10 things to do in Hobart (not involve visiting a prison)

Vibrant capital of Tasmania, once a brutal penal colony, has embraced its rich history and culture. The handsome convict-built architecture and fascinating museums and galleries are some of the city’s top tourist attractions. Yet Hobart is another country, the Bass Strait conjures a sense of independence from mainland Australia. The pride in being an island state is very evident. Cross the Bass Strati, overseas travel has ever looked so inviting when it comes to Hobart, Tasmania. Australian in identity yet distinctly defined by geography and landscape. Hobart is a place that should be on your bucket list.

Farm Gate Markets is a local equivalent of the well known Salamanca markets. Farm Gate is held every Sunday morning and distinguishes themselves by being only open to local producers. An inner-city street is blocked off and set up with some seating and live music to add to the atmosphere. It is where you are mingling with locals shopping for the weekend or enjoying brunch in the temporary food stalls. With a focus on food and produce, food buffs delight.

While you can linger, wander and explore by yourself food destinations nothing like getting a head start with a guided food tour of the city.

TIP: Ask the question where the tour is going to stop, savour and taste. Check trip advisor and other online resources if the venues match your palate. As well check the venues online menu as this is another good indication of whether you would like the place. Food tours are a fast moving hospitality sector with operators moving in and out of business.

TIP: You do not need a foodie tour to take you to Cascade Brewery (1824) and oldest operating brewery in Australia or the waterfront with its numerous seafood dining options.

Fish n chips vendors should not take bookings, it is fast food after all and they need to be located close to the fishing fleet. Fish Frenzy, Hobart Tasmania | Seafood restaurant serving fish & chips, salad and hot chowder on Hobart’s waterfront | Now accepting WechatPay, Alipay, BestPay ticks the boxes. The venue is located in an old converted pier warehouse and serves just battered and fried deliciousness in paper cones.  Rustic, fast, with a dash of salt and genuine Aussie fare.

Gardens naturally have plenty of space to socially distance, and spread over14 hectares the gardens do not disappoint. One of Australia’s premier cool climate gardens with a unique subantarctic plant house you could spend all day in the gardens with the Succulent Restaurant as a restorative waypoint. The Gardens have daily walking tours, check here for further details, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Visitors will obtain a view of the city from the water. Different perspectives, different views as well the destination make this a must do river journey. You have numerous options from sailing yachts, to historic tugs and heritage pleasure boats and catamarans.

The art installations are throughout provoking and you obtain insight into important issues facing Tasmanians. And then walking past cafes and pop up stalls making it fun. You are not going to be hungry.

Hobart delivers with 1,270m Mount Wellington. The reward for a vigorous bike ride is the horizons sweeping before you. If you’ve enthusiastically hired a bike to explore Hobart then you have no excuses. Get on your bike and cycle towards Mount Wellington.

TIP: Pack a warm layer in your backpack as it can be chilly at the top of the Mount.

Rosny Lookout is perfect, the city authorities even trim trees that dare to block the views of River Derwent, the soaring Tasman Bride, Ross Bay, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and the backdrop of Mount Wellington. There are helpful plaques describing what you are looking at as the set sets on the horizon. Several nights in Hobart, take your time and check out the waterfront at dusk, just glorious.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary should be on everyone’s must visit list as it has the cute, the koala and the distinctive, the Tasmanian Devil. If you are short on time is this the place to walk in a field of kangaroos and hand feed them as well. A great experience for families and all age groups.

The accompanying festives make this a fabulous time to be in Hobart. The race is an international event attracting visitors from all parts of the world. Even if you don’t sail, enjoy the fervour and adrenaline filled atmosphere of one of the world’s great ocean races. To get into the spirit check here for the countdown Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2020.

The journey is worth it.