24 hours in Hobart
13 Jul 2015
A beautiful blend of history, fresh local food and arts and culture, Tasmania's capital city is the perfect getaway.
Early morning
1. In full bloom
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are magnificent no matter what the season (Lower Domain Rd, Queens Domain). Start your day with a lovely stroll around the beautiful Japanese garden, spice garden and hothouses. There are also some wonderful walking paths to enjoy, too.
2. A visit to Paris
A French bakery in the middle of Hobart, Daci & Daci Bakery (9-11 Murray St) offers a little slice of heaven. It’s the perfect place to stop for breakfast. Try the brioche with herbed scrambled eggs, then stock up on some macarons for your morning tea.
Late morning
3. By the seaside
Walk off your meal and head to Sullivans Cove (Hunter St) for a stroll around the water. You’ll see plenty of boats docked along the shoreline and some delightful statues of penguins and seals.
4. Culture vulture
Just a hop, skip and a ferry ride from Sullivans Cove, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) (655 Main Rd, Berriedale) is a unique experience, a world away from conventional museums. It’s filled with a vast collection of different works across various periods of time, from interactive exhibits and modern art installations to 1000-year-old Egyptian relics.
5. Chocoholics rejoice
Got a sweet tooth? The Cadbury Factory (100 Cadbury Rd, Claremont) is a short drive from MONA. You can practically smell the delicious chocolate in the air. Learn how the products are made, then head to the shop to pick up some goodies.
6. A step back in time
Head back to the harbour and stroll around the quaint streets of Battery Point, one of Hobart’s oldest and most historic areas. It’s lined with charming cottages, gardens and sandstone buildings. There are also lovely restaurants nearby, like the
Jam Jar Lounge (45 Hampden Rd).
7. To market to market
Just a short walk from Battery Point, make sure you’ve got comfortable shoes on for the famous Salamanca Markets (Salamanca Pl). There’s a wide range of goods on offer from local business owners, such as artisan jewellery and fresh Tasmanian produce like cheese and olive oil. It’s the perfect place to find that special souvenir.
Afternoon
8. Up the market
Head to the top of Mount Wellington (Pinnacle Rd, Wellington Park) and on a clear day, you’ll get stunning 360-degree views. There’s a wealth of historical and geographical information, a
fully-enclosed observatory and walking trails for all levels. Pick a spot and set up a picnic to really make the most of the scenery.
Evening
9. Drink and dine
Hungry? Ball & Chain Grill (87 Salamanca Pl) is a local icon, offering a wide range of delicious Tasmanian produce, from the fresh seafood to the grass-fed steaks. There’s also an impressive list of both vintage and contemporary wines to choose from, too.
10. The ghosts of bygone days
Explore the city's shady past by night at the Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site (Campbell St & Brisbane St). Take a tour through the courts and tunnels, cells and gallows as your guide shares stories of the 50,000 convicts who passed through the site. Wind your way around by a flickering lamplight to the execution yard.
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