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Pharmacist-turned-business owner Tammy Baird opened The Drill Hall Emporium in New Norfolk about 20 years ago.
Fast forward to today, she and her sister Donna now not only sell antiques out of the former army training hall, but they’re also the brains behind one-of-a-kind stationery store Flywheel and homewares boutique Miss Arthur.
Having lived in the area since the age of 10, Tammy knows better than most what really makes Tasmania’s south a place where time slows for tourists and locals alike. Find all her recommendations below!
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From antique furniture to paintings sourced from France, Tammy’s store, The Drill Hall Emporium, is filled with pieces that tell a story. ‘Visitors can expect an ever-changing collection of antique furniture with a strong focus on practicality and liveability, complemented by a thoughtful mix of vintage and antique wares,’ Tammy says.
Miss Arthur
Miss Arthur is a much-loved destination for both locals and visitors alike. The home goods store is centred around unfussy, traditionally made wares, including many hand-crafted objects, including French linen tea towels, locally made pottery and Japanese cookware — just to name a few.
Flywheel
Tammy and Donna opened their boutique stationery store Flywheel about 13 years ago, inspired by their younger sister Rachel’s passion for letterpress printing. Inside, you’ll find a 1920s press, alongside supplies for calligraphy, stamps, journals, paper crafts, and even puzzles or playing games. Talk about a crafting wonderland!
Black Swan Bookshop
‘The Black Swan Bookshop is truly everything you want from your local bookstore,’ Tammy says. This light-filled, independent bookshop in New Norfolk doubles as a cafe, so customers can enjoy coffees and cakes while browsing the beautiful collections, making it a must-visit.
Phoenix Creations
Phoenix Creations founder and artist David Rauenbusch makes beautiful, hand-carved wooden spoons in his workshop in Cygnet, using sustainable or recycled Tasmanian timbers, including Huon Pine, Myrtle, Sassafras, and Blackwood. Tammy recommends stopping by to shop his creations, or booking in for a spoon-carving workshop to try your hand at making one yourself. Not only is it a memorable and fun activity, but you’ll also leave with a sentimental memento.
Kuuma Nature Sauna
Located just 20 minutes south of Hobart at Margate Marina, Kuuma Nature Sauna is Australia’s first mobile sauna boat that offers an invigorating experience unique only to Tasmania. The floating pontoon features a beautifully fitted wood-fired sauna, so you can relax, unwind, or dive right into the waters of a secluded bay surrounded by wilderness. And this winter, you can book a special cruise for after dark, to see the sunrise, or visit on Friday nights for their cosy Sauna Stories sessions.
