WHAT
WHERE
HOBART
Hobart Harbour - Tasmania
QUINTESSENTIAL HOBART
Don’t be fooled into thinking that Tasmania, or Tassie, as it’s affectionately known, is in any way insignificant in comparison to its colossal landmass next door, being mainland Australia.
Tassie is like a highly concentrated dose of quality in one compact and highly intriguing package.
Hobart - what a city to behold. It is ideally situated on the edge of the harbour. Houses and the centre of the city hug the coast and continue up the undulating hills behind, meaning many homes have wonderful views out over the sparkling bay. It’s easy to hark back to days when early European settlers were building houses, pubs and commercial spaces in this prime site. Many of those lovely old sandstone houses remain in Hobart so a walk around the pretty streets is essential.
In recent years, Hobart has seen a mass of high quality culinary enterprises spring forth and flourish. Food lovers, professional chefs and those passionate about farming and life on the land have found the produce that can be grown, the freedom of lifestyle and community enthusiasm for things gourmet to be magnetic.
HUNGRY?
Food really isn’t far from any experience in Hobart. The choice of cafes and restaurants is extraordinary and those wishing to experience authentic, lovingly cooked food using the best of local, seasonal produce, dairy products, meat and seafood will be delighted.
You won’t go thirsty either. Tasmania has a highly respected wine industry with stunning vineyards dotted around the island. Restaurants in Hobart itself are generally avid supporters of the local wine industry and very beautifully showcase Tasmanian wine, matched with food of the region.
A favourite is Garagistes, chef Luke Burgess is a master of seasonal eating and his food reflects the best of local and celebrates the essence of Tasmania.
The Urbanist has a pretty fantastic overview, follow their recommendations and then just follow your ‘food radar’ to narrow down your favourites.
For something special, check out Agrarian Kitchen. Chef and food writer, Rodney Dunn has developed a dream cooking school and farm where guests come for inspired, paddock to plate style cooking, sharing and eating. Details on their beautiful website – warning – book ahead to save disappointment of missing out!
GETTING IN THE SPIRIT
If you like a wee dram of something stronger, Tasmania also have a thriving spirits industry with distilleries producing some premium spirits.
Breweries in Tasmania too are boutique, delightful and open for tours as well as tastings and just enjoying a good beer with some local delicacies.
SALAMANCA MARKET
Saturday morning in Hobart is when Salamanca Place fires into life. With a vibrant market featuring over 300 stalls, here you will find everything good, local, tasty, intriguing, beautiful and artisan.
Salamanca Market Produce
WALK, CYCLE, PADDLE, SAIL AND EXPLORE
If you like the great outdoors, you’ll strike gold in Tasmania. As well as strolling the fascinating streets of Hobart, a jaunt or two out of town is highly recommended, even if you’re only there for a few days.
For the more rugged adventurers, overnight hikes take you into absolutely stunning, pristine wilderness and there are both mountainous and coastal options.
Being an island means lots of coastline and of course, this is fully celebrated in Tasmania. Everything from kayaking, to fishing, to sailing on a chartered yacht is on offer. Check out Discover Tasmania for ideas on where to find your ideal adventure.
CULTURE AND ARTS
We’ve focused on the culinary arts but Hobart cannot be overlooked for an impressive concentration of visual arts. There are lovely little galleries to explore all over Hobart.
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery are a must see. Housed in Tasmania’s oldest building, you will see a wonderfully curated collection of Aboriginal and colonial arts, relics and natural wonders.
The wild card in the cultural experience scene, has to be the now famous MONA. Situated twelve kilometres North of Hobart, the most exciting option for getting there is, we think, a cruise up the Derwent River. MONA is a dramatic offering with three floors to explore. Lonely Planet report that the “$75-million museum has been described by philanthropist owner David Walsh as ‘a subversive adult Disneyland’. Ancient antiquities are showcased next to contemporary works: sexy, provocative, disturbing and deeply engaging.”
While you’re at MONA, it would seem a pity not to call in at the magnificent winery, Moorilla. You can engage in some wine tasting or perhaps enjoy a Moo Brew beer tasting. There is also a stunningly situated restaurant, The Source, upstairs for a perfect lunch.
WAIT, THERE’S MORE
We’ll be featuring location guides from other great spots in Tasmania but just as a starter:
Launceston – a stunning town, Tasmania’s second largest to Hobart, situated perfectly on the harbour that’s dotted with yachts and fishing boats. Lovely restaurants; spectacular scenery; great community, and the gateway to activities in this region of the island.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Here are some great links to help you plan a trip to Hobart and the rest of Tasmania.
The Urban List - Where to Eat Hobart
Trip Advisor - Restaurants in Hobart
Gourmet Traveller - Happening Hobart
TEMPTED?
Prescript has partnered with some great places to work in Tasmania. Come & Locum for a week or two and let us help organise everything on your behalf. You might love it so much that you want to make the move more permanent!
Call me +61 405 429 799 or email nicola@prescript.com.au
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