How To Spend 48 Hours In Hobart Tasmania

Hobart is becoming one of Australia’s most coveted destinations; whereas formerly widely unrecognised, it is now an ‘it’ city. Some massive arts events take place in the capital of Tasmania (a Southern Island state of Australia) too, and the city is gaining must-visit status amongst travellers and Aussies alike. Here’s how to see Hobart in 48 hours.

Friday

Start off the weekend with pre-dinner drinks in Society Salamanca, a cool and cultured cocktail, gin and whiskey bar in Hobart. It’s super on-trend and curated, with a great back bar selection for those who know their liquor, and they make some fantastic experimental cocktails too. There is also an emphasis on unique, local produce, meaning Society Salamanca offers a true taste of Tassie (local slang for Tasmania).

Society Salamanca. 22 Montpelier Retreat. Battery Point. Hobart. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6223 1497

Frank Restaurant. 1 Franklin Wharf. Hobart. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6231 5005

For a nightcap, head to the The Henry Jones Art Hotel. It is the first dedicated ‘art hotel’ in Australia, showcasing impressive works and exhibitions throughout the year. There is an endless list of awards earned by this luxury hotel. IXL Long Bar is the spot to wind down at; with award-winning mixologists at hand, a post-dinner drink here will be the cherry on top.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel. 25 Hunter Street. Hobart. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6210 7700
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Other more affordable accommodation options (which don’t scrimp on quality) include the Ibis Styles hotel in Hobart and the luxury ‘bunkhouse’ hostel, Montacute.

ibis Styles Hobart. 173 Macquarie Street. Hobart. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6289 8500
Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse. 1 Stowell Ave. Battery Point. Hobart. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6212 0474

Saturday

In the morning, head to Pigeon Hole one of Hobart’s finest cafes. Featuring a locally sourced, seasonally changing menu with an emphasis on sustainability, Pigeon Hole is cool and casual with great brunch dishes and freshly brewed coffee.
Pigeon Hole. 93 Goulburn St. West Hobart. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6236 9306

With a belly full of goodness, make tracks to Salamanca market for a wander. As one of Hobart’s key cultural attractions, the market effortlessly highlights the vast range of creatives residing in this vibrant Southern city. From makers to musicians, Salamanca market is a place to get lost and find gems alike.
Salamanca Market. Salamanca Place. Hobart. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6238 2843
In the afternoon, hop a ferry from the neighbouring wharf to Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Hobart’s leading cultural attraction. The ferry only takes 25 minutes and is an activity in itself. Go glam and book the ‘posh pit’ ferry package to MONA, which includes complimentary drinks and canapés from the exclusive lounge, bar and private deck.
On arrival at MONA, visitors will be overwhelmed with the amount to see and do, although a few hours should allow for an umbrella experience in this vast cultural institution. Exhibitions are aplenty, so make sure to check out the calendar online and book tickets in advance.
Museum of Old and New Art. 655 Main Rd. Berriedale. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6277 9900

After getting back to the city, dinner is in order, and there’s no better place to satisfy a hunger than Rockwall Bar and Grill. As one of Hobart’s most established restaurants, guests are confident in their meal being nothing short of poetry. As leaders of the Modern Australian dining scene, Rockwall nails sophisticated dining in a laid-back and unpretentious environment.

Rockwall Bar and Grill. 89 Salamanca Place. Hobart. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6224 2929

Sunday

Start the day with an early breakfast at Room for a Pony in North Hobart. As one of the city’s most recognised a.m.-to-p.m. establishments, loyal followers could essentially slide from cafe to cocktail vibe here no problem. The coffee and pastry selection is specifically suited for an early morning start and the options are top quality.

Room For A Pony. 338 Elizabeth St. North Hobart. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6231 0508

Sunday afternoon is a great chance to rent a car and get out of the city. Tasmania boasts some stunning natural wonders and attractions; a great mini-road trip destination is to Hastings Caves State Reserve. Home to impressive caves and thermal springs, this is a prime day trip destination only 90 minutes by car from the city.

Hastings Caves State Reserve. 754 Hastings Caves Rd. Hastings. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6298 3209
After returning to Hobart later in the evening, there is no finer place to kick back with a cold drink than Preachers, a trendy bar with an awesome back garden serving up tasty burgers and fries. This is a great local joint with a cool crowd who play boardgames al fresco and cheers beers of local origin.
Preachers. 5 Knopwood St. Hobart. Tasmania. +61 (03) 6223 3621

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