Hobart

Tasmania's capital city scores high for both clean green wilderness and foodie heaven–and now some of the coolest art and culture in the country.

By Bookastay staff

Hobart was a frightening destination for a convict in the early 19th century. But now this hellish former penal settlement is World-Heritage listed. And as well as it’s wealth of historic architecture (it’s the second oldest city in Australia), the beautiful harbour city is now ramping up some cutting-edge contemporary design.

Whatever time of year you’re there, stock up on your Aussie history with a visit to Battery Park or Port Arthur, or book a spot on Louisa’s Walk. This award-winning guided walk with actors in costume tells the story of Louisa Regan, an Irish convict sent here for a seven-year sentence in 1841 for stealing a loaf of bread.

Take a trip to the oldest brewery in Australia: the Cascade Brewery first opened in 1824. For further imbibing, jump on a cruise up the d’Entrecasteaux Channel to Peppermint Bay restaurant for a long lazy lunch, or take a tour to some of the local vineyards.

Indulge your inner retail monster by heading to Salamanca Markets. They’re on every Saturday. If wildlife is your thing, you’re sure to spot a Tasmanian devil or two at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, but if it’s the extinct Tasmania Tiger you’re after, you’ll need to head over to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery just north of the docks. Oh, and they also have a giant squid.

The newly opened MONA or Museum of Old and New Art at Moorilla is a unique experience: a vineyard, a cellar door, a micro-brewery, special events, a function centre and a world-class museum all under one roof. The eclectic collection ranges from ancient Greek coins and an Egyptian sarcophagus to works by Sidney Nolan, Damien Hirst and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Annual festivals in Hobart include the huge Taste festival at the end of December, now in its 23rd year. There’s the new, super-cool MONA FOMA each January. Curated by Brian Ritchie, ex-Violent Femmes founder, this arts festival is geared to push boundaries and buttons. The Botanical Gardens Spring Community festival in early October is much gentler, and the lovely Royal Hobart Show in late October has all the usual wood-chopping, show-jumping suspects.

Where to stay

Hobart

What to do

• Shop at the Salamanca Markets
• Louisa’s Walk
• Bonorong Wildlife Park
• MONA
• Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
• Cascades Brewery
• Peppermint Bay Cruises
• Port Arthur
• Battery Point

More info

• wwww.discovertasmania/hobart - for more about Hobart
• www.mona.net.au - see what’s on at MONA
• www.portarthur.org.au - for historic background on Port Arthur
• www.tmag.tas.gov.au - the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery