Tasmania’s best design shops

Forget cheap souvenirs that will soon end up in the back of a cupboard, if not landfill. Tasmania’s designers and craftspeople are conjuring all sorts of stylish, often practical things you will treasure forever. Discover their creations at Salamanca Market, Hobart Handmade Makers Market, and these seriously tempting shops.

Fashionably great

Tasmania’s chilly winters mean that locals not only wear but also make clothes ideal for snuggling or stepping out in style on cold days. Salamanca Wool Shop has gorgeous woollens for women, men and kids, including garments handmade by locals, plus everything you need for DIY winter woollies. You’ll also find smart cardigans, ponchos, jumpers, scarves and more at Smitten Merino, which specialises in super-fine local merino wool.

Other fashionable locals include womenswear label Keshet, and Seagrass Design, which caters for him, her and junior too. Both brands defy dark-hued Tasmanian Gothic expectations with vibrant colours and original prints. In fact, ‘keshet’ means rainbow in Hebrew.

A treasure trove of jewellery

Small, portable and made to be cherished for generations, jewellery designed and created in Tasmania is surely the ultimate souvenir. For unique contemporary jewellery that’s elegant but everyday affordable, visit FIND Collective. From bracelets and brooches to cufflinks, this jewellers’ collective gallery-store is bound to have something that will catch your eye.

Claudia Jewellers design and create engagement rings, bespoke jewellery and a range of Tasmania by Claudia collections, inspired by the island’s natural beauty. Pop in before popping the question (or perhaps the other way around) and discover the perfect ring for a Tasmanian engagement.

Lovely things for little ones

From Tassie Devil baby onesies and all sorts of cute handmade soft toys, to whimsical greeting cards and picture books, Lily & Dot is filled with local gorgeousness children love and adults love buying too. You’ll also be tempted by some items made for grown-ups, like elegant silver Tasmania-shaped jewellery.

Red Parka is the shop of author and artist Jennifer Cossins, so you’re sure to find all her fab fauna-focused picture books such as A-Z of Australian Animals. Her bookish creatures and other furry and feathered designs also feature on prints, junior tableware, cards, magnets and more. Cossins’ polished style is even more elegant for adult-leaning offerings such as cushion covers and jewellery.

Gifts and homewares from the heart

Want to browse homewares and gifts, as well as a selection of fashion and jewellery? Perhaps the most notable store covering all the made-in-Tasmania bases is Design Tasmania gallery’s shop. It’s just re-opened with unique creations handmade from wood, glass, metal and more by highly talented local artists and craftspeople.

Other top shops with a beautiful bit of this and a perfect piece of that from the island include Dick + Dora, which is all about quality quirkiness from tea towels to vases. Henry Jones Design Gallery is a sophisticated showcase of local must-haves – like Svend Madsen’s unique lampshades made of almost paper-thin native Tasmanian timber.

SQ Studio offers a range of Australian, often Tasmanian designed and created fashion, jewellery and homewares, such as classy cushions featuring a local landscape like Cradle Mountain. ShallDesign specialises in restyled vintage furniture and clever upcycled fabric creations, including skirts and shirts made from vintage Australiana tea towels.

You’re also bound to spot local products in the mix at stylish shops such as Grey & Felt, Luc and Homeroom Design.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.