Hobart is the creative, historic and cultural heart of Tasmania and there are plenty of things to do here. The city's waterfront is one of the top attractions in Hobart and it's also home to the Saturday Salamanca Markets.
Another great way to get a taste of the local food scene is to check out Farm Gate Market. Here you can pick up some of the best farm-fresh produce in the region!
1. Cascade Brewery
Located in the foothills of Mount Wellington, Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest brewery and produces beer, apple cider (the ‘Mercury Cider’ brand), non-alcoholic beverages and food. It also offers tours of the brewery and a Cascade Beer School, where guests can learn about brewing in a fun and interactive way.
Established in 1824, Cascade is the oldest surviving brewery in Australia and has been producing its iconic Cascade Pale Ale since 1832. Its founder Peter Degraves was a remarkable man who went on to build sawmills, finance and build the Theatre Royal and establish a successful shipbuilding business.
Today, the Cascade Brewery produces a wide range of beers. Its Premium Lager is brewed using Australian hops and carries the image of a Tasmanian tiger on its label.
2. Mount Nelson
The Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, perches at the base of Table Mountain. Its light pink facade, large windows and columned entryway create an air of dolce vita-style glamour.
Located within walking distance of Company Gardens and the Parliament of South Africa, this iconic establishment is an ideal base for exploring Hobart's nightlife, dining and shopping. The hotel also offers a shuttle to and from the Waterfront area.
The Mount Nelson is a socially conscious establishment and has received accreditation from the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme. Its green initiatives include a recycling programme and environmental education workshops for staff. It also supports a number of charities and local community projects.
3. Battery Point
Battery Point is a historic suburb just 10 minutes’ walk from Hobart City Centre. It retains the character of a Cornish fishing village from the last century and is home to several tearooms and restaurants, fine antique shops and plenty of pubs.
The area is a popular tourist attraction, with many of its 19th-century sandstone and weatherboard cottages dotted tightly into tiny streets and laneways. You can learn more about the history of this fascinating part of Hobart on a walking tour of Battery Point.
You can also climb Kelly’s Steps - a clever inner-city shortcut that was hacked into a cliff - to reach one of Battery Point’s most charming neighbourhoods. You’ll find a few museums here too, including the Narryna Heritage Museum on Hampden Road.
4. Museum of Old and New Art
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is an extraordinary art destination in Tasmania. Owned and funded by eccentric billionaire David Walsh, the private museum features a vast collection of artworks from antiquities to modernist masterpieces.
A short ferry ride from Hobart's waterfront lands you at the cliffside location of the museum. The MONA site is a complex that includes a winery, brewery, restaurant, and hotel.
The MONA experience is both eerie and spectacular. Designed by Australian architecture firm Fender Katsalidis, it’s built into the sandstone cliffs of Berriedale Peninsular.
5. Salamanca Market
Located next to the Hobart waterfront in historic Salamanca Place, the market has over 300 stallholders and operates every Saturday.
The market has a rich heritage and is an iconic Saturday tradition that brings Hobart’s waterfront alive with cultural vibrancy and artistic inspiration. It’s an experience not to be missed!
Locally crafted products are a key feature of the market. You’ll find Tasmanian timber treasures and homewares, bespoke jewellery, clothing, artwork, leather goods, hot coffee, wines and spirits, bath and body products, ceramics, preserves, cheese, handcrafted breads and more!
Stroll through the cobblestone street and chat with the friendly sellers. Grab some picnic provisions for lunch along the way.
