APPLE OF THE ISLE

We spoke to five locals about how they enjoy Tasmania’s rich capital and discover Hobart has something for everyone

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY GABI MOCATTA

Whether you’re into sports, playing with the kids, partying, design or romancing, Hobart has the goods to keep everyone happy. Check out what the locals have to say about their hometown.

Sporty Action

Scott Rowell, environmental planner, mountain and road biker, hiker and all-round adventurer

“Hobart’s the ideal place for an outdoor person,” says Scott Rowell. “We’ve got the mountains, forests and the water – and it’s all on our doorstep. Rowell and partner Jess are surely two of Hobart’s most active sportspeople. “Often on the weekends, we can’t decide what to do,” he says.

Saturday mornings might start with a sea kayak on the harbour, followed by an afternoon road bike ride. “One of our favourite road rides is the ‘Commando Circuit’: it’s a classic 60km course half way up the mountain to Fern Tree, then down to Kingston and back along the water.”

Sundays might find them back on Mount Wellington, either climbing The Organ Pipes, mountain biking, or hiking with young son Felix. “Hire bikes at Ray Appleby’s, pick up a track map at the Hobart City Council and you’re away.” Rowell also loves sailing on the harbour, for which Bay Charters offer sailing, sail training and racing tours.

Kids Stuff

Kate Tanner, mother of Evie (7) and Abbie (4)

“We adore the Botanical Gardens – a huge, glorious wonderland for kids to discover,” enthuses Kate Tanner. “There’s a Japanese Garden and the icy sub-antarctic house, plus a busy school holiday program.”

She continues: “Another great outdoor spot is the Waterworks Reserve in South Hobart. It’s in a bushland setting where the kids can run around and climb trees.” You can book barbecue spots and best of all, it’s free.

Saturdays aren’t complete without a trip to Salamanca Market. “We go treasure hunting in the market stalls, and the girls play with the giant chess pieces in Salamanca Square.” Nearby is The Faerie Shop, an irresistible grotto of all things glittery, fairy and magical.

On hot summer evenings, it’s time for the beach – this family’s favourite is Hinsby Beach. “It’s clean and safe and close to town. There’s often beach cricket and a great community feel.”

Nightlife Fun

Daniel Brown, barman at The Metz and one of Hobart’s top mixologists

“Start at Barcelona,” recommends Daniel Brown. “It’s a friendly bar with a great outdoor area for hot days and a cosy loft that’s perfect in winter.” Then there’s The Quarry, a sleek and classy bar. “Quarry has a great atmosphere and intimate little booths where you can take your date.”

Hobart’s newest night establishment is Observatory. “It’s really luxurious, with soft white leather couches, a huge chandelier and groovy lighting,” says Brown. “On Sunday nights they do Corona buckets – five beers for AU$20.” Any day of the week is right for hanging out at T42 on the docks. “T42’s a Hobart institution. They do great meals, have a huge wine and spirits collection, and fabulous coffee and cakes.”

The Republic Bar is Hobart’s best live music venue. “Every Friday and Saturday night top Aussie artists play here. It’s got a groovy atmosphere and is a fun, funky place to meet and dance.”

The best clubbing is at Syrup. “It’s got two levels with different music and a young, eclectic crowd,” says Brown. And Hobart’s best drink? “I recommend the Ginger Passion cocktail at The Metz, Sandy Bay, where I work. Come in and I’ll mix you one.”

Stylo-mylo Chic

Deb Noye, partner in Verna and Hilda Concepts, interior design wares and styling

“Hobart’s become trendy in the past five years,” says Deb Noye. Her favourite Hobart shop is Luxe. “Luxe specialises in Australian designers, such as Aesop skincare and Dinosaur Designs jewellery and homeware.” Love and Clutter is another treasure trove of eclectic clothing, knitwear and jewellery that Noye loves. “They stock things by the best Tasmanian arts and design talent. It’s a wonderful place to browse and perfect for gifts.” Tucked away in the city is Criterion Gallery, which exhibits avant garde works. “It’s small and groovy and is the arts highlight of the city.”

