My visit to Hobart was very brief – a day and an evening.
During that time I raced around Port Arthur , experienced a cool boat trip under the towering cliffs of the Tasmanian coastline with seals and penguins, and took a scenic sea plane flight to Wineglass Bay.
Just quietly Hobart rocks.
I really didn’t get much of a chance to see the city itself. We stayed at Salamanca Inn , which is in the heart of the historic area near the colourful waterfront.
Rows of historic Georgian sandstone warehouses converted into restaurants, cafes, bars and specialty shops and opposite plane trees line up to offer shade for the infamous Saturday Salamanca Markets. (I’ve been told one of Australia’s best) We stayed on the wrong day.
It’s all I needed to see of Hobart to know I wanted to explore more. Mt Wellington in the background offers a stunning and dramatic background.
Hobart is warm and inviting.
Stories of Australia’s history seep out from its walls enticing you to learn more as you wander the streets and sit in bars where whalers perhaps sat in the 1800’s. It’s Australia’s second oldest city and can now add a vibrant art and food culture as a worthy reason to visit.
I managed to have a spare hour early in the morning, so I grabbed my camera and my friend, Nat and walked around the harbour to take some beautiful early morning photos.
Hobart Harbour
This is the place where the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race ends. It’s a beautiful harbour and so serene early in the morning.
Food and Drink
The Henry James Art Hotel on the waterfront
The previous evening we had dinner at the Henry James Art Hotel and after a delicious meal with wonderful conversation and wine a few of us moved to the Cargo Bar , a wood-fired pizza and wine bar.
How could you not love having a coconut and honey mojito in a 180 year old sandstone building?
Ben Milbourne, a contestant on last year’s Masterchef, suggested it as well as the Washing Machine cafe, where Nat and I went the next morning for breakfast. He was spot on. It had funky decor and really relaxed and chatty staff. The food was wholesome and in true Tassie fashion, bursting with flavour.
Machine Laundry Cafe
Washing on, time for breakfast
Mexican avocado with chickpeas and haloumi -YUM
A Dash of History and Culture
After our scrummy breakfast and photo shoot we headed to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for our last tour and a press event. The gallery has recently undergone a huge renovation and celebrates Tasmania’s history, art and culture.
A highlight for me was the Tasmanian Aboriginal Gallery which celebrates Tasmania’s indigenous history and culture.
The quirky Harry Potter inspired staircase
Beautiful historic buildings
Loved this drawing showing the relationship at the beginning of settlement between Aboriginal people and the English
Yummy smoked salmon ceasar at the museum cafe
Walking the Streets of Hobart
I am SUPER keen to get back to Hobart and have a good wander through the cobblestoned streets, check out the Salamanca Markets and see what else this fine city has to offer.
