Top 5 Things to Do in Hobart

MONA

Arranged across three underground levels, the $75-million Museum of Old and New Art was created by local philanthropist-owner David Walsh, and mixes ancient antiquities among contemporary artworks. Lonely Planet described it as “sexy, provocative, disturbing and deeply engaging”.

To get there: catch the MONA ferry ($22 return) or MONA Roma shuttle bus ($22) from Hobart’s Brooke St Pier.

Salamanca Place

A picturesque row of three- and four- storey sandstone warehouses, which dates back to Hobart’s whaling days of the 1830s. A classic example of Australian colonial architecture, the old warehouses in Salamanca Place now host a myriad of cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants. Home to the unmissable Sunday Market. 

To get there: from Battery Point, descend Kelly’s Steps, which are wedged between the warehouses just east of Salamanca Square.

Cascade Brewery

Australia’s oldest brewery, built in 1824, the Cascade Brewery is still pumping out superb beers. You can take an hour long tour, which involves plenty of history and a tasting session at the end. Note that under 16s cannot join the main brewery tour, and the machines may not be running over the weekend. If you prefer to skip the tour, there’s a bar right next door. 

To get there: take bus 446, 447, or 449 from the centre of town.

Farm Gate Market

A weekly foodie favourite, the Farm Gate Market at Bathurst Street attracts farmers from across the state. Expect to see fresh fruit and vegetables, raw honey, cut flowers, organic yoghurt, and BBQ octopus for sale, alongside crowd pleasers such as sourdough doughnuts and freshly baked bread. The organisers also run a Friday-night summer street food market called Street Eats @ Franko.

To get there: Bathurst Street lies in between Elizabeth Street and Murray Street, close to the State Library of Tasmania. 

Cascades Female Factory Historic Site

This World Heritage Site was where the majority of Hobart’s female convicts were incarcerated and put to work. At its height, the Cascades Female Factory held around 1,200 women - more convicts than Port Arthur ever held at any given time. You can explore on your own, or take a guided tour. If you’re looking to step back in time, there’s also the Her Story dramatisation.

To get there: take the bus 446, 447, or 449.

Republic Bar & Café

An art-deco style pub which hosts live music every night of the week - often with free entry. It’s the number one pub in town, with an always interesting line-up that includes international acts. There are plenty of beers to try plus excellent food. Mains range between $20.00 and $35.00.

Ginger Brown

Always popular and always busy, this well-run cafe presents a wide ranging menu, including quinoa salads, poke bowls, crumpets and cakes. It’s both child- and cyclist-friendly, and serves some of the best coffee in South Hobart. Last orders are taken at 3pm. 

Picnic Basket

Housed in an old petrol station building, the cafe has a quirky retro interior and large menu. Well worth a visit if you’re in the mood for home style American cooking, from Dr. Seussian-style green eggs and ham, breakfast burritos, to sweet-potato waffles, salads, and homemade muesli with local yoghurt. 

Pigeon Hole

This charming but compact bakery-cafe is filled with farm fresh produce and unique dishes. The menu is ever evolving, but don’t leave without trying the whipped sweet corn tofu with roasted asparagus, or the potato and smoked eel rosti. The cafe recently made Good Weekend Australia’s Pick of the Bruch List, for its to die for bubble and squeak. 

Jackman & McRoss

A firm Hobart favourite, Jackman & McRoss is filled with delectable pies, tarts, baguettes, and pastries. Breakfasts at this bakery-cafe involve dashings of bacon, scrambled egg, asparagus and brie frittatas, avocado paninis, and duck, cranberry, and walnut sausage rolls. Not for those watching their waistlines!