My visit to Hobart, Tasmania PLUS my pick of sustainable food and shopping in Hobart

Late last year I was dreaming of what trips I would take in 2014. After my trip to Myanmar I was drawn to explore somewhere at home.

Australia is a large country and each State offers something beautiful for everyone. Can you tell I love this country? Tasmania was at the top of the list and as I started looking at flights over Easter break my boss told me I told would be spending three weeks on secondment in Hobart. Isn't life funny when it does that? Is that serendipity?

I settled quickly into Hobart life and work (and lots of work). But when I had days off I made the most of them and got out to see the jaw dropping landscape that makes Tasmania a must on any travelers list and posted snippets onto instagram. I enjoyed time in Port Arthur, the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park, Bruny Island, a chilly visit to Mt. Wellington and MONA.

My pick of sustainable and eco shopping to see in Hobart

Hobart has a small city centre and everything I discovered was within walking distance. Eumarrah Organic & Natural Food on Barrack St had an outstanding bulk food selection. Fresh vegetables can be picked up on Saturday mornings at Salamanca Markets. Jackman & Ross is a Hobart staple offer fresh organic bread. City Organics is a gem and the staff are so friendly. We talked at length about mascaras (no pun intended).

EcoHaven will draw you in with its range of eco products like fashion, (mum and bub) kitchenware, and gifts. Hobart is known for it's antique stores if you want to find a second hand treasure. I scored stylish second hand goods at Hello Gorgeous, Red Hand Design (level 1, 147 Liverpool St), Antiques to Retro. There are many second hand book stores. I found many interesting titles at Rapid Eye Books on Sandy Bay Rd.

Resource Tip Shop was the most interesting store I found on my juants through Hobart. It takes anything that would ordinarily go to the tip (landfill) and given a second life. The shop was busy with people sorting there way through the odds and ends the store had to offer. The store is part of the Resource Work Co-operative. The main goals of the Co-operative is to create employment, minimise waste and promote waste minimisation in the community. Winning!

I am hoping to go back again soon and see more of the north and east coast. Where would you recommend to visit?