City Guide: A weekend in Hobart as curated by MONA’s Head of Content
Image via @lianadelcray/Instagram
Words by Gabrielle O’Hagan
A content queen shares her Hobart hit list.
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
This week, we’re exploring Hobart with Liana Rossi, the Head of Content at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). She fell in love with Hobart five years ago, when she travelled across the Bass Strait to make Tasmania her new home.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
You won’t find anyone who’s more of a ‘city girl’ than Liana, and she’s here to share her Hobart hit-list. “I’m not particularly outdoorsy, and barely own one pair of practical shoes, so if you’re looking for hikes you’ve come to the wrong place,” she says.
Eat
Hamlet, 40 Molle St, Hobart
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Indulge your tastebuds for a good cause at Hobart’s famous social enterprise cafe. The team behind Hamlet are on a mission to reduce unemployment in Tasmania and empower members of the local community to live meaningful lives.
Since it opened its doors to the public in 2016, it’s provided work experience and employment skills to hundreds of people. On top of this, it has a fresh, innovative menu featuring a wood-fire grill and seasonal vegetables. “Can’t think of many cafes that are or do better than this one,” says Liana.
Drink
Tom McHugos, 87 Macquarie St, Hobart
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Tom McHugos is the traditional city pub that everyone wishes was their local. The menu is sophisticated but well-priced, and the drinks list features organic, artisanal beverages. It also claims to be “Hobart’s most comfortable hotel”, with “the coldest tap brews in town”.
“We basically live at Tom McHugos,” Liana tells us. “A pet nat and a parmy is my standing order, but there’s plenty of delicious seasonal dishes too.”
Lucinda, 123 Collins St, Hobart
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This bar is a must-try. Featured in Gourmet Traveller, Lucinda has an extensive but well-priced wine list that includes a range of up-and-coming Australian brands. It’s the perfect blend of classic and modern, with a delicious food menu and a relaxed atmosphere to boot. Oh, and it also won an award for the Best Sparkling Wine List. What more could you ask for?
Shop
Bruce, 29 Criterion St, Hobart
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Bruce is a designer consignment store selling a range of beautifully curated menswear, womenswear, footwear, bags and accessories. Better yet, you can pass along your secondhand designer clothes, and receive 50 per cent of their sale price. It’s fashion with a conscience.
“I now pop in weekly to see what’s new,” Liana reveals. “As someone who has slowed down their fashion consumption, it’s the perfect spot for me to take my own clothes (and buy new ones) and extend the overall lifecycle of garments.”
Date
MONA, 655 Main Rd, Berriedale
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A perfect date night for Liana involves catching the ferry to MONA with her boyfriend, having lunch at a restaurant called The Source then watching Ben Salter perform in the museum.
Even though the museum is technically Liana’s employer, it never feels like work for her – and she can’t recommend a better or more romantic spot for a date. “We feel lucky it’s here,” Liana says.
Indulge
Lavada Cosmetic Clinic, 295 Elizabeth St, North Hobart
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If you visit Lavada, you’re in for a treat. This boutique clinic specialises in skincare and cosmetic techniques, using a holistic, all-natural approach to its treatments. You’ll leave feeling fresh, replenished, and more comfortable in your own skin.
Liana enjoys going for a facial but there are so many different options, you’ll be spoiled for choice. “She’s heaven,” Liana says.
Farm Gate market, 104 Bathurst St, Hobart
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Is there anything better than a lazy Sunday stroll down to your local farmer’s market? Well, you can rely on Farm Gate to be open every Sunday, rain, hail or shine. It’s Hobart’s local hub for baked goods and seasonal produce. If you happen to be there, Liana recommends visiting Rough Rice. Specialising in fermented foods and condiments, this stall is packed with flavour.
R&R
CNTNR, 546 Upper Scamander Rd, Upper Scamander
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Although she hasn’t been here yet, this one is at the top of Liana’s wish list. Located along the east coast of Tasmania, CNTNR is made from a 40ft container that has been converted into luxury accomodation. Gaze up at the gumtrees overhead or at the idyllic views of the Scamander River, and you’ll instantly begin to relax and unwind.
You can stay all day in the accommodation itself or explore the area. “There’s so many gems, and such beautiful beaches, and wonderful produce,” Liana says.
Waterloo Inn, 1A Franklin Street, Swansea
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Speaking of views, you won’t find any better than the ones at Waterloo Point. Stay in a modern, comfortable unit right on Swansea beach, sample its delicious menu and take in captivating panoramic views of the ocean. You can also visit other local attractions while you’re there, including Wineglass Bay, Coles Bay, the Swansea Bark Mill and Meetus Falls.
“We, and all our friends, are rightly obsessed,” Liana tells us. Need she say more?
Celebrate
Fico, 151A Macquarie St, Hobart
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This little Italian eatery is all about “fun-dining”. It’s a charming mix of casual and fine dining, with an intimate but lively atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a birthday or to celebrate a promotion. The menu is seasonal, sustainable and locally sourced. Although it’s always changing, you can count on a plate of fresh pasta, risotto, seafood and fresh vegetables.
“I’m sentimental about dining… so it feels fitting that Fico is the place we go for a long birthday lunch, to say goodbye to a friend or to be reunited with visiting family,” Liana tells us. “Go for a looooooong Sunday lunch.”
For more of Liana’s Hobart adventures, head here.
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