Luxury Escapes Guide to Hobart

You couldn’t ask for a finer location than that of The Glass House: but its flashy positioning, suspended over the waters of Sullivan’s Cove with 280° River Derwent views, is more than backed up by its menu. Locally sourced Tasmanian produce (organic vegetables, soft sheep milk cheese, Southern Ocean oysters) is given a Japanese twist at this high-end eatery, which also features a raw bar for fresh seafood prepared on-the-spot. Its dishes – think scallop with ponzu ginger and shiso, and heirloom beetroot carpaccio with hazelnut and dandelion – are complemented by a more-than-worthy drinks list of world-class local whiskies, Tasmanian wines, craft beers and classic cocktails.

If you prefer your dining establishments to have a more local feel, seek out Templo: a cosy eatery in the city’s back streets where you’ll be looking to the chalkboard for the day’s menu. Availability of produce informs what’s on offer each day – a gastronomical lucky dip where you’re guaranteed a win, every time. Crispy arancini with a melting centre, risotto with gorgonzola and hazelnuts and Sicilian apple cake are just some of the Italian-inspired dishes to savour whilst perched in the window or at the bar.

“If you cringe at the sound of tequila, we can tell you now, you’ve been doing it wrong.” Allow the Day of the Dead-inspired Pancho Villa to show you how to do tequila right— and with a menu of more than 50 varieties, you’re sure to find a shot that will tickle your fancy. Of course, it’s never advisable to drink on an empty stomach and the restaurant’s Mexican-inspired menu – with baja fish tacos, pork belly quesadilla, chilli and chorizo mussels and churros with dulce de leche – is there to break the fall.

This award-winning bar is achingly cool in more ways than one. Embracing Tasmania’s status as ‘the gateway to Antarctica’, Institut Polaire serves up cool climate wine and spirits from both international brands and emerging local talents, with an emphasis on organic and biodynamic farming and natural techniques. Sip on a signature Süd Polaire Antarctic dry martini while tucking into a grazing menu of fresh, organic local fare such as Scottsdale pork katsu and Coal River Farm triple cream brie with mustard fruits.

As one of Tasmania’s finest restaurants, the bearer of two chef hats and the winner of the AGFG Readers’ Choice 2020 – European award, you know you’re in for a treat when you visit Fico, where Tasmanian produce meets Italian tradition. Expect handmade pastas and risottos such as squid ink tortellini and green garlic risotto, homemade bread and beautiful seafood. Visit on a Sunday and the set menu will feature treasures sourced from the local farmers’ market that very morning.

On waterfront Hunter Street, concealed in a rustic sandstone warehouse, is Peacock and Jones: an unmissable dining experience offering Tasmanian-inspired dishes created in an open kitchen. Headed up by Mark Wilson (formerly of Saffire Freycinet), the team’s passion for Tasmanian produce is evident in its ever-changing menu of dishes such as Tasmanian lamb with ratatouille and baba ganoush and French onion soufflé with Heidi Farm gruyère, which is complemented by a wine cellar of more than 60 bottles.

Cocktail, gin and whiskey-lovers will be in their element at this cosy library-inspired bar, whose sizeable spirit collection is showcased on a huge bookshelf complete with a wooden ladder (not advisable for those who have been sampling the cocktails). Tapas-style dishes and live music are the perfect complement to the premium tipples such as the Saffron Negroni and classic cocktails like the Corpse Reviver.

This quirky watering hole, located within the MACq 01 hotel, was named ‘Tasmania’s Best Bar’ in the Australian Bar Awards 2019 – and it’s not hard to see why. A winning combination of a waterfront location, an extensive collection of rare and award-winning spirits and weird yet wonderful interiors (you’ll find yourself sharing a drink alongside artefacts from prehistoric tortoise shells to a Triceratops nose horn) keeps locals and tourists alike coming back for more.

Small tapas dishes that are big on globally inspired flavour: this is the order of the day at The Black Footed Pig, which can be found tucked away just behind the waterfront. The biggest challenge is which dishes to omit from your order – the roasted king prawns with strawberry gazpacho and prawn head oil, house-salted gemfish with tomato and capsicum tapenade or the zucchini, tomato and goats cheese coca? Oh go on then, we’ll take the lot – with a Hobart whiskey sour to boot.

Exploring the corridors of Mona is hungry work – and what luck, the museum is also home to chef-hatted cuisine at The Source Restaurant, a self-proclaimed ‘temple to seasonal Tasmanian dining’. And at this temple, the finest Tasmanian produce is worshipped. The museum itself pays homage to art in the way this restaurant does to its ingredients: Pacific oysters, ricotta gnocchi with black truffle, chicken liver parfait… And don’t forget to pop into the Moo Brew brewery for a cheeky beer while you’re onsite.

Bruny Island, just off the coast south of Hobart, is an untouched haven of crystalline waters and rugged beauty. Discover its splendour on a full-day private tour, complete with tastings of some of the island’s most renowned produce. See the wildlife at South Bruny National Park, explore historic Adventure Bay and enjoy a gourmet lunch at a family-owned vineyard. What better way to spend a day?

Tasmania’s bountiful seafood is a huge drawcard for gourmands, and what better way to enjoy it than fresh from the sea? Pennicott Wilderness journeys offers a full-day Tasmanian Seafood Seduction cruise, whereby a small group of up to 12 heads out on an expedition on the waters surrounding Bruny Island to source fresh seafood. The cruise includes a visit to a salmon farm and a seafood feast of freshly shucked oysters, lobster and more served with local bread, artisan cheeses and salads, together with Tasmanian wines, beers and ciders.

One of the best ways to soak up the verdant landscapes of Tasmania is from the sky – and if you’re an avid Instagrammer, you’ll be absolutely in your element on this once-in-a-lifetime ride. Ascending to over 1,250 metres, you’ll head towards the northern suburbs of the city, over Mona and the Coal River Valley before coming into land on the lawn of Frogmore Creek Winery, where a well-deserved lunch of Tasmanian produce served alongside local wines awaits.

Make your trip truly unforgettable with a seaplane flight, departing from Hobart’s waterfront. Take off from the water and soak up the most incredible views across the city and the verdant rolling countryside beyond. Above & Beyond is Tasmania’s only seaplane operator and offers a selection of experiences to suit every budget, from a 10-minute taster ride over the city to a 90-minute tour of Port Arthur and the Three Capes.

Immerse yourself in Hobart with Luxury Escapes’ hand-picked Experiences. We’ve curated a selection of cultural activities, adrenaline thrills, food adventures and luxury add-ons to help you discover your destination. These Experiences are bookable when you purchase your next escape. Simply select your travel dates and number of travellers for any package, and opt to tailor your escape by selecting the available Experiences.