As a city steeped in history while brimming with contemporary culture, Hobart is a true travellers delight. The Tasmanian capital really does have it all — a thriving culinary offering, vibrant art scene and natural beauty that would rival any destination across the globe.
Whether your idea of the ideal urban escape is to reserve a table at the top eateries, sip on local natural wines or be wowed by world-class art, the promise of a good time in Hobart is guaranteed.
STAY
The Henry Jones Art Hotel
If you love history, art and style, prepare to fall in love with The Henry Jones Art Hotel. Set in Hobart’s oldest waterfront warehouses, the now meticulously restored boutique hotel is Australia’s first dedicated art hotel. With over 400 original and contemporary artworks hanging proudly throughout the hotel, the Henry Jones (as it’s affectionately known) is dedicated to showcasing Tasmania’s emerging and established artists. A hotel that doubles as an art gallery? Yes, please. Art lovers, look no further.
https://www.thehenryjones.com/
Islington Hotel
If you’re looking for luxury in the Apple Isle, Islington Hotel is your pot of gold. Located in South Hobart with postcard-like views of Mount Wellington, this 11-room, Regency-style hotel is a showcase of Tasmanian accommodation at its very best.
The hotel’s grand structure and picture-perfect setting are as impressive as the details — think Matisse paintings, Hockney etchings, custom-made furniture and an eclectic collection of antiques sourced from around the globe. Prepare to be charmed.
https://www.islingtonhotel.com/
Mona Pavillions
If you thought visiting MONA was cool, imagine sleeping there. Next to the museum on banks of the River Derwent, eight ultra-contemporary pavilions set on three-and-a-half hectare private peninsula are yours to call home for a short while.
Each state-of-the-art pavilion is named after an influential Australian artist or architect — Brett (Whitely), Esmond (Dorney) and Walter (Burley Griffin), to name a few — and, of course, feature artworks from the MONA collection.
https://mona.net.au/stuff-to-do/mona-pavilions
The Tasman
The Tasman is a class act. Housed inside a historic Georgian sandstone warehouse in Salamanca in the city centre, this Marriott Luxury Hotel Collection property is a waterfront haven complete with Art Deco-designed rooms, restored fireplaces, original artwork and custom furnishings. A special mention goes to the sweeping water views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. If you’re in search of a luxury stay, consider The Tasman your perfect match.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hbalc-the-tasman-a-luxury-collection-hotel-hobart/overview/
Lumière Lodge
If you’re looking for a home away from home, Lumière Lodge is the answer. Set at the foothills of West Hobart, this late 1800s Victorian townhouse is the definition of charm. Think rich colours, stained-glass windows, heritage features and styling so perfect you’ll be inspired to redecorate on arriving home.
The Moss Hotel
Sprawled across two heritage buildings on the iconic Salamanca Place, The Moss Hotel has been impressing travellers to the capital since opening in 2019. This boutique hotel fuses exceptional design, prime location and world-class service.
EAT
Peppina
To foodies across the country, Peppina is the name of one of Tassie’s best restaurants, but to owner-chef Massimo Mele, it has an even deeper meaning — Peppina is the name of his nonna, whose meals inspired the restaurant. The Tasmanian-born, Naples-raised chef has created a restaurant that promises big-hearted Italian hospitality, relaxed dining, generosity and seasonal Tasmanian produce. Its impressive 4.7 Google rating proves the venue’s popularity. This is Italian, the Tasmanian way.
https://www.peppinarestaurant.com/
Fico
Not long after opening the doors to its intimate 40-seat dining room back in 2016, Fico fast became one of Hobart’s must-try dining experiences. The award-winning restaurant offers up a European-inspired tasting menu created with the best Tasmanian game, seafood and organic produce all sourced from local growers.
The menu is so seasonal it changes weekly, but when past menus have featured dishes such as raw tuna with pistachio crumb and watermelon radish, and spaghetti with mussels, turmeric and tomato water, you know you’re in for a culinary experience like no other.
The team at Fico invites its guests to “relax, enjoy and have fun”. Count us in.
Dier Makr
As one of the most celebrated degustation experiences in the state, there’s good reason Dier Makr sits proudly on most best restaurant lists. Centrally located between Salamanca Place and the CBD, Dier Makr is famed for its creative, intimate and innovative dining experience. Chef-owner Kobi Ruzicka's creates small dishes that pack a flavour punch using just a few seasonal ingredients for each. When delcious. describe a restaurant as “a bucket-list dining experience” you know a reservation is essential. Extra points for the chic interior.
The Agrarian Kitchen
If you’re not familiar with The Agrarian Kitchen, allow us the honour to introduce you to the nationally renowned restaurant, cooking school and garden. Located in the charming township of New Norfolk, 30 minutes northwest of Hobart, this farm-to-table experience is best known for its hyper-seasonal restaurant and intimate cooking classes in the likes of butchery, cheesemaking, pasta-making, fermenting and preserving.
Having just been awarded Gourmet Traveller’s 2024 restaurant of the year award — a Tasmanian first — we suggest putting The Agrarian Kitchen on the top of your travel itinerary.
https://www.theagrariankitchen.com/
DRINK
Sonny
Self-described as “a little place in town for the simple pleasures”, Sonny is a tiny wine bar located in the heart of Hobart. The 20-seat venue may be small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in vibe. Expect an extensive wine list, simple seasonal snacks and dance-worthy tunes via vinyl. Sonny takes walk-ins only so arrive early if you have your heart set on warming one of those 20 seats for the night.
Lucinda Wine Bar
As the sister wine bar to Dier Makr, Lucinda (as it’s simply known) is everything you want from a wine bar — an ever-changing selection of wines, knowledgeable staff, a restaurant-worthy bar menu — and importantly, a takeaway offering in case you’re not ready for the night to end.
Lucinda sits at the front of its shared heritage space (with Dier Makr) where you can find a cosy spot inside or spill onto the street and watch the world pass you by — wine in hand, of course.
Mary Mary
Dubbed “Tasmania’s classiest cocktail bar” by Time Out, you can be certain Mary Mary won’t disappoint. Taking its name from the St Mary's Hospital building that it is set within, Mary Mary showcases the best of Tasmania. The team source local fruits and indigenous botanicals to create Tasmanian inspired cocktails and its spirits offering is filled with rare, artisanal spirits from the island. The vibe is refined — think leather detailing, marble table tops, brass features — and the food is by its sister venue, Peppina — need we say more?
DO
Visit MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
No trip to Hobart would be complete without a visit to MONA. The Museum of Old and New Art was founded by art collector David Walsh and is Australia's largest private museum. Described by Walsh as “a subversive adult Disneyland”, MONA is also known for its unique, thought-provoking and controversial showcase of art, installations and curio.
Jump on the MONA Roma ferry and enjoy a scenic 30-minute trip from the Hobart waterfront to the museum.With a winery and brewery on site, make a day of it.
Explore Salamanca Market
The Salamanca Market is a Hobart institution. Every Saturday, locals and tourists alike flock to the historic Salamanca Place to indulge in fresh produce from local growers, discover makers and handmade artisan goods. It’s vibrant, it’s bustling and it’s a must-do.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds (which peak at around 10am) and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the hundreds of local stallholders.
https://www.salamancamarket.com.au/Home
Explore the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Established in 1818, the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens is Australia’s premier cool climate garden, and is as beautiful as you’d expect. The garden has it all — a collection of Tasmania's unique flora, exotic species from around the world, a Japanese Garden, a thriving kitchen garden, a Lily Pond and a Subantarctic Plant House.
Pack a picnic and get lost in one the world’s most magnificent gardens.
