Many travelers underestimate just how much there is to see and do in Tasmania. If you plan a trip here, and, you absolutely should, be sure that you plan enough time to enjoy your stay and to see and taste this beautiful island.
Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is just one of the stops you must have on your travel itinerary. With a dynamic foodie scene, fun markets, and vibrant neighborhoods all on the banks of the River Derwent, it was an easy decision to start our Tasmanian road trip here.
Tip: When you come to Tasmania, be prepared for all types of weather because it is possible to have all 4 seasons in a single day! It can change from glorious sunshine to quite cold weather quickly, so don’t forget your jumper. We heard from a real Tassie: “If you don’t like the weather, come back in 5 minutes!”.
Mount Wellington
Probably one of the first stops for every traveler who comes to Hobart is Mount Wellington. The drive up is windy and extremely steep, but once you arrive, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. As we slowly drove up and finally reached the top, it was very foggy and cold. Even though we couldn’t see anything, the fog draped the area and turned it into a mystic wonderland. Next time we will take the bus* in order to give our campervan Putu a break, and then soak in the 360° views! Hopefully!!
Salamanca Market
We were told that the market was downsized due to COVID, so we weren’t expecting much. But man, what an amazing market!! The Salamanca Market was a huge wow when we arrived after our little stroll from Battery Point. The stallholders are all local, and the products are mostly made in Tasmania. When visiting the Salamanca Market, you will find a large variety of fresh produce, flowers, woodcrafts, clothes, hats, tempting food stalls, delicious smelling coffee, and colorful toys. There are also a surprisingly large number of local wines, beer, vodka, and gin stands. All with a free tasting of course! It is easy to spend a few hours here! Be sure you explore all the cute boutique stores in the stone building next to the market.
Salamanca Market
Opening hours: every Saturday 08:30 am – 3:00 pm
Address: Salamanca Place
Phone: +61 03 6238 2430
Email: salamancamarket@hobartcity.com.au
Website: Salamanca Market
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
If you are interested in history and art, then the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is the place to be! Wonderful exhibitions are awaiting you in this well-organized museum and art gallery in Hobart*. Our favorite display was the one that showcased the extinct Tasman Tiger. The cherry on top: the museum entry is free!
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG)
Opening hours: daily 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (26 December – 31 March)
Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (1 April – 24 December)
10:00 am – 4:00 pm Tasmanian public holiday Mondays year-round
Closed Good Friday, Anzac Day (25 April), and Christmas Day
Address: Dunn Place, Hobart
Phone: +61 03 6165 7000
Email: tmagmail@tmag.tas.gov.au
Website: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Battery Point and the Sculpture Trail
On our first day in Hobart, we had a picnic in our campervan at Little Sandy Bay, when a large “1909” at the end of the bay caught our attention. It was part of the Battery Point Sculpture Trail which winds its way through the prestige suburb of Battery Point. Curious as to what this was about, we started walking the Sculpture Trail. The large white 1909 numbers tell a little of the early life of the actor, Erol Flynn. Did you know that Erol Flynn was born in Hobart?
Continuing our walk, we found ourselves in a lovely neighborhood lined with historic apartments and cottages. Most of the houses have beautiful roses in their front yard, mostly in pure white and shades of pink. A must-do is to take a coffee break at the Jackman & McRoss Bakery and try one of their cakes! They are delicious! We had the Chocolate Espresso Cake and Vanilla and Strawberry Slice, and it was so good. We even came back and tried an Almond Croissant!
Battery Point is a neighborhood located south of the Business District.
Jackman & McRoss is found at 57-59 Hampden Road, Hobart Tasmania 7004.
Lark Distillery
Back home, we started a little whiskey collection, so it was no surprise that while in Hobart, we took the chance to visit the Lark Distillery. Learn about the history of Tasmania’s whiskey industry while relaxing in a cozy red leather armchair, soaking in the ambiance, and indulging in a dram.
Lark Distillery
Opening hours: various due to COVID
Address: 14 Davey Street, Hobart Tasmania 7000
Phone: +61 03 6231 9088
Email: over the website
Website: https://larkdistillery.com/
Van Diemens Land Creamery
Who doesn’t love ice cream?! We are definitely team ice cream, regardless if it is warm or cold outside. Strolling along the pier, we came across Van Diemens Land Creamery. Coincidence?
