10 THINGS TO DO IN HOBART THIS SUMMER - AND BEYOND!

Three Capes Track - Tasman Island. Credit: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Summer has arrived peeps and it’s going to be a cracker. There’s so much to do and so much on in Hobart you’ll be dining under the stars with Mona one minute and walking along dolerite cliffs of Australia’s premier coastal bushwalk the next. Gather your friends and make a list – this summer Hobart is the place to be.

The Taste of Tasmania. Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Sean Fennessy

1. SYDNEY TO HOBART + TASTE OF TASMANIA
It’s like waiting for party guests to arrive. As Sydney to Hobart yachtsmen cross the line in Hobart, it marks the beginning of waterfront festivities, sending excited waves through the entire town. Get down amongst the action when fireworks mark the arrival of 2016. Grab a table around the island’s finest produce at the Taste of Tasmania and give those yachties a warm Tassie welcome for completing this iconic and world-famous ocean classic.

Three Capes Track - Cape Hauy. Credit: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

2. THREE CAPES TRACK
The Three Capes Track is officially open and ready for your walking boots. Don’t worry, you won’t be looking down at them much. This track is world-class and mud-free, leaving the dolerite cliffs and sweeping Southern Ocean views with your full attention. Walking along the world’s edge is not all hard yakka – the four-day trek begins with a Pennicott boat trip from Port Arthur Historic Site and the huts are designed with comfort and Tasman Peninsula views in mind. Forty-six kilometres have never looked so spectacular.

Artbikes. Credit: Tourism Tasmania

3. SUMMER TIME PEDALLING
If there’s ever a time to hop on two wheels its summer time. In Hobart, the city lends itself to two-wheeled discovery as if invented for this slower pace. So grab a free Artbike, or a Mona bike and get pedalling. There’s coffee windows like Small Fry and Bury Me Standing to roll by, a scenic waterside path that takes you out to Mona and plenty of outdoor art to explore along the way. Park your bike beside a beanbag at Mona, but remember when ordering bubbles that you’ll still need to pedal back! Alternately ditch the bike, and head to Mona for The Golden Hour on a Wednesday or Thursday evening taking in sunset with James Turrell’s Amarna – the perfect excuse for dining under the stars as part of a three-course feast.

Satellite Island. Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Mark Chew

4. ISLAND TIME
We all dream of islands in summer time – lapping waves and shady palms. We must admit that Tasmania isn’t the most tropical of islands. But that’s what makes us special. Our definition of island life is a tad different. Here, hire an island off an island off an island. Satellite Island could be all yours this summer; feed apples to the deer, shuck your own oysters, drop a line in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and watch the sun set from your own private beach. Make up your own rules this summer, on your own island. Alternately, pop across to Bruny Island for a long weekend of cheese, beaches, walks and perhaps an albino wallaby or two.

The Falls Music and Arts Festival Credit: Tourism Tasmania & April Wright

5. OUTDOOR TUNES
With the smell of summer in the air, meaning the fun of festival season is almost palpable. If you like your tunes served outdoors we have a line up you’re going to love including the summer favourites of Falls and Mofo. Gather your mates and head to Marion Bay for Falls Festival Dec 29 to Jan 1 - yes there’s still time and tickets – or save yourself for Mofo fun Jan 13-18. Mona’s Festival of Music and Art, curated by Brian Ritchie will be staged fully at Mona this year and it’s gonna be a cracker.

Smolt Restaurant - Gourmania Food Tours. Credit: Tourism Tasmania & April Wright

6. FEASTING HOBART-STYLE
There is so much to feast on in Hobart. New restaurants and watering holes are popping up all over the city. The foodie scene is such that locals now even have to book a table in their own town – gone are the days of rolling up expecting their seat by the window. Aloft Restaurant and The Glass House bring a new sophistication to the waterfront, The Shambles Brewery swings open its doors in January and Urban Greek fills big shoes in the former Garagistes space. Then there’s Pancho Villa, Frank, Black Footed Pig, Templo, Franklin, the list goes on. For a six-course gourmet breakfast including Lark whisky, go for a progressive walking feast with Gourmania.

Willie Smiths Organic Apple Cider Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Andrew McIntosh, Ocean Photography

7. DISTILLERIES, VINEYARDS & CIDERIES
Like your Tasmanian whisky? We have highland distilleries waiting. Curious about the Apple Isle’s rosy reds transformation into moreish cider? Head for The Apple Shed. Like your Tasmanian wine served with Pacific oysters? Bangor Oyster & Wine Shed en route to Port Arthur Historic Site is calling. You don’t have to travel far to come across a distillery (some 20 now across the island) including newbie, None Such near Sorell. Or don’t leave town at all. Enjoy Bill Lark’s best on the waterfront, settle into Nant Whisky’s newly expanded Salamanca bar or hunt down Captain Bligh in town.

Hobart Yachts. Credit: Jimmy Emms

8. HIT THE WATERS
We have some of the finest waterways right on our city doorstep. That means you can eat fresh fish and chips on the deck of your kayak, watching people commute home from work on Macquarie Street. Hobart Paddle is the way to see our city in twilight. Or, set sail with Hobart Yachts. Watch the Sydney to Hobart yachties cross the line, book an overnight trip up the east coast, or request the skipper set sail for a quiet cove off Bruny.

Sunrise from top of Mt. Wellington. Credit: Paul Fleming

9. WATCH HOBART WAKE UP
Head to the top of kunyani/Mount Wellington for sunrise. With Hobart still blanketed in sleep (bar a few early workers and keen joggers) there's a stillness not found at sea level. At 1271 metres, the dolerite is cool and perfect for a blankie and morning chats. Further down at The Springs, drop into Bentwood Coffee's caravan for a latte and chat with Meg and Chris Spillane. Their puppy dog Pepper might even tell you where a few hidden huts are on the mountain!

State Cinema Credit: courtesy State Cinema

10. DINNER AND A ROOFTOP MOVIE
Summer is in the air and so are the stars on North Hobart’s State Cinema rooftop. After dinner on the NoHo strip, head for this century-old cinema with views across Hobart’s skyline. Grab a glass of Tasmanian bubbles from the rooftop bar and settle into comfy deck chairs. We can’t promise it will always be balmy, it’s Hobart. But that’s what nanna rugs are for and extending a romantic arm.
Words: Alice Hansen, Tailored Tasmania

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