Champagne Tastes on a Beer Budget in Hobart

Located just 20 minutes drive from central Hobart, Wyndham Seven Mile Beach is truly one of the best-kept secrets in Tasmania. Within easy driving distance to all of the Apple Isle’s most stunning attractions, this eco-inspired resort offers you the best of both worlds.

Hobart is renowned for its fine food, world-class wines and thriving arts and culture scene, making it the ideal destination for a luxurious getaway. At first note that may sound like it might blow the budget, but fear not – lots of Hobart’s best activities and attractions are extremely affordable; many are even free!

A trip to Salamanca Market, situated on Hobart’s waterfront, is at the top of the list for gourmands wanting to sample the area’s finest fare without breaking the bank. This vibrant outdoor marketplace is home to more than 300 stalls showcasing some of Tasmania’s best produce, homemade delicacies, hand crafted goods, antiques and more. Open from 8.30am every Saturday, it’s the ideal place for an inexpensive but delicious breakfast and jolt of java to get you going. Indulge in a freshly baked pastry which can be devoured as you browse the hundreds of colourful stalls. Pick up some souvenirs or handicrafts to take home as a memento of your trip, or purchase some cheap fresh produce, straight from the farmer, which you can prepare back at your apartment for dinner.

Finish off a morning of browsing, buying, sipping and sampling with a top drop at one of the many bars and pubs at Salamanca Place. This is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the region’s most awarded wine varieties, including pinot, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Tasmania also produces some fine sparkling wine, and of course, beer.  Once you’ve had your fill of food and drink, make your way to Salamanca Arts Centre, where you will find art exhibitions, live music and dance performances. Salamanca Arts Centre often puts on free live entertainment so it’s worth checking out their calendar for something that tickles your fancy.

To find out more about Wyndham Seven Mile Beach, or to book your stay, click here.

Discover Hobart’s Artistic Side at MONA

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) overlooks the banks of the Derwent River.

The historic waterfront precinct of Salamanca Place, unrivalled views atop Mount Wellington, European influenced architecture and the city’s dining specialty of seafood. If you’re in need of another great reason to visit Hobart, then the Museum of Old and New Art is it. Known as MONA for short, the gallery houses an eclectic mix of modern and ancient artwork spread across three levels.

Since opening in January 2011, MONA has redefined what art is. The varied collection of unconventional artwork engages, excites, exudes attitude and undoubtedly pushes the boundaries. The pieces can be shocking at times, but it is the thought provoking nature of the collection that has attracted visitors Australia-wide and beyond.

In fact, since opening, the gallery has had a whopping 19,375,903 pieces of artwork viewed and has been recognised with many accolades. Awards include Tasmania’s Best New Tourism Development in 2011 by the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture in 2012 and the Australian Gourmet Traveller Readers’ Choice Award for Best Cultural Attraction this year.

MONA’s eclectic artwork is known for pushing the boundaries.

Taking the unique experience to even greater heights, the museum forgoes traditional wall labels for an ultra trendy touch-screen device that can detect what artworks you are near. The O, as it’s called, delivers information about the art and artists that you can read or listen to, and has a voting system that allows visitors to unleash their inner art critic and ‘love’ or ‘hate’ the artwork.

In addition to its widely eccentric art, the MONA experience also extends to wining and dining. Have a drink at one of MONA’s two bars – Wine Bar or Void Bar. Situated within the underground museum fortress between towering stone walls, Void Bar is stocked with a variety of tipples. Order a drink on your way into the museum and take a seat at one of the mismatched antique chairs. Following your tour of the museum, head back to the surface and relax at Wine Bar. It features lipsmacking good wine and beer, plus there’s a short menu of light meals and cheeses.

The Void Bar is one of two bars at MONA.

Whet your appetite at MONA’s The Source Restaurant, which serves contemporary French-inspired cuisine. Dishes are prepared with the freshest local produce and the river and winery views are magnificent. With a Michelin-star rated chef heading up the kitchen and a certified sommelier to lend an expert hand with the wine list, The Source is at the forefront of the local dining experience.

Where to stay

Located just 20 minutes drive from the city centre, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Seven Mile Beach is Hobart’s only beach resort. It boasts expansive grounds with native gardens, great facilities including an onsite restaurant, and self-contained accommodation including spacious and stylishly appointed one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

Wyndham Seven Mile Beach is Hobart’s only beach resort.

MONA is another reason to put a Tassie trip on your calendar, so be prepared to be amazed, not only by the art, but also by the beautiful location and spectacular building design. Visit the MONA website for further information on admission, directions and what’s on.