NICHE style Summer 2016
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<strong>NICHE</strong> magazine<br />
Start your road trip up the coast in the capital of<br />
Hobart; a port city with historic architecture, the<br />
narrowest streets and a diverse artistic population.<br />
A city of contrast combining heritage charm with<br />
modern living, locals live only a short drive away from<br />
some of the world’s most alluring coastal beaches<br />
and endless pristine landscapes. For local “tassies”,<br />
February is the end of summer and beginning of a<br />
new work or school year, but for travellers it is a time<br />
of vacant roads and secluded raw landscapes. It may<br />
be one of the world’s most underrated destinations<br />
so be sure to go before the rest of the world clues in.<br />
If there is one thing you should know about road<br />
tripping in Tasmania: it is all about the journey. In<br />
other words, strive to become a Tasmanian sponge<br />
and submerse yourself into exploring the island.<br />
Through corridors of green the dramatic windy roads<br />
offer vantage points to uninhabited turquoise coasts.<br />
Past the small community of Swansea lies<br />
Freycinet National Park, home to one of the most<br />
magnificent and picturesque locales, Wineglass<br />
Bay. Opt for the trek down to the beach instead<br />
of the lookout. You will need to walk the beach to<br />
truly feel the magic of this secluded hotspot. The<br />
walk is worth the legwork of one hour from the<br />
car park. Besides, if you have been sitting in the<br />
car it’s a great opportunity to stretch your legs.<br />
With the rugged backdrop of the Hazzards, a series of<br />
jagged red and pink tinted granite peaks, you should<br />
devote an entire day just to explore here. If you<br />
want to spend a few days, there are many amenities<br />
accessible including camping, hostels, equipped<br />
cabins or the ultimate retreat, Saffire Freycinet<br />
which has been named Australia’s top luxury hotel.<br />
Hop out of your vehicle and roam the soft white and<br />
squeaky sand floors of Binalong Bay. On the south<br />
side of the beach lays the Bay of Fires which may<br />
feel like the Caribbean, except swap the palm trees<br />
for Tasmania’s majestic gum trees. Given the name<br />
in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux for the burnt<br />
orange-hued granite boulders hugging the coast<br />
that contrast against the clear blue waters. Here<br />
you can post up for the night at the Bay of Fires<br />
Conservation Area which offers beachside camping<br />
with dreamy views of acacia trees and the sea.<br />
Not far away lies the largest town on the northeast<br />
coast, St. Helens. As the state’s second largest<br />
fishing port, seafood does not have to swim far to<br />
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SUMMER ISSUE <strong>2016</strong>