Coast Control

GETTING FROM POINT A TO B IS ONE THING, BUT FROM SAND TO SNOW? A DRIVING TOUR OF TASMANIA CAN BE A WILD RIDE.

- Lexi Henderson

I’m wearing a smile that very clearly says I am in my element. Connecting the dots between some of Tasmania’s most iconic landscapes would be considered a dream mini-break under any circumstances, but doing it in a Jaguar? I am now the classiest person I know (sorry, Mum).

Tasmanian roads are renowned for being beautiful to drive on, and with each bend, new and exciting scenes emerge. Whether you’re after a day at the beach or snowy night in, it’s all in a day’s driving for me and my trusty new ride.

CAPITAL GAINS

My trip begins standing atop the pinnacle of Hobart, Mount Wellington, or Kunanyi. Time appears to be on my side as I manage to secure the last sunny day before an unexpected snowfall closes the road.

Winding upwards towards the peak, the historic sandstone buildings below begin to shrink, and by the time I reach the top all I can make out is a bright yellow blur streaking across the river—one of the Museum of Old and New Art’s (MONA) ironically camouflaged fleet of ferries. I take the opportunity to plan the day out as I’m hitting the road first thing tomorrow, and there’s already too much on my list to eat, drink, see and do.