Trying all the food in a travel destination can be quite a challenge. Luckily for Escape From America Magazine writer Dawnelle Salant, the Taste of Tasmania offers a great selection of the country and the area’s best food options. She describes her meal, and the rest of the beautiful country in her article Tasting And Toasting In Tasmania.

“New Year’s is a great time to visit Hobart for another reason; the annual Taste of Tasmania food and wine festival. The Taste takes place on Princes Wharf and runs for one week, usually from a few days before New Year’s Eve to a few days after. Around seventy stalls sell food and drink from around the world – you can sample delectable Tassie wines and exotic African meals. It’s sort of like a gourmet food court. And the perfect place to spend New Year’s Eve.

One of Hobart’s highlights is a drive up to Mt. Wellington for exhilarating views of the city. The temperature drops noticeably as we near the top. I had been sweating in the harbor, but I’m now reaching for my jacket. The view stretches for miles; I can see the Tasman Bridge spanning the Derwent River, and the city turning into forest as it reaches outwards.

As much as I like Hobart, the real reason I came to Tasmania was to experience the outdoors. The next day I’m up early, waiting for my Adventure Tours bus. I’m about to have another Taste of Tasmania – a six day tour taking in the island’s highlights. I heave my backpack into the trailer and join my fellow travelers on the bus. I’m never apprehensive about traveling alone; true travelers have a sort of instant connection. My companions for the next week include a family from Malaysia, an Italian couple on their honeymoon and even two young Australian lads.”