Where Is Hobart, Tasmania?
Hobart, on the south east coast of Tasmania has become prominent with travellers in recent years. With the increased desire for quiet, beautiful locations, and enticing produce and art scene, Hobart is an easy getaway from mainland Australia for a weekend or longer.
Where To Eat In Hobart, Tasmania
Wine, Cheese and Produce
Every year, the Taste of Tasmania is held in Hobart, on the waterfront at Salamanca. Offering an incredible array of local, gourmet produce, fresh food and wine, ‘The Taste’ is an event not to be missed.
The festival has grown since its conception in 1988. From initially 22 stalls over two days to one of the biggest wine and food festivals in the state of Tasmania, it is held at the beginning of every new year (please check their website for updates).
In addition to the Taste of Tasmania, here are some other food produce and wine sellers to try:
Wineries
- Derwent Estate Vineyard: Located a short drive north of Hobart, the Derwent Estate Vineyard and Winery is eco friendly and currently moving towards being completely organic. It is open seven days a week for lunch for those that want to try their award-winning wines.
- Frogmore Creek Winery: A cool climate winery and cellar door, the Frogmore Creek Winery is a 15-minute drive from Hobart’s CBD. The award-winning wines and stunning views here will not disappoint!
- Every Man & His Dog Vineyard: A small, boutique vineyard located on the Coal River Valley. Another “cool climate” winery which specialises in Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir and Unwooded Chardonnay. It is situated close to the small town of Richmond, half an hour north of Hobart.
Produce
- Farm Gate Market (fresh food): This iconic market is located at 104 Bathurst Street in Hobart and occurs every Sunday. In any weather conditions, vendors gather to sell their baked goods and seasonal produce. This market is a social event designed for visitors to learn about who exactly grows their chosen quality produce in the area. The Farm Gate Market has evolved in the last ten years from 12 store holders to one of the most popular farmers markets in Australia.
- Hill Street Grocer: The Hill Street Grocer in West Hobart is full of very fresh produce at reasonable prices, making this friendly, Greek grocery a trendy food store in the city.
- The Salmon Shop (Salamanca Square): The Salmon Shop is a retail outlet for the Tassal fish farmers. It specialises in deli items and fresh cuts of salmon at affordable prices.
- Bruny Island Cheese Company: Nick Haddow began the Bruny Island Cheese Company after travelling the world and learning from specialist cheesemakers. Using cow’s milk for their array of cheeses, the Bruny Island Cheese Company uses environmentally sustainable practices to provide the best quality milk and cheeses.
Salamanca Market
To say the Salamanca Market is big is an understatement. On my last visit to Hobart, a stroll to the markets was met with endless lines of stalls, including all you could imagine. Everything from vintage items and jewellery to woodcrafts and coffee can be found in the vibrant 170 stalls.
Held every Saturday, Salamanca Market is one of Australia’s most-loved outdoor markets. If you are a market lover, put aside adequate time to be able to explore most of the massive variety of stalls!
What To See In Hobart, Tasmania
MONA Museum
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is the large, iconic museum situated in Hobart on the Berriedale peninsula. Owned by David Walsh, the eye-opening museum displays both ancient and modern artworks from around the world.
MONA is best accessed by the equally entertaining MONA Ferry. Complete with animal sculptures and a bar, arriving at MONA by ferry is recommended for the full MONA experience.
Entering the art gallery, you are greeted by friendly staff who are experienced in providing the required information with a laugh to ensure you enjoy your time at MONA.
One thing I wish I knew before I visited, was the extent of incredible artwork alongside picturesque dining and bar areas that exist here. Having known this, I would have spent more time on the grounds!
Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery
The Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery (TMAG) is located at Dunn Place in Hobart. Collections of fine art, old fossils, and a photographic collection dating back to 1849 to the present day are but a few of the many collections here.
The TMAG’s mission is to collect and maintain their collection and provide knowledge on Tasmania’s culture and history. If you are an art lover, ensure to include the TMAG on your Hobart to-do list. Make sure to allow enough time to view the full collection!
What To Do In Hobart, Tasmania
Hike Mount Wellington/Kunanyi
The Kunanyi trail is the most popular hike on Mount Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania. The mountain is known to the original indigenous Tasmanians as Kunanyi, who have revived the name today, resulting in the mountain now possessing the dual title of Mount Wellington/Kunanyi.
Before visiting Mount Wellington/Kunanyi, be sure to do some research online about the history of the area. Generally, researching indigenous culture and travel tips before visiting historical sites is the way to go to help you properly understand Australian history.
Located in the southeast of Hobart, at 1,271 metres above sea level, Mount Wellington is often covered in snow, or at the very least, is frosty. If planning to hike Mount Wellington/Kunanyi, ensure to always prepare for cold conditions as there are usually icy winds throughout the year.
The weather on the summit can include anything from rain to clear skies, sun to snow, icy winds and hail, or all in one day!
Bruny IsLand
Bruny Island is a 362-square-km island off the southeast coast of Tasmania. It is known as a wild, untouched island that includes activities like cliff-top trails and things to do near the water, like lounging by the beach. Foodies and beach-loving Hobart locals often head to Bruny for mini-breaks.
Bruny Island is also on many interstate and international travellers’ Australia road trip itineraries for the same reason. The coastal wilderness and accessibility draw nature and produce lovers from far and wide, too.
The ferry to Bruny Island departs from the town of Kettering, which is approximately 40 minutes south of Hobart.
Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay is known as a breathtaking location, drawing photographers and travellers from near and far. Situated two and a half hours north of Hobart, the bay area of Wineglass Bay and its surroundings are part of the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast.
Visitors love to bike ride, mountain climb, kayak, scuba dive and fish here. Stunning sunsets also provide the ideal place to relax and take in the view. Wineglass Bay is a definite must if you are venturing north from Hobart.
North Hobart
North Hobart is the place to be if you’re searching for a café experience while visiting Hobart. The relaxed area is a short Uber ride from the Hobart CBD and has many cafes and even a brewery to choose from. Many offer brunch or lunch and showcase the local produce in fine form.
These are some of the top eateries to try:
Brunch
- Room for a Pony: A relaxed brunch spot with friendly staff and delicious coffee.
- Born in Brunswick: A modern brunch spot with creative twists on breakfasts and lunches.
Bars
- Boodle Beasley: A friendly and relaxed brewery, perfect for lunch and to try some boutique beers on tap.
- Republic Bar & Café: Ideal for a night out to see touring bands or for a quiet beer or meal while soaking up the live music pub atmosphere.
Sandy Bay
Three kilometres south of Hobart’s Central Business District is the suburb of Sandy Bay. Many homes here are close to the water, possessing sought-after views of the Marina and Mount Wellington while still being an accessible location close to the CBD of Hobart.
This is also where the Wrest Point Casino, Yacht Club, and popular cafes and restaurants are located, also drawing locals and their dogs to stroll along the beach. There is plenty of free parking, but get in quickly when the sun is out!
Cascade Brewery
The Cascade Brewery in South Hobart was opened in 1824, and it is the oldest functioning brewery in Australia. Located at the bottom of Mount Wellington, the brewery tours include history, recipes, and large amounts of taste testing.
If a brewery tour isn’t your thing, relax and sample the Mercury ciders or Cascade beers, or have some lunch and wander around the historic gardens. Cascade Brewery also provides homebrew and non-alcoholic beverages.
Leave a Reply