So much to see in Tasmania in a weekend Wineglass Bay in Tasmania. A quick catamaran to Mona, Hobart. Port Arthur historical site. A LONG weekend in Tasmania has so much to offer if you're prepared to put in the effort - and a few hours driving - to stray from the capital, Hobart. 9:35am Virgin Australia touches down on time and I make a beeline for the Europcar desk, where a white Audi A5 convertible is waiting. 11:15am A good hour's drive then it's early lunch at Doo-Ushus Fresh Seafood by the Blow Hole carpark at Eaglehawk Neck. Their famous curried scallop pie is worth the 4km detour off the main road. 11:35am At the UNESCO World Heritage site of Port Arthur, picking through the historic buildings with the help of an audio guide. We start at the church (the prettiest of the buildings) and finish by the memorial gardens. Port Arthur is visually beautiful, but has a heavy heart. Port Arthur Church Source: Supplied 1:50pm Returning to Hobart on the A9 we pass many properties devastated by fire earlier this year. Burnt bush and tents beside piles of corrugated iron make sober sight as residents rebuild. The landscape changes back to green, quaint cottages and sandstone churches. 3:10pm A generous slice of orange and almond cake from the famous (for good reason) Jackman and McRoss Bakery followed by a walk around historic Battery Point, Tasmania's most expensive suburb. Lavender fills the fragrant gardens of beautifully restored homes. 4:30pm An easy two-minute walk from the heart of Salamanca is the new Salamanca Wharf Hotel. Considered design makes the exterior of the building blend seamlessly with its more historic neighbours. That's not to say this building is without its own story. Inside, are pictures by Antarctic photographer Laurent Dick. 7:00pm We slide into Sidecar, the overflow stop of popular restaurant Garagistes for Negroni's and light bites. Brandade, consisting of finely pureed kingfish and potato with bay leaf oil and toasted almonds, tastes like the season. Charcuterie and roasted white carrots with a miso butter dressing plays in the mouth. 9:00am Breakfast downstairs at Castray Esplanade Food + Wine, home of Tasmanian food identity Karen Goodwin-Roberts. I order my rosti with Tassal smoked salmon, poached eggs and salsa verde 10:30am At the Salamanca Markets stone-milled spelt sourdough, tasty tomatoes, goat cheese and a jar of cauliflower pickle are placed in brown paper bags and stowed safely away, ready for a trip to Wineglass Bay. The three-hour drive there is beautiful. Salamanca Markets. 3:15pm With our National Park pass on the dashboard and names in the day visitor book we're off. The view from the top lookout doesn't disappoint. The walk down reveals the water below is warmer than expected. A quick dip and then an old wood crate washed up on the beach is transformed into a picnic bench. By 5:30pm we're back in the Audi listening to second hand CDs also picked up from the markets that morning. 9:15pm The 200km drive back means a late dinner but Salamanca Square is Saturday night busy and we secure a seat at Smolt. Venison and pork sausage risotto is thick and flavoursome; like a Portuguese feijoada, with pinto beans, chilli, rosemary, garlic and reggiano cheese. Across the square, BarCelona didn't need any more patrons but the sandstone walls and cathedral ceilings of the converted warehouse are worthy of at least one locally produced Moo Brew. Salmon Ceviche at Smolt. 8:30am A failed attempt at talked-about breakfast spot Pigeon Hole (owner had skipped town for some holiday fun) was followed by a defeated glance at the queue winding through Daci &Daci Bakers. Machine Laundry Cafe looked promising until we realised there were no tables free. The decision to return to Smolt for breakfast may have lacked creativity but redeemed itself in a cup of good coffee and a plate full of mushroom, herb, lemon and baked egg goodness. 10:00am Farmgate Market held in the Melville St car park is the gateway to the autumn harvest. Everything brought to market must be grown, raised, plucked or prepared by those who sell it. Everything is sourced within the geographical bounds of Tasmania. Apples, pears, kale, walnuts and honey were all in season and coming home as carry-on. Noon More lounge bar than catamaran, the purpose built MONA Roma is a sight for sore eyes. A gold birdcage sits in the centre of the bar where Trevor, the Senegalese parrot from Brazil chips away at a string of apple. Sit on leather stools, couches or, for the best perspective, outside on a large fibreglass sheep. 12:30pm MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, on the Berriedale peninsula is clever, dark, confronting, confusing and makes fantastic use of technology. It also happens to be set right beside the Moorilla Winery, which is a nice spot to stop for some Bruny Island oysters and a glass of white wine. 2:30pm Back in Hobart, just a few steps from the ferry terminal, is Fish Frenzy. I think $30 for grilled fish (even if it is fresh Tasmanian Blue Eye) and salad is overpriced but every time I'm in Hobart I always seem to come back. GETTING THERE: Virgin Australia fly direct to Hobart from Brisbane. See virginaustralia.com STAYING THERE: A premium apartment at the Salamanca Wharf Hotel starts at $245. Minimum two-night stay during peak periods. See salamancawharfhotel.com DRIVING THERE: Europcar Audi A5 convertible three-day hire $133.55/day all inclusive with collection from Hobart Airport. See europcar.com.au