Salamanca Place Hobart's historic waterfront
Soak up the atmosphere in Salamanca Place, where Hobart’s historic, creative and cultural heart beats.
By Jennifer Ennion
Once the stomping ground for sailors, whalers and workmen, Salamanca Place in Hobart is now home to a vibrant cultural scene. Pop into warehouse art galleries, theatres, cafés and bars, and pick up boutique jewellery and one-off fashion pieces. Visit on a Saturday and mingle with locals and tourists at the bustling Salamanca Market, or pull up a seat in one of the stylish cafés – the perfect post from which to people-watch.
Don't miss
- Pick up a gourmet treat from Salamanca Market
- Stay at the stylish Salamanca Wharf Hotel
- Listen to gypsy music at Salamanca Arts Centre
How to get there
Salamanca Place is a cobblestone square in Sullivans Cove, on Hobart's waterfront, a five-minute walk from the city centre.
Things to do and top attractions in Salamanca Place
Shop at Salamanca Market
Every Saturday, more than 300 stallholders bring Salamanca Place to life with the bustling Salamanca Market, Tasmania's most famous market. Stock up on fresh produce, take home gourmet delicatessen treats or hunt for an antique as you listen to the tunes of busking musicians. The market is located between Salamanca Lawns and Salamanca Place, and runs from 8.30am to 3pm.
Shop at Spacebar Gallery
Pick up a pair of glass-bead earrings, a canvas satchel or a quirky print from Spacebar Gallery in Salamanca Arts Centre. Established out of a desire to support independent designers and artists, the centre is housed in a large 1800s sandstone warehouse alongside art galleries, a metal-work co-op and a theatre.
Catch a show at Peacock Theatre
Watch an intimate performance at the popular Peacock Theatre, housed in an historic quarry in Salamanca Arts Centre. Theatre-goers can enjoy an evening of music, dance, film or comedy in the small but lively venue. If you're there on a Friday night, be sure to stop by the arts centre courtyard afterwards to enjoy the regular jazz and swing music.
Eat lunch at Maldini
Salamanca Place is known for its heritage sandstone buildings, and at Maldini Italian Café Restaurant, you'll feel the history. People watchers will love sitting under the umbrellas at Maldini's outdoor seating area. It's the perfect spot to grab a coffee, lunch, beer or wine and take in the surrounds - particularly on a busy market day. Maldini is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – seven days a week – and serves the best of Tasmanian and imported wines.
Check out The Taste of Tasmania festival
Ring in the new year at The Taste of Tasmania festival, a week-long summer celebration of Tasmanian food and wine held along Hobart's waterfront. Dine on fresh seafood and sample cool-climate wines and craft beer from close to 70 stalls. Soak up the sounds of local musicians and more than 100 street performers, and don't forget to head down early on New Year's Eve to catch the fireworks show over Sullivans Cove. The festival is held around Princes Wharf No. 1 Shed, a short stroll from Salamanca Place.
Attend the Festival of Voices
The Festival of Voices events harmonise Hobart for two weeks each July, with an intriguing program of workshops, big name international acts, and celebrations of song and voice. The festival's signature event, the Big Sing Bonfire, takes place in Salamanca Place. You'll sing along as locals and visitors gather at the warm bonfire to celebrate song and community. It's a very inclusive festival – if you've ever fancied taking part in a vocal workshop that culminates in a sold out concert hall performance with a symphony orchestra, this is the event for you.