Hobart’s most stylish new restaurant is Smolt, says Noye. “It’s a new showpiece in Salamanca Square – a beautiful space, with an atmosphere that’s casual but classy. The menu’s creative too, but the osso bucco’s a standout.” For Hobart’s best coffee Noye recommends Jackman and McRoss Bakery. “It’s a real meeting place, and just the spot to have breakfast on a Saturday morning on the way down to the market.”

And for a sophisticated night out in Hobart? “The State Cinema of course. They show art-house films in a lovely old-world atmosphere. You can order your glass of wine from the bar and take it into the cinema. Perfect.”

Romancing

Photo: Tourism TasmaniaAnnabelle Sweetman and Daniel McMahon, lovers of life, Hobart… and each other

“Hobart’s the perfect small city for a romantic escape. There’s culture, food, wine, nature and luxury right at your fingertips,” says Annabelle Sweetman. “We love romantic walks through the galleries at Salamanca, beach strolls and hikes on Mount Wellington or Mount Field National Park.”

“There are plenty of places for romantic dinners too,” adds Daniel McMahon. “Try Le Provençal for candlelit dinners and classic, rustic French fare. Then there’s Prossers on the Beach for southern rocklobster while overlooking the Derwent River.”

Just out of town are two lovely places to eat and stay. “Moorilla, Tasmania’s oldest winery, has stylish, private cabins with amazing views,” says Sweetman.

South of Hobart is Peppermint Bay restaurant, set on the water’s edge with views across to Bruny Island. Browse in the Regnans Gallery, then drive up the hill to Peppermint Ridge Retreat. “It’s a gorgeous place to stay,” says Sweetman. “There are incredible views, a cosy loft bedroom and a huge spa to soak in.”

FIND IT:

Blackaby’s Sea Kayaks
tel: +61 418 124 072 / 438 671 508

The Climbing Edge
54 Bathurst St, tel: +61 (3) 6234 3575

Ray Appleby Cycles
109 Elizabeth St, tel: + 61 (3) 6234 7644

Hobart City Council
16 Elizabeth St, tel: + 61 (3) 6238 2711

Mount Wellington Walks by Jan Hardy and Bert Elson
at any good Hobart bookshop

Bay Charters
Marieville Esplanade, Sandy Bay, tel: + 61 (3) 6224 2477

Hobart Botanical Gardens
Queens Domain, tel: +61 (3) 6236 3088

The Faerie Shop
Shop 11 Salamanca Arts Centre, 77 Salamanca Plc, tel: +61 (3) 6224 8731

Barcelona Cafe/Wine Bar
23 Salamanca Plc, tel: +61 (3) 6224 7557

The Quarry
27 Salamanca Plc, tel: +61 (3) 6223 6552

Observatory
Lvl 1, Murray St Pier, tel: +61 (3) 6223 1273

T42
Elizabeth St Pier, tel: +61 (3) 6224 7742

The Republic Bar
299 Elizabeth St, tel: +61 (3) 6234 6954

Syrup
39 Salamanca Plc, tel: + 61 (3) 6224 8249

The Metz
217 Sandy Bay Rd, tel: +61 (3) 6224 4444

Luxe
134 Liverpool St, tel: +61 (3) 6236 9902

Love and Clutter
147 Liverpool St, tel: +61 (3) 6224 2222

Criterion Gallery
12 Criterion St, tel: + 61 (3) 6231 3151

Smolt
2 Salamanca Sq, tel: +61 (3) 6224 2554

Jackman and McRoss
57–59 Hampden Rd, Battery Point, tel: +61 (3) 6223 3186

The State Cinema
375 Elizabeth St, tel: +61 (3) 6234 6318

Le Provençal
417 Macquarie St, tel: +61 (3) 6224 2526

Prossers on the Beach
Long Point Rd, Sandy Bay, tel: +61 (3) 6225 2276

Moorilla
655 Main Rd, Berriedale, tel: +61 (3) 6277 9900

Peppermint Bay
3435 Channel Hwy, Woodbridge, tel: +61 (3) 6267 4088

Regnans Gallery
3441 Channel Hwy, Woodbridge, tel: +61 (3) 6267 4052

Peppermint Ridge Retreat
290 Woodbridge Hill Rd, Woodbridge, tel: +61 (3) 6267 4192