Hobart is a nature lover’s paradise situated on the River Derwent with a clear view of Mount Wellington in its backdrop. The city is surrounded by old sandstone warehouses and colonial-era cottages. This is contrasted with the city’s famous MONA’s that attracts more hundreds of thousands of people. Whether it’s Hobart’s history, culture or natural beauty that takes you there, you won’t forget a picturesque trip to Tasmania’s capital city.
With so much to explore, here’s how to spend 48 hours in Hobart.
Day 1
8am: Get your caffeine fix
The coffee culture in Hobart is amongst the best in the world. It’s the perfect way to start your day. Make your way to any one of the fabulous venues to sample your favourite blend:
1. Pigeon Hole
Tucked away in the quiet hilly streets of West Hobart, yet a stone’s throw from the city centre, this little gem of a cafe is supported entirely by its own farm. Bag a table in this cosy space for coffee courtesy of local roasters Villino and something hearty and delicious from its all-day menu.
Pigeon Hole cafe is supported entirely by its own farm, Weston Farm. (Image: Tourism Tasmania / Adam Gibson)
2. Villino/Ecru
Villino Coffee Roasters, one of the longest-running coffee roasters and wholesalers in Tasmania, has two of its own cafes in the Hobart CBD. Choose between espresso, cold brew, pour over, cascara tea made from coffee cherry pulp and even a coffee flight
Try Ecru for coffee to go.
3. Yellow Bernard
The owners of this specialty spot in the middle of Hobart’s CBD are passionate about perfecting the art of good coffee, and deliver it with ever-friendly and efficient service. Pull up a stool along the window bench with your cup, find a sunny spot on the street outside or grab it to go.
4. The Stagg/Atlas Espresso
This small, family-run coffee shop is all about delivery high quality take-away coffee and home-made treats to the people of Hobart. The Stagg also run Atlas Espresso, a seven-minute walk down Elizabeth Street towards the waterfront.
5. Island Espresso
A Hobart stalwart, Island Espresso pours consistently good local coffee from its cosy spot on Elizabeth Street in Midtown. Head upstairs on a cold day to be warmed by the fireplace.
6. Room for A Pony
Room for A Pony is a standout here – a cafe occupying a former petrol station site that’s been outfitted with a light industrial touch, wall art, hanging plans and a sunny outside spot out front. It serves an all-day menu and wood-fire pizzas into the night. And, of course, excellent coffee.
Room for A Pony occupies a former petrol station site. (Image: Osborne Images)
7. Born in Brunswick
As its name suggests, North Hobart’s Born in Brunswick has taken its cues from Melbourne coffee culture to create a light and airy space with a Scandi feel that is serious about its beans.
Run by ex-Masterchef contestant Con Vailas and his best mate Ben Korkmaz, it serves blends from Melbourne roasters Industry beans. Its single-origin espresso, batch brew and pour-over filter coffee are on a rotating roster that represents a variety of roasters and origins.
As well as excellent coffee guaranteed, the food here is locally sourced, sustainable and seasonal.
It is also run by ex-Masterchef contestant Con Vailas and his best mate Ben Korkmaz. (Image: Natalie Mendham)
8. Brooke Street Larder
For coffee with water views, head to Brooke Street Larder at the end of Brooke Street Pier on the Hobart waterfront. It’s an ideal spot to grab some coffee before catching the Mona ferry, which leaves from the same pier, and has an all-day menu featuring the best of local Tassie produce.
For coffee with water views, head to Brooke Street Larder.
9. Parklane Espresso
Head to Parklane Espresso for your caffeine fix when you’re exploring the cobblestones and old merchant buildings of Salamanca Place. This niche purveyor of quality coffee is tucked off the square and packs a big punch for a small space; it also has a short but sweet food menu.
10. Jackman and McRoss
Hobart’s favourite bakery is perched high up in the historic suburb of Battery Point. Make your way up to Jackman and McRoss via Kelly’s Steeps from Salamanca Place and duly reward yourself upon arrival. You’ll find a huge range of freshly made cakes and pastries to choose from.
Jackman & McRoss is a favourite with the Hobart locals.
10am: Head to Mount Wellington for some serious adventure
Just a half hour drive from Hobart and you’ll find yourself in Wellington Park. Whether it’s summer or winter, travellers are advised to rug up as the wild weather adds to the great experience and panoramic views make it worth the trek. Make sure you check the weather before you decide to go here… even the slightest cloud could hinder your view from on top of the mountain. If you’re after the perfect sunrise or sunset shot, make sure you leave for Mt Wellington 2 hours beforehand.
12:30pm: Enjoy the local vibe at the Salamanca Market
Arguably, Tasmania’s numero uno tourist attraction, the Salamanca Market is one of Australia’s most famous outdoor markets (with no entry fee!). Situated right next to the Hobart waterfront, the Salamanca Market is set up on Saturdays only with over 300 stalls that sell everything from local food and wines, jewellery, and artworks to name a few.
3pm: Learn about Tassie’s history
Pay a visit to The Tench a.k.a Hobart Convict Penitentiary and hear tales of punishment and crime from your friendly tour guide. Wander the narrow tunnels and solitary cells of this infamous site and travel back in time as you experience a convict’s life in the 1800s.
