Josie Rozenberg-Clarke

Hobart may be tucked all the way down the bottom of Australia, but it’s a destination not to be slept on. Tasmania’s capital city is blessed with natural beauty, featuring the glittering waters of the River Derwent on one side and the rugged peak of kunanyi/Mount Wellington on the other – and there’s plenty to do both outside and inside. Whether you’re headed to this waterfront town for a quick weekend getaway or you’ve got time on your side, our expert writers have rounded up the best things to do in Hobart. From mountain walks and self-guided history tours to top-tier restaurants and the incomparable MONA, everyone will find something to do on this list. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley's perfect Hobart day starts with pastries from Pigeon Whole Bakers, a sauna boat experience and a trip to the underrated Farm Gate Market. Happy exploring! Editors' favourite things to do in Hobart: 🖼️ Best for culture: MONA 🧺 Best for food: Farm Gate Market 💦 Best for something different: Kuuma Sauna 🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🖼️ The best museums and galleries in Hobart🚗 The best day trips from Hobart

Hobart’s got a rep for having one of the best food scenes in Australia, and it’s not limited to fine dining and wine bars. When you’re up and at ‘em early, ready for a day of exploring Tassie’s capital and surrounds, you’ll find plenty of cafés serving great coffee alongside breakfast menus ripe with local produce. There are well-known staples and places hidden at the end of laneways behind secondhand bookshops, namely Dandy Lane Café, as well as newcomers like Lēoht and Erda, bringing a breath of fresh air to the city. Luckily, you have our local writer, Josie Rozenberg-Clarke, and Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, to round up the best cafés in Hobart right now. All you have to decide is: which one to hit first.  For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍝 The best restaurants in Hobart🥐 The best bakeries in Hobart🍕 The best pizza in Hobart

Craving a taste of la dolce vita in Hobart? You’re in luck. Hobart’s Italian dining scene serves up a delicious blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, celebrating not just pasta and pizza, but hearty mains and delish desserts. Local chefs hero the freshest Tassie produce while putting that inimitable Italian spin on each dish, of course.   Our local foodie and Tassie writer Madeleine Gasparinatos has curated a list of must-try spots for the best pizza, pasta and Spritz. At Peppina, it’s all about having a feast; think generous portions, a sun-lit interior and a wine list that makes you want to linger all evening. Then there’s Don Camillo, one of the oldest restaurants in town, still serving soulful Italian fare. And don’t miss Sonny, the intimate Italian wine bar in the CBD where communal dining and buzzing good vibes go together. From classic pizzerias to fine dining, here's our list of the best Italian restaurants in Hobart. Buon appetito! For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines.  🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart🍕 Hobart’s best pizzerias🍣 The best Japanese in Hobart

Hobart’s best hotels make the most of everything that makes Tasmania's capital so special – from the glittering Derwent River to the imposing majesty of kunanyi/Mount Wellington and the fascinating convict history. Add world-class food, a thriving arts scene and easy access to nature, and it’s no surprise Hobart has become one of Australia’s most exciting destinations for a weekend escape or longer stay. To help you find the perfect base, Time Out Australia's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has teamed up with local expert writer, Josie Rozenberg-Clarke, who knows the city's nooks and crannies inside and out. Together, they've rounded up the very best hotels in Hobart – from boutique stays in the historic waterfront to luxe retreats with harbour views – making it a little easier to choose where to stay. Fair warning though: it's still going to be a tough pick. Editors' favourite hotels in Hobart: ⭐️ Best luxury hotel: The Tasman 📍 Best boutique stay: Collected/Places 😍 Best value for money: Travelodge Hotel Hobart ☀️ The best things to do in Hobart🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🖼️ The best art in Hobart Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Hobart’s food scene is undoubtedly one of the best in Australia, and the locals will happily back that up. As will Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, who after dining across every state and territory, can confidently say the best restaurants in Hobart rival those in Sydney and Melbourne. There are plenty of reasons Hobart has become a must-visit destination for food lovers. In recent years, a wave of acclaimed chefs has swapped the high-pressure kitchens of the mainland for Hobart’s relaxed, produce-driven lifestyle. This influx of talent, paired with Tasmania’s exceptional seafood, cool-climate wines and farm-fresh ingredients, has transformed the Hobart dining scene into one of the country’s most exciting. From intimate ten-seater bars and waterside fine diners to world-famous museum restaurants, here are the best restaurants in Hobart to score a reservation (or a walk-in table) at. Editors' favourite restaurants in Hobart: 😍 Best for views: Faro Bar and Restaurant 🌱 Best for special occasions: The Agrarian Kitchen 🍹 Best for snacks and spritzes: Restaurant Maria 💕 Best for date night: Pitzi Pasta Bar For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Hobart☕️ The best cafés in Hobart

