Salamanca Place calling

Rameshinder Singh Sandhu 

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When in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, the only island state of Australia, all roads lead to its heritage-listed Salamanca Place. Located  next to the state parliament, it’s a cobblestone square dating back to early 1800s, when the town was founded as a British penal colony, just like several other pockets of mainland Australia. Interestingly, once known as the Green Cottage Place, its name was changed to Salamanca, a region in Spain where the English tasted victory in a battle against the French in 1812. 

Fact File

• To reach the island of Tasmania, you can take a ferry from the Port of Melbourne. The journey takes 9 to 11 hours but you’ll be treated to a scenic trip.
• There is no international airport in Tasmania. The nearest one is in Melbourne. Melbourne-Hobart flight takes little more than an hour. 
• If on a shoestring budget, try to stay at a youth hostel. 
• If you are fervent about bird’s-eye view, do visit Mt Wellington perched at 1,271 m above sea level. It’s just a drive of about 30 minutes from Hobart’s downtown.

Lined with unique Georgian-style buildings, these were mostly built by convicts brought from England. For a long time, these had been used for warehousing whale oil, grain, timber, wool and other imported goods. But today, the same storehouses, built with sandstone, radiate exciting liveliness for the many roles they play. After all, since the past several decades, these stand transformed into quaint restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, famous clothing showrooms, and even art centres, including several art and craft galleries, live theatre and also a meditation and yoga hall.

As the night falls, mood of celebration runs in the entire square, especially during  weekends when alfresco tables of restaurants are seen filled with visitors from everywhere. They are regaled by several local musicians. Several old-fashioned horse carriages, packed with tourists, move at a slow pace to let them absorb every vibe of joy de vivre.  

It’s a new adventure every Saturday from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm. The day is awaited eagerly by all. One wakes up to find  a large local market called Salamanca Place. The market can easily rival even the very popular Pike Place of Seattle.

Organised in traditional style, the marketplace takes pride in selling local products. Everything, one can imagine, is sold here — from fresh foods, including locally made cheese, jams, baked goods to all kinds of art, vintage posters, rare books, natural beauty products, clothes, old furniture, toys, and more. Nearly 300 stalls offer much variety. Many of these stalls get replaced with newer ones the following Saturday.

The market has been active since it was first set up on Saturday, January 22, 1972. From a petit batch of informal traders, it has grown to a shopping world where people from across the globe can be seen jostling for space with the locals. Meanwhile, street entertainers, ranging from musicians, magicians to adventurous souls, keep the air festive and curious — a treat for both the young and the old.

If you spare a moment to praise the market to any of the locals, none of them will forget to tell you that it’s one of the most visited outdoor markets in Australia and has won several tourism awards.