Heading South on a Sunday

Still infused with laziness, it’s not easy to write through this relaxed haze. But surely this is what Sundays in Tassie are all about. Hop in the car and head south if you’re feeling in need of some time set aside just for you in surrounds that’ll make you want to grab a blankie from The Apple Shed’s blankie supply box and have a good nap after lunch.

That’s right, first stop is The Apple Shed Museum and Ciderhouse, home to Willie Smith cider just 30 minutes’ drive from Hobart. This rustic 1942 Apple Shed is filled with history, artisan ciders and a good dose of locally sourced food.

I sit back in the barn, feeling slightly nostalgic that my grandmother used to talk of her days in Cygnet, growing up at a time when the apple industry boomed. There was more than once that dear 90-something-year-old Madge spoke fondly of the time she was 'Chaperone to the Apple Queen.'

I’m guessing this included plenty of nose powdering, but at the time was a highly sought position that even involved a journey to distant Queensland. I think Grandma would have loved to wander this Apple Museum filled with photos of notable ‘apple men’, sorting machines and every apple variety you could imagine neatly rowed in alphabetical order; the perfect spot to choose a very regal-sounding baby name.

Lunch out in the relaxed barn is the countryside answer for relaxed Sunday lunching. A seasonal, sustainable menu is served up, showcasing produce from passionate local growers. A Pigeon Hole sourdough toastie, generously plump with goat’s cheese, beetroot and rocket takes my fancy and of course the menu offers plenty of refreshing accompaniments starting with cider.

Pleasantly full, wander the museum then on the way home if you’re feeling adventurous stop off for a swim in the most exquisite of water holes. It wouldn’t be fair to give its exact location, but those who want a little tip know who to ask. Let’s just say it’s an invigorating local secret that sometimes you’ll have entirely to yourself. Leap off the rock, or sit by the bubbling stream filling it with cool mountain water.

It wouldn’t be Sunday without a trip to church and the final stop is a must, at the newly opened, Heaven’s Above Tearoom in Margate. Slip through Sandfly and you’ll arrive for afternoon tea in a vintage-inspired converted church. Its CWA kind of warmth, mixed with a careful style that simply works. Wallpaper graces the back-wall with rigorous colour, my insy winsy lime spider arrived with a sweet smile and green striped straw.

This place will feel like you’re at your Nanna’s but she’s suddenly become incredibly hip. In fact, there might be a local Nan or two sitting on the vintage chair beside you, but you’ll see by her smile that she’s pretty happy that her era is trending here in Margate.

Beautiful Apple pie with a dollop of cream, rich aromas of coffee, you can even fill your tea cup with a creative blend of vanilla and earl grey tea, aptly named the Margate fog. Goodness me, you can even order a beer beside the led-lit windows. It’s well worth stepping into church to cap off your Sunday.

Words and images: Alice Hansen

The Apple Shed
Open 7 days, 10-6pm summer, 10-4pm winter
Huon Highway 
www.williesmiths.com.au

Heaven’s Above Tearoom
Tues-Sun 9am-4pm, Sat & Sun (winter) 10am-3pm
1738 Channel Highway, Margate