Why Hobart?
I spent the better part of a decade not going to Hobart.
I know. It’s just Hobart. Nobody’s bucket list peaks at Tasmania’s capital. But somewhere along the way, it stopped being a place and became a symbol of all the things I wanted, and had quietly agreed to want later.
Every time it came up, I told myself the same thing: this would be better with a partner. It sounded reasonable. Romantic, even. So the long weekends came and went. I even got married. And still, I did not make it to Hobart.
What I didn’t notice was the rule I’d written for myself: the things I wanted only counted if someone was there to want them with me. A view needed a witness. A long dinner needed a person across the table. Without one, it was as if it hadn’t really happened.
Meanwhile, my soul was craving the wilderness. The nature. The bizarre art at MONA.
So last year, I finally said screw it, and booked a trip for one.
My thinking was simple. If I could do Hobart alone, the destination of a thousand cosy couples’ weekends, then maybe I could keep going. Maybe I could stop waiting for someone to accompany me through my own life.
That’s how You Deserve To Go (Even If You Go Alone) was born.
Where I stayed
The Tasman, two nights, $860.
There’s no shortage of stunning private rentals and cool hotels in Hobart, but The Tasman can’t be beaten for location if MONA is your number one priority.
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Table for one
- Faro: the four-course set menu with matched wines. $135 plus $75 for the wines, so $210.
- Dier Makr: dinner with the wine pairing, $290.
- Room service at The Tasman: a club sandwich in bed, $45. The most underrated solo dinner there is.
- Salamanca Market: a lobster roll for $32, because holiday money doesn’t count. And paella for $14.
More on eating alone (and actually enjoying it) in Table for one.
What I did
- MONA: entry and the ferry, $77. Plus a $27 mug from the gift shop, obviously.
- Kuuma Sauna: $90. A luxurious sauna barge on the Derwent River (which doubles as your natural cold plunge).
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What I’d skip
I planned this Hobart trip to perfection, but I’d skip the 4am wake-up for the early flight. If you can, give yourself one extra day so the itinerary is a little less hectic.
But I’m a single parent, and two nights away is usually my max, so alas, I’m stuck with the early starts.
The nerves
When I first did this, I couldn’t imagine dining alone, and I was scared I’d be lonely wandering the gallery. It turns out the fastest and best way to meet new people is to push yourself out of your comfort zone and go somewhere alone.
Everyone was open to a chat, and I felt so free to dip in and out as much as I wanted. Nobody to disappoint. Just myself to please.
What it actually cost
Three days, two nights, flying from Brisbane.
| Return flights, Brisbane to Hobart | $490 |
| The Tasman, two nights | $860 |
| Food and drink | $609 |
| Ubers (including to and from Brisbane Airport) | $311 |
| MONA and Kuuma sauna | $167 |
| The obligatory MONA mug | $27 |
| Total | $2,464 |
Not a budget trip, I know. But it cost less than a lot of the things I put off doing it for. Prices are what I paid at the time, so check before you book.
What I packed
Everything I take on a solo trip lives in The Solo Travel Kit.
Watch the series
Catch up on the rest of the trip on Instagram.
Watch episode 1 on Instagram
Watch episode 2 on Instagram
Watch episode 4 on Instagram
Watch episode 6 on Instagram
xox Meghan
