March to May in Hobart sees Sydney tourists depart (too cold) and bargain-hunting travellers fly in (with coats). Prices drop and the temperatures drop too – as low as 9 degrees. What’s the best way to spend an Autumn weekend in Hobart?
The Alabama Hotel Bargain
Hobart’s historic Alabama Hotel is a five-minute walk from Woolworth’s and a fifty-year trip through time.
If you’re happy to share a bathroom down the hall, you’ll be happy with the low room prices, just over $100 a night for two.
The Alabama was built in 1867, turned Art Deco in the 1930s and today has Fifties décor, including plastic pink flamingos perched on the rooftop bar.
The interior bar is roomy, comfortable and non-guests (Hobart locals who come in here to knit and drink wine) pop in and out.
You can buy a glass of Tasmanian sparkling or beer – and relax – knowing you don’t even have to walk home.
Heated Outdoor Dining
The Hanging Garden is the stand-out winner here, not only for the warmth of their multitude of outdoor heaters, but also for the sheer size of the space.
Tardis-like qualities prevail. From Murray Street, it’s a doorway. Walk inside and it’s a two-storey, massive space with vertical gardens, multiple bars (so it’s free of long queues) and plenty of food choices.
Korean or Ethiopian? Pizza? Take a hand-held buzzer and find a table, upstairs or downstairs.
Vegetarians are treated handsomely. Split a delicious, juicy, extremely mushroomy, gooey cheesy Funghi e Tartufo Pizza for $25 in the downstairs pizza kitchen. Anoki mushrooms and Tasmanian truffle oil make this a standout.
There is a long cocktail list, warming red wine from local vineyards – and famous Josef Chromy NV Tasmanian Cuvee by the glass.
At 112 Murray Street it’s a short walk from The Alabama if you’re staying there.
Tip: If you want to see world-class music or comedy in Hobart, book at the sister venue, The Odeon, months in advance. It’s a few steps down from The Hanging Garden. Nick Cave, Sleaford Mods, Joanna Lumley? Check.
Blundstones and R.M Williams
Tasmanians are booted, if not suited, at the first sign of Autumn leaves.
Blundstones is the local brand, worn by tradies and made fashionable by David Beckham. Possibly.
They manufacture overseas but the head office is still Hobart. (The original tannery was on the banks of Hobart Rivulet).
The original Blundstones, John and Eliza, arrived from Derbyshire in 1855.
The boots are fully round-toed and cheaper than R.M. Williams, which are classically shaped and an expensive investment.
Buy ‘Blunnies’ (even for small children) at the flagship shop, Tradewear at 135 Elizabeth Street.
Buy R.M. Williams (modelled here by local business types at The Hobart Brewing Company) at Shop 15, inside The Cat and Fiddle Arcade.
Crunch your way through Tasmanian autumn leaves and take them home as a souvenir.
Your chances of finding a pair of Blundstones secondhand are good in Hobart. R.M. Williams boots, less so. If you’re lucky you can find a vintage suitcase with a Hobart destination tag too. Try Hello Gorgeous.
