The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the perfect companion for scenic drives on Bruny Island. Image: Steve Cordony.
The drive from Hobart to Launceston can be made in a little under two-and-a-half hours – a relatively straight shot up the Midland Highway through the heart of Tasmania. But to rush this roadtrip would be doing yourself and the Apple Isle a grave disservice.
Fortunately, interior stylist Steve Cordony had nothing but time when he embarked on the journey north in his Mercedes-Benz GLC following a busy weekend in Hobart. So much time, in fact, that he started by heading south.
Bruny Island
If tasting your way around Hobart’s Salamanca Markets and Farm Gate Market leaves you wanting more, start your Tasmania road trip right with the 35-minute detour south to Bruny Island. Drive onto the ferry at Kettering and you’ll be on this unspoilt patch of paradise in about 20 minutes. “It’s all very simple,” says Belle magazine’s style director-at-large. “But the sheer expanse, flatness and ruggedness of the landscape is amazing. And the sunsets ...”
Stay overnight - at least - to explore the island, whether it’s checking out the fairy penguins after dusk from the Big Hummock lookout on the Neck (the narrow isthmus linking Bruny’s north and south); discovering the stunning beaches around Adventure Bay; or taking the long drive along the dirt road to Cape Bruny Lighthouse. The latter is a trip the GLC takes in its stride, smoothing the way with AGILITY CONTROL suspension configured for ultimate ride comfort and 4MATIC-enhanced permanent all-wheel drive delivering outstanding off-road agility and optimum traction.
Steve was charmed to discover Bruny’s quirkiest bakery. “Each day, John Bullock, The Bruny Baker, bakes a whole bunch of loaves at his off-grid home at Sheepwash Bay,” Steve says. “He brings them to the corner of Sheepwash Road and the main road, where a couple of retro Kelvinator fridges serve as his honesty box. He stacks them with this beautiful sourdough wrapped in white paper, and whatever else he’s been baking, and you stop by, pull out what you need and leave the money.”
On the road checklist
Bruny Island Ferry
79 Ferry Road, Kettering
Operates daily, consult timetable ahead.
Hotel Bruny
3959 Bruny Island Main Rd, Alonnah
Bar and bistro open seven days from 12pm.
Bruny Island Cheese Co. and Bruny Island Beer Co.
1807 Bruny Island Main Rd, Great Bay
Cellar door open every day 10am – 4pm.
Satellite Island
For bookings and info, email satelliteisland@gmail.com
Elm Cottage
82A High St, Oatlands
Open Monday to Sunday 11am – 5pm.
The Jardin Room and Provincial Interiors
87 High St, Oatlands
Open most days 11am – 3pm (to confirm, call ahead on 0429 941 514).
Piermont
12990, Tasman Hwy, Swansea
Homestead Restaurant is open seven days from 5.30pm (bookings essential).
Saffire Freycinet
2352 Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay
Géographe
6 Garnet Av, Coles Bay
Open seven days 8am – 8pm.
Lobster Shack
40 Esplanade, Bicheno
Open seven days 11am – 7pm.
The Sandbar Bicheno
1/79 Burgess St
Open 7.30am – 2.30pm, days vary over winter.
Islander
79 Burgess St, Bicheno
Open seven days 10am – 4pm.
The Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre
53A Burgess St, Bicheno
Open seven days 10am – 4pm.
Whale Song Shack
Falmouth, exact location provided upon booking.
Holland House
1160 Gardens Rd, The Gardens.
Sco & Co. + The Lifebuoy Cafe
29 Quail St, St Helens
Open Monday to Friday 7.30am – 3pm, Saturday 7.30am – 2pm, Sunday 8am – 2pm.
Floating Sauna
Lake Derby via suspension bridge and track from Main St, Derby
Open seven days 7am – 8pm (booking necessary).
The Evandale Village Store
5 Russell St, Evandale
Open seven days 10am – 5pm.
Clarendon Arms
11 Russell St, Evandale
Open Wednesday 10am – 4pm, Thursday, Friday and Sunday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am to late.
Stillwater
2 Bridge Rd, Launceston
Stillwater Restaurant open seven days for breakfast and lunch, plus dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 5:30pm.
Penny Royal
1 Bridge Rd, Launceston
Open Saturday and Sunday 9.30am – 5pm, closed on weekdays during the school term.
Old Umbrella Shop
60 George St, Launceston
Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, Saturday, 9am – 12pm.
Harvest
71 Cimitiere St, Launceston
Market runs every Saturday 8.30am – 12.30pm.
By Sally Feldman