Sniff out a bargain in Hobart

EAGER to overcome his fear of shopping, Lee Taylor follows the stampede of shoppers for some Salamanca Markets mayhem.

Salamanca Markets / Tasmania Tourism

"YOU won't need that," says a woman clutching a bag full of goodies and pointing to my map.

Before I have a chance to reply the aroma of sizzling Bratwurst and freshly brewed coffee beans hits me like a scented snowball.

She was right; I wouldn't be needing directions after all. I could smell Hobart's legendary Salamanca Markets long before I would lay eyes on it.

Turning onto the cobblestone streets of Salamanca Place, the atmosphere is incredible as more than 300 market stall vendors banter with bargain hungry customers haggling over Tasmania's finest produce and crafts.

Stretching two city blocks and running along a facade of Georgian sandstone warehouses dating back to the 1830s, Salamanca Markets take place every Saturday from 8.30am until 3pm and have become an institution in Hobart since its humble beginnings back in 1972.

Despite a phobia of shopping malls and an allergic reaction to price tags, I was told the markets were the perfect way to meet some of Hobart's most colourful characters and taste Tasmania's natural treats.

Map of Tassie

Stepping into the crowds I am swept along in the stampede and suffer an assault of the senses, as freshly cooked country bread and sweet chocolate treats fill my lungs, while vibrant handcrafted figurines and designer children's toys compete for my attention.

A huge, barrel-chested man calls for passing customers to taste "real Tasmanian organic fruit and veggies," while another vendor promises you'll find a "bloody good read" from the books piled high on his stall.

I soon adopt the 'Shoppers Shuffle' – managing a few paces, only to stop and admire a new selection of tantalising treasures – until a pedestrian traffic jam forces me to a handcrafted jewellery stall.

Admiring the craft work, I am suddenly drawn to the young female vendor modeling a rather fetching t-shirt displaying the adult version of the 'Map of Tassie'.

"You can pick one up for yourself, or your Gran, at the stall over there," she says smirking and pointing.

"She has one already," I reply as my cheeks begin to burn.

Sounds of the street

Entertainment can be found on almost every street corner – from the acoustic guitar strumming buskers near Kellys Steps, to the mean fiddlers of Salamanca Square – parting shoppers with their spending money in exchange for top tunes.

Having managed to maneuver my way from one end of the market to the other, I decide to take the scenic option back through St David's Park, where sunburnt foreheads were taking refuge in the shade and children were busying playing with their new toys.

Sporting a few toys of my own, I couldn't help but wish every shopping expedition could be this exhilarating.

Leaving the buzz and the aromas of the markets behind, I make my way along Runnymede Street and almost bump into a family of tourist, who are squabbling over a map folded out on a car bonnet.

"You won't need that," I say under my breath.