ART PEDALLING IN HOBART

A quiet revolution has been taking place in Hobart....and it has a lot to do with a little place named MONA putting us on the international map. Hobart is now an art and cultural destination alongside the world's finest. So now that the Spring birds are chirping, hop on a MONA bicycle (or your own for that matter) and head for MONA. Along the way, you'll come across GASP! (Glenorchy Art & Sculpture Park) -  a linear 9 hectare public space with three public pavilions and outdoor art.

You'll need a bike - not this one. But keep in mind that back in town there are plenty of independent artists and makers in Salamanca Arts Centre and throughout the city. Oh, and if you must, pop some chocolate down the hatch from Augustus on Collins Street - another brand new offering in Hobart that we missed off our big list of nearly 30 newbies yesterday. All long bike rides require chocolate energy.

Augustus - 100 Collins Street

Follow the colourful walkways as GASP! stretches 3 kilometres from Montrose Bay to Wilkinson's Point. You'll pass by the Derwent Entertainment Centre and for those looking for an event to attend this weekend don't look past Lord of the Dance - Dangerous Games. Expect feet moving faster than humanly possible, dramatic toe tapping, and well, unicorns. We attended the first show and it was quite the dose of Irish culture.

GASP

GASP

Keep pedalling until you hit almighty MONA. This is the part where you park your bikes and head underground for your subversive art experience courtesy of David Walsh. And be sure to pull up a pink beanbag on the lawns with some Tasmanian bubbles after you've come up for air. 

MONA

Heard of Prince of Wales Bay Marina? Why not take a little detour and stop in for coffee down by the yachts on your pedal back. Right beside Incat, this industrial neighbourhood has some ripper views of the mountain and River Derwent, plus a cafe by the water's edge. 

Prince of Wales Bay Marina

Back in the big smoke of Hobart take your pick from a range of events hosted by the Tasmanian Writers and Readers Festival this weekend. With whisky and page turning encouraged tomorrow night (courtesy of Tasmanian Whisky Tours) and poetry merged with hip hop, there's some serious literary fun to be had.

Hadley's Orient Hotel

Hadley's Orient Hotel - Tasmanian Writers and Readers Festival

Hadley's Orient Hotel

Words and Images: Alice Hansen