If you're keen to venture beyond the regular things to do in Tasmania and dip your toes into the best food experiences in Tasmania – Hobart has your name written all over it. Nestled in the south of Tasmania, Hobart offers an eclectic mix of farm-to-table produce, mouth-watering seafood, and artisan beverages. But hey, we get it; not all of us are rolling in dough. That's why we're exploring the best affordable restaurants Hobart has to offer. So grab your road trip itinerary planner and your campervan hire, and let's set off on a food expedition to explore the top 10 things to do in Hobart, Australia, that are as good for your taste buds as they are for your wallet.
What food is Hobart famous for?
Ah, the cuisine of Hobart—a delightful smorgasbord that mirrors the region's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Ever tried a scallop pie? Trust us; this isn't your average meat pie. Hobart's scallop pies are an iconic dish and for a good reason. These delicious pastries are filled with tender scallops soaked in a creamy curry sauce. Heaven!
And then there’s abalone—an oceanic delicacy that's pretty much synonymous with Tasmania. Served in a variety of forms, from grilled to sautéed, it's the kind of seafood you write home about. Oh, and did we forget the cheeses? Tasmania’s dairy game is strong, folks. If you haven't tasted local Tasmanian cheeses, you’re in for a treat! If that wasn’t enough, Hobart has been steadily growing a reputation for craft beers (the good kind!) With a smattering of microbreweries, you won’t be at a loss for unique brews to pair with your meals. So while you’re jotting down your list of things to do in Australia, make sure to add explore the restaurants in Hobart to the list—you won’t regret it!
How to get around Tasmania cheaply?
Alright, let's talk logistics. While Tasmania's food experiences and cheap eats in Hobart are the cherry on top, a van travel journey to get there is half the fun! Nothing says freedom and flexibility like a campervan hire. Why, you ask? In short, when you rent a van to travel around Tasmania, you call the shots. Fancy waking up to an ocean sunrise before heading to the Salamanca Market? Done. Want to extend your stay at Bruny Island because you just can't get enough of that cheese? No worries! With a campervan, you get to curate your Australia road trip, altering your itinerary as you go.
What's more, you save big bucks on accommodation, giving you extra dough to splurge on that extra glass of Tassie Pinot or that delectable abalone dish you've been eyeing. For a perfect guide on how to make the most of your campervan hire in Tasmania, head over to our 10 campervan tips for Tasmanian adventures and our guide to a budget-friendly Tasmania road trip.
Image: Tourism Tasmania
10 of the Most Affordable Food and Drink Experiences Near Hobart
Alright, campervan adventurers, buckle up! It's time to dig into the real meat of the best affordable restaurants in Hobart and other cheap eats in Hobart. However, this may be a bit of a bold statement as many of these aren’t restaurants at all but unmissable food experiences. Regardless, if you're navigating Tasmania in a Mighty campervan, there's a whole smorgasbord of affordable food and drink pit-stops awaiting you. So let's rev up that engine and roll on to the first spot, shall we?
1. Salamanca Market
Ah, the famed Salamanca Market—a must-visit for any self-respecting food lover looking for cheap eats in Hobart. Operating every Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, this bustling marketplace is packed with over 300 stallholders. What’s on offer, you ask? A kaleidoscope of fresh produce, aromatic coffee, delectable baked goods, and so much more. Whether you're looking to sample local preserves or just sip a cuppa as you wander, this market has you covered. The beauty of Salamanca Market lies in its affordability. From freshly made Tasmanian pastries to wholesome organic produce, the prices are surprisingly pocket-friendly, making it an excellent stop for budget van travel. And, hey, why not grab some fresh produce to cook up a storm later in your campervan kitchen?
If you're coming in your campervan, there's convenient motorhome parking available at the Evans Street car park. From here, it is just a short 7-minute walk along the waterfront to the market. Just remember to arrive early to snag a spot.
2. Farm Gate Market
Next on the list is the Farm Gate Market, a lesser-known but equally charming marketplace. Held every Sunday on Bathurst Street from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, this market truly brings the farm to you. Imagine a vibrant scene filled with freshly picked fruits, organic vegetables, free-range meats and, let's not forget, some top-notch baked goods. For those travelling on a budget, this market is a goldmine. Stock up on affordable, farm-fresh produce and channel your inner chef back at your campervan. It's not just a money-saver; it’s an unmissable experience to find cheap eats in Hobart. Pro-tip: Keep an eye out for the local Tassie berries. They're an absolute treat and make for a great campervan road trip snack!
If you're journeying around in your campervan hire, finding a parking spot near Farm Gate Market is straightforward, with Hobart Central Car Park open from 7:45 am (accessed via Melville Street.)
3. Cascade Brewery
Cascade Brewery is not just Australia’s oldest operating brewery but a cultural institution in its own right. Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the foothills of Mount Wellington, this brewery showcases the art of crafting beers and ciders that reflect Tasmania’s unique character. Operating since 1824, this brewery is an unmissable food and drink experience near Hobart.
What makes this brewery special is that the brewers utilise pure, clean water from the slopes of Mount Wellington to give their beverages a unique Tasmanian character. Now, you might be thinking that breweries are more a splurge than a save, but the property also houses historic gardens with free entry. So, while you can opt for a paid brewery tour, if you're travelling on a budget, simply savouring a pint in their historic beer garden is an experience in itself. From Hobart, it's a mere 15-minute drive in your campervan hire to reach Cascade Brewery. Ample parking space is available on-site, so you don’t have to worry about squeezing your campervan into a tight spot.
