Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Australia City Break Travel Ideas Foodie Travel Ideas Tasmania

A City Guide for Hobart, Australia

Hobart Australia is both a popular city break and an essential part of any Tasmania trip itinerary. My city guide will give you all the information you need to plan wonderful Tasmania holidays and make the most of your time in Hobart.

This beautiful harbourside city has a historic centre that combines with pretty residential suburbs stretching around the arms of the Derwent River on its way to join the Tasman Sea. Behind the city, majestic Mt Wellington provides a craggy backdrop, often with a tablecloth of low cloud, and is one of many Hobart attractions.

Founded in 1804, Hobart’s early history is connected with the establishment of a convict colony by the British in what was initially called Van Diemen’s Land. A number of penal settlements were established and vie with anything on the mainland in their reputation for cruelty. The thousands of convict labourers transported from Britain were responsible for the construction of Hobart’s architecture, from roughly-dressed golden stone.

Hobart, Tasmania Australia

Hobart is also a good starting point for exploring the state of Tasmania, an island off the south coast of mainland Australia with an area of less than 70,000 kilometres and a population of only half a million people. The small size of this state makes it easy to explore and Tasmania offers a pleasing contrast of landscape and climate to the mainland.

From the stunning East Coast beaches to the World-Heritage-Listed primeval forests of the western wilderness and Cradle Mountain, Tasmania has beautiful landscapes, unique wildlife, a pristine environment, and welcoming people. Tasmania’s cool climate wines enjoy a high reputation and many wineries have cellar doors open to the public for those who like to plan wine touring vacations.

Things to do in Hobart

The sparkling harbour is the reason why there is such a strong maritime influence in Hobart and will heavily influence anyone planning what to do in Hobart. Ship’s chandlers, master mariners, trade warehouses and waterfront pubs sprang up to serve the sea-going business, including the whaling trade.

Nowadays Hobart’s historic waterfront buildings have been transformed into restaurants, art galleries, and trendy bars and are a great place to wander as you explore the city.

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Salamanca Place is the best example of such 19th Century marine industrial architecture. Climb up Kelly Steps from Salamanca Place to explore Battery Point, another historic district full of Georgian-era residences where the early European settlers lived. A particularly pretty street is Arthur’s Circus, where there are some very diminutive historic cottages. Also look out for the impressive Mariners Church.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery opened in 1846 and offers a well-curated insight into the natural and social history of Tasmania. Davey St & Dunn Pl Open every day except Monday 10am – 4pm.

A day trip from Hobart

Just up the Derwent River near Hobart and reached by road or ferry is the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), funded privately by David Walsh, a poker multi-millionaire. The setting of MONA is gorgeous enough and the design by Fender Katsalidis Architects is impressive. However, it is the collection of contemporary art that is the big draw. It is sometimes controversial, always stimulating, and has been called a ‘subversive adult Disneyland’.

MONA is definitely worth visiting in Hobart Tasmania and is very popular so arrive early to avoid the queues. If you visit on a Saturday there is also the MONA Market (MoMa) on the roof, which has lovely views and a great selection of locally grown vegetables, fruit, cheeses and other produce from the surrounding Derwent Valley.

MONA, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Another popular day trip from Hobart is the Tasman Peninsula, where you can tour the former convict settlement at Port Arthur and take a boat trip to see the spectacular rock formations along the coastline, where endangered birdlife make their homes.

Bruny Island is a short ferry ride from Hobart. Here you can enjoy wildlife tours, including the unusual white wallabies. Bruny Island is also becoming famous for its food scene, particularly the handmade cheeses.

Hobart restaurants

Hobart’s reputation as a “foodie” city has grown in recent years. It is a very walkable city and the large range of eateries make the most of Tasmania’s deliciously fresh produce and wine.

For Hobart bars try Small Fry, a tiny establishment at 129 Bathurst Street (0061 3 6231 1338) and has some imaginative menu as well as showing off some of Tasmania’s excellent micro-brewed beers.

Right on Salamanca Place, Smolt has a high reputation for its seafood menu (2 Salamanca Place; 00 61 3 6224 2554) and is one to the best restaurants in Hobart. Don’t miss the oysters if they are in season.

Garagistes is known for its casual grazing style of eating (103 Murray Street; 00 61 3 6231 0558) and has a very creative menu.

Try to visit Hobart during the weekend when the famous Salamanca Market fills the waterfront street with bustling shoppers enjoying the organic produce, artisanal baked goods, wine tasting and street entertainment. This is an essential Hobart shopping experience.

While in the Battery Point area stop for coffee and cake at Jackman & McRoss.

Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Hobart Accommodation

Budget

The Pickled Frog is a friendly hostel that used to be an inn with stables attached. The 1834 building has been turned into budget accommodation. It has a kitchen and offers free shuttle bus rides to destinations in Hobart such as Mt Wellington. Address: 281 Liverpool St,

Somerset On The Pier (Elizabeth Street Pier; 0061 3 6220 6600; somerset.com) is a great choice for Hobart accommodation if you want to be right in the thick of things. With its water views and maritime atmosphere, this is a perfect base in Hobart.

Mid range

A mid-range option is the 3-star Customs House Hotel, which is in a lovely 19th-century building and has a bar and restaurant attached. 1 Murray St

The Islington Hotel (321 Davey Street; 0061 3 6220 2123 islingtonhotel.com) offers views of Mount Wellington, exquisite rooms and excellent value for money, in a tranquil suburban location.

Luxury

For a stylish high-end option right on Salamanca Place, the Salamanca Wharf Hotel is in a brilliant location and features excellent studio and one-bedroom apartments. 17a Castray Esplanade, Battery Point

You can actually stay at the MONA site – the adjacent MONA Pavilions (655 Main Road, Berriedale; 0061 3 6277 9900; mona.net.au) has only six rooms, each inspired by Australian artists. There are exquisite dining options, views and even a heated swimming pool.

Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

When to visit Hobart

Hobart’s mild, changeable maritime climate is often cooler and rainier than the Australian mainland with four distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can fall below freezing and it rarely climbs above 25 degrees Celsius in the summer.

Hobart city guide

For trip planning see the Discover Tasmania website for information on Hobart weather, events, accommodation, Hobart airport and more.

If you will be using bus transport in Hobart it may be worth purchasing a Day Rover ticket. See the metrotas.com.au website for more information on public transport in Tasmania.

By Natasha von Geldern

I hope you enjoy your time in Hobart Tasmania! If you liked my Hobart City Guide why not pin it for future reference?!

Hobart City Guide Tasmania Australia

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