As an island off an island, Bruny ticks all the boxes with artisanal goods, stunning hiking trails and wondrous wildlife encounters. Despite its tiny permanent population of around 1,000, Bruny Island draws more than 150,000 visitors annually – all chasing a slice of the good life, even if just for a day. Getting to Bruny Island is half the fun. Take a scenic drive to Kettering, a 35-minute drive south of Hobart and jump on the car ferry, running every 20 minutes from 6.10am to 7pm during summer. The 20-minute journey will treat you to gorgeous views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and back towards kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Once there, the world is your (Bruny Island) oyster. You can explore the 60-kilometre stretch of land at your own pace, over a few hours, a weekend or an entire week. Here are the best things to do on Bruny Island. Editor's favourite things to do on Bruny Island: 🥾 Best hike: Fluted Cape Circuit 🌊 Best beach: Adventure Bay 🍽️ Best food stop: The Izzy Bar 🏝️ The best places to visit in Tasmania🚘 The best day trips from Hobart

Australians have a love affair with art, and with incredible galleries dotted across the country, it’s also one of the top reasons we travel interstate. Every year, our nation welcomes blockbuster international exhibitions, along with major showings of our most colourful and creative local talents.  Whether it’s contemporary Aboriginal art, delicate glassworks, topical portraits or 21st-century Chinese art, we've rounded up Australia's best art galleries worth visiting. Even better, most offer free entry to the permanent galleries! As a bonus, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has also put together a guide on the best art exhibitions to see in Australia right now. Editor's favourite art galleries in Australia: 🖼️ Best for modern art: White Rabbit Gallery, Sydney 🌱 Best for Aboriginal art: Araluen Art Centre, Alice Springs 🌈 Best for international art: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra 😱 Best for immersive art: MONA, Hobart 🌳 The best tourist attractions in Australia👀 The best museums in Australia

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes, from world-class cocktail bars and stylish rooftop lounges to cosy neighbourhood wine bars. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Our local Time Out editors have rounded up the best bars in Australia right now for all your drinking pleasure. Of course, past Bar of the Year winners from Time Out's Food & Drink Awards feature on the list, alongside beloved institutions and hidden gems recommended by locals. So hit up one of Australia's best bars and see where the night takes you. Editor's favourite bars in Australia: 🏆 Best award-winning bar: Caretaker's Cottage, Melbourne 🤫 Best hidden gem bar: Cantina OK!, Sydney 🍽️ Best bars with snacks worth staying for: Bar Rochford, Canberra 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍷 The best wineries in Australia

Hobart's nightlife isn’t exactly heaving with activity after dark like its bustling mainland counterparts, but the city punches above its weight when it comes to bars. From hidden cocktail lounges and underground drinking dens to heritage pubs and waterfront watering holes, this guide rounds up the best bars in Hobart for every kind of night out. It helps that the local booze, like the food, is world-renowned – the beer, the wine, the whisky, the gin. Whatever your poison, it all adds up to a good time. So whether you're a Dirty Martini person or partial to a tinnie (or three), our expert writers, including Hobart local Josie Rozenberg-Clarke and Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley, can both attest to every inclusion on this list of the best bars in Hobart. Bottoms up! Editor's favourite bars in Hobart: 🍹 Best for cocktails and snacks: Sonny 🌅 Best for date night: Lucinda Wine Bar 🎶 Best beer garden: Preachers For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart🍕 The best pizza in Hobart

Australians have a long-standing love affair with Italian food and honestly, it’s no mystery why. Thanks to the huge influx of Italian immigrants who arrived on our shores after World War II, Australia's food scene was changed forever, bringing with it a deep appreciation for pasta, pizza, parmesan and all things la dolce vita. Whether you’re craving fresh antipasti straight from The Boot, hand-rolled pappardelle with rich ragu, wood-fired sourdough pizza or boozy tiramisu made just like nonna, we’ve scoured out the best Italian restaurants in Australia for every occasion. Our team of Aussie food writers has independently chosen these standout spots for their authentic flavours, prime locations, buzzing ambience and signature Italian hospitality. Categorised by cities, here's our pick of the best Italian restaurants in Australia. JUMP TO:  Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Perth | Canberra | Hobart | Darwin 🍕 The best pizza in Australia🍔 The best burgers in Australia

