Campisi - Hide & Seek Hobart

CONTENTS

READY-SET-GO | HOBART

Tasmania is a world apart from the rest of Australia and Tasmanians wouldnt have it any other way. But while the pace is noticeably slower in the states capital of Hobart (or Slowbart to the locals), this fair city oozes charm like a pair of knitted nanna socks. Yes, Hobart offers layer upon layer of history, culture and gastronomical delights around every corner or dock.

For years now Hobart has also had a lively arts scene, but no one can ignore the effect of David Walshs MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Tourists from all over the world are flocking to his underground temple of sex and death, and stay to discover more of Tasmanias many drawcards. So the inevitable next question is, what else is there to surprise and delight after youve experienced MONA?

Hide & Seek Hobart is for locals and visitors who want to discover the citys lesser known gems. Weve become well acquainted with the city over the last ten years (and longer, as Michael grew up here), and have seen Hobart slowly shed the shackles of its lonely existence. The book is divided into four, colour-coded chapters with a treasure chest of dining, shopping, social and active discoveries: (a peek inside the growing, and sometimes underground, bar culture). Theres something for everyone here, no matter what your tastes or interests. And, in all cases, weve made sure you wont burn a hole in your wallet.

If you find somewhere else hidden or intriguing in Hobart that you think others should know about, please send us an email at .

Tasmania is now much more than just the Apple Isle, but its still packed full of sweet delights. So take a bite and get hooked on Hobart.

Dale Campisi and Michael Brady | writers

Dale Campisi has co-written a bunch of guidebooks including Go Explore Melbourne (Explore Australia), Eating and Drinking Melbourne (Hardie Grant), as well as writing for a number of the books in the Hide & Seek series. He is the editor of Tasmanian culture quarterly Island, a publisher with Arcade Publications and a proprietor for Melbournalia (the Melbourne pop-up shops). He exoticises Tasmania as a place apart from the rest of the country, and is currently working on a Van Diemonian story, which you can find out about at: hunting-ground.tumblr.com

Michael Brady grew up in Hobart and has returned (with Dale Campisi as his partner in crime) to write about and photograph his hometown for Hide & Seek Hobart. He has also co-written many guidebooks including Go Explore Melbourne (Explore Australia) and Eating and Drinking Melbourne (Hardie Grant). Michael provides art direction and design for Arcade Publications, and regularly exhibits his own artwork. He is currently prowling the streets of Hobart with camera in hand for his Grouse Hobart blog: www.grousehobart.tumblr.com

Photo by Michael Brady

WHERE THE GALLERIES HAVE NO NAME

Melbourne can be such a show-off when it comes to its cultural (or in this case, subcultural) credentials, but Hobart has her fair share of street art she just doesnt feel the need to shout look at me! Yes, theres plenty to see in the laneways of this citys CBD, and the more you look, the more youll find.

In an unnamed laneway off Bathurst Street, look for new-style and bigger pieces that make bold statements. It seems destined to become a photo backdrop for wannabe cutting-edge newlyweds, but the rest of us could just spend ages letting our eyes trawl through the work of local and visiting artists. Look out for work by Tassies Die Laughing Collective, a talented trio made up of local creatives Paicey, Empire and Jamin.

Speaking of Tassie master sprayer Jamin, weave through the laneway to Harrington Lane via Liverpool Street and youll find his solo commissioned mural. Its a bright, bold, psychedelic-slash-tribal masterpiece on a red brick wall. Jamin trained as a fine artist and shows his work in both galleries and on the streets of Hobart and overseas. This works one of his freshest proof that this little city has some serious visual street cred.

> HIT THE STREETS

Off Bathurst St, Bidencopes La &Harrington La

ENCYCLO TRIVIA

are printed images or drawings that are cut out and pasted onto a wall.

are pre-prepared street art. A design is cut out of a sheet and then transferred to the site via spray paint or roll-on paint.

are stylised graffiti signatures.

may suggest visual vomit, its actually like a slightly more-involved and bigger tag, acting as a type of logo for the creator.

Photo by Michael Brady

HOW ONE MAN MADE HIS MARK

Thank goodness for early conservationists like . An ordinary man with an extraordinary appreciation for his surroundings, he bequeathed a vast chunk of historic Hampden Road to the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery for future generations to enjoy.

Part of this generous gift was Markree House, Henrys beautiful childhood home. Built in 1926, its a kind of microcosm for the English Arts & Crafts movement, an early-20th-century style that celebrated craftsmanship in the face of the industrialisation sweeping the world.

During this time, makers left their final marks on everything from delicate silver teaspoon sets to elegantly carved bureaus and bookshelves.

These are the sorts of things youll see on a tour of this housemuseum. Its period rooms are crammed with social history, art and decorative arts, and the house itself will give you a new appreciation for Tasmanian timber. Theres also a stellar collection of the young Henrys toys, including a huge 1920s train set and numerous stuffed and tin toys.(This man was obviously a conservationist from the beginning, as even his play things are in mint condition.)

Be sure to spend some time in the garden thats full of roses, cottage-garden plants, heirloom vegetables and winding paths. The garden is also set in the ruins of convict stone walls, showing the marks of even earlier makers.

Without the foresight of wonderful Mr Baldwin, we wouldnt be able to appreciate any of this. So thanks Henry you really made your mark.

> HIT THE STREETS

145 Hampden Rd, Hobart
(03) 6211 4177
www.tmag.tas.gov.au/visitor_information/markree_museum
Tours TuesSun 10.30am & 2.30pm
(bookings essential)

ENCYCLO TRIVIA

was a third-generation Tasmanian who worked as an engineer with the Tasmanian Government Railways. His bequest to the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery upon his death in 2007 was one of the single largest ever made to an Australian museum.

Photo by Michael Brady

MARKET GOODIES FOR ALL THE WORLD

In 1872, travel writer Anthony Trollope enthused, Tasmania should make jam for all the world. Not only jam Mr Trollope! But also honey, cheese, cakes, organic soaps, biscuits, artisan breads and all manner of alcoholic beverages (from ginger beer to sheeps cheese liqueur ewe, seriously!).