Whether you're heading to the city for the day or staying overnight, there are several great places to visit in Hobart. Some of these places are more than a little bit swanky and stylish, while others are a must-see for history buffs and nature enthusiasts.
Salamanca Place
Located at Hobart, Tasmania, Salamanca Place is an idyllic waterfront location with old-world charm and modern-day sophistication. Previously known as Cottage Green, this historic docks area is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The area is home to several art galleries, a performing arts centre, and many shops and cafes. It is also home to one of Australia's largest outdoor markets.
Set among mellow sandstone facades of historic warehouses, the market is a popular place to shop for unique finds. The market features over 300 vendors, which offer locally-made products such as gastronomy, art, fashion, and crafts.
The area is also home to one of Hobart's best open-air markets, which takes place every Saturday. The market is located at the renowned Salamanca Arts Centre, which houses more than 60 art galleries, artists' studios, and performance spaces.
The Museum of Old and New Art is also a great place to check out. This private museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary works from around the world. The museum is also open daily.
The Farm Gate Market is also a popular Hobart attraction. It is a farmer's market that focuses on food and flowers. It is open from 8.30am to 1pm on Sundays. The market features vibrant bouquets of fresh flowers.
For a more family-friendly dining experience, Da Angelo Ristorante is a great choice. The restaurant serves Italian cuisine and has been serving traditional Italian dishes since 1994.
You can also go shopping at the Salamanca Markets, which are held every Saturday. This open air market is the largest in Australia, featuring hundreds of stallholders selling artisanal items. These include handmade bowls from Huon pine, local produce, and handcrafted goods.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Located on the banks of the Derwent River, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular natural attractions in Hobart. The 14 hectares garden offers exotic plants and colourful displays.
The Gardens include the Subantarctic Plant House. This one-of-a-kind facility features a collection of rare plants from the sub-antarctic islands. The interior of the building mimics the conditions of the sub-antarctic islands in high latitudes. The sounds of wind, rain, and wildlife from the region also provide a captivating experience.
The garden also features the historic Lily Pond. The iconic structure was built in 1840. It features numerous shrubs and flowers. The garden also includes a visitor centre and a shop that sells plant pots, gift items, and plant seeds. The gardens also host educational events and community outreach programs.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the garden. The gardens also offer guided tours that run for about 1.5 hours. They can also learn more about the history of the garden and its maintenance.
There is a cafe inside the garden where you can get a cup of ice cream or a delicious meal. You can purchase tomato seed kits and a selection of gift items. The Gardens also feature a gallery with local artists and a souvenir shop. The Gardens offer an annual career event called Growing Your Future. This program aims to educate students from around Tasmania about the importance of plants and the environment.
There is plenty of parking near the gardens. You can also use the free iPhone app to learn about the latest blooms and upcoming events. You can buy a ticket to attend the Dark Moho Festival in June.
Cascade Brewery
Whether you're travelling through Tasmania for the first time, or if you're a seasoned traveller, there are many reasons to consider Cascade Brewery as one of the top places to visit in Hobart. It's a local icon, with a strong independent heritage. You'll find it situated in beautiful gardens and surrounded by a scenic mountain backdrop.
There are a number of tours available to visitors. The Cascade History and Brewery Experience will take you through the history of the brewery, and introduce you to the craft of brewing. You'll learn about the ingredients used in Cascade brews and taste a selection of different beers.
The Cascade Premium tour is a longer tour. It takes 90 minutes and includes a stroll through the Woodstock Gardens. The tour includes a sample of the beer that is brewed here, and you can purchase a bottle or two.
The Cascade Story Tour is another great way to learn about the history of the brewery. You'll see the brewing process, but you won't get inside the actual factory. It's a good idea to book a tour in advance.
The Cascade Beer School is a fun, informative workshop that takes you through the history of Australia's oldest brewery. You'll learn about the various processes and flavours of the different brews, and you'll also discover how to pour a perfect beer.
If you're looking for something to do after the tour, there's a restaurant in the Cascade Brewhouse. The menu is specially crafted to pair well with the various beers and ciders that are produced here. You'll receive a free soft drink with your meal. You can choose from a variety of dishes, including vegetarian options.
Mount Nelson
Located on the Tasman Peninsula, Mount Nelson lookout is a colonial-built signal station. It offers an exceptional view of the Hobart region. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the River Derwent and Bruny Island. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
There is a picnic area at Mount Nelson. A small restaurant offers refreshments. It is also a great place to see the Southern Lights. There are sturdy rails and a boardwalk.
Originally, Mount Nelson was a house. It was built on a 1.4 hectare block. The house had a large garden. The residents all had different gardening styles. In fact, each had a productive patch.
Afterwards, the owners of the house built three smaller dwellings for two couples. Today, it is a tourist attraction, restaurant, and picnic area. It is also a popular hiking destination. Several guided tours are available.
Another attraction to visit is the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. This 14 hectare park is a short drive from the city centre. The Botanical Gardens offer a wide variety of unique exhibits. It also features a cafe and coffee shop. There are several interactive zones for kids.
The Tasmanian Museum of Art and History is another good place to visit. It is situated in a beautiful heritage building. It is free and features some interesting visiting collections. There are also free guided tours. The museum also accepts donations.
One of the most popular day trips from Hobart is a visit to Port Arthur. This is a historic World Heritage site. The tour takes about three hours. During the trip, you will have the chance to experience the famous Subantarctic Plant House, which mimics a subantarctic island.
Huon Valley glamping
Located just over 30 minutes' drive from Hobart, Huon Valley glamping is one of the most unique places to stay in Tasmania. This glam glamping experience features safari-style tents equipped with a freestanding wooden bath, a king bed, and a rain shower.
The Huon River flows gently through the valley. The valley is home to several waterfalls, including Pelverata Falls, Billy Brown Falls, and Arve Falls. It is also home to the Huon River Cruises, which run up to Franklin.
There are many cute B&Bs in the area. If you are looking for an easy day trip, consider exploring Huon Valley. During the winter, many businesses reduce their hours. You'll also want to check for road closures.
Besides its natural beauty, Huon Valley is known for its boutique winemakers and quality salmon producers. It is also home to World Heritage-listed national parks. It is a great place to explore on a day trip from Hobart.
You'll want to take a kayak around the Huon River. The river is flat and calm, so you don't need to be an expert to enjoy the peaceful experience. You'll need to pack layers of clothing and all your gear, but it is a very relaxing way to spend a few hours.
You'll also want to spend some time at the acclaimed Mona. The museum is the largest privately-funded museum in the southern hemisphere.
The drink Tasmania signature tour is a good choice if you're interested in a food and drink tour of the area. The tour includes a sober driver and half of the stops are in Hobart.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local, you'll find many hidden gems. You can also explore the local maritime industry, including the Wooden Boat Centre.