Call us biased, but we reckon Australia is the most incredible and diverse country in the world. A sizeable place (you know, continent-sized), deciding where to go on your first, fifth or 50th trip can be overwhelming – but that's where our expert travel writers come in. From turquoise beaches and ancient rainforests to flaming red deserts and buzzy metropolitan cities, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley (who has visited every Aussie state and territory) has picked out the best places to visit in Australia. First-timers should start with iconic destinations, like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Whitsundays, while seasoned travellers can uncover hidden treasures in the Scenic Rim, Kangaroo Island and Ningaloo Reef. No matter who you are or what you like – be it art, wine, sports or festivals – rest assured, there's something on this list for everyone. Here's your official guide to the best places to visit in Australia. Editor's favourite places in Australia: 🪸 Best natural wonders: Great Barrier Reef, QLD 😍 Best iconic landmarks: Uluru, NT 💎 Best hidden gem: Adelaide Hills, SA Jump to list:  QLD | NT | WA | NSW | SA | VIC | TAS 🇦🇺 The best tourist attractions in Australia🚘 Regional towns worth visiting

Tasmania is arguably Australia's most underrated destination when it comes to adventure. The small southernmost state's rugged landscapes, crystal-clear seas, fresh farm produce and cool-climate wine regions make it a must-visit for nature lovers, thrill-seekers and foodies alike. Beyond extraordinary dining experiences and the world-famous Museum of Old and New Art, 40 per cent of Tasmania's land is reserved as national parks and World Heritage wilderness. A zippy 20-minute drive from any of the state’s major cities, Hobart and Launceston, will see you walking in the bush, biking down a spectacular mountain trail or lounging on a secluded beach. Here's our pick of the best things to do on your next trip to Tasmania. Editors' favourite things to do in Tasmania: 🏔️ Best for adventure: Cradle Mountain 🚞 Best for relaxation: West Coast Wilderness Railway 🍄 Best for foodies: Mushroom foraging at Tunnel Hill 🌎 The best places to visit in Tasmania🚗 The best day trips from Hobart

Sonny is like heading to a friend’s house for dinner, albeit a mate with serious chops in the kitchen. There are just 20 seats for walk-ins along the centre table, with diners on one side and chatty staff pouring wine and handing out food from the other. The theme here is communal, from the layout of the venue to the plates of pasta you can share with your mates. Whet your appetite with fare that sounds a little like asparagus fusilli, prosciutto toast, and kingfish crudo. The rustic plates and simple, yet effective and are certifiably jam-packed with garden-fresh flavours. Following that, trust the process with a mystery wine chosen by Sonny’s clued-up bartenders – you’re in good hands here. With tunes spinning all evening on the record player, you might even feel the urge to share your dance moves, too. Time Out tip: Sonny’s only accepts walk-ins, so we suggest getting there early, heck, even before the doors open if you’re feeling particularly peckish. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Hobart

You’re in the Apple Isle, so why not visit an apple museum? There are several in Tassie, but here’s a local’s tip: the best stop is Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, which just so happens to be a top-tier cidery and restaurant as well. You can stroll through the small but enlightening museum display detailing the long history of apple farming in the lush Huon Valley – from the first settlers planting orchards to the modern-day cider revolution. Once you’ve soaked up some apple history, head to the bar to taste the literal fruits of this labour in the form of a crisp, ice-cold cider (or a cheeky flight if you’re feeling fancy). Pair it with a warm, flaky slice of apple pie and you’ll really be supporting the local apple industry. The restaurant also serves up hearty seasonal fare, from fresh seafood and farm-to-table salads to share plates and rustic mains. There's regular live music too, helping you soak in the stunning orchard views. If you go on a Saturday, you can swing by the local artisan market held on Willie Smith’s grounds. Running from 10am to 2pm, the market is packed with handmade goodies, fresh produce and enough charm to make you want to move here tomorrow. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Tasmania

A strictly over-18s property, the Islington is a boutique luxury hotel built in 1847 in a Regency style, located at the foothills of kunanyi / Mount Wellington in South Hobart. Since it’s a little further out of the CBD (but only a five-minute drive away) and only has 11 rooms, the Islington feels like a peaceful oasis – the hotel’s sprawling heritage gardens also help with a 100-year-old willow tree aiding the tranquillity. The five-star accommodation brings an old-world charm while incorporating cream of the crop luxe, with features like heated-floor marble bathrooms and some rooms opening out onto the gardens. Cosy fireplaces invite you to get comfy and admire the eclectic art that lines the hotel’s walls, including an original Matisse, too. The food at the Islington Kitchen is top-tier, made using the best Tassie produce with a focus on foraging. Plus, eating with an unobstructed view of the mountain is a pretty unforgettable Hobart experience.  Time Out tip: Make sure you request a cheese board on arrival – stacked with local cheese and accompaniments, it’s the ultimate indulgence to kick off your stay. Address: 321 Davey Street, South Hobart Price: From $309 per night Closest transport: Bus stop 9 Davey Street RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Hobart

Another local favourite café that gives itself away with a line of folks outside, Island Espresso clearly makes good coffee – given the fact that city workers brave the morning cold to wait for their pre-work takeaways outside. But if you pop in for a sit-down breakfast, you’ll find not only top-notch caffeine and a friendly family-run vibe, but also hash brown fries (with housemade tomato relish) on the menu. It’s a scientific fact that hash browns complement every breakfast dish and make your day infinitely better, so for that reason, Island Espresso will always hold a special, deep-fried place in our hearts.

