53 Hours in Hobart, Tasmania

Last updated: 15 July 2023

Originally published in November 2014. To many Aussies, Tasmania conjures up images of 6 fingered trolls under bridges and a place where everyone is married to their cousin. I was doubtful that this is remotely close to the truth, I set forth with just a backpack for a weekend to discover for myself. Flying Sydney to Hobart is an easy 90 mins. Upon landing on the Apple Isle, I didn’t dally about. I picked up my hire car and headed to Hobart’s main draw card on Saturdays, Salamanca Market.

Hobart, a foodies delight

Situated on the waterfront along the docks, Salamanca Market offers visitors an assortment of culinary delights and Tasmanian craft products. Feast yourself on Tassie mussel pies, local jams and artisan produce. Take a stroll around the surrounding Battery Point or make a point to return for dinner one evening.

Here you can sample some of the states best seafood. While Tassie scallops and salmon have found world wide fame, it doesn’t end there.  Take a stroll through Farm Gate Market where small, boutique and artisan business sell their yield. Everything sold here must be grown or produced within the geographical boundaries of Tasmania.

Take it home!

Seafood may not travel well but you can take saffron, honey, fruit, cheese, whiskey or wine back with you! The cooler climate is a breeding ground for some of the country’s best produce.  For a cultural insight take a stroll through The Apple Shed at Huon Valley for a lesson on Tasmania’s rich apple-growing history.  

Machine Laundry Cafe

For those looking to eat on the go, Hobart has a trendy cafe scene.  I stumbled upon Machine Laundry Cafe.  Here you can do your washing whilst you eat.  Breakfast is good but this place gets really busy.  Popular with families as there’s a little play area nearby for kids.

Adventure is on your doorstep

Mt Wellington

Towering over the city of Hobart sits Mt Wellington. Equally suitable for adventurists and couch potatoes alike, Mt Wellington offers visitors extensive views over Hobart and countless hiking trails for those capable. Icy westerly winds grip you even in the height of summer. Best to pack a coat.

Tasselated Pavement

Situated at Eaglehawk Neck en route to Port Arthur is a geological phenomenon, the Tasselated Pavement. Similar to the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland however here it’s free to park and take a stroll down the unpaved walk way.  The more enthusiastic can negotiate a few steps to take you out onto the pavement.  Just keep an eye on the tide.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a site of cultural significance for Aussies.  A convict settlement and penal colony during the 1800’s it housed the hardest of convicted criminals and quite often secondary offenders.

Craving culture? Head to the MONA

Grab your car or a cab and head over to the MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art).  Situated on a winery, it’s the largest privately funded museum in Australia. Here you can become one with some interesting and confronting exhibitions from around the globe.

MONA don’t misses:

• Cloaca Professional: has been nicknamed “poo-machine”, is a fully functioning replica of the actions of the human digestive system.  Be warned, there’s an odour about it.
• C**ts… and other conversations, Ahemm.. How shall I put it? It’s an ‘in your face’ experience.  Not really suitable for children.
• Waterfall wonder: water falling from a great height and becoming words.

It also plays host to a fabulous little cocktail bar.  If food is more your thing the onsite restaurant, The Source, offers 5, 7 or 9 degustation courses matched with local and global wines.

Insider tip: If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day and sip a vino in the huge beanbags on the field.

The Essentials

Sydney to Hobart 

• Distance: 1,611 km (1,001 mi)
• Driving time: you’re kidding right? 33 hours including ferry.
• Flight time: 90 mins to 2 hours

Markets

• Farm Gate Market operates every Sunday on Bathurst St (street market) from 9am until 1pm. Rain, hail or shine! Take a bag to carry your goodies, these guys are plastic bag free
• Salamanca markets open every Saturday from 8am until 3pm. Closed ANZAC & Christmas Day.  Get in before noon to sample the best of the best
• Tasselated Pavement: Only accessible by road.  Avoid at dusk and dawn due to the amount of wildlife
• The MONA: Open Wed-Mon only.  Entry fee: Adults: $20.  TAS residents & under 18’s: Free. There’s also free parking onsite.  Not driving? Catch a fast ferry from Hobart’s Brooke St ferry terminal.

Insider tips: Avoid driving at dusk and at dawn.  I’ve never seen as much wildlife and road-kill as I did in the short time I spent in Tasmania

Tasmania has some of the world’s most stringent quarantine regulations. No fresh produce can be brought in.  Best to eat it on the plane or dispose of it in the bins provided in the terminal.  More information can be found through the Tasmanian Government.