4. Bruny Island Cheese Company
You've got your wheels, you've got your appetite; now it's time to board the Bruny Island Ferry and make a beeline for the Bruny Island Cheese Company. This artisanal sanctuary offers a range of handcrafted cheeses made with care and steeped in traditional techniques. Founded by Nick Haddow, the Bruny Island Cheese Company is a leader in sustainable dairy farming, practising age-old cheese-making traditions. They also offer bread-making workshops and provide vegan cheese options, broadening their appeal to various dietary needs. Best of all, you can easily pair these traditional cheeses with local Bruny Island bread and fresh produce to create a perfect campervan picnic for your Bruny Island adventure.
Getting here? Well, it’s a bit of an adventure, but worth it. Campers can catch the Bruny Island Ferry from Kettering, about a 30-minute drive from Hobart. It's a bit far for a day trip, so we recommend camping on Bruny Island for a night or two.
5. MONA’s Moorilla Estate Winery
Alright, wine enthusiasts, this one's for you. When at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), don't miss out on its on-site winery, Moorilla Estate. This is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the finer aspects of Tasmanian viticulture and is easily one of the best things to do in Hobart, Australia, for wine lovers. Moorilla is renowned for its ‘Muse’ – the traditional, and ‘Praxis’ – the youthful and experimental wine series, which feature a variety of grapes in their beloved Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Believe it or not, luxury can be affordable. The winery offers budget-friendly tasting experiences, allowing you to sample an array of their unique and exquisite wines. To make the most of your visit, consider pairing your tasting with a picnic in the beautiful estate grounds. Best of all, getting here is an easy 20-minute drive from Hobart in your campervan, and the estate offers plentiful parking.
Image: Tourism Tasmania
6. Willie Smith's Apple Shed
Hidden in the Huon Valley, Willie Smith's Apple Shed is an iconic part of Tasmania’s cider culture. From its rustic interiors to the idyllic surrounding orchards, this cider house provides a taste of Tasmanian history along with its award-winning organic ciders. For the budget-conscious traveller, the tasting paddle is the perfect way to sample four distinct ciders without drilling a hole in your pocket. Plus, the cider house features a seasonal restaurant, a weekly Saturday market and live music every Friday night – plenty to fill your road trip itinerary planner. The cider house is about a 30-minute drive in a campervan hire from central Hobart. They offer ample parking tailored for campervans, making it an ideal pit stop.
7. Daci & Daci Bakers
Right in the heart of Hobart, Daci & Daci Bakers evokes the feeling of a European coffee house – bringing a slice of European brunch and bakery craftsmanship to Tasmania. Known for its freshly baked pastries and artisanal bread, the bakery is a delightful spot for anyone looking to indulge in the best artesian cheap eats in Hobart. Their wide range of pastries and sandwiches offers plenty of affordable options, making it a go-to spot for budget-friendly food experiences in Hobart. Plus, their seasonally-changing menu of pastries is a must – making this a no-brainer pick for one of the top 10 things to do in Hobart, Australia. This bakery is conveniently located in within Hobart, with nearby parking options suitable for your campervan hire.
8. Hobart Twilight Market
Every Friday evening during the summer months, the Hobart Twilight Market unfolds, transforming the city into a bustling hub of local food and drink vendors, live music, and a spirited community vibe. For those watching their spending, one economical approach is to enjoy smaller portions from different street food vendors, letting you experience a wide spectrum of Tasmanian flavours and local produce without the high costs. Aside from featuring some of the best cheap eats in Hobart, this market also features local artisans, giving you a holistic taste of Hobart's vibrant community. If you're exploring the area in your campervan, there are nearby parking facilities to accommodate your vehicle, making the trip convenient and hassle-free.
9. Melita Honey Farm
Venture out to the Melita Honey Farm to explore the sweet side of Tasmania. This charming farm lets you delve into the world of honey-making, with activities ranging from honey tastings to in-depth exhibits on bees and beekeeping. This stop is a budget-friendly dream, as the honey tasting is complimentary. Plus, they offer a selection of affordably priced honey products, perfect for gifts, souvenirs, or to use in your campervan kitchen.
A unique attraction here is the in-store bee hive, which provides a fascinating look into the world of beekeeping, enriching your understanding of this Tasmanian craft. Situated a few hours north of Hobart, the farm offers ample parking, making it easy to visit in your campervan hire.
Top tip: Want to make this campervan road trip all the more sweet? Why not add another road trip stop at The Beehive just outside of Launceston to your trip (pending their reopening, so be sure to check their opening times on their website – written in November 2023.)
10. Pigeon Hole Café
Located in West Hobart, Pigeon Hole Café is a cozy eatery offering a simple, fresh menu that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Tasmanian dining. What sets this café apart is its focus on providing simple and great breakfasts that don't skimp on quality or flavour – this café serves as a haven for food lovers on a budget looking to experience the best cheap eats in Hobart.
This café is also particularly popular among locals, which is always a good sign when searching for authentic, high-quality food. Plus, the convenient parking options available nearby make it a stress-free stop when visiting in a campervan hire.
Explore food and drink in Hobart with Mighty
From bustling local markets like Salamanca Market and Farm Gate Market to unique brews at Cascade Brewery and Willie Smith's Apple Shed, this blog has covered the gamut of the best affordable restaurants that Hobart and its surrounding areas have to offer. Ready to steer a campervan hire toward these budget-friendly spots and let the gastronomic adventure begin? Book your Mighty camper online today and pick it up from the Mighty Hobart branch to kickstart your campervan hire in Tasmania adventure.
Image: Tourism Tasmania
Image: Tourism Tasmania