Hobart is the most underrated capital city in Australia. There’s no question.
Direct access to some of the country’s finest produce has given the city’s dining scene a standard to rival the world’s greatest food cities. It’s small, walkable and incredibly relaxing. And Hobart also plays host to some of the most interesting and exciting festivals in Australia like the annual (2024 hiatus withstanding) Dark Mofo.
Having travelled down there each year – mostly for the aforementioned Dark Mofo – I think I’m well-equipped to give the AU review’s readers a bit of a starter’s guide to the best things to do in Hobart. Follow this itinerary and you’ll see why Aussies (especially foodies) are so proud of our southernmost capital.
Check In To Henry Jones Art Hotel
If there’s one thing that has distinguished Tasmania’s hospitality scene, it’s that locals have mastered the art of storytelling. Necessary, of course, in a city with such a long, checkered history with some of the most endearing heritage buildings in the country.
The old IXL Jam Factory is no exception. In fact, it’s one of the most interesting buildings on the island. What was once a hard-working scene of sugary provisions is now the fascinating Henry Jones Art Hotel. And not only is it one of the most luxurious places to stay in Hobart, it’s also the city’s most fascinating art gallery thanks to a solid collection of works by landscape artist John Glover and entries to the influential John Glover Art Prize.
The great variety of immersive landscape art gives the hotel’s common spaces incredible visual impact, from the old IXL Jam Factory office to the jaw-dropping Landscape restaurant – a steakhouse with the most elegant dining room I’ve ever seen.
Base yourself here for two or three nights while you explore Hobart. Not only is the location perfect, right on the wharf and directly next to sister hotel MACq 01, but you’ll surely soak up the deep connection this building has to Hobart. I advise booking in a tour with the hotel’s art curator so the stay really resonates with you.
Eat Your Way Across Hobart’s Finest Restaurants
You just can’t go to Hobart and not be the proud holder of at least two enviable dinner reservations. The city is packed with some of Australia’s most satisfying dining experiences, so make sure you plan ahead if you want to eat your way through Hobart’s best restaurants.
You’re staying at Henry Jones Art Hotel so it’d be downright rude not to pop into the property’s Landscape Restaurant. As mentioned above, this steak restaurant boasts the most elegant dining room I’ve ever seen. Both the main dining room and private dining room are designed like a sophisticated art gallery, with dramatic golden frames plastering the walls, hosting award-winning landscape pieces from John Glover and Aussie artists that have won the John Glover Prize in the past.
The beauty about Landscape is that they use wood chips from old whisky barrels to smoke meats, imparting incredibly sharp and subtle flavours to the menu’s several steak options.
You’re also going to want a reservation at Fico. This Italian-leaning European restaurant offers one of the best set menus I’ve had in my life. And I’ve eaten at some incredible places around the world, including Atomix in New York City and Narikura in Tokyo. That’s not to boast, by the way. It’s only to contextualise just how blown away I was by my recent meal at Fico. Whatever you do, please savour whatever savoury panna cotta they have on the menu when you go.
Nearby, grab some wines at the intimate Lucinda Wine Room before heading out for the night.
Dinner on the third day should be at Templo. This diminutive restaurant is hard to get in to, but the effort is worth it. A six course menu is only $115 and the kitchen is consistently regarded as one of the country’s most skilled. It’s pointless to list out favourites since the menu changes all the time, but if you walk away unsatisfied after a meal at Templo please feel free to abuse me online. I’ll deserve it.
What about breakfast and lunch? You may ask. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to recommend there as well. Pony on up to Room For A Pony for the kitchen’s iconic Chinese omelette, or head along to Ed’s Spuntino which is so small and charming it’s like you’ve just walked off the street and started eating fresh eggs in someone’s kitchen. Another great option is Farm Gate Market on every Sunday from 8:30 AM t0 1 PM. There’s nothing like a fresh egg and ham burger to cure a hangover.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth you’ll want to head straight for Sweet Envy. The last time I was there, which was June 2023, this time-capsule of a cafe didn’t have any of my favourite jatz pies left. I hope they do on your visit, but just about every there would hit the spot, including their notably rich and thick hot chocolates.
Visit MONA, Of Course
Eating well is a requirement for any visit to Hobart. And so is checking out the dark, dark mind of David Walsh at the Museum of Old and New Art.
Plenty has been written about this incredibly unique museum before, which is one-of-a-kind and focuses more on controversial art that many other galleries wouldn’t have the guts to show. Everything is best left as a surprise at MONA, so just make sure you’ve got your ferry ticket sorted and strap in for a wild ride.
Browse Salamanca Market
While locals prefer Farm Gate Market on the Sunday, it’s hard not to be won over by the spectacle of Salamanca Market. By spectacle, I’m not referring to any big, showy gestures or performances. I just mean the absolute magic of waking up early in the morning, taking an easy stroll from Henry Jones to the market, and spending a few hours talking the locals who all have fascinating stories behind their produce.
From local craft gin makers to those life-saving scallop pies, Salamanca Market is delicious. Just note that it’s only on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 3 PM.
For more ideas on what to do in Hobart visit the official Discover Tasmania website.
