Salamanca Market
Tasmania
Salamanca Market, held every Saturday in Hobart, Tasmania, is one of the island's most popular tourist attractions, drawing between 25,000 to 40,000 visitors weekly. Established in 1972, the market stretches along Salamanca Place, framed by Georgian sandstone warehouses now home to galleries, cafes, and boutiques. It boasts over 350 stalls offering a wide variety of locally made goods, including handcrafted glass, Tasmanian timbers, bespoke jewelry, original artworks, ceramics, leather goods, artisan cheeses, breads, wines, spirits, and diverse hot foods. The market is renowned not only for its shopping experience but also for its cultural vibrancy, having hosted live traditional Andean music performances by Arauco Libre from 1987 to 2014, enriching the atmosphere with their folk and carnival tunes. Managed by the City of Hobart, Salamanca Market reflects the community's spirit and creativity, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Tasmanian products and a lively social experience.
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Tip: The best time to visit Salamanca Market is on Saturday mornings to early afternoons when all stalls are open and the atmosphere is lively. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Purchasing tickets or passes is not required as entry is free, but bringing cash is advisable as some vendors may not accept cards. Visitors can benefit from occasional discounts or special offers from stallholders, especially later in the day. Booking guided tours or checking the official website ahead can provide insights into special events or featured stalls. The market is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, with amenities nearby.
Interesting facts
- •Salamanca Market attracts over one million visitors annually, making it Tasmania's most visited tourist attraction.
- •Between 1987 and 2014, the market featured weekly live performances by Arauco Libre, a band of political refugees playing traditional Andean music.
- •The market originally started with only six stalls and has grown to over 350 stalls today.
- •The market is set against a backdrop of Georgian sandstone warehouses that now house galleries, cafes, and boutiques.
- •In the 1990s, the market expanded to include stalls operated by the Hmong community, reflecting its cultural diversity.
History
Salamanca Market began as a community initiative in 1971, proposed by the National Council of Women Tasmania and approved by Hobart City Council.
The first trial market featured six stalls in November 1971, officially launching in January 1972 with twelve stalls near the silos at Salamanca Place.
Initially seasonal, the market expanded to include winter events by 1975, with the Salamanca Arts Centre joining in organizing these.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the market grew significantly, reaching 150 stalls by the 1980s and extending its hours and physical footprint along Salamanca Place and surrounding streets.
The 1990s saw the inclusion of diverse communities, such as the Hmong, and attempts to introduce Sunday markets, which were largely unsuccessful.
Since 2000, the market has continued to expand, reaching around 300 stalls by 2010, managed by a Hobart City Council subsidiary company.
In 2024, proposals to remove historic London plane trees to accommodate expansion sparked public debate reflecting the community's attachment to the market's heritage.
Place Guide
Salamanca Place
The historic waterfront street where the market is held, lined with Georgian sandstone warehouses housing galleries, cafes, and boutiques, offering a scenic and cultural backdrop to the market experience.
Market Stalls
Over 350 diverse stalls offering handcrafted goods, local produce, artworks, and specialty foods, showcasing Tasmanian craftsmanship and creativity.
Live Music Performances (1987-2014)1987-2014
For nearly three decades, the market featured live traditional Andean music by Arauco Libre, enriching the market’s cultural atmosphere with folk and carnival tunes using indigenous instruments.
Contact
Phone: (03) 6238 2430
