Excursion Mona – moorilla, wine & art tour at Hobart

Ahh. Art, food, and wine - a match made in that proverbial place. And, on this excursion, that place is Tasmania’s famously provocative Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) and the estimable Moorilla winery and restaurant that shares its site, some 75 scenic minutes by coach and fast river ferry from Hobart pier.

Perched on the Berriedale Peninsula where it juts into the River Derwent, MONA is a privately funded museum housing the sprawling ancient and contemporary art collection of owner David Walsh. This is no venue for the timid – its three floors brim with works noted for their bold edginess; sex and death are definitely on the menu. You’ll have about two hours to decide what you make of it all as you view the museum and its grounds independently. Most guests end up raving about the collection’s uniqueness.

Next, it’s time for stimulation of a different sense as you make your way to lunch at The Source Restaurant, home of Moorilla winery and a temple to the grape and the culinary arts. Your curated two-course lunch features fresh, locally sourced produce paired deliciously with Moorilla wine, produced with longstanding pride here in one of Tasmania’s oldest vineyards.

After lunch, you can indulge in a deeper dive into the Moorilla situation. Options include small-group tours that reveal the inner workings of this landmark venue, while in the underground tasting room, comprehensive tasting sessions showcase the full Moorilla range. That said, the rest of this afternoon is entirely yours to orchestrate: settle in for some convivial time at the wine bar, explore the galleries further, lounge on the lawns, take in some music. The choice is yours until the clock strikes 5p, and you reboard the sleek ferry for the return spin to Hobart – your appetite for wine, food, and art thoroughly satisfied.

Points of interests

Points of Interest: Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Moorilla winery & restaurant, Berriedale Peninsula

Note

Please note: This moderate day-long excursion involves walking at guests' discretion; a 99-step staircase must be negotiated upon arrival by ferry. An elevator is available within the museum. The tour is not recommended for those who utilize a wheelchair. Participants must be 18 or older; some of the museum's subject matter may not be suitable for younger guests. Wear walking shoes and comfortable clothing. Food and wine at lunch are included as described; guests may opt to purchase additional wines at their expense at the Wine Bar. Be aware that special dietary restrictions may not be able to be accommodated. The order of sights and activities may vary.