Richmond
Richmond thrives on its reputation as a quaint convict-built Georgian village boasting the oldest bridge in Australia and other historical gems. I would say it's more renowned for kitsch souvenirs, overpriced cafes, unfriendly store owners and chintzy galleries filled with dull watercolours and lavender-scented soap.
If you were to ask me whether or not Richmond is worth a visit, I'd advise you not to bother getting out of the car. Drive straight through, just a few kilometres, and enjoy the wineries of the
Coal River Valley vineyard district instead. Here you'll find the best of Tasmania's cool-climate wineries, spectacular countryside and bargain cellar-door sales and tastings. Soak it up — a much better way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Wrest Point Casino
Wrest Point is Australia's oldest casino, established in (and seemingly un-renovated since) 1973. The bars and restaurants are full of the kind of people your mother always warned you to avoid, and the "famous" buffet banquet is, well, questionable at best. However, there are often some big-name national and international music and comedy acts performing in the Showroom, so keep your eye on the entertainment guide as it's sometimes worth the walk to the wild side.
Clubbing
Put those dancing shoes back in the suitcase for when you happen upon a bigger, brighter (mainland) city. Sadly the nightlife in Hobart leaves a bit to be desired. In fact, the people of Hobart should be commended for having such a positive attitude in the face of total mediocrity. They seem to soldier on in their thousands every Saturday night — the stilettoed hordes queue shivering for the
Observatory,
Isobar and
Syrup.
Once indoors, you'll find these clubs are a careless mash-up of styles cheaply derived from larger mainland nightclubs — all stainless steel and dim lighting with no real personality. But who cares, really, when the drinks are cheap and the DJ is spinning 1997's greatest house anthems? No thanks. Take it slow at one of the more intimate venues around the waterfront, The Lower House and Quarry are both great examples of the new breed of Hobart night-time playgrounds — cosy, refined and oh-so-cool.
Beaches
Hobart does have some spectacular beaches, particularly to the south, but if you want a true taste of what Tasmanian beaches have to offer jump in the car and head towards the north-east corner of the state. Base yourself here in one of the small coastal towns,
Swansea or
Bicheno, to explore beaches that are wild and windswept, with rocky cliff-top paths leading to miles of pristine sand.
Most beaches are suitable for a dip — just don't forget your wetsuit; it can be a little chilly outside of the summer months. If you surf, then give the tamer waves and crowds of famed Clifton Beach a miss and bravely haul that surfboard north-west to Marrawah — home of monster surf and incredible coastal scenery.
Got any more places to avoid? Have your say using the comments form below.
Next: Near the beaten track
