Where To Eat, Visit + Stay In Southern Tasmania, According To A Local
Travel
The Drill Hall Emporium is an antiques store run by Tammy Baird and her sister Donna in New Norfolk, just a 40 minute drive from Hobart.
Tammy Baird at The Drill Hall Emporium.
Shop furniture and art from around the world.
Just a 20 minute drive south of Hobart, Kuuma Nature Sauna offers a unique sauna cruise experience for up to 8 people.
The floating pontoon — Australia’s first fully mobile floating sauna boat —features a beautifully fitted wood-fired sauna and a central on-board ice bath.
Warm up in the wood-fired sauna.
And dive right into the bay afterwards!
The beautiful views from the pontoon.
Homewares store Miss Arthur in New Norfolk.
Tammy opened the business about six years ago.
Phoenix Creations is a store and wood-carving studio in Cygnet, about a 50 minute drive south-west of Hobart.
Shop hand-carved wooden spoons crafted from sustainable timbers.
Or book a hands-on workshop to learn from artist David Rauenbusch!
Having participated in a workshop herself, Tammy says spending a day in David’s light-filled studio is a memorable addition to any trip to Tasmania’s south.
Independent bookseller and cafe Black Swan Bookshop.
Stop by to meet the owner and multi-talented creative Alexander Okenyo.
A visit to stationery store Flywheel is a must for anyone who loves letter writing, journalling, or scrapbooking.
The store even has a 1920s letterpress.
Pharmacist-turned-business owner Tammy Baird opened The Drill Hall Emporium in New Norfolk about 20 years ago.
Fast forward to today, she and her sister Donna now not only sell antiques out of the former army training hall, but they’re also the brains behind one-of-a-kind stationery store Flywheel and homewares boutique Miss Arthur.
Having lived in the area since the age of 10, Tammy knows better than most what really makes Tasmania’s south a place where time slows for tourists and locals alike. Find all her recommendations below!
DO
From antique furniture to paintings sourced from France, Tammy’s store, The Drill Hall Emporium, is filled with pieces that tell a story. ‘Visitors can expect an ever-changing collection of antique furniture with a strong focus on practicality and liveability, complemented by a thoughtful mix of vintage and antique wares,’ Tammy says.
Miss Arthur
Miss Arthur is a much-loved destination for both locals and visitors alike. The home goods store is centred around unfussy, traditionally made wares, including many hand-crafted objects, including French linen tea towels, locally made pottery and Japanese cookware — just to name a few.
Flywheel
Tammy and Donna opened their boutique stationery store Flywheel about 13 years ago, inspired by their younger sister Rachel’s passion for letterpress printing. Inside, you’ll find a 1920s press, alongside supplies for calligraphy, stamps, journals, paper crafts, and even puzzles or playing games. Talk about a crafting wonderland!
Black Swan Bookshop
‘The Black Swan Bookshop is truly everything you want from your local bookstore,’ Tammy says. This light-filled, independent bookshop in New Norfolk doubles as a cafe, so customers can enjoy coffees and cakes while browsing the beautiful collections, making it a must-visit.
Phoenix Creations
Phoenix Creations founder and artist David Rauenbusch makes beautiful, hand-carved wooden spoons in his workshop in Cygnet, using sustainable or recycled Tasmanian timbers, including Huon Pine, Myrtle, Sassafras, and Blackwood. Tammy recommends stopping by to shop his creations, or booking in for a spoon-carving workshop to try your hand at making one yourself. Not only is it a memorable and fun activity, but you’ll also leave with a sentimental memento.
Kuuma Nature Sauna
Located just 20 minutes south of Hobart at Margate Marina, Kuuma Nature Sauna is Australia’s first mobile sauna boat that offers an invigorating experience unique only to Tasmania. The floating pontoon features a beautifully fitted wood-fired sauna, so you can relax, unwind, or dive right into the waters of a secluded bay surrounded by wilderness. And this winter, you can book a special cruise for after dark, to see the sunrise, or visit on Friday nights for their cosy Sauna Stories sessions.
Take a cooking class or explore the kitchen gardens at the Agrarian Kitchen.
Agrarian Kitchen co-founder Rodney Dunn.
The spectacular greenhouse.
Rodney shows Tammy the abundant produce grown on site.
Fresh tomatoes on the vine.
Derwent Estate is a family-run winery.
Enjoy a tasting with views over the River Derwent.
Trophy Room is one of Tammy’s top picks for casual dining in Hobart.
The restaurant’s menu changes daily, serving seasonal plates and locally sourced produce.
The perfect pared-back spot for great food and wine with friends.
The former Ivy Preddis’ original confectionary shop has been transformed into wine bar and restaurant, Scholé.
Outside the intimate wine bar.
Tammy pictured at Scholé.
EAT
The Agrarian Kitchen Garden
While The Agrarian Kitchen in New Norfolk is known for its award-winning restaurant and cooking school, Tammy says the venue’s garden tour is truly a hidden gem! ‘A guided tour takes you around the impressive walled garden, which grows most of the produce needed for the restaurant, kiosk and cooking school. In just an hour, you’ll learn about no-dig gardening, composting, berry growing, and greenhouse production — leaving inspired to try it all at home.’ Plus, keep an eye out for special menu items only offered in the Off Season, like the mouth-watering truffle-y toastie or make your own fireside s’mores!
Derwent Estate Wines
Derwent Estate is a family-owned and operated wine business in Granton, about 20 minutes north of Hobart. Built in 1820 by the convicts, the cellar door overlooks the River Derwent and offers tasting experiences of their cool-climate wines, complete with a cheese board. Or, head there for lunch at The Shed Restaurant to enjoy the stunning scenery and locally sourced produce paired with their award-winning wines.
Scholé
Scholé is one of Hobart’s best wine bars and restaurants, where Japanese influences meet an ever-changing seasonal menu. The intimate setting is the perfect place for dinner and a drink after a day exploring the city. And if you’re there on a Tuesday, the space transforms into a Japanese-style standing bar with snacks and drinks, emulating Tokyo’s electric Izakaya culture.
Trophy Room
Tammy’s top pick for a ‘special, yet unfussy’ weekday lunch with friends is at Trophy Room in North Hobart. ‘The seasonal offerings are yet to disappoint, with warm service and local wines to top it all off,’ she says.
Lumière Lodge is the perfect base to explore Hobart. Photo – Eliska Sharp
The charming Victorian home. Photo – Lean Timms
Take a soak in the bathroom’s romantic clawfoot tub. Photo – Eliska Sharp
Photo – Lean Timms
STAY
Lumière Lodge
Lumière Lodge is a Victorian cottage tucked away in a quiet pocket of historic Hobart that’s been reimagined as an enchanting guesthouse. Tammy says it’s clear owners Kerran and Sam spared no detail in bringing the beautiful accommodation to life. Inside, there are three bedrooms, soaring heritage ceilings, antique windows, and colourful interiors, while an old charming fireplace makes any chilly Hobart nights utterly delightful!
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