Capital of the Australian island of Tasmania, Hobart is an attractive river city, set in the shadows of the 1,270m-high Mount Wellington. Small, yet diverse, it’s easy to cross on foot, with much to see and quick access to the outlying countryside. Visit Salamanca Place, with its old sandstone warehouses, galleries and cafes; Battery Point, for the historic narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages; Long Beach and Nutgrove East and West for swimming; the Royal Botanical Gardens; MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art); and take a day trip to neighbouring Bruny Island.
The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart
Located on the waterfront in Salamanca, The Tasman — part of the Marriott Bonvoy Collection — inhabits 1840s Georgian and 1940s Art Deco buildings. Choose from rooms in the modern Pavilion Building (which includes the rooftop Aurora Suite with an outdoor terrace overlooking the harbour); or from those in the Heritage Building, where you’ll be surrounded by original features such as restored fireplaces and art artwork and custom furnishings. Eat at Peppina, where Italian-inspired dishes are crafted from farm-local ingredients, take high tea at the Deco Lounge overlooking Parliament Square and drink at the speakeasy-inspired Mary Mary bar.
MACq 01 Hotel
Situated in Hobart’s central business district’s waterfront, this hotel tells the story of its neighbourhood’s history. 114 bedrooms display the area’s character in five separate themes, with an eclectic feel created by interior designer Pike Withers. Expect bold colours and surprising features that are contrasted by natural textiles and patinated brass. The Old Wharf restaurant celebrates local growers and Tasmanian ingredients, creating traditional family-style dishes, while The Story Bar features live music on Friday and Saturday nights, the Evolve Spirits Bar showcases nearby distillers’ produce and the Lounge serves oysters and vino to a backdrop of Aboriginal artefacts.
Islington Hotel
Hobart is the island’s capital and home to the Islington Hotel. A little out of the city, the 19th century, Regency-style boutique establishment affords guests tranquillity, with its own garden. Inside are antique furnishings and fine art works in what resembles an urban lodge. There are 11 characterful bedrooms with iPads, Islington Dream beds, a mini-bar and daily house-made treats; also a restaurant – the Islington kitchen – serving seasonal, organic food, a wine cellar, meeting rooms and excellent views of Mount Wellington. The Islington Hotel caters exclusively to adult guests.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel
This was Australia’s first-ever dedicated art hotel, exhibiting works from local artists. Set beside the capital’s waterfront, The Henry Jones comprises a series of industrial warehouses that once served as the IXL jam factory (its live jazz bar and cafe are named after this). Dating back to the 1820s, the building is now a multi-award winning hotel. But the heritage can be seen in sandstone walls, exposed-beam ceilings, spiral staircases and vintage fireplaces, alongside modern features like whirlpool baths, Nespresso machines, organic indigenous toiletries and quirky design features. It also has two very good restaurants — Landscape and Peacock and Jones.
