How to Spend 72 Hours in Hobart

We all know Friday night’s the best night of the week, and this is even more true in Hobart. Start your night early at Salamanca Art Centre (the heart of Hobart’s arts scene), at the courtyard, which is cleverly built into the cliff face. Rektango, as the night is called, is a free event which has been running for over 15 years. With an impressive live band playing in the background and a modest and reasonably-priced bar, it’s the perfect place to meet friendly locals all year round. Expect sangria in the summer and hot mulled wine in the winter months. Grab some dinner from one of the restaurants serving up local seafood, and get ready to hit up the bars on Salamanca Place.

Image credit: jules (Flickr)

Brunch in Hobart is unmissable, and after climbing the hills to get to the best brunch spot you’ll be well ready for a hearty fill. The Pigeon Hole, a cozy, hole in the wall type café, comes highly recommended. The staff are friendly, the menu small, but sufficient, and all the food is homemade, responsibly sourced – and absolutely delicious.

Then it’s time to return to the scene of last night’s antics, where Salamanca market will have magically popped up. Over 300 stall holders gather here every Saturday, selling Tasmanian grown honey, lavender, cheese, wine, clothes bags and so much more.  Note the emphasis on home grown, eco-friendly produce!

If you’re an adventurous spirit and keen to get out of the big city, a day trip down the Tasman Peninsula will provide you with incredible coastal scenery and an immersive experience into Australian history. In the 70 km (43.5 mile) drive south of Hobart, there are a few short stops well worth your time, in particular the Tessellated Pavements, which are famous for the reflections they create in the water. Be sure to stop at the independent coffee van ‘Cubed’ just south of Eagle Hawk Neck, serving coffee that would rise to the top even in Melbourne. Continue to follow the coastal road down to Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and well worth a full day’s attention if you have the time.

If you’d rather feast your eyes on a beautiful bay, the east coast of Tasmania has plenty of options. Rent a car from one of the many companies and drive two hours north of Hobart to the quiet seaside town of Coles Bay. If you’re there in the summer months, it’s perfect for a swim in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the beautiful pink granite cliffs. In the winter months, visit the pizzeria for a stone baked pizza and a comforting hot toddy while admiring the snowy peaks. 

Coles Bay also makes for an ideal location to explore the Freycinet National Park, home to the iconic Wineglass Bay, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Just a short walk to the top will provide you with stunning views, friendly wallabies and opportunities for eagle-spotting. 

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Spend a long weekend in Hobart and its surrounds, and you’ll be sure to want to come back and see what the rest of Tasmania has to offer.