Southern Tasmania: where to eat, visit and stay
with Tammy Baird
When it comes to booking a holiday, the best recommendations always come from a local who knows the place like the back of their hand.
That’s why we’re exploring the hidden gems of Tasmania with exclusive recommendations curated by local creatives, business owners and residents from each region that go beyond your typical tourist brochure.
First up, Tammy Baird (who runs much-loved New Norfolk stores The Drill Hall Emporium, Flywheel and Miss Arthur) shares her complete guide to exploring Hobart and southern Tasmania — from woodcarving classes to wine bars worth visiting, a first-of-its-kind floating sauna and more.
In partnership with The Design Files. Photography by Eve Wilson.
Tammy Baird’s guide to southern Tasmania
Pharmacist-turned-business owner Tammy Baird opened the Drill Hall Emporium in New Norfolk about 20 years ago.
Fast forward to today, she and her sister Donna now not only sell antiques out of the former army training hall – they’re also the brains behind one-of-a-kind stationery store Flywheel and homewares boutique Miss Arthur.
Having lived in the area since the age of 10, Tammy knows better than most what really makes Tasmania’s south a place where time slows for travellers and locals alike.
These are her must-do recommendations.
Where to visit
The Drill Hall Emporium
From antique furniture to paintings sourced from France, Tammy’s store the Drill Hall Emporium is filled with pieces that tell a story.
"Visitors can expect an ever-changing collection of antique furniture with a strong focus on practicality and liveability, complemented by a thoughtful mix of vintage and antique wares," Tammy says.
Miss Arthur
Miss Arthur is a much-loved destination for both locals and visitors alike. You’ll find unique gifts, ceramics and more inside.
The home goods store is centred around unfussy, traditionally made wares, including many hand-crafted objects such as French linen tea towels, locally made pottery and Japanese cookware – just to name a few.
Visit Miss Arthur
Flywheel
Tammy and Donna opened their boutique stationery store Flywheel about 13 years ago, inspired by their younger sister Rachel’s passion for letterpress printing.
Inside, you’ll find a 1920s letterpress, alongside supplies for calligraphy, stamps, journals, paper crafts and even puzzles or playing games. How’s that for a crafting wonderland?
Visit Flywheel
Black Swan Bookshop
This light-filled, independent bookshop in New Norfolk doubles as a cafe, so customers can enjoy coffees and cakes while browsing the collections and basking in the store’s colourful aesthetic, making it a must-visit.
“The Black Swan Bookshop is truly everything you want from your local bookstore.”
– Tammy Baird
Visit Black Swan Bookshop
Phoenix Creations
Phoenix Creations founder and artist David Rauenbusch makes carefully hand-carved wooden spoons in his workshop in Cygnet, using sustainable or recycled Tasmanian timbers, including Tasmania’s rare Huon pine, myrtle, sassafras and blackwood.
Tammy recommends stopping by to shop his creations, or booking in for a spoon-carving workshop to try your hand at making one yourself. Not only is it a memorable and fun activity, but you’ll also leave with a sentimental memento.
Visit Phoenix Creations
Kuuma Nature Sauna
Just 20mins south of Hobart at Margate Marina, Kuuma Nature Sauna is Australia’s first mobile sauna boat. It offers an invigorating experience unique only to Tasmania.
The floating pontoon features an elegant wood-fired sauna so you can relax, unwind, or dive right into the waters of a secluded bay surrounded by wilderness.
This Off Season, you can book a special cruise for after dark, to see the sunrise, or visit on Friday nights for Kuuma’s cosy Sauna Stories sessions.
Visit Kuuma Sauna
Where to eat
The Agrarian Kitchen Garden
While the Agrarian Kitchen in New Norfolk is known for its award-winning restaurant and cooking school, Tammy says the venue’s garden tour is a real hidden gem.
“A guided tour takes you around the impressive walled garden, which grows most of the produce needed for the restaurant, kiosk and cooking school,” she says.
“In just an hour, you’ll learn about no-dig gardening, composting, berry growing and greenhouse production – leaving inspired to try it all at home.”
Plus, keep an eye out for special menu items only offered in the Off Season, like the Agrarian Kiosk’s mouth-watering truffle-y toastie or make-your-own fireside s’mores.
Visit the Agrarian Kitchen
Derwent Estate Wines
Derwent Estate is a family-owned and operated wine business in Granton, about 20mins north of Hobart. Built in 1820 by the convicts, the cellar door overlooks the River Derwent and offers tasting experiences of their cool-climate wines, complete with a cheese board. Or head there for lunch at the Shed Restaurant to enjoy the bucolic scenery and locally sourced produce paired with their award-winning wines.
Scholé
Scholé is perhaps one of Hobart’s most chic wine bars and restaurants, where Japanese influences meet an ever-changing seasonal menu. The intimate setting is a top spot for dinner and a drink after a day exploring the city.
And if you’re there on a Tuesday, the space transforms into a Japanese-style standing bar with snacks and drinks, emulating Tokyo’s electric Izakaya culture.
Visit Scholé
Where to stay
Lumière Lodge
Lumière Lodge is a Victorian cottage tucked away in a quiet pocket of historic Hobart, reimagined as an enchanting guesthouse. Tammy says it’s clear owners Kerran and Sam spared no detail in bringing the accommodation to life.
Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms, soaring heritage ceilings, antique windows and colourful interiors, while the old charming fireplace is ideal for lounging beside and thawing out from Hobart’s chill.
Visit Lumière Lodge
