How to Spend a Few Days in Hobart

1. Explore Battery Point

Situated right behind Salamanca Square, Battery Point is the perfect area to explore on foot if you are after good food, boutiques, art and architecture. Historically a working-class area, Battery Point is now one of the most well-to-do areas in Hobart and is full of gorgeous 19th-century sandstone and weatherboard houses that have been renovated without any loss of their charm. It is also the home to my dream pink house pictured above.

At the heart of the area is Hampden Rd which houses some of Hobart’s best cafes, restaurants and pubs, like Jackman & McRoss, who have amazing coffee and pastries, A Tiny Place and the Prince of Wales Hotel, as well as a handful of boutiques, antique stores and art galleries.

2. Salamanca Market and Farm Gate Market

I can’t remember the last time I got a huge punnet of raspberries for less than $10 in Sydney, so of course, I ate approatmely three punnets while exploring Hobart’s most famous food market, Salamanca Markets. With over 300 stallholders, this Saturday morning market is an amazing place to start your day although it can get a little busy. As well as plenty of fresh food, including Tassie’s famous scallop pies (not recommended on a hungover stomach), there are numerous stalls selling clothes and locally made homewares.

If you are after a less chaotic market experience, Farm Gate Market which is much more like a regular, local farmers market, is a good alternative or the perfect place to grab breakfast and coffee on a Sunday morning.

3. MONA

Growing up in Australia, Tasmania was always the butt of somewhat good-natured jokes involving peoples cousins and many, particularly in Sydney or Melbourne, basically viewed Hobart as a big, backwards country town. Although you could argue that Tassie’s fantastic local produce helped change perceptions, it was undoubtedly The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), that solidified the island state and Hobart’s reputation as an international tourist destination.

There is no real right or wrong way to do Mona, but are a few pointers: the ferry is worth it and Faro Bar + Restaurant is amazing.

4. Whisky, Beer and Gin

Although there are some fantastic breweries and distilleries throughout Australia, Hobart arguably has the best selection in a small area. Sullivans Cove Distillery, which was awarded the Best Single Cask Single Malt at the 2019 World Whisky Awards, is located pretty close to the airport and runs tours (including tastings) seven days a week. If you are more of a gin fan, Drink Tasmania runs a full-day tour that visits some of the best distilleries just outside Hobart while no trip to Hobart is really complete without a visit (and a drink) to Australia’s longest continuous-running brewery, Cascade.

5. Bruny Island

Located about two hours from Hobart, Bruny Island is one of the best day trips you can do from Hobart especially if you like cheese and oysters. Easily accessible by car and ferry and also via numerous tours if you are feeling a little lazy or want to drink, Bruny Island also has beaches, a lighthouse, the Neck viewpoint, hikes and white wallabies.