Plan a visit to the Telegraph Hotel, a restored 1858 pub on Hobart’s Morrison Street that blends a classic public bar with a modern rooftop terrace overlooking Sullivan’s Cove. This guide pulls together verified facts, customer reviews, and menu details to help you decide if this iconic waterfront venue is right for your trip to Tasmania.
Last checked: 2026-09-29
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Establishment: The Telegraph Hotel (also known as ‘the Tele’) · Location: 19 Morrison Street, