Josie Rozenberg-Clarke

Hobart’s best hotels make the most of the city’s assets – the glittering Derwent River, the imposing majesty of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, fascinating convict history and world-class food and produce.  You’ll be spoiled for choice when looking for a hotel in Hobart. If you're after sweeping harbour views it's hard to overlook MACq01; original heritage architecture is all the rage at Waterman’s Hotel; while luxe interiors plus proximity to the city’s best restaurants and bars is all-encompased at The Tasman. Whatever kind of Hobart stay you’re looking for, you’ll likely find several spaces that suit. Time Out Australia's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, and local expert writer, Josie Rozenberg-Clarke (who know all the nooks and crannies of Hobart inside and out), have rounded up the very best abodes in the quaint Tassie town to make your choice a tiny bit easier, but be warned, it's going to be a tough pick. ☀️ All the best things to do in Hobart🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🖼️ Hobart's best museums and galleries 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 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, with 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. From mountain walks and self-guided history tours to top-tier restaurants and the incomparable MONA, everyone will find something they like about Hobart. 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. For Time Out's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, a 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! 🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🖼️ Hobart's best museums and galleries🚗 The coolest day trips from Hobart

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 vouch for it.  Tasmania’s food scene is spectacular for a number of reasons. In recent years, spiking rent prices on the mainland have prompted chefs to flock to Hobart to launch their own restaurants. This influx of talent, combined with Tasmania’s naturally bountiful fresh produce, has led to Hobart becoming quite the destination for food lovers.  From tiny hole-in-the-wall bars with 20 seats to a bustling Tokyo-inspired eatery and a French restaurant that sits at the front of MONA, Hobart’s best restaurants are wildly varied, and there’s a plate to suit every palate. Eating out is truly one of the best things to do in Hobart, so here’s our list of the best restaurants in Hobart to score a reservation (or a walk-in table) at. Update August 2025: Since our March update, we've added newcomer Ranita Ramen – an intimate nine-seater spot serving just two noodle soups – along with long-time favourites, The Point Revolving Restaurant and Suzie Luck's For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Hobart☕️ Hobart's cutest cafés🌳 All the best things to do in Hobart

Call us biased, but we think Australia is the most incredible and diverse country on the planet. A sizeable place (you know, continent-sized), it can be overwhelming to decide where to go on your first, fifth or 50th trip – 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 top places to visit in Australia right now. 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 for beaches: Rottnest Island, WA 🪸 Best for natural wonders: Great Barrier Reef, QLD 😍 Best for iconic landmarks: Uluru, NT 🏝️ Best island escape: Whitsundays, QLD 💎 Best hidden gem: Adelaide Hills, SA Jump to list:  QLD | NT | WA | NSW | SA | VIC | TAS 🇦🇺 Top tourist attractions in Australia🌈 Australia's most beautiful places🚘 Regional towns worth visiting

For decades, Aussies in Hobart have flocked to local takeaway shops and yum cha joints seeking "a succulent Chinese meal". Nothing comes close to the communal experience of sharing bowls (or plastic takeaway boxes) among family and friends. At Hobart’s many Chinese restaurants, chefs make the most of Tasmania’s abundant produce, using locally sourced chicken, pork, beef, seafood and just-harvested vegetables to delicious effect.  Our local food writer Josie Rozenberg-Clarke has done all the hard (but oh-so-tasty) work for you, scoping out the best Chinese restaurants in Hobart so you know where to go. There are upscale eateries like Kwan Ho, late-night vegan-friendly spots like Jungle Restaurant, local faves like Szechuan Kitchen in Sandy Bay, and Peking Restaurant, a much-loved suburban spot that looks like something from the 1980s. No matter what mood you’re in, you’re sure to find a Chinese meal that hits the spot. Here are the best Chinese restaurants in Hobart. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🥘 The best Indian restaurants in Hobart🍣 The best Japanese food in Hobart🍕 Hobart's best pizzas

