Island Markets: Moonah Highlight!

May 21st, 2010 |

Why do the Island Markets Cause a Problem?

Shopping in Tasmania at the Island Markets… should the article revolve around food, things to do, Tasmanian people? The Island Markets encompass all that and more, all wrapped in one package and served with free parking!

Island Markets: Shopping in Tasmania

Shopping in Tasmania, the Island Markets Experience

With so many other things to do in Tasmania, shopping could easily be overlooked as an event. As in other capital cities, Tasmanian stores and malls provide the usual opportunities for outlet chains – all good if you come from a small regional centre and need to “stock up”.

But what if you want a different experience that you can’t get back home? That’s where markets, like this one at Gormanston Road Moonah (a suburb of Hobart), really shine. When you head out market shopping in Tasmania, you can enjoy a special atmosphere with friendly service, find one-off bargains and treasures, buy organic greens and source information about the local area.

Island Markets - what will you find?

Lunch at the Island Markets

At the risk of reminding readers of my liking for food, I enjoyed a hearty lunch at Churros Cafe – which looks like a standard take-away shop in the centre of the shed. The food however, was way better than standard. Apparently the cooks here have previously worked at waterfront restaurants in Hobart, so you get upmarket food without the upmarket price tag. With a Spanish influence, the menu included Churros (doughnuts & dipping chocolate), Empanada de Pollo (marinated chicken roll) & Paella (rice, chicken, pork & seafood). Personally, I found the serves too large to indulge in dessert – but the chocolate éclairs were calling, and would have been perfect with the excellent coffee!!

Delicious Paella from Churros Cafe, Island Markets

Only one small suggestion: take your own fork! Weird I know, but they supply wooden utensils. A splinter in the tongue is not on my wish list, but that still wasn’t enough to spoil the meal. Now back to the shopping…

Shopping in Tasmania for Fresh Market Produce

In Tasmania, retailers are happy to talk about their wares, even if you seem unlikely to part with any cash. The fresh food section includes a seafood display with a large aquarium to view the catch, and the fish monger brought out a crayfish to give some kids a closer look.

Due to the bounty of produce in Tasmania, shopping often involves food tastings. The cheese factory outlet on site offers patrons some award winning Brie (however, you don’t stumble across this dairy bar on your rounds of the general stalls, it is a little separate).

Award winning Wicked Cheese Co.

Island Markets Factory Outlets

Other factory outlets at Island Markets include the Classic Linen Manchester and Angus & Robertson Bargain Books stores. These merchants both have large showrooms, flanked by lots of independent stall-holders selling an eclectic mix. Ranging from bric-a-brac through to garden, jewellery and gift supplies, they all gel nicely with the artistic, hand-made offerings. There’s certainly enough range to warrant a return visit. No, not just for the éclairs!

Angus & Robertson have a huge clearance store on site

Rocky, the owner of Island Markets, mentioned adding a working artists’ studio on the premises. For more details including opening hours, see the island markets website.

So perhaps with this enthusiasm, shopping in Tasmania should be filed under the heading of sport?

think-tasmania.com