My car on the left, Salamanca Wharf on the right ;-)

Salamanca Wharf in Hobart was my home away from home for three days. The aparthotel is located in the historic docks area called Castray Esplanade. As I drove into the area, I could see a row of beautiful historic Georgian sandstone warehouses. Those buildings were once used to store wool, grain, whale oil, apples and imported goods in the 1830s.

Inside Salamanca Wharf

After 6 PM, no one will be at the receptionist area, so you need to bring the key card along with you to enter the aparthotel. The top floor of Salamanca Wharf was preserved for the penthouse suite. The penthouse suite had everything that I needed and more.

I opened all the drawers and cupboards when I arrived to see what they provided. I found cutleries, all cooking utensils, instructions on how to use the electric stove, kettles, and also a washing machine/dryer. I washed my dirty clothes on the first night while watching the SBS's Tour De France on TV. The instruction helped a lot because I almost put the washing powder in a wrong slot!

The aparthotel used Tasmanian timbers in their custom made furniture. They also used a combination of Sassafras and Tasmanian oak for the bed heads, table and coffee table. Through out the hotel, I could see Laurent Dick's beautiful photography of Antartica. Each photo was stunning that it looked like a painting from afar.

After updating my travel journal and itinerary for the following day, I took a bath in their spa bath with a pack of MOR bath salt. Salamanca Wharf was probably the third place that I stayed in Tasmania that had a spa bath. I kept on telling my husband that a spa tub is a great investment to have (hahaha).

Surrounding Areas

The aparthotel was very central and located within walking distance to Battery Point, Salamanca Square and Salamanca Place, where the famous Salamanca Market is held every Saturday with over 300 stallholders.

Battery Point

Battery Point's historic walk is effortless to do and started near the aparthotel. You want to start from Kelly Steps at Salamanca Place to see some interesting old seafarers cottages, Narryna Heritage Museum, and checking out some old buildings at Hampden Road before ending the walk at Princes Park.

Brooke Street Pier

Yes, Brooke St Pier is a must-go place when you're in Hobart. MONA ROMA ferry always hails from here, and the pier also housed a few well-known restaurants such as the Glass House, Aloft and Brooke Street Larder. This place was also great to get some souvenirs and cute art prints. There were a lot of tourist information brochures and some tours such as the Red Decker, Gray Line and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys can also be booked from here.

Taste of Tasmania

If you plan to visit Tasmania in summer for the week-long food wonderland, then Salamanca Wharf is a perfect place to stay. The renovated Princes Wharf 1 is the home to the Taste event and located opposite of the aparthotel. Imagine all the fresh seafood, berries, wines, beers, ciders and cheeses that you can get at Taste. This event is set to coincide with the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Salamanca Market

Finding parking at Salamanca Market on Saturday morning was tough. Everyone wake up early to check out this market even in the middle of winter. Fortunately, I parked my car across Salamanca Wharf from the night before (after 6 PM), so I could freely walk around without worrying about a parking spot.

Salamanca Square

Salamanca Square started as a quarry which dated back to the early 19th Century. It is now a hub offering dining, bars, cafes and shopping experiences. I went there a few times to find dinner and dessert cafes. There's a playground with the giant chess board and a lot of spaces to sit for groups and families.

Parking at Salamanca Wharf

If you hire a car or drive to Salamanca Wharf, there's a secure undercover parking space at the aparthotel. It was also the first car stacker built in Tasmania. If your vehicle is too big to fit into the stacker, then the staff will be able to help you with an outdoor parking permit.

Three days at Salamanca Wharf helped me to explore the area around Hobart. Late night walk and restaurants were always within safe walking distance. If not, there will always be a taxi line in front of the Salamanca Place. As usual, always try to book the aparthotel in advanced especially closer to the peak holiday season and Taste Festival.

Written in collaboration with Salamanca Wharf

Salamanca Wharf and Surrounding Areas, Hobart