Our second day in Hobart began with breakfast at Jackman & McRoss in Battery Point - post soon to come on Hobart eats, as well! I had been highly anticipating our itinerary today as it's pretty much what got me so excited to come here in the first place.
If there is something you must do in Hobart, then it is definitely a visit to The Museum of Old and New (MoNA). Located within a winery, we drove to the top of the hill and made our way pass acres of vineyards to discover beyond 'just a museum'. It's a landmark on its own comprising of a hotel, restaurant and cafes, a brewery, library and, of course, the winery. If you get a bit lost trying to find the museum entrance, look out for the small single-story building with reflective walls, surrounded by a giant tennis court, trampoline and decorative construction trucks made of rusty rods.
We got there in the nick of time before the MoNA MR-1 Fast Ferry arrived with a ship full of tourists, not unlike ourselves. Once you pay $25 admission fee (free if you live in Tas) and receive your iPod guide, descend down three flights of stairs into the windowless building to begin your exploration. It's a dark, ominous vibe with everyone plugged in to their headsets, keen to discover the weird.
**WARNING GRAPHIC PHOTO BELOW**
The Great Wall of Vagina by James McCartney
Wandering through the dark and disorientated labyrinth, it's a path of self-discovery where there are no plaques or signs telling you which direction to go. The art and displays take a peek into societal history with controversial pieces like the Great Wall of Vagina - OCD spaced clay moulds of hundreds of vaginas to spark the topic of "they are all different, they are all normal." The centrepiece of the exhibit was definitely Sidney Nolan's Snake, a rainbow serpent mural made of 1,620 individual paintings. It is an enormous feat and you just have to stand back, stare, and say "wow" out loud. It is simply fun art that grabs your attention, a strong reflection of founder David Walsh's indifference for fashion and famous names. If you get a chance, also check out the James Turrell Amarna outdoor piece, only after dusk or before dawn, and understand that seeing is not believing.
After a whirlwind spin with no idea how time went so quickly inside, we dashed to the ferry port and make our way to Bruny Island (cue excitement).
An abundance of apples at a pitstop
We were second in line for the ferry and had a moment to browse around the port and harbour that was dotted with sail boats and peaceful living. It was quite an adventurous moment when we drove our little Hyundai onto the massive ferry - who can say they've done that? - and were then allowed to roam around the top deck while our cars were soundly waiting to arrive.
Kettering to Bruny Island Ferry Port
The long winding roads with speed limits that no one abided to made getting from point to point such a breeze. With a map in hand and a list of places to check off, we set out for our first stop at the famous Get Shucked Oyster Farm. Bloody Mary oyster shooter for lunch, why not?
It was a thrilling feeling to see oysters get shucked at a faster speed than I could eat by Joe, owner and Bruny Island's faster shucker (he has won competitions to prove it!). Oysters here were also not washed or shucked under water to retain a slight salty brine taste to be eaten the way it should. We had to sample all they had on offer so the platter was perfect; with a mix of wontons, kilpatrick, Asian fusion (panko crumbed topped with rice noodle salad), shooter and half a loaf of sourdough. We also ordered another half dozen more after as we couldn't just pass up on the $9 price tag- so, so cheap! The natural oysters were 11/10 our fav, juicy and plump meat that was fresher than a pillow with a mint on it. Next level compared to Sydney Fish Markets.
Get Shucked Platter $42, Oyster Pate served with sourdough $14
After our delightful lunch, virtually next door was the famous Bruny Island Cheese Co. aka HEAVEN. Sah. much. cheese. People eating cheese boards outside, wheels of cheese being aged, cheese tasting; this was my happy place. Didn't take too many photos here sadly, but walked out with two different types of soft white cheeses and a happier belly.
One of the only reasons I was so keen on Bruny Island was to bask in the picturesque views at the top of 'the neck', the isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. Not realising where it was, we discovered the location by complete accident at a small opening with cars parked the left with and small signage indicating a beach and penguins nearby. "We have time (to look at penguins)!" was the fateful response that lead us to the steady incline of timber steps with rewards of a stunning 360 view.
We set our hearts out for one more pitstop before heading back to make the last ferry to Hobart, all the way to the most southern point of the island to check out Cape Bruny Lighthouse. After a long, somewhat scenic, off terrain and a missed turn drive, we saw the signs that pointed out our correct location - here, at last!
Pathway to the bottom with simple and sweet cottages for romantics to stay in
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
This was the first time I've ever seen a lighthouse and all that was going through my head was the theme song for 'Around the Twist.' We just sat on the bench at the top surrounded only by an endless horizon and a big, blue body of water for a while; this was the definition of tranquility.
After coming back to reality, we sped back to make it in time for the ferry and there was already a long queue of cars. Luck would have it that our little Hyundai was second last to make the cut since we were so small! We took a quiet and simple dinner of fish and chips (literally just googled 'best fish and chips hobart') because cannot just leave Hobart without trying out their famed fish and chips.
Fish and Chips from Fish Frenzy $21
We both ordered the Fish Frenzy, which included two pieces of crumbed fish, scallops, calamari and chips. Loving that fish is crumbed not battered, which was very light and crispy with some fresh, juicy ocean fish. Also props to the huge paper cone it comes in and they even gave us aioli and chilli mayo sauces for free! The highlight of the night was sitting in the friendly restaurant while watching seagulls pinch food from the people eating outside and taunting the them with chips by pretending to throw it from the inside and watching try chase after it; us 1, seagulls 0.
Our quick weekend away trip to Hobart concluded on a high; I am a complete Hobart advocate now! While was quick, it was neatly done, covering many places to see and, more importantly, to eat. The things they do with food and culture are just that bit different to the big cities and that's something to really appreciate. I'm excited to see so much more of what Tasmania has to offer, but for now will just sit back and admire snaps from their Instagram.
**Disclaimer: This was not a sponsored post. Entire costs of trip was paid for by me.