Why Hobart is probably the perfect (long) weekend getaway

Hobart might be small in size, but it punches above its weight, with some of the best food and attractions in Australia.

RACV Resorts

Hobart might be small in size, but it punches above its weight, with some of the best food and attractions in Australia.

Pack your serious coat and throw on a scarf: winter is the perfect time to head to Hobart and explore this fascinating city.

Our southernmost capital sits on the Derwent River, and in the shade of Mt Wellington, yet its dramatic scenery is matched and possibly exceeded by the hatted restaurants, quirky boutique stores, and world famous art and festivals the city has built over recent years. If you haven’t been lately, book your ticket now.

Eat

Hobart has developed a reputation as one of Australia’s top food destinations in recent years - for good reason. Tasmania is full of quality restaurants, plating up world-class local produce. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a hole in the wall cafe, you’ll be waxing lyrical about your Hobart food experience for years to come.

Best pub meal: Tom McHugos. This creative pub fare is a step above your usual steak or schnitzel. Think locally grown pumpkin served with chive vinaigrette. Or Roast Littlewood Lamb with broad bean leaves. A close second would have to be The New Sydney Hotel. Sit by the roaring fire and order a craft beer along with anything from a Korean Fried Chicken burger to a Ramen Bowl. You won’t go hungry.

Best bakery: This one is tough. You can pick up some incredible baked goods at the markets, more on that below, but our favourite standalone bakery would have to be Pigeon Whole Bakers in the centre of the city. Try one of their gorgeous pastries, or pick up a loaf of sourdough and start packing for a picnic. If you’re in Battery Point, make sure you’ve got time to stop by Jackman and McRoss. You’ll never want to leave this cosy little cafe - and you won’t need to with one of Australia’s best lamb and rosemary pies, followed by a fig tart for dessert.

Best fine dining: Award winning Franklin is not just a Hobart favourite, it’s one of Australia’s best restaurants. Chef Analiese Gregory trained in restaurants from London to San Sebastian, and has brought these influences to Hobart, with her focus on made-from-scratch meaning you’ll be enjoying meats cured on site, and cheese crafted in the restaurant’s open kitchen. If you are looking for dinner with a view though, you can’t beat Aloft, sitting on top of the floating Brooke Street Pier. Look out over the Derwent River as you sit back with a glass of Tasmanian wine while sampling some of the state’s finest seafood.

Best casual dining: Gastown East is on Hobart’s eastern shore - just a short drive over the bridge from the city. This Canadian fusion restaurant is constantly surprising - you’ll enjoy amazing food, incredible service, and a lovely view as it’s right on the water.

Shop

Hobart is full of interesting boutiques, so whether you’re looking for handmade jewellery, vintage vinyl, or a brilliant read you won’t find anywhere else, you’ll be sure to find it as you wander through the historic cobblestone streets.

If you’re someone who loves to while away an afternoon browsing books you can’t miss Fullers Bookshop, right in the centre of town. The independent store has been around for 90 years, and is a real hub for locals - it’s always busy.

Oyster and Pearl is a beautiful little store home to Hobart based designer Lou Whiting. Her store is full of top quality fabric: linen, silk, cotton and all pieces are timeless: elegant coats, shirts, or tunics. 

Anyone who knows anything about music is going to love spending time browsing the vinyl and CD collection at Tommy Gun Records. This store houses thousands of new and second hand records … or you could end up stocking up your wardrobe with heaps of band tees.

Tasmanian artist Jennifer Cossins runs Red Parka, a beautiful store in the centre of Hobart. It’s full of contemporary and original art and design - you’ll find everything from Jennifer’s well-known picture books, through to unique cushion covers, art, and homewares.

Play

Thousands of people travel to Tassie each year purely to see Mona. And this world-famous private art collection doesn’t disappoint. In fact, your Mona experience can start before you even arrive at the museum, with a ferry from the Brooke Street Pier directly to Mona taking about 25 minutes. And this isn’t any ferry: your ‘seats’ are statues of tigers or sheep, and the boat is decked out to allow you to make the most of the picturesque journey. If you upgrade to the Posh Pit you can enjoy complimentary drinks and canapes on a private deck as you watch Mona come closer to view.

The museum features confronting themes such as sex and death, and encourages visitors to review whether you love or hate the works. Special exhibits feature individual artists or a theme designed to make you think long after you’ve left.  Mona isn’t just about the art - it’s also one of the best places in Tassie for a drink and a meal.  The view across the Derwent is spectacular, and even as you dine you’re surrounded by art - so allow plenty of time to take it in.

No other Australian city has anything like the spectacular Mount Wellington on its doorstep. At 1200m above sea level, the mountain soars over the city and is a stunning place to watch the sun set.

If you’ve got time to explore both the Salamanca Markets (Sat 8:30am-3pm) and Farm Gate Markets (Sunday 8:30am-1pm) - do. Salamanca markets are bigger - you’ll find everything from bespoke jewellery to ceramics and leather goods there.

But for incredible produce you want the Farm Gate Markets, which true to their name feature local farmers selling their wares. There’s also plenty of artisan producers on sale too, so you’ll be able to pick up everything from olive oil to mustard to sourdough donuts (yes, they’re a thing, and they’re AMAZING).

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Winter Festivals

Dark Mofo is the big one here. This celebration of dark arts, dangerous thoughts, and even a nude winter solstice swim is held every June. Book tickets before you arrive - they often sell out.

If you want to head out of Hobart for a unique slice of Tassie culture, the Huon Valley (about half an hour away) is home to the Mid Winter Festival in July. This pagan inspired celebration will literally see you dressing up with many others and singing at apple trees in the dark. It’s as eye-opening as it sounds!

Stay

Use the RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel as your base to explore this fascinating city. Ideally located right in the city centre near Hobart’s major attractions, it has an onsite restaurant and bar, and offers accommodation suitable for everyone, from a stunning penthouse, to family apartments.