Hobart - things to do and where to stay

[Milboo]

We are looking at a mid week (Sun - Thu) mid Winter visit to Hobart.

The lack of 'name' hotels has thrown me and I am unsure of what is good (and nice!). Macq01 is getting a look in but probably a little steep for a short break budget.

Where do others recommend staying? (don't like the look of Henry Jones' interiors).

Also - any tips for what to do? On the list is a day trip to Bruny Island to check out the gourmet delights, MONA and....will have a car but not looking at doing any hiking/ anything strenuous.

Thanks!

 

[Denali]

We're going to Tassie on Sunday and our plans is a couple of nights at Port Arthur as hubby enjoys photography and wants to take Milky Way shots and hopefully auroras and visit Port Arthur, Eagle Hawke ect and then a few nights at Hobart Grand Chancellor (not been there before).

Last time we were in Hobart we stayed at Somerset on the Pier, right on the wharf and it was nice (had a balcony room) but I would be concerned about restaurant noise below (we were there Christmas day so they were closed.

Considering visiting a few whiskey places and enjoying the food. We might stretch out to a couple of waterfalls, Richmond, Cascade ect, that depends on the weather.

 

[RooFlyer]

If maq 1 is out, then the Grand Chancellor, on the waterfront wouldn't be a bad choice. For a cheaper option, there is a brand new Ibis Styles also downtown - its meant to be an 'upmarket' Ibis and has good local reviews. Somerset on Elizabeth Pier isn't bad; Lenna is also near the waterfront.

Don't worry, Crowne Plaza and Marriott are on their way, but after this winter .

Definitely Bruny Island, and while you are down there, check out the Pennicott Wilderness Tours jet boat rides - friends did it last week and came back raving about the experience. MONA is a given.

Hobart waterfront is nice - Salamanca Place has good craft and book shots, galleries etc. If you are downtown and its raining, pop into the Museum - sounds a bit twee but there is some good stuff there. if its sunny, head up Mt Wellington for the views - there may also be a bit of snow!

The Coal River Valley (the drive from Cambridge, near the airport, to Richmond) has many wineries if you want to do some tasting. Lunch at the Richmond Arms pub can be enjoyable.

BTW its been bloody cold recently - sunny, but cold.

 

[OzEire]

If there is going to be several AFFers in town at the same (inc yours truly) perhaps it's time for a Hobart AFF gathering?

My dates are 13-21 Aug and staying in Hobart near MONA.

 

[GDSman]

There are a few AFF-ers based down here....of course we don't always know the hotels (for obvious reasons). Somerset on Pier is a great location and has nice rooms with mezzanine bedrooms. Grand Chancellor a bit sterile. Henry Jones was very nice the only time I stayed...and has a good bar and restaurant.
What to do? MONA, Port Arthur definite. Bruny if time permits with Pennicott cruise. Richmond for Georgian/convict architecture.
Wineries, a wealth of restaurants (eating /drinking has improved spectacularly in last couple of years) and some good pubs.
Walking, hiking if that's your thing.
If you put some preferences on the forum I'm sure you'll get some good suggestions...

 

[moa999]

Mona by ferry with Posh Pass is the only way.

For upmarket boutique I have been told The Islington is amazing

 

[Homer]

Isn't the Henry Jones the nicest hotel in Hobart?

 

[ftm]

I haven't tried maq1 yet, but I think it will have taken over from Henry jones as the pick on the waterfront and it is owned by the same people (ie the Casino). Henry Jones is getting a bit tired, but still an amazing building.

Somerset on the Pier is a good choice. I like it. Lenna is ok. The Islington is the other good one, a bit out of town, but if Henry Jones was pricey, then Islington won't be in range either.

 

[NZflygirl]

Subscribing for feb trip, nothing booked except flights!

 

[ellen10]

Subscribing also for a future trip. Thanks for the great recommendations.

 

[OATEK]

We are booked in to the Lenna in 2 months time. We usually start the vist in LST (doing the indirect route SYD-MEL-LST) and pick up a car. We have stayed at Hadley's many times over the years since 1973, which has a certain old-world charm with uneven floors etc., although I last stayed there 2 or 3 years ago.

One of the lovely day trips from Hobart is to drive to New Norfolk which is a lovely town where we do a little "antiquing". The drive along the river is also lovely, and we head N/W to Hamilton which retains a lot of colonial era character. From Hamilton we head towards Bothwell (always found the best meat pies there for a casual lunch) and later return via Kempton and Bagdad towards Hobart. Lovely country and small towns. You can stop in at the Cascade Brewery on the way back if there is time.