Not to be confused with Pigeon Whole Bakers (a great place to grab a takeaway coffee and pastry, not so much an actual café), Pigeon Hole is a must-visit Hobart café, especially if you’re a paddock-to-plate foodie type. Everything at Pigeon Hole is locally sourced, right down to the chairs that diners sit on – made by a craftsman in the Derwent Valley. Food-wise, the owners of Pigeon Hole also own Weston Farm, which provides plenty of the menu’s fresh produce. Any dish with honey, apples, veggies, pickles and preserves is likely to be sourced from the farm, and anything the farm hasn’t provided comes from local producers. It’s a true Tassie brunch experience.

The definition of hidden gem, Dandy Lane is one of Hobart’s best cafés and best-kept secrets. You’ll find it down the end of a pedestrian laneway called Collins Court, serving all-day brunch with a hefty side of Tassie friendliness from the staff. Treat yourself to French toast, fried chicken benny or the baby Dutch pancake served in its own little cast iron pan. All of it pairs perfectly with Dandy Lane’s excellent coffee and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s tough to brave the winter air after brunch at this place.

A stalwart of Salamanca Square, this bright and welcoming spot has been serving the people of Hobart for decades. A must-visit for breakfast, it’s especially pleasant to take refuge in this brightly-coloured, retro-tinged space when the Tassie weather is at its most bleak. If the decor isn’t soul-warming enough, the hearty breakfasts – like chunky sourdough heaped with avocado and perfectly squeaky halloumi, or the breakfast chicken cassoulet with a fried egg – certainly will. And yep, you can literally do a load of laundry here at the coin-operated machines.

A sister café of long-standing inner-city staple Machine Laundry, Plain Jane has been bringing cheerful vintage goodness to the northern suburb of Moonah for a couple of years now. Locals flock here for the top-tier coffee, huge takeaway three-cheese toasties, and plentiful indoor and outdoor seating for those dining in. The tunes are always good, the decor is pure joy and so are Nonna’s baked eggs on the menu. Bellissimo.

Tucked in a narrow one-way side street in Hobart’s CBD, this café is a favourite with locals, but a very badly kept secret given it’s always packed with diners spilling out onto the footpath seating. We challenge you to walk past on your way to the Elizabeth Street Mall shops without gazing longingly at someone’s stack of corn fritters heaped with avocado smash and popping in to try your luck at a free table. The super-friendly staff will always do their best to find you a spot, and trust us, the food makes any kind of wait worth it.

Pilgrim is one of the best cafés in Hobart CBD for brunch, with a commitment to pouring the best coffee in the city, as well as serving the kind of obscenely good food you’ll feel mildly guilty for indulging in (before your enjoyment takes over). Think four types of toasties stuffed full of goodness, sloppy joes, crispy potatoes, a quesadilla stack and more. With the space’s exposed brick, exposed light bulbs and exposed floorboards, the upscale industrial feel teamed with the expert-level brunch menu will make you feel like you woke up in Brooklyn rather than Hobart.

On the other side of the Tasman Bridge is Bellerive’s Marla Singer, named for the character in Fight Club. But the name is where the similarities end, as this Eastern Shore eatery is as far from chaotic as you could get. Situated in a quiet waterfront suburb, this cool yet welcoming café serves up brunch treats like housemade crumpets with whipped ricotta and preserved fruit, pecorino omelette, nduja baked beans, and the muffuletta – a New Orleans-style breakfast sandwich layered with meat, pickles and cheese.

Not to be overlooked, the southeast of the state offers up some beaut beaches to visit, too. There’s a bunch of lovely little spots dotted around the Tasman Peninsula – Pirates Bay Beach and Lagoon Beach are highlights – but if you’re an outdoorsy type, add Fortescue Bay to your list. Tucked within Tasman National Park, this remote spot is bordered by towering forests but is worth the hike – or drive – to get there. You can camp nearby, or simply stop off for a dip as you navigate the popular Three Capes Walk. Good for: Adventuring, kayaking, camping, walking.