This island, found to the south of mainland Australia in the Bass Strait, has a climate, not unlike the UK. As such, the Antipodean summer (British winter) is the best time to visit. There are many beauty spots to explore, such as the Little Blue Lake, Bay of Fires, Bruny Island, Satellite Island and Mount Field National Park. And there are lots of local foods to enjoy, like Flinders Island lamb, meat pies, Leatherwood honey and freshly shucked oysters. It’s advisable to spend the best part of a week here, to really experience Tasmania.
Hobart, Tasmania
Islington Hotel
(5 stars) Hobart is the island’s capital and home to the Islington Hotel. A little out of the city, the 19th century, Regency-style boutique establishment affords guests tranquillity, with its own garden. Inside are antique furnishings and fine art works in what resembles an urban lodge. There are 11 characterful bedrooms with iPads, Islington Dream beds, a mini-bar and daily house-made treats; also a restaurant – the Islington kitchen – serving seasonal, organic food, a wine cellar, meeting rooms and excellent views of Mount Wellington. The Islington Hotel caters exclusively to adult guests.