Enjoy a Hobart Getaway with your Musical Heroes

Once upon a time, our peaceful island was accidentally left off maps of Australia. As well as the indignity of the occasional cartographic oversight, locals had to endure jokes from mainlanders about whether Tasmania was even part of Australia (not to mention scanning our necks for a second head-lengthed scar).

My my, how the tide has turned. If Tasmanians weren’t so darn lovely, we’d probably be quite smug about how popular we’ve become. We even have some very famous celebrities coming our way…

Image: Red Hot Chili Peppers by Steve Keros

Oooh, who’s coming?

We are super pumped to welcome some huge international superstars to Hobart this summer!

• On Saturday, 8 December, catch Ministry of Sound Orchestrated with the TSO on ‘The Strings of Life Tour’ at Wrest Point. Special guest vocalists Sam Sparro, Crystal Waters, and Alison Limerick will perform, as well as special guest DJ John Course (tickets are now on sale).
• On Sunday, 3 February 2019, Fatboy Slim will bring the big beats and get the crowd moving on the Wrest Point Lawns (tickets are now on sale).
• On Sunday, 17 February 2019, dreams will come true when the Red Hot Chili Peppers kick off their Australia tour in Hobart at the Derwent Entertainment Centre (tickets go on general sale on Monday, 26 November).

Image: @jnephotos/Instagram

What’s so special about Hobart?

Nestled on the shores of the River Derwent, with kunanyi/Mt Wellington as the scenic backdrop, Hobart has always been a natural beauty filled with character and charm.

Something particularly special has happened since Mona burst into eclectic life, with Hobart firmly in the sights of curious celebrities, talented artists, adored musicians, keen adventurers and excited travellers from all around the globe.

Hobart offers the chance to see your musical heroes perform in a more intimate setting, away from the madding crowds, Tassie’s great advantage. Flea might even be able to see the tears of joy streaming down your face. Your only chance to see Fatboy Slim in Australia is at Wrest Point in February, and the combination of the TSO and Ministry of Sound is not to be missed. Southern Tasmania is magical to explore, so nab your tickets and make a trip of it.

Image: @aaronchingaling/Instagram

What are some fun things to do?

There’s tonnes to do, so choose your own adventure. Explore the city’s shops and galleries, stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the hip bars and eateries, head up the mountain, and visit our national parks.

Fresh off the plane, catch the SkyBus into town (that’s what the locals call the city—aren’t we charming?). Jump aboard the Red Decker Company’s fun double-decker bus, see the sights, and hop off and on to explore at your leisure.

Image: @miaglastonbury/Instagram

Indulge yourself at Hobart’s top-notch restaurants and bars. Enjoy a unique experience at the Brooke Street Larder—Tasmania’s only waterside floating larder and café, with stunning 180 degree views of the Derwent River.

Image: @stepheats_/Instagram

See a different view of Hobart on the delightful Peppermint Bay Cruise. The lunch cruise is very popular, gliding alongside dolphins through the scenic d’Entrecasteaux Channel to the wonderful Peppermint Bay Hotel. We also recommend catching the ferry out to Mona to see what all the fuss is about, dive down the rabbit hole, and tickle your imagination all the colours of the rainbow.

Image: @all__australian/Instagram

What are some good adventures out of the city?

If you’re keen to explore further and really immerse yourself in the charms of Southern Tasmania, there are loads of ripper adventures to be had.

• Roadtrip through the Southern Trove and unearth a plethora of hidden gems in the Channel, Bruny Island, Huon Valley, and Far South.
• Visit the Tasman Peninsula to delve into convict history, see natural wonders, and embark upon world-class walks such as the Three Capes Track.
• Head northwest and discover the charms of the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands, including New Norfolk, the Mt Field National Park, Lake St Clair, and the impressive Gordon Dam.
• Travel the Heritage Highway and discover charming Georgian villages and grand colonial estates from the days of convicts, bushrangers, and well-to-do early settlers (there’s also whisky and gin).

Image: @its.lenu/Instagram

Where can I stay?

There’s a great range of comfortable accommodation to choose from in Hobart and surrounds, including: the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, the Salamanca Wharf Hotel, Zero Davey Boutique Apartments, the Best Western Hobart, The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Somerset on the Pier, Salamanca Suites, Salamanca Inn, Motel 429, Wrest Point Hotel & Casino, and Mona Pavilions.

Image: @singatas/Instagram

We love it when you share your adventures with us! Share your snaps by tagging @hobartandbeyond and using #HobartandBeyond on Instagram and Facebook – we’ll share our favourite pics on social media and in the blog.

Image supplied by Wrest Point