48 Hours in Hobart Tasmania

Hobart may not have a pretty history but it has transformed itself from a convict penal colony to a picturesque city which has firmly stamped itself on the global map. The second oldest city in Australia may be small, but it makes up for it in charm and character. From the Derwent River to the peaks of Mount Wellington, there’s plenty to do in Hobart, especially for foodies. A weekend in Hobart hardly does this pretty sea-side city justice,  but here’s a guide to get the most out of a Hobart weekend in just 48 hours.

Friday Evening

Arrive at Hobart Airport and take a short taxi ride to your accommodation (it’s only a 15- 20 minute drive to the CBD). Once checked in, venture to Hobart hot spot Grape Wine Bar in Salamanca and have a local wine or two around the caged cork bar  before strolling to Argyle Street to dine at David Moyle’s Franklin, a bar-cum-restaurant in a historic Ford showroom. The menu changes daily, but expect plenty of native Tasmanian produce and your taste buds to be tantalised. If you’re feeling lucky, take a short taxi ride to Wrest Point Casino for a round of Black Jack.

Saturday Morning

Get up bright and early and head to Salamanca Markets, one of Australia’s most popular markets. Salamanca Place is the former hub of Hobart’s trade and you can really feel the history of the place amongst its historic sandstone buildings. A perfect pit stop for breakfast is the impossibly cute Tricycle Café hidden in the Salamanca Arts Centre. There are plenty of breakfast options like smashed avocado and a delicious breakfast trifle layered with poached fruit, muesli and yoghurt. Don’t miss their delicious range of freshly made cakes and goodies by the counter.

Spend the morning wandering around hundreds of stalls at Salamanca, ranging from art and photography to local produce and wine. The delicious waft of gourmet sausages in the air may tempt you in for a second breakfast or an early lunch.

For the ultimate European deli like experience, call in to  The Wursthaus, just off Salamanca Place, to stock up on artisanal goodies like local cheeses, fresh salads and charcuterie. Wash it all down with a pint or two at one of historic pubs at Salamanca Place.

Saturday Afternoon

Work off a bit of that delicious food with a walk up to Battery Point via Kellys Steps. Battery Point is one of the prettiest suburbs in Hobart, with its 19th Century cottages lining its atmospheric streets.The area is also a great spot for shopping, with many cute boutiques nearby. Stop for a coffee and a cake at Jackman and McRoss: there’s no better spot than one of the pavement tables on a sunny day. Call in to the “Shippies” (The Shipwright Arms), one of Hobart’s oldest pubs, for a local brew on the way back.

If you have time, make your way to Sweet Envy, Hobart’s best cake shop for afternoon tea. From macarons and cookies to extravagant cake and gourmet icecream, sweet tooths won’t be disappointed here.

 Saturday Evening

Enjoy dinner watching the sun set over the harbour at one of Hobart’s hottest restaurants Aloft (but make sure you book ahead!). Located on the top floor of the Brooke Street Pier, there’s no better spot to watch the world go by. Prepare your taste buds for palate popping Pan Asian cuisine like beef tataki with wakame, crispy pig’s ears and that succulent pork belly, need I say more!

Finish your evening with a nightcap at Nant Whisky Bar in Salamanca. My tip is the Black Ray Whisky Espresso Martini, but don’t blame me if you’re up all night!

Sunday Morning

Start your morning at my favourite coffee and breakfast spot in Hobart – The Pigeon Hole Café. It looks more like a takeaway store on the outside, but there’s also a cosy room at the rear. Service is friendly, coffee is strong and the food is pretty delicious too. They focus on using seasonal local produce like free range eggs, premium quality butter and locally sourced fruits. My pick is the baked eggs with their delicious toast.

Once fuelled up on breakfast , head down to Constitution Dock for a harbour walk and wander along Victoria Dock fishing harbour and Sullivans Cove. Then make your way to the Farm Gate Markets (in Hobart every Sunday) and browse the fresh fruit, vegetables, fruit and market produce.

Look out for the Brooke Street Pier and buy a ferry ticket to MONA ($20 for return ticket or if you’re feeling like a drink and some nibbles with your ride opt for the ‘Posh Pit’ pass for $50). While you wait, grab a coffee at Bright Eyes, an offshoot of one of Hobart’s most popular coffee shops, Pilgrim Coffee.

Sunday Afternoon

Spend the afternoon in sensory overload at MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), which is described by owner David Walsh as a “subversive adult Disneyland” of sorts.  I won’t give too much away here, but make yourself familiar with your map so you don’t miss anything. After a couple of hours at the museum, sample some wine at the  Morilla cellar door then head to the Wine Bar for a wine and one of their delicious Winemaker’s Plates. If you’re looking to splurge a little, dine at The Source.

Return on the ferry and make your way to Mount Wellington for superb views over Hobart. Check out and depart for airport, with a full heart and belly

Staying Longer? Here are some tips for an extended stay.

• Do some hiking or mountain biking at Mount Wellington
• Enjoy a brew or two and a tour at the Cascade Brewery – Australia’s oldest brewery (1832)
• Explore the many museums and art galleries in Hobart
• Cook up a storm at the Agrarian Kitchen
• Visit Port Arthur
• Lunch at the Frogmore Creek Winery (30 minutes from Hobart)
• Go on the many day trips on offer including the Huon Valley, Richmond, Bruny Island, Mount Field National Park and the Coal River.
• Visit Lark Distillery
• Eat at Templo,  Westend Pumphouse, Ethos Eat Drink and Smolt