One of the biggest drawcards of the island state is Mona, Australia’s most boundary-pushing collection of art. Of course, David Walsh isn’t the only creative mind pulling together fascinating talent in the world of visual art. Bett Gallery, in the centre of the city, is one of the country’s leading contemporary art spaces, known for supporting established and emerging talent in the fields of painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and more.

Mainland cafés could learn a trick or two from Tassie’s brunch scene. In North Hobart, Born in Brunswick is known for its brunch cocktails, such as Hairy Mary with heirloom tomato juice.

kunanyi (Mount Wellington), which sits right on Hobart’s doorstep, is one of those impressive natural landmarks that awes locals just as much as tourists. Drive to your starting point – only diehard hikers dare to climb the whole thing – then pick your track. The 3.4-kilometre Springs to the Pinnacle walk includes trekking through lush forest that opens to city views at the top. And as Hobartians will tell you of Tasmania’s famously mercurial weather: check the forecast and take a jacket!

The mantra at Sonny is simple: wine, vinyl, food, walk-ins only. The tiny 18-seater bar on the edge of the CBD does exactly what it says on the tin by stocking inventive wines, with an emphasis on natural and skin-contact, next to tasty snacks, such as handmade pasta, crudo and crunchy toasty things. It’s the perfect place to kick off an evening before dinner or wind down with a nightcap to the sounds of the Beatles or The Blackbyrds.

There’s no market in Australia quite like Salamanca Market, held every Saturday. The Tasmanian handicrafts, particularly anything woollen or wooden, are exceptional but it’s the fresh produce that’s a real drawcard. If you want to shop with locals, hit the Farm Gate Market on Bathurst Street on Sunday mornings for cheese, bread, fruit and more, with live music and banging breakfast treats on the side.

Every luxury hotel has elegant interiors, chic places to drink and dine, plus impeccable service. MACq 01, which sits on the Hobart waterfront, has all of these things and more. Each of the hotel’s 114 rooms is identified with a door plaque that commemorates well-known Tasmanians, such as cricketer Ricky Ponting and former prime minister Joseph Lyons, and guests can take complimentary walking tours with local storytellers who will explain the rich history of Hobart.

At Gold Bar, a cosy speakeasy hidden in an old flour mill at Hobart’s heart, they don’t do menus. Just let owner and bartender Ian Reed pepper you with questions – Do you like a lemony gin or a botanical one? Something fruity or spicy? – and he’ll create your new favourite cocktail.