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This cool city is awash with culture, history and seafood – here's how to make the most of it!
Feast on fish and chips at Constitution Dock
The pristine nature of Tasmania's streams, coastlines and rivers is good news for seafood lovers. Sumptuous oysters, rock lobster, salmon and other deliciousness is easy to come by in restaurants throughout Hobart but if fish and chips is the way you like to roll, head down to Constitution Dock as the sun's going down. Grab an outdoor table at Mures Lower Deck (watch out for seagulls!), or grab a take away from one of the other dockside joints serving up fresh and tasty seafood – Fishy Business is worth a visit for the name alone.
Rug up for a walk at the top of kunanyi
Towering 1270m above Hobart, the views from the top of kunanyi / Mount Wellington are pretty spectacular. Boardwalks and lookout platforms abound at the breezy summit, which is well set up for visitors of all fitness levels (the three-hour Organ Pipes walk is a standout if you don't mind a little exertion). It's beautiful but icy cold at the summit, even in summer, so layer up in your warmest clothes and take some time to explore the area. You'll find the tallest flowering plants on the planet, otherworldly rock formations, and panoramic views over Hobart, Bruny Island and the Southwest wilderness (make your way over to the summit's west side for these). Getting cold? Duck inside the Observation Shelter to warm up.
Spend the day at Port Arthur
Tassie's convict history is fascinating and Port Arthur is a fun way to learn about it. The fun starts the minute you arrive at the heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site – you're given a playing card with the name and image of a convict or worker who lived there. Find a match downstairs in the gallery, and you can make your way directly to the cell, house or office they spent actual time in. A 40-minute guided tour gives you a great overview of the sandstone settlement where thousands of convicts spent time during the 1800s. There are more than 30 buildings and ruins to explore, all set around a picturesque bay amid manicured lawns and gardens. Port Arthur is a 90-minute drive from Hobart.
Explore Salamanca Markets
Held every Saturday from 8.30am-3pm, this bustling market has more than 300 stalls selling everything from scallops on a stick to chopping boards and homemade dog biscuits. Part of its appeal is its location – a leafy street lined with gracious Georgian buildings once used for warehousing imported goods. A visit here makes it easy to imagine the city's days as a remote British settlement but be sure to return to the area for dinner. Live music, outdoor tables and good food smells spill out of these same buildings now home to bars, galleries and restaurants.
Go on a culture trip
Tassie is full of creative types so it's no surprise there are museums and festivals dedicated to art and culture. A visit to MONA is an absolute must, no matter how into the art scene you are. A 25-minute ferry ride will get you there, and you can lounge about on the lawns, listen to live music, and eat and drink without even going in. Those who do go in inevitably come out with their minds blown. Expect crazy architecture, confronting exhibitions and intense experiences. This unusual museum is polarising – you may love it, you may hate it; it's worth going just to find out.
If you happen to be in Hobart in June, don't miss the midwinter festival known as Dark Mofo, which celebrates the long, dark nights of winter with ancient rituals that delve into mythology, religion, birth, death and renewal. What does that even mean, you may well ask. Expect large-scale public art and performances, music, fire, noise and revelry. Sounds like a pretty good time to me.
Domestic Travel Insurance
Domestic travel insurance is cover designed for any trip taken around Australia. You might think you don't need insurance because you have Medicare, but travel insurance for Australia can cover you for things that your medical healthcare doesn't. Even if you're not going too far, things can still go wrong on trips close to home.
Buying a policy for a long weekend or just a week might seem weird, but you may want to make sure your well-being and your belongings are protected – especially if you're flying or renting a car.
Learn more about the cover available for things like:
- Cancellation: If you've booked a hotel or a tour and have to head back home because a family member suddenly becomes ill, for example, cover may be available for unused accommodation and transport.
- Car rental: If you're thinking of hiring a car and taking an Aussie road trip, our domestic insurance can cover some of the car hire excess if your rental vehicle is damaged or stolen.
- Medical evacuation: While Medicare covers hospital stays, doctors' services and outpatient care, the domestic plan also provides cover for medical evacuation by road or air if you need it.
- Gadgets: Most personal valuables that are lost, stolen or permanently damaged are covered with our domestic plan. You can also add protection for individual items, like pricier tech or a musical instrument for an additional premium during the purchase process.
This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.