Established in 1804, Hobart is the capital of the island state of Tasmania, Australia, and is the second oldest city in the country. Comparatively small and intimate, especially when placed next to the bigger cities found in mainland Australia, Hobart has a quiet folksy atmosphere that tourists find irresistible. Travellers can spend sunny afternoons watching the yachts sail by the pier, sipping a refreshing beverage at a cosy café, exploring the exhibits at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, or if it happens to be a Saturday, they can head over to the Salamanca Market.
The Salamanca Market is a weekly street market held in Hobart’s Salamanca Place and has been active for nearly forty years. It was first held in 1972 and featured only a dozen stalls. Since then, the market has steadily grown in size and currently features around three hundred stalls selling everything from locally made handicrafts to accessories. Tourists looking for good souvenirs can peruse the vast selection of ornaments, woodwork and ceramics. One can also find a number of food stalls selling a smorgasbord of delicious cuisine.
A list of all the stalls can be found on the Salamanca Market’s official website. However, as casual stallholders may not attend every week and some stalls may change from season to season, visitors are advised not to take it as an absolute guide. The major tourist draw is held every Saturday from 8.30 am to 3 pm. The Salamanca Market attracts around 25,000 visitors every weekend so the Salamanca area gets very crowded during this time. It is best to avoid using cars around that area during market hours.
The main means of getting around Hobart is by car or by bus. The public bus network is not extensive but is sufficient for most needs. Due to the mild climate many people, both locals and foreigners, opt to either walk or cycle. When it comes to good Hobart Accommodation there are quite a few options. Those who want Serviced Apartments Hobart instead of a hotel can try the Somerset on the Pier Hobart. The residences are quiet and intimate but are located just steps away from the city’s bustling restaurants and shopping centres.