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Hobart

Hobart & Southern Tasmania

Overview

Hobart and Southern Tasmania are among Australia’s most beautiful and fascinating regions to visit. Enjoy relaxing river cruises, scenic hiking trails, well-preserved convict villages and some of the freshest produce to be found anywhere in the country.

Location overview

A laidback, seaside atmosphere, innovative culture and delicious culinary offerings make this city a must-see destination. Whether you are seeking an adventure holiday or a relaxing time with your family, Hobart offers a medley of attractions and activities certain to leave a lifetime of lasting memories.

Attractions

Waterfront

Hobart’s waterfront rivals the world’s best. Historic buildings and lavish yachts straddle the marina, and a host of trendy cafes, bars and galleries provide great food and entertainment. There’s no shortage of fine dining establishments—particularly along Elizabeth St—but we recommend you do as the locals do: find a nice sunny spot by the water and tuck into some delicious fresh fish and chips. From Christmas to New Years, citizens and tourists alike descend on the harbour in their droves for the annual Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race festivities. The New Year also coincides with the popular Tastes of Tasmania Festival.

Salamanca Market

This bustling, open-air market is the place to be every Saturday morning. Over 300 stalls fill the tree-lined expanses of Salamanca Place, offering everything from fresh organic produce to second-hand clothes to delightful curios and trinkets. There’s a handful of lively cafes, pubs, restaurants and galleries nearby, and on Friday evenings you can enjoy al fresco music from local choral and instrumental groups.

MONA

Described by its owner as a “subversive adult Disneyland”, this is an experience like no other. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) features more than 400 pieces of modern art and antiquities, housed across three underground levels. You’ll need at least two hours to fully explore the darkened galleries, and probably a further few to make sense of what you’ve just witnessed. Duck in to the adjacent Moorilla winery or Moo Brew and debrief over a glass of delicious Tassie wine or craft beer. To get to the museum catch the MONA Roma ferry or shuttle bus from Hobart’s Brooke St Pier.

Mount Wellington

A 20-minute drive from Hobart, this towering peak provides breathtaking views of the city, as well as Bruny Island, South Arm and the Tasman Peninsula. You can experience this stunning mountain range a number of ways—hiking, horseback riding, on four wheels or on two. This 21 kilometre path features glacial rock formations, sub-alpine flora and temperate rainforests. It’s a trip for the brave, however, and chilly too—we recommend taking a woolly jacket. On your return trip to Hobart, consider kayaking down the Derwent River at twilight.

Need to know

Shopping & markets

The Salamanca Market is open every Saturday. This large outdoor market in Salamanca Place attracts thousands of people annually. You can listen to music while you browse through the goods in hundreds of market stalls. Fresh produce, handmade glass, ceramics and clothing are for sale here. If you want a break from shopping, have a coffee at one of the stalls. You can reach this market by taking the free Hobart Hopper bus from the city's centre. You will find plenty of tasty food at the Farm Gate Market every Sunday. This is a great place to visit if you are shopping for food for a dinner party. You can buy pork, beef or seafood here. Pick up some bread and vegetables to serve with your main course. Plus you'll be able to buy wine or beer to serve with dinner. Add the finishing touch to your meal by getting some fresh fruit for dessert.

Food & drinks

With its proximity to picturesque Huon Valley and the giant trees at Tahune Airwalk, Hobart features several casual and innovative restaurants to help you unwind from the day’s adventures. A favourite with tourists and locals alike, Smolt will be able to supply you with take away coffee for all your sightseeing needs. Breakfast is a favourite here, as is casual dinner and al fresco dining. (2 Salamanca Square, Hobart). If you want to sample creative renditions of some of Tasmania’s regional produce, visit Pigeon Hole, where you can find exceptional coffee, artisan breads from the Pigeon Whole Bakers and some satisfying fresh, organic cuisine. (93 Goulburn St, West Hobart). Plan on packing a picnic for your sightseeing trip with the famous slow-cooked, smoked brisket and ribs from Crumb Street Kitchen. Your food will come already boxed up with plastic cutlery; but be warned, this is a locals’ favourite, and food simply runs out. (144 Harrington St, Hobart). When you crave a special snack, hit Sweet Envy, renowned for their homemade ice creams, lovingly constructed from seasonal, local produce and lots of imagination. You can treat yourself to a sandwich and pastries or ice cream at this magical bakery. (341 Elizabeth St, North Hobart).

Accommodation

Places to stay in the area range from self-catered apartments, B&B establishments, hostels and backpacker camps to luxurious hotels and cabins.

Getting there

If you’re arriving from the mainland into Devonport, you’ve got a bit of a drive ahead of you to get to the capital—around three and a half hours—but the sheer beauty of the surrounding countryside will make it all worth it. Alternatively, there are regular bus services from Devonport and Launceston to Hobart.