David Walsh’s MONA, situated on the bank of Hobart’s Derwent River, really does live up to the hype. Impressive on a global level, MONA has brought serious clout to Tasmania’s cultural and crafts scene. With views across the river to Mount Wellington, the venue is more than just an art gallery, housing multiple eating and drinking venues, a winery and even a cemetery.
The building itself is a wonderful experience, being mostly below ground with a small ground level entrance. It has a superb feel and flows logically from one floor to the next. Being a museum of the old and new, it is refreshing to see Egyptian artefacts next to the work of contemporary artists including Matthew Barney.
While in Hobart, I was lucky enough to meet a charming group of locals who spend most Sunday afternoons at Fish Frenzy on Elizabeth Street Pier eating fish and chips and having a couple of drinks. Below is their guide to the best food venues in the city.
Fish Frenzy | Elizabeth Street Pier
Pilgrim Coffee | 48 Argyle Street
The Drunken Admiral | 17 Hunter Street
Rockwall Bar & Grill | 89 Salamanca Place
Peppermint Bay Cruise | Hobart Cruise Centre, Brooke Street Pier, Sullivans Cove (eat at the restaurant, not on the boat)
