Travel Guide: East Coast, Tasmania

With Jaimi-Lee, founder of LAND Essentials

Discovering the east coast of Tasmania has to be one of my favourite destinations to date. An incredible combination of rest, reset, adventure, and unforgettable scenery. With so many highlights, almost too many to share, I wanted to give you a guide to explore my favourite parts of this beautiful part of the country.

Be prepared to eat, drink, swim in the ocean, sweat in a sauna or two, and read a few books while relaxing in an off-grid cabin. Here's my travel guide, to the east coast of Tasmania ~ captured only on iPhone.

Tell us who are you are, and what was on your packing list for Tasmania?

I'm Jaimi-Lee, the founder of LAND, and recently explored Tasmania on my honeymoon (a dream!).

Oh gosh, it was hard to pack for the two weeks we spent in Tas in October. I had to pack for the city, the beach, and a 3 day off-grid hike. A peek at what was in my bag:

- A few good books (I got through them all!)
- A good coat & blazer
- A neutral colour maxi skirt
- Activewear
- Swimmers, a sarong, and towel
- Moisturiser (essential in dry Tassie weather)
- A pair of runners, ballet flats, and boots
- A black long-sleeve maxi dress
- A good white tee
- A black fitted long sleeve top
- One good jumper
- Herbal teas & our LAND wellness blends

We want to explore the East Coast of Tasmania, tell us: 

The perfect itinerary:

My husband and I often reflect on how perfect the two weeks felt in terms of ticking all the boxes. We landed in Hobart and spent two days prepping for an off-grid hike. Then headed north along the coast to the Freycinet National Park for a two night, three day, hike. For this hike we had to carry all our food & water, and we camped at the most incredible off-grid spots.

Following the hike, we spent two nights at the beautiful Freycinet Lodge. The perfect place to unwind. Onto 5-days staying in Upper Scamander, close to the Bay of Fires. This was the perfect base to explore this part of the coast, and to spend some time relaxing and reseting.

We finished with 5 nights in Hobart, which didn't feel like enough time. There is so much to do in this cute little city and so many places within a short drive. We'll be back for sure!

Where do we go for a good coffee? 

We had a lot of delicious coffee.

My favourites were:
- Somewhere Coffee in Hobart
- Coffee Darling in Hobart
- Bear With Me in South Hobart

What was your favourite experience while travelling?

This one seems impossible to narrow down. I'll share a few things that I can't stop thinking about post-holiday.

- Waking up at the Wineglass Bay campsite on day 3 of our hike and jumping in the freezing cold ocean for a sunrise dip.

- The Oyster Bay Farm Tour, getting to shuck & eat fresh oysters right by the water.

- Swimming in honeymoon bay in the Bay of Fires national park.

- MONA, via the posh pit on the ferry. Followed by a wine at Lucinda when you disembark in Hobart.

- Having a picnic and enjoying naturally fermented beer & cider at the Two Metre Tall Brewery, a short drive from Hobart.

Best lunch spot?

I had an incredible brunch at the East Coast Village Providore in St Helens. We also loved Bear With Me in South Hobart. If your near to it, oysters and salmon at the Freycinet Marine Farm is a must.

Cocktail bar or drink spot of choice? 

We adored Lucinda in Hobart. Knowledgable staff who pour wine based on what mood you're in. Try Bar Wa Izakaya for a banging espresso martini.

Must-try dinner, with a view?

The restaurant at the Freycinet Lodge has incredible views, and the food had an old-school feel to it. As an experience it was unparalleled. We also loved the Macq01 Hotel and its restaurant offerings overlooking the harbour. For convenience to where we were, views and lots of good food choices.

And tell us, where should we stay?

We loved everywhere we stayed! Here's my list to match the itinerary:

- Macq01 Hotel Hobart
- Freycinet Lodge
- CNTNR Air Bnb Upper Scamander
- The Barn Air Bnb Hobart

What are your non-negotiable travel rituals?

I always try and keep up key rituals while travelling to ensure I stay healthy and energetic.

- Daily lemon water, with the DAILY LEMON (Ritual)
- Exercise
- Skincare routine. I really upped the moisturising routine while is Tasmania as the dry air absolutely killed my skin. The Yay For Earth Face Lotion was a lifesaver.
- Enjoying a glass of wine, while reading or overlooking a view.
- Swimming in the ocean.