Media release – City of Hobart, 21 January 2022
Golden milestone for Salamanca Market
Fifty years since the market was officially opened by the then Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Soundy, Salamanca Market has grown from a handful of stalls to up to 320 every Saturday and become Tasmania’s most-visited tourism attraction.
Beloved by tourists and locals alike, the market has become an integral part of Hobart and Tasmania’s identity.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds acknowledged the dedicated and passionate people who have been involved with sustaining and building the market over half a century.
“Salamanca is so special and so successful because it’s such an authentic and welcoming market in one of Australia’s most beautiful historic streets,” Cr Reynolds said. “The City of Hobart has been so proud to be the manager of this Hobart treasure for five decades.
The earliest iterations of the market were only a fragment of what it is today. Originally occupying only a small space south of Woobys Lane, it has continued to expand over the years, reaching Davey Street in 1994 to accommodate more than 300 stalls.
“The market is such an amazing way to welcome people to Hobart,” Cr Reynolds said. “It showcases who and what we are all about as a city.
“I’m always amazed how beautiful Tasmanian products are turned into such high-quality items. It’s been the hub for generations of creative craftspeople who work in almost every medium – wood, leather, glass, ceramics, metal work and jewellery. And now we also have beautiful food, wine and spirits featuring strongly.”
Celebrations previously planned for this weekend have been postponed until later in the year.
“Unfortunately, with the current outbreak of the COVID-19 Omicron strain, the celebrations for this momentous occasion have had to be delayed,” Cr Reynolds said. “However, we’ll find an opportunity in the future where we can truly celebrate Salamanca Market and those people who have been a part of its long and successful story.”
Salamanca Market is continuing to operate in a reduced capacity at Tasmania’s Own Market, with COVID-safe protocols including designated entry and exit locations, mandatory mask usage, and a limit of 5000 in the space at any one time.
The market is on every Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm. More information including updated stallholder lists is available at salamancamarket.com.au.
The Summer Saturday Ferry service will be operating between 9am and 4pm, with free travel for all passengers funded by the City of Hobart.