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

If you didn’t know already, Australia is home to some of the most incredible hikes on the planet. From week-long treks through red deserts and green mountains to easy day hikes through lush rainforests and along beautiful beaches, the land Down Under has every possible kind of walk imaginable – and trust us, they’re all bloody good.  If you’re looking at lacing up your hiking boots this year, we’ve got you covered with our pick of the best hikes in Australia. Using the age-old philosophy of variety being the spice of life, this list has a little bit of everything – from self-guided, kid-friendly day walks to life-changing multi-day treks.  🥾 The best national parks in Australia🌊 Australia's best coastal walks🤿 The best things to do in Australia

Tasmania’s capital city isn’t exactly heaving with activity after dark like its bustling mainland counterparts. But if you know where to look, Hobart’s bar scene is lively, with plenty of drinking holes for the curious and thirsty. From luxury dive bars like Manky Sally's and underground cocktail joints, namely Society Salamanca, to the age-old Cascade Brewery Bar among the greenery, no matter what kind of establishment you’re looking to pull up a stool at, you’ll find it in Hobart. 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 these 16 best bars in Hobart. Bottoms up! For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart🍕 Hobart's best pizzas🍣 Where to go for Japanese in Hobart

One of Tasmania's biggest selling points is its small size, meaning you can explore much of the state without driving too far. Even on a long weekend visit to Hobart, you can tick off a big hitter, like Wineglass Bay, Bruny Island or Launceston. Talk about bang for your buck. Whether you want to pull on the hiking boots for a strenuous side quest in Mount Field National Park, go for a stunning ocean dip at Binalong Bay (our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley's favourite) or get your history fix at Port Arthur, there’s a day trip from Hobart to fulfil your desires. All it takes is some planning, a tank full of petrol and in some cases, a National Parks pass. So strap yourself in (because safety!) and enjoy the ride. Here are the best day trips from Hobart. 🚗 The best Australian road trips🥾 The coolest hikes in Hobart🥐 Hobart's best bakeries

Australians are constantly in a heavenly food coma, courtesy of Italian cuisine. This is thanks to the huge influx of Italian immigrants who arrived on our shores after World War II, bringing not just a suitcase of dreams, but a whole lot of pasta, pizza and parmesan. 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 spots for their authentic flavours, prime locations, buzzing ambience and signature Italian hospitality. In Sydney, a cheery waterfront spot has been serving classic Italian hits for more than a decade. In Brisbane, live lobster is plucked from tanks and tossed through house-made spaghetti. And in Hobart, a tiny CBD wine bar keeps the vibes flowing with vinyl records all night. In no particular order, here's our pick of the best Italian restaurants in Australia. RECOMMEND: The best Italian restaurants in...Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Perth | Canberra | Hobart | Darwin

Hobart has enjoyed a long love affair with pubs. In 1803, it boasted 50 of them… that’s one pub for every 200 residents. Fast forward 200-odd years, and the city's pub scene is bursting with charm, craft drinks and great food.  Our local writers devised this list of Hobart's best pubs, including places where you’ll not only find perfect pints, but golden schnitties, cosy fireplaces and live tunes, too. From old-school legends like the Shipwrights Arms and the Hope and Anchor to newer favourites like the revamped Moonah Hotel and Preachers’ beloved beer garden, these are the best pubs in Hobart for good times and laidback vibes. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 Hobart's best bars🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🍔 Hobart's best burgers

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes that are loved by locals and tourists alike. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Whether you’re looking for a fancy spot for cleverly crafted cocktails or a natural wine bar with superb snacks, our local Australian editors and drink writers have curated this list of all the best bars in Australia right now. Of course, Sydney and Melbourne's Bar of the Year winners from Time Out's Food & Drink Awards 2025 – Pleasure Club and Caretaker's Cottage – made the list. But there are so many more gems to explore! 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍷 Australia's best wineries☕️ Where to find the best coffee in Australia

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.