'Salamanca, Hobart, Australia.'
I was so excited to know I'd have time to fit in a visit to the famous Salamanca Markets in Hobart Tasmania on my last trip there but I have to admit. I was very disappointed to discover that on that particular day, the markets were closed.
Good news for my wallet but I really, really wanted to browse the stalls and take in the atmosphere on a busy market day.
I soon forgot my disappointment however, because there was still a hub of activity going on with visitors and locals enjoying the unique features of this place and there were enough cafes and restaurants open to satisfy every taste.
Salamanca Place, is known as the cultural and creative heartbeat of Hobart, Tasmania. It is situated in Sullivan's Cove, adjacent to the waterfront and close to the bustling center of the city of Hobart.
Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania and is the second oldest capital in Australia. (Sydney is the oldest.) It is situated at the entrance to the Derwent River and is surrounded by picturesque natural bushland and is also blessed with beautiful beaches which line the shores and the estuary.
Hobart has much to offer with its rich history, attractive scenery, interesting culture and world class activities available. Nestled at the base of Mt. Wellington, Hobart combines the charm of heritage with a contemporary lifestyle. Lonely Planet has rated Hobart as one of the top ten places to visit in the world.
Looking to explore the area with unhindered views and in a manner that was popular back in the day? A regal horse drawn carriage is the way to go.
Or you could hire a push bike perhaps? But this one remains stationary as it serves as a convenient way to advertise. There was still room for more Artisans at that time apparently.
Welcome to Salamanca Square!
The Salamanca Market is Tasmania's most visited tourist attractions and has won many awards for excellence. The market has over 300 stallholders, and operates every Saturday between 8.30 am to 3.00 pm.
Tasmania's biggest selection of locally made products can be explored including hand-worked glass, Tasmanian timbers, stylish clothing, bespoke jewellery, organic produce, artworks, bath and body care, ceramics, leather goods, handcrafted cheeses, breads, wines and spirits, and delicious hot foods.
It is proudly owned and operated by the City of Hobart.
The first Salamanca Market was held in 1972, and has grown from a small collection of informal traders to a famous iconic market. It has been described by many, as the “best market in Australia”.
A few of the features which make Salamanca Market so special is the large number of artisans and craftspeople who create their products especially for Salamanca Market.
Visitors get to enjoy free tastings and samples of a variety of products and those products are Tasmanian-made and designed.
Salamanca derived its name from the time when this picturesque tree-lined avenue was referred to as, a "far flung British settlement."
It was named for the area in Spain where a famous battle was waged between the English and the French in 1812. The gracious Georgian buildings lining Salamanca Place were originally used for warehousing whale oil, grain, timber and imported goods. Today it is home to bars, cafes, galleries and a vibrant arts centre.
I can personally vouch for the great coffee and scallop pies from Banjos bakery café. Absolutely delicious! And I dare anyone to walk past this place without being tempted by all the delicious aromas coming from this café.
The large stone wall makes an attractive back drop to the Hobart Book Shop.
There is plenty of outdoor seating for visitors to pause from their 'Shop til you Drop' expeditions and reassess their bank accounts. (lol)
Landscaped gardens and an attractive water fountain are lovely features situated in the center of Salamanca Place.
This rock wall situated at the end of Salamanca Place displays superb shapes and textures, whilst providing shelves and crevices for plants to grow.
Outdoor chess is a great way for people who are not into shopping to occupy themselves,(apparently a few such individuals do exist) as they wait for their wives, husbands, parents or friends to finish their shopping.
Marilyn Rabbitgirl and Paparazzi Dog are the work of Gillie and Marc, a husband and wife team who create in harmony to produce fine, contemporary works such as this. An extremely talented couple; Gillie and Marc have used inspired imagery to draw on and have incorporated the powerful connection between man and animal to produce many amazing dog/human hybrid creations.
If you'd like to know more about these amazing statues click on this link here:
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I discovered a couple of very old posters still miraculously attached to a wall at the end of Salamanca Place. Unfortunately I couldn't see a date but I do know they have been there a while.
How do I know this without seeing a date printed? Well, check out the poster below, featuring one of Australia's most popular and much loved music legends posing casually, as he assists his agents to promote this, 'Working Class Man's evening of Stories and Songs.
This picture of Jimmy Barnes is more than a decade or two old. He even looks quite handsome in this photo.
A little further on I saw this cool, red telephone box used for the purposes of advertising.
And behind it, the 'Deja Vu' Book Shop.
This was the first time I'd seen colourful crocheted wool patterns wrapped around tree trunks or branches. I knew it got pretty cold down in Tasmania and I remember thinking that this, sure was a novel approach for Tasmanian's to keep their trees warm but I have since learned that there is such a thing as, 'Wool Bombing.' A quaint idea isn't it?
The fascinating window display (below) caught my attention and I would have loved to have wandered inside to examine all the wonderful things inside but alas, this was one of the shops that was closed.
So, the only way to satisfy my curiosity is make very sure that the next time I visit Hobart, I will check first, to ensure that the Salamanca Markets are OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
THANK YOU FOR VEWING. HAVE A GREAT DAY.