Probably not. And we loved the huge variety of flavors they offer. Our favorite was the lemon sorbet. What is yours?
Van Diemens Land Creamery
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Friday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Address: Constitution Dock, Hobart TAS 7000
Phone: +61 0448 849 724
Email: hobart@vdlcreamery.com.au
Website: Van Diemens Land Creamery
Cascade Brewery
The Cascade Brewery is “home to the oldest operating brewery in Australia” and we must say that we really like the taste of their beers. Especially the Cascade Pale Ale! The interior is very inviting and has views of the old Cascade building and is surrounded by their heritage garden. What a nice place to enjoy a picnic!
Cascade Brewery
Menu Food_Menu_
Drink List Cascade_Brewery_Bar_Drinks_Menu
Opening hours: Sunday – Tuesday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Address: 140 Cascade Road, South Hobart Tasmania 7004
Phone: +61 03 6212 7801
Email: over the website
Website: www.cascadebreweryco.com.au
Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
If you are in the area, we would recommend visiting the Cascades Female Factory. This World Heritage-listed site shares stories of female convicts from the early days of Tasmania.
Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
Opening hours: Seven days 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Address: 16 Degraves Street, South Hobart Tasmania 7004
Phone: 1800 139 478
Email: reservations@femalefactory.org.au
Website: Cascades Female Factory
Food and Coffee on Elizabeth Street
We love to explore neighborhoods and ended up walking down Elizabeth Street. We were quite surprised by how many great food places it offers. Elizabeth Street is lined with coffee shops and restaurants, all the way down into the CBD. Delighted, we ate and drank our way through Queens Pastry, Straight up Coffee and Food, The Stagg, Bury Me Standing, Veg Bar, Born in Brunswick, and so many others. In random order, we put together our recommendations for some of the coffee shops and restaurants on Elizabeth Street as well as in the CBD area.
Bury Me Standing
Menu: Menu | Bury Me Standing, Hobart
Phone: +61 424 365 027
E-mail: over their website
Address: 83-85 Bathurst Street, Hobart
Website: https://www.burymestanding.com.au
Veg Bar
Menu: Veg Bar MENU
Phone: +61 6231 1593
E-mail: info@vegbar.com.au
Address: 346 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart
Website: Veg Bar
Jackman &McRoss
Menu: not found
Phone: +61 03 6223 3186
E-mail: over facebook
Address: 57-59 Hampden Rd. Hobart
Website: Jackman and McRoss | Facebook
Pigeon Whole Bakers
Menu: not found
Phone: +61 0408 681 185
E-mail: over their website
Address: 32 Argyle St, Hobart
Website: www.pigeonwholebakers.com.au
Queens Pastry
Menu: not found
Phone: +61 3 6236 9198
E-mail: hello@queensfinepastry.com
Address: 144 Harrington St, Hobart
Website: Queens Pastry | Facebook
Straight Up Coffee and Food
Menu: not found
Phone: +61 0432 482 764
E-mail: straightupcoffeeandfood@gmail.com
Address: 202 Liverpool Street, Hobart
Website: Straight Up Coffee and Food
The Stagg
Menu: The Stagg Midtown
Phone: +61 3 6295 5776
E-mail: coffee@thestagg.com
Address: 138 Elizabeth St, Hobart
Website: The Stagg Midtown | Facebook
Born in Brunswick
Menu: Born In Brunswick
Phone: +61 438 250 515
E-mail: info@borninbrunswick.com.au
Address: 410 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart
Website: Born In Brunswick
OZUS Coffee
Menu: not found
Phone: +61 624 77709
E-mail: ozuscoffee@gmail.com
Address: 56 Hampden Rd, Hobart
Website: Ozus Coffee | Facebook
Pancho Villa
Menu: not found
Phone: +61 3 6234 4161
E-mail: over their website
Address: Corner Elizabeth St & Pitt St, North Hobart
Website: Pancho Villa – Restaurant & Tequila Bar
Little Miss Espresso
Menu: not found
Phone: not found
E-mail: littlemissespresso@gmail.com
Address: 479 Sandy Bay Rd, Hobart
Website: Little Miss Espresso | Facebook
And if you have more time, there are many more things to do in Hobart like the MONA, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the Tasman Bridge, and the Mount Nelson Lookout.
We hope you enjoyed our best things to do in Hobart. Let us know your favorites so we can add them to our list!
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