44. Hobart. Travel to the capital of Tasmania, Hobart. The best things to see and do in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
In this episode, we are excited to be taking you to the capital of Tasmania – Hobart.
Lyle and I have visited Hobart separately and now together and we just love this city. It’s one of those cities, that the more you go, the more you discover and the more you love it. It is such a clash of history, modern art, nature, sporting events, food, wine and so much more.
We start our episode with a crazy fire alarm problem at the airport before heading to the spectacular little-known village of Opossum Bay. Well, I guess the secret will be out after this podcast.
We then head to Hobart where we cross the famous Derwent River to the cities historic waterfront area. There we share all about the most visited tourism attraction in Tasmania – the Salamanca markets. This is also where the world famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race finishes.
You can’t visit Hobart without a trip to the top of Mount Wellington. We try and describe just how incredible the views are from the Pinnacle at 1271 metres.
Obviously, we will tell you about some of the wineries within 30 minutes of Hobart and the oldest operating brewery in Australia – the Cascade Brewery.
Hobart has one of the most beautiful and diverse botanic gardens in Australia – and I tell you the best things to see when you visit.
Of course, we share where to eat, where to stay and lots of fun and interesting facts about Tasmania – like it has this cleanest air in the world.
Stick around to the end though – if you’re not easily shocked – to hear about the fabulous, weird, whacky, fascinating MONA – a privately owned art museum by an eccentric millionnaire that has as one of its most popular exhibitions a poo making machine and a wall of over 150 different plaster casts of ……… a certain female body part.
Enjoy this interesting and diverse city in this podcast all about Hobart.
SHOW NOTES AND PICTURES BELOW
Hobart is the capital city of Australian State of Tasmania.
The whole of Tasmania has a population of 571,517 and Hobart 265,376.
Tasmania is an island state of Australia located 240km south of the mainland – separated by Bass Straight.
Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world according to the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station.
Tassie, as it is affectionately known, could fit into the main part of Australia 119 times.
At least one fifth of Tassie is a world heritage area which covers 1.58 million hectares.
Opossum Bay.
We arrived in Tasmania at the airport near Hobart, but instead of going into the city – we were picked up by friends and taken to their gorgeous home in Opossum Bay.
Opossum Bay is about a 40 minute drive south west of Hobart. It is a small little village with just over 300 local residents that mostly have a lovely water view. The bay is on the Derwent River. The water is crystal clear and a little on the chilly side.
Salamanca Markets
The Salamanca markets were established in 1972 and are Tasmania’s most visited tourism attraction. The markets are on every Saturday from 8.30 to 3.00pm and have over 300 stalls, from local handmade goods, to gin, whisky and lovely freshly grown fruit.
The markets are held on the historic waterfront area in front of all the old Georgian buildings that used to store whale oil, grain, timber and imported goods. These buildings are now cafes, galleries, restaurants and bars.
The dock area of Hobart is a fantastic place to walk around and explore. It is also full of bars, restaurants and hotels with fantastic views over the Derwent River and Tasman Bridge.
Mount Wellington
This mountain is 1270 metres high and rises directly above Hobart city. It is the dominating feature of the landscape.
You can easily access the top of the mountain to see the spectacular views from the Pinnacle. There is a large glass shelter on the top in case of bad weather. Most of the year there is snow on the ground in many places.
If you have a clear day, the views are fabulous. You can see for miles and you will be surprised with how many islands and how much water surrounding them you can see.
If you are into a challenge, there are several tracks that you can hike to the top.
The Mona Museum (Museum of Modern and Old Art)
The owner of this private collection museum is an eccentric millionaire, and it shows everywhere throughout this interesting place. It is the largest privately funded museum in the southern hemisphere.
The sub-level structure is an architectural marvel that started as the owner’s house and is a maze of underground tunnels.
Inside the walls are constantly changing, but you can expect to be shocked, confused and impressed.
It costs tourists $35 entry and its free for locals – but you must book.
The general collection houses about 1,900 pieces.
You can access the restaurants and outdoor spaces for free and there is live music every Thursday to Sunday.
One of the most shocking displays is called the wall of vaginas and has plaster casts of over 150 different women.
At Mona there is a local winery called Moorilla Winery. You can sample the local wines at the museum’s restaurants and bars.
There is a ferry you can catch from Hobart for the 11km trip where you enter via 99 stairs – or by tunnel if you can’t walk up the stairs.
Cascade Brewery
The Cascade Brewery sits in the foothills of Mount Wellington. It was opened in 1824 and is Australia’s oldest operating brewery.
In its heyday – if had 95% of the Tasmanian beer market.
You can do tours and tastings from Wednesday to Sunday. The gardens surrounding the brewery are just spectacular to wander around as well.
The Botanic Gardens
The gardens in Hobart are one of the prettiest anywhere. There is such a variety of plants, from sub-antarctic plants, native plants, a Japanese garden, the lily pond and the Anniversary arch. You can wander through the tree lined walkways to the conservatory full of flowers of every colour. It is open 365 days a year and is definitely worth a visit, especially in Spring or in Autumn for the pretty colours.
Hobart is a wonderful city to visit and has many wineries within 30 minutes drive from the city centre. It is an easy city to explore by foot. The best time to visit is between January to March.
You can see all the Tasmanian podcasts, show notes and pictures by clicking the button below.