found in Bali. And head to one of the many salons for some cut price beauty treatments – my friend and I each had a massage, manicure/pedicure and facial for 200,000RP – just £12! And if you’re a bit of a bookworm like me, make sure you take advantage of the many beautiful, relaxing places to snuggle up with a book and a fresh juice – either at a bar or your hostel. If you’re planning a trip to Ubud and need help – let me know by leaving a comment below!
And if you’re heading off on your first backpacking trip – don’t forget to enter my competition to win a backpack to store all your precious possessions!
