City Guide | Hobart
Hobart is like a place out of an old romance novel, filled with antique shops and cosy cottages. But a ‘cool’ side of the Tasmanian capital is sneaking in; bringing outlandish contemporary art and sleek wine bars.
Captains Cottage
Filled with romantic nods to a bygone era, but with all your contemporary desires looked after, Captains Cottage is an Airbnb within walking distance to all of Hobart’s key spots including Hobart CBD, Salamanca and Battery Point. Styled by Sarah Andrews, from Captain’s Rest fame, the rental was first built in the mid-1800s, and honours this period through evocative design. A fully equipped kitchen allows you to bring your market hauls back to cook up, and luxury 100% Belgian Flax linen sheets promise tranquil dreams.
55 Barack Street, Hobart, Tasmania
Photo: Courtesy of Captains Cottage
Mona
This spot is a little bit famous thanks to the completely outrageous collection of art from Hobart-born David Walsh. However, it’s the architecture that blows us away. Walsh hired Nonda Katsalidis to dig deep into the ground and place a winding museum that snakes and twists, popping out over the River Derwent. Don’t worry, getting lost is designed into the architecture and helps understand the perplexing narratives of art. Hopefully, you can get lost enough to find the restaurant, Faro, complete with two James Turrell artworks.
655 Main Road, Berriedale, Tasmania
Photo: Rémi Chavin - Courtesy of Mona
Fico
Fico is top of the list for inner-city fine dining in Hobart, recently awarded two hats. Started up by chefs, Federica Andrisani and Oskar Rossi, in 2016, the small restaurant is a combination of native ingredients and European influence — inspired by their combined heritages and where they met (and fell in love) in Northern Italy. The two chefs describe Fico as a ‘neo-bistro’ an intimate union of handmade pasta, locally sourced fish and meat, and conviviality atmosphere.
151 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania
Photo: Courtesy of Fico
Lumiére Lodge
Lumiére Lodge promises an experience of ‘old Hobart town’ through whimsical design. Perfect for those trips in winter, the lodge has fireplaces throughout with armchairs and couches to sink into. Modern luxuries like Neff appliances in the kitchen juxtapose the beautiful antique-style clawfoot baths, oil paintings, and timber crafted furniture. Along with the usual tea, coffee, butter and milk, Lumiére Lodge have left stone-ground sourdough, custom made bath salts, and even your own pre-mixed cocktails — all you need to do is add ice!
249 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, Tasmania
Photo: Marnie Hawson
Pigeon Whole Bakers
No visit to Hobart is complete without a social call into the beloved Pigeon Whole Bakers. A fresh pot of filter coffee is always brewing, and the counter is full of honestly baked goods. Their stacks of viennoiseries include perfect, buttery croissants, crispy Palmiers, crusty French baguettes, and their famous sourdough loaves. You’ll spot them easily on the Argyle Street thanks to the clear glass windowpane exposing the working bakery and crisp white shop front within.
32 Argyle Street, Hobart, Tasmania
Photo: Courtesy of Pigeon Whole Bakers