 

[RooFlyer]

Mona by ferry with Posh Pass is the only way.

For upmarket boutique I have been told The Islington is amazing

The Islington is amazing - its a colonial house, full of antiques and art and they look after you very well. A bit pricy though and out of town (for Hobart.

Isn't the Henry Jones the nicest hotel in Hobart?

Depends what you mean by 'nicest'. Its up-market and stylish but I'd prefer the Islington and probably Maq1.

We are booked in to the Lenna in 2 months time. We usually start the vist in LST (doing the indirect route SYD-MEL-LST) and pick up a car. We have stayed at Hadley's many times over the years since 1973, which has a certain old-world charm with uneven floors etc., although I last stayed there 2 or 3 years ago.

One of the lovely day trips from Hobart is to drive to New Norfolk which is a lovely town where we do a little "antiquing". The drive along the river is also lovely, and we head N/W to Hamilton which retains a lot of colonial era character. From Hamilton we head towards Bothwell (always found the best meat pies there for a casual lunch) and later return via Kempton and Bagdad towards Hobart. Lovely country and small towns. You can stop in at the Cascade Brewery on the way back if there is time.

That's a terrific itinerary. At Bothwell, the homestead 'Ratho' has now been done up and is a place to stay - convict cottages accommodation etc, and Australia's oldest golf course attached!

 

[Milboo]

I haven't tried maq1 yet, but I think it will have taken over from Henry jones as the pick on the waterfront and it is owned by the same people (ie the Casino). Henry Jones is getting a bit tired, but still an amazing building.

Somerset on the Pier is a good choice. I like it. Lenna is ok. The Islington is the other good one, a bit out of town, but if Henry Jones was pricey, then Islington won't be in range either.

I discounted Henry Jones on the look/ style of the rooms rather than the price.

 

[RooFlyer]

BTW ... just for anyone coming across this thread. Trip Advisor for Hobart throws up some really weird results .. some really coughpy hotels (In my opinion!) rating highly, probably just on price.

 

[Milboo]

Finally had some time on the weekend to sort this all out!

Sorted out an itinerary that looks like this:

- arrive late Sunday night - staying at Ibis Styles as just need a bed for the night.
- Day 1 exploring Hobart and head down to Kettering later in the day, staying at The Cove Kettering - found accommodation choices there/ Bruny Island to be limited if not booking a whole house.
- Day 2 is Bruny Island as weather is looking best (can switch with Day 1 if the weather forecast changes).
- Day 3 is in Hobart again - will go to MONA etc - staying at Macq01 for 2 nights - decided to treat myself!
- Day 4 (1/2 day) in Hobart and surrounds.

 

[Daver6]

Not sure if the trip has been or not, but if it has, any feedback?

Will be in Hobart in late October for a few nights with MrsDaver6. First time there for us too and interested to hear your thoughts.

 

[Milboo]

I have a trip report I need to finish...

- stayed at Macq01 and it was awesome. Food in Old Wharf Restaurant was outstanding.
- ate at Templo - great meal
- went to MONA - meh to be honest. Meal at The Source was excellent but service was lacking
- Drove up Mt Wellington
- wandered around Salamanca and Brooke St Pier
- stayed in Kettering and drove over to Bruny Island (note the lookout is closed)
- drove back to Hobart via Cygnet and Huon Valley.

 

[Virgin Bart]

MONA was meh? Wow that's insane, I've loved it every time.

I note a current special for macq01 - $499 for any two nights in a Hunter room (not water views).

I have a trip report I need to finish...

- stayed at Macq01 and it was awesome. Food in Old Wharf Restaurant was outstanding.
- ate at Templo - great meal
- went to MONA - meh to be honest. Meal at The Source was excellent but service was lacking
- Drove up Mt Wellington
- wandered around Salamanca and Brooke St Pier
- stayed in Kettering and drove over to Bruny Island (note the lookout is closed)
- drove back to Hobart via Cygnet and Huon Valley.

 

[Daver6]

I note a current special for macq01 - $499 for any two nights in a Hunter room (not water views).

Where do you see that? Do you need a code?

 

[Virgin Bart]

Where do you see that? Do you need a code?

As requested

MACq 01 Hotel