What's New in Tasmania This Winter

The Island State's Latest Steaming, Sleeping, Sipping and Spinning Sensations

We could use the classic cliché and say “the temperatures are dropping so it's time to warm up to Tasmania”, but the real reason you should visit Tasmania right now is because it's diverse, we've got lots of new things going on and well, it really is like no other place. Not because it's cold. Winter in Tasmania has changed, so why not dust off your favorite warm coat and give it an outing down south this season.

West Coast Wilderness Railway

Back in the 1890s, the only way to travel between Queenstown and Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania was via the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company railway, a hairy but stunning ride through rugged, untouched wilderness. It was also the steepest railway in the southern hemisphere. These days it's easier to get about via the road, but the railway has been restored and is open to the public – part educational tool, part beautiful wilderness experience. Try the new Steaming Winter experience, a four-hour ride in the comfort of a refurbished and heated carriage, complete with sparkling Tasmanian wine, hand-made morning tea and light lunch. Tickets from $80. (http://www.wcwr.com.au)

Alabama Hotel

There's a sweet new home in Hobart and it's called the Alabama Hotel. In the heart of the CBD, the 1830s-built, art deco-façaded Alabama Hotel fills the gap for budget travellers who don't want to stay in a traditional hostel, but want more life than in a sterile hotel chain. Each of the 17 rooms is different, all with unique artwork and furnishings. While the bathrooms are shared (male and female) and there are no televisions in the room (who needs TV when you have Hobart on your doorstep!), the location is central and the wifi superfast. www.alabamahobart.com.au, Level 1, 72 Liverpool St, Hobart.

Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse

Captain William Langdon sailed into Hobart in 1821 and was granted land to farm, which he name Montacute after his hometown. The captain's great-great-great-great-great-grandson Antony Langdon and his partner Rose Flynn were so inspired by the story, they've named their new venture, the Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse, after him. With beds priced from $40, Montacute also have a shared kitchen with kitchen garden to source extra ingredients from, bikes for hire, free wifi and a location in historic Battery Point – a stone's throw (or quick ride) to Hobart's waterfront and CBD. www.montacute.com.au, 1 Stowell Ave, Battery Point.

Hatherley Birrell Garden Pavilions

When an architect and graphic designer get their hands on an historic 1830s grand mansion, the results can be beautiful. The Hatherley Birrell Collection, a collaboration between Rebecca and Jack Birrell, is a collection of luxury accommodation options in the heart of Launceston. They've just added two incredible garden pavilion rooms – contemporary, eco-friendly retreats inspired by Chinese lanterns. Guests can enjoy their own private heritage garden, volcanic stone carved outdoor bath and local provisions for breakfast. Rooms from $320. www.hatherley.com.au

Cider Trail

The Apple Isle now becomes the Apple Cider Isle with the release of the new Cider Trail. Visitors can hit up www.tascidertrail.com to discover more about the cider players in Tasmania, learn about cidermaking, check out the map to plot cellar door visits and find great cider recipes and cocktail ideas.

Whisky Trail

With Tasmania now emerging as a major force in the whisky world, the new Whisky Trail website brings together the finest producers and their stories online at www.taswhiskytrail.com. Learn about the history of whisky in Tasmania, the award-winning producers competing on the world stage, and put together an itinerary.

Tamar Valley Art Trail

The Tamar Valley in Tasmania's north is already known for its fine food and wine, but now adds art as a new draw card with the launch of the Tamar Valley Art Trail. The trail brings together the studios of 10 top Tasmanian, all within five to 50 minutes of Launceston. The drive alone is picturesque, through quaint villages, wineries and alongside the scenic Tamar River. Visit www.tamarvalleyarttrail.org.au for more information.

Tasmanian Whisky Tours

After a production hiatus of 154 years, the Tasmanian whisky industry rumbled back into life twenty years ago. Today it's a growing beast, with our single malt whiskies winning awards and much acclaim internationally. Tasmanian Whisky Tours start from $185p.p. and take visitors on an informative and fun journey through Tasmanian whiskies – visiting four cellar doors and trying 10 different fine whiskies, meeting the makers and going behind the scenes in this fascinating and emerging industry. For more information visit www.tasmanianwhiskytours.com.au

Wild Bike Tours

There's something about the freedom of riding a mountain bike on an open road or down an exciting track. Now add pristine air and stunning World Heritage listed wilderness and it's beginning to look like a Wild Bike Tour. There are seven different tours on offer, tailored for varied abilities, with groups never exceeding eight riders. Half-day tours from Hobart start at $80 through to tailored adventures not for the faint-hearted. Check out the website, complete with videos footage of the tours. www.wildbiketours.com

New eats for Winter – Try these new winter food wonders

Skilled mixologists at Ethos Cocktail Bar (upstairs, 100 Elizabeth St, Hobart) are bringing techniques from the kitchen, like sous vide, into the cocktail glass, highlighting local gin, herbs and sparkling wines.

Try the St Peter's Pass Wallaby burger (or standard beef, which isn't so standard when the beef is aged in-house) and a top Tasmanian craft brew, artisan cider, or select from the boutique range of Tasmanian, Australian and International wines now on offer at Tasman Quartermasters Wine Bar (132-134 Elizabeth St, Hobart).

The Italian menu at Stefano Lubiano Osteria Restaurant (60 Rowbottoms Rd, Granton) is uncomplicated, using predominantly homegrown ingredients and locally sourced organic fare, showcasing how delicious Tasmanian produce can be when prepared simply.

Saint John (133 St John St, Launceston) is a new player on the Launceston craft brew scene and a must visit for all craft beer lovers. With six rotating taps featuring Tasmanian, Australian and international beers, as well as fine Tasmanian wines and cider, it's the perfect place to pull up a bar stool and learn more about craft beer.

The recent opening of café restaurant Mohr and Smith (Cecelia St, St Helens) in their brand new building at St Helens, on Tasmania's east coast has the locals and travellers excited. The contemporary menu and local-centric wine list has been receiving rave reviews since opening their doors in January.

With house-ground beef, fresh-baked buns and not a mention of anything gourmet, a burger at The Standard (Hudsons Lane, Liverpool St, Hobart) is simply good. Try the Double Standard burger and b.y.o. alcohol until 10pm.

Check out the Dickens Cider House in Hobart (22 Montpelier Retreat, Battery Point) and Launceston (63a Brisbane St, Launceston) for expertly hand crafted Tasmanian cider and perry, as well as local wines, whiskey, craft beer and b.y.o. food.

If bratwurst is your thing, then Brat Time (53 Elizabeth St Mall, Hobart) is a must visit. The newly opened underground bar and café serves up a massive 15 different types of hotdogs as well as craft beers.

For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events, and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website www.discovertasmania.com.au.