6pm: Time for some local fish & chips
What better place to have fish and chips than at the iconic Hobart landmark Constitution Dock. Located close to several local attractions, walk around the harbour-side dock and watch the boats sail by.
If you are after seafood you have come to the right place. Tasmania does better seafood than anywhere else in the world. A big claim, but true. Trust us we have eaten a lot of fish and chips in a lot of countries.
In no particular order here is the list you should choose from:
- Fish Frenzy
- Flippers Fish Punt
- Rockwall Bar and Grill
- Mures Lower Deck
These are the best, but if the restaurant you go to serves Fish or seafood and your in Tasmania then you are onto a good thing. Try the crayfish or the salmon. You will never eat plane flake and chips again.
Day 2
7am: Start your day with a gorgeous view
There’s nothing like starting your day with a view of Hobart and the River Derwent. Make your way to the Rosny Hill Lookout located just 6 kilometres from the city. From this viewing platform, not only will you have an aerial view of the city, but you’ll also be able to spot Mount Wellington in the backdrop. This is also a great spot to watch the sun set over the mountain.
10:30am: Visit a famous World Heritage listed site
Have you really been to Hobart if you haven’t been to its famous world heritage listed site? One of the most significant convict era sites in the world, Port Arthur Historic Site offers rich history and scenic beauty. Hear tales of strict discipline among convicts and a significant part of Australian history. There are several tours to choose from – whether you book the ‘Escape from Port Arthur’ touror the Commandant’s Carriage tour – your trip to this historic site will most definitely be the highlight of your holiday.
4pm: Take a stroll through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Once you’ve made your way back to Hobart, drop by the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Sitting at about 14 hectares, the botanic gardens is home to the largest collection of mature conifers in the Southern Hemisphere. Find a spot on the grass and lie on your back and watch the roaring 40’s blast the clouds by. Did you know Tasmania has some of the cleanest air in the world?
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – Lily Pads. Image courtesy – Lusy Productions
6pm: Experience Australian local cuisine
The food and wine in Hobart is exceptional. In the same way we use to travel to Europe to eat the best food, Europeans now travel to Tasmania to do the same. The food is fresh, local and prepared by people who not only know what they are doing, but love what they are doing, and everyday we get to share this yummy tasing love.
If you are looking for a recommendation from a local here are a few of our current favourites in no particular order:
Dier Makr
COLLINS STREET
Heading into Dier Makr you’ll find ‘Gram-worthy dishes aplenty. And as we’ve come to expect in Tasmania, the menu features dishes made only from locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss visiting the wine room to pick your tipple.
Fico
MACQUARIE STREET
Fico is your destination if you’ve got Italian on your mind. What you’ll find at Fico are classic Italian dishes you’d totally expect but with a bit of a Japanese influence on some of the dishes, which will keep you on your toes.
The Lounge By Frogmore Creek
HUNTER STREET
Located on Hobart’s waterfront, The Lounge by Frogmore Creek boasts sweeping views just begging to be uploaded to the ‘Gram. Brought to you by the talented team behind Frogmore Creek Wines, you know you’re in for an absolute treat. Aside from the wines, the menu is just as spectacular and lends itself to a true Tasmania taste showcasing the best local produce.
Kosaten Hobart
CASTRAY ESPLANADE
At Kosaten you’ll find traditional Japanese favourites with a dash of modern creativity thrown in for good measure. Check out the tempura oyster. Yep, you’ve never tried anything like this before and in our opinion, this dish is well worth the flight to Tassie. But that’s not all, in true Japanese style you’ll be ordering from an iPad and your food will arrive on your own bullet train.
Landscape
HUNTER STREET
You’ll find Landscape attached to The Henry Jones Art Hotel on Hunter Street. Inspired by, and featuring many artworks by the English painter John Glover, Landscape dishes up magnificent ingredients like aged local wagyu, Tasmanian lamb, or freshly-caught seafood with all being expertly cooked over coals.
ALØFT
BROOKE STREET
ALØFT can be found above Brooke Street pier and boasts epic views of Hobart’s gorgeous harbour. ALØFT’s menu changes with the seasons and celebrates the raw nature of Tasmania, so you’ll find the finest local produce on show here. From the fine food to the ambience and views, ALØFT is an experience to remember.
Templo
PATRICK STREET
Set in the back streets, Templo has room for only 20 diners at one time, so best to book if you’re looking to pop in. The charm of Templo is its communal dining table where you’ll sit with people you’ve never met to enjoy a delicious meal. The menu features 8-10 dishes daily with ingredients sourced within a 50km radius of the restaurant. Expect Italian and other European inspired dishes.
Peacock And Jones
HUNTER STREET
You’ll find Peacock And Jones as part of The Henry Jones Art Hotel right at Hobart’s waterfront and CBD area. Feast upon Huon Valley Berkshire pork chops, wallaby, pressed lamb shoulder, and much more from a menu that covers all bases including vegetarian, and a delicious bread and butter pudding to top it all off.
Photo credit: David Counsell
