One of Australia’s most famous markets and certainly Tasmania’s most popular, Salamanca Market is held every Saturday morning along Hobart’s waterfront and historic district. Any trip to the island state is not complete without a visit here – so plan your itinerary around it, as we did for the last day of our Tasmania roadtrip.
Click here for an outline of our Tasmanian adventure
Officially open at 8.30am, the market is already buzzing with activity when we arrive, and only gets busier towards lunch time (luckily for us, the gloomy weather improves also). Located at Salamanca Place, where old historic warehouses that have been converted to cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques, some 300 stalls line the streets along the waterfront. Vendors sell everything from arts and crafts, clothing, and jewellery to fresh produce and street food – with the common theme that it’s all proudly Made in Tasmania. Buskers provide entertainment too.
It’s pretty much impossible to come here and not leave with a bag (and stomach) full of goodies. Many of the items sold are one-of-a-kind, and you get to meet and chat with the locals who produced them – farmers, artisans, and artists. Their passion for Tasmania and the products they make is evident. You can even try bargaining for a deal (we did, with mixed results). It’s the perfect spot for souvenir shopping, and the atmosphere is great.
Peter Lam Photography 