Hobart has well and truly shaken off its sleepy town shackles and emerged as a vibrant, creative, art and food hub bordering on the slightly quirky.
Australia’s second oldest city boasts one of the most striking backdrops you will find anywhere in the world, Mt Wellington. Hobart may be a little brisk weather wise, but it is high on the traveler's radar. And right now, it’s hot.
BEST TIME TO GO TO HOBART
The favoured time of year to visit Hobart is from October through to April. Tasmania’s cool climate means the summer months of December to February provide visitors with mild, sunny days and coolish nights. It’s also when the vibrancy of the city is at its best. Hobart has a steady stream of visitors all year round. Anytime is great, even during the winter months, but it’s best to come prepared for any weather at any time of year. Regardless of the time of year holiday accommodation in Hobart is easy to find at Search and Stay.
THINGS TO DO IN HOBART
MONA
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a must-do. Art lover or not. Destination as much as an art gallery, this private collection is cutting edge architecture, technology and exhibits that will make your jaw drop. Add a couple of excellent restaurants, the boat trip over, impressive views and you will find yourself lost in all its glory for the day.
Salamanca
If you’re in Hobart on a Saturday, Salamanca Markets are an essential part of the Hobart experience. Locals are out in force with 300 stalls of artisan products, local crafts, clothing, fresh produce, homemade goodies and music. With loads of food options and coffee to keep you going, stroll the markets, parklands and waterfront for a relaxed morning. This is the real Hobart vibe.
Mount Wellington
Kunanyi (Mt Wellington) gives you a spectacular view of Hobart and beyond. That is if the cloud gods are on your side. If visibility is limited head to nearby Mt Nelson Signal Station. It’s a great alternative with a better chance of clear sky viewing.
Historical sites in Hobart
Hobart is steeped in history and heritage. Its brutal beginnings are intriguing and its architecture beautiful. Take a step back in time with a visit to Battery Point. A defensive outpost in the early 19th century, the architecture remains relatively unchanged. But it is now a picture-perfect suburb of sandstone heritage buildings, gardens and welcoming cafes and restaurants. Seek out the Waterfront Warehouses of Salamanca Place and the Town Hall in Macquarie Street. The Cascades’s Female Factory in South Hobart and the Port Arthur Historic Site (30 minute drive from Hobart) is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are a number of excellent guided tours that will transport you back to a time of harsh beginnings.
A visit to Hobart isn’t complete until you have visited the home of Tasmania’s (un)official drink. Take the Brewer Tour to learn a thing or two about beer production (16 years +). Or the Heritage Tour for all ages. You might want to do a spot of sampling too.
BEST FOOD AND DRINK IN HOBART
Best food in Hobart
Local produce drives the restaurant and café scene in Hobart. In season, fresh, locally made. And the results are making a mark with a food scene that is ticking all the boxes. The heart of the city is restaurant central. Or head to North Hobart (or NoHo if you’re local), a busy restaurant strip with a relaxed, international vibe. DierMakr is high on the list of restaurants to try, as is Templo. Both seriously delicious and both seriously popular. The Source at MONA will impress. Just be sure to book. At Kosaten you’ll find traditional Japanese favourites with a dash of modern creativity thrown in for good measure. Head to Pigeon Hole Café for breakfast. It is a little out of the way but worth the effort. Daci & Daci Bakers with three locations is a great breakfast “on the go” option.
Best coffee in Hobart
Hobart has a lot of cafes. And that means a lot of coffee. You will find friendly service, passionate baristas and loads of variety. Head to Island Espresso in Elizabeth Street for great coffee or Vilicia Coffee who roast the beans in-house. Pilgrim is a Hobart coffee stalwart who take their brewing seriously. Pigeon Hole is another favourite for a caffeine fix with a delicious pastry on the side. And for the super clean eaters out there, Straight Up Coffee and Food is the place for you. But if you are a true coffee diehard, take the Hobart Café Culture Tour. You will unlock the hidden gems of the city’s coffee scene in one morning’s adventure.
BEST SHOPPING IN HOBART
Shopping in Hobart is a treasure trove of arcades, lanes, nooks, crannies and hidden gems. Specialist stores, boutiques and artisan wares abound. Elizabeth Street is the hub in the city centre or head to Sandy Bay for anything that is hip and on point. Fashion, design, quirky shops and interesting things to discover awaits.
WHERE TO STAY IN HOBART
Self-catered apartments, luxury holiday homes and city units are all on offer in Hobart. Salamanca or near the harbour are great options, especially if you want to be close to restaurants, attractions and activities.
TRAVELLING WITH KIDS TO HOBART
Families often avoid city holidays but Hobart should go firmly back on your list. With a population of around 200,000 it's more country town than capital city. But it manages to punch above its weight with attractions and activities the whole family will love. Head to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary for some Tassie Devil spotting. Walk the suspended bridges at Tahune AirWalk or take a step back in time up the Derwent River on a tall ship. Discover Tasmania has loads of information on things to see and do around Hobart.
THE HISTORY OF HOBART
Hobart’s original inhabitants were the Mouheneenner and Muwinina people. A semi-nomadic tribe, their descendants now call themselves the Palawa. European settlement in the Hobart area began in the early 1800’s marred by massacres of the Aboriginal people. By the 1820’s it had become “home” to thousands of British convicts and in the 1840s, sailors, soldiers and whalers frequented this hardened outpost. The chequered and often gruesome past of Hobart took some shaking. Its isolation meant advancement was difficult. Over time, Hobart has transformed into a creative, socially conscious hub of culture, history, food, and natural beauty.
SEARCH AND STAY SECRET TIP
Every Friday night in a courtyard near Salamanca Square, Rekatngo kicks off. Free live music, where locals and visitors in the know drink, dance, listen to music and kickstart the weekend. Makeshift bars serving up sangria, cider, beer and mulled wine have you covered. But it’s a great outing for all ages. Immerse yourself with the locals. It doesn’t get much cooler than this.
Find the perfect holiday accommodation in Hobart at Search and Stay.
For more information try Discover Tasmania.