Precinct Visit the hidden gems of Tasmania’s Hobart
WE REVEAL AUSTRALIA’S MUST-VISIT SHOPPING DESTINATIONS AND UNCOVER THEIR HIDDEN GEMS
HOBART IS KNOWN for being cold, especially at the height of winter, but now it’s also officially cool – home to the world-renowned art gallery MONA, numerous must-eat-at restaurants and plenty of natural beauty. The CBD is also inhabited by chic stores and all-day eateries that are well worth taking a wander through.
1 | LUC
Make your way down to Salamanca and then keep on walking to discover the designer homewares world of Luc. Housed in a former warehouse on the waterfront, Luc is a beautifully styled treasure trove of global designers. “I really can’t pick a favourite – I stand by everything here – but I do have a particular appreciation for Scandinavian design,” says owner and buyer Lucy Given, whose impeccable eye saw Luc awarded Retailer of the Year at the Life Instyle GALA awards in 2018. It’s mainly gorgeous homewares here – everything from custom rugs by Armadillo & Co to luscious Klippan wool throws and exquisite Stelton bowls. And there are also some chic clothes from labels including Missoni and Australian brand Acler.
MUST HAVE: Cushions by Cultiver, from $170.
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm;
Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 10am-3pm.
VISIT: 15 Castray Esplanade,
(03) 6224 1610.
BOOKMARK: lucdesignstore.com.
2 | APOSTL
Nestled inside one of the CBD’s arcades, Apostl is home to simple yet beautiful leather goods. There are roomy totes, neat weekenders and travel wallets, plus duffles and butter-soft leather jackets. Designed in Tasmania by owner William Radcliffe and crafted in Bali by independent artisans, Apostl’s wares in a limited palette are popular with both Hobart natives and visitors. “They love that it’s so local,” says store manager James Deegan of the cruise ship visitors who come to town. MUST HAVE: Apollos Tote, $199. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm;
Sat, 10am-4pm.
VISIT: Shop 220, Centrepoint, Murray St, 0448 678 800. BOOKMARK:
apostl.com.au.
3 | HOME STATE
When Emily and James Johnstone travelled the world, they weren’t just enjoying the sights, they were also taking note of everything they wanted to bring back home. The result is Home State, a charming store that has an eclectic collection of homewares, clothes, toys and cards. “We were inspired by missing home,” says Emily who, along with James, studied and worked in Melbourne before returning to Hobart and opening the store about 18 months ago. With an interest in ceramics, the store features work from 10 local, mainland and
New Zealand artists, including Lillypilly Pottery and Thea Ceramics. Onesies, baby clothes and timber toys are also popular and their collection of witty gift cards is worth browsing.
MUST-HAVE: Bowls by
Lillypilly Pottery, from $69.95.
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm; Sat, 10am-3pm.
VISIT: 159 Liverpool St,
0428 747 571. BOOKMARK: homestatehobart.
com.au.
4| POET
Part tea salon, part bookstore and part carefully curated display of desirable goods, Poet was opened by husband-and-wife team Zan Boag and Antonia Case just over a year ago. Making its home in a beautiful Macquarie Street building the store sells almost 80 types of its own-brand organic tea along with sustainable, Australian-designed and made fashion, a thoughtful selection of books and also giftwares.
MUST-HAVE: Poet’s Moroccan Mint tea, $14.95.
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9am–5pm; Saturday, 9am–4.30pm
VISIT: 130 Macquarie St,
(03) 6245 3870.
BOOKMARK: poettea.com.
5| ETTIE’S
Take a break from your retail endeavours with lunch, an afternoon glass of wine or dinner at Ettie’s – a European-style bistro in the heart of town. The front part of the restaurant used to be a pharmacist and photo developing lab, while the back section was built in the 1820s as stables for a nearby hotel. The stunning main dining room features a central lantern window and a huge fabriccovered light fixture, as well as cosy booths and an open fire.
“We focus on small suppliers and use local produce as much as we can,” says owner James. If you fancy a late night, slip down the spiral staircase to the piano bar on Fridays and Saturdays.
MUST-HAVES: Lunch: Kingfish crudo with crème fraîche, beetroot and horseradish, $21.
Dinner: Ettie’s choice, shared courses, $65 a head.
OPEN: Mon-Thurs, 11am-11pm;
Fri, 11am-late; Sat, 2pm-late.
VISIT: 100 Elizabeth St,
(03) 6231 1165.
BOOKMARK: etties.com.au.