The bookworm’s guide to Hobart, Australia’s best-kept literary secret.

For book lovers, every holiday comes with an unwritten agenda: visit every independent bookshop, admire the local library and locate a cosy cafe to crack open your new read with a morning coffee. As one of just two UNESCO Cities of Literature in Australia, Hobart is the kind of place where that itinerary practically writes itself.

How Hobart became a UNESCO City of Literature

Officially designated in 2023, Hobart is one of 63 UNESCO Cities of Literature around the world, and one of just two in Australia. The prestigious title acts as a siren song for travelling bookworms, reserved for cities with strong publishing industries, literary infrastructure, educational programs and community initiatives.

A rich storytelling history – from oral Palawa traditions to the publication of Australia’s first general fiction in 1818 – and ongoing commitment to literary arts helped Hobart earn its title. Today, it can be seen in a flourishing independent bookshop scene and annual calendar of events that champion the written word.

While Melbourne, which received its designation in 2008, sits high on many readers’ bucket lists, Hobart delivers many of the same pleasures in a quieter setting. With fewer crowds, a slower pace and plenty of natural beauty, it’s the kind of place where introverted readers will feel right at home.

A book lover’s guide to visiting Hobart

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape this winter or a longer literary pilgrimage, Hobart caters to every kind of reader. From quirky libraries and storytelling tours to must-visit bookshops and literary festivals, consider this your guide to the city’s literary highlights.

Visit remarkable libraries

Recently unveiled at Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), the Phrontisterion has fast become one of the country’s coolest libraries, offering a glimpse into the museum founder’s eclectic mind. Designed by David Walsh himself, the labyrinthine space houses rare manuscripts, literary artefacts, and thousands of books from Walsh’s personal collection.

For a deeper dive into Tassie’s literary past, swing by the State Library and Archives of Tasmania. Part bookish sanctuary, part time capsule, it’s the kind of place any book lover could spend hours getting lost in. Don’t miss the Tasmaniana Collection, which traces the state’s evolution through historic manuscripts, old newspapers, maps and ephemera.

Tucked within the State Library building, the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts is also worth stopping by. Inside, you’ll discover one of the most significant collections of pre-colonial and colonial paintings, vintage photographs, antique objects and rare books in Tasmania. Wandering among its art-adorned walls feels like stepping back in time.

Browse independent bookshops

No literary tour of Hobart is complete without a stop at Fullers Bookshop. A city institution since 1920, the independent seller has been helping readers discover their next favourite novel for more than a century. Browse the shelves for everything from old classics to new releases, then settle into the adjoining cafe to start reading.

Just down the street, Cracked and Spineless is a treasure trove for second-hand books. Spend hours scouring its overflowing shelves, where pre-loved titles come with a price tag that makes leaving empty-handed almost impossible. If you’re looking for something in particular, the bookshop also touts a range of new editions, too.

Considered one of the cutest bookshops in Australia, Five Leaves Left pairs two of life’s greatest pleasures: wine and books. The cosy boutique on Victoria Street entices bibliophiles and oenophiles alike with a curated selection of minimal intervention bottles and beautifully bound novels. No afternoon plans? Grab one of each and enjoy them together at the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens.

Discover literary experiences

Produced by leading literary organisation Island, the Island Readers and Writers Festival is exactly what it says on the tin. Held for the first time in May of this year, its inaugural five-day program was met with widespread acclaim. Visitors to Hobart in 2027 can look forward to its second iteration come May, which will feature everything from panel discussions and live readings to writing workshops and guided masterclasses.

For those who love to write as much as they love to read, a visit to the Tasmanian Writers Centre is well worth adding to your itinerary. Overlooking the river in Sullivans Cove, the not-for-profit organisation hosts a variety of workshops, author talks and literary events throughout the year, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with Hobart’s thriving arts community.

Australia’s first dedicated storytelling hotel, MACq 01 brings Hobart’s literary identity to life beyond the page. Historical artefacts, original artworks and other narrative details are woven throughout the property, embodying the age-old literary adage of “show don’t tell." Bookish guests will love the hotel’s variety of locally led storytelling tours, from the 90-minute Viewfinders Tour through Hobart to the 114 Doors Tour, which uncovers stories hidden within the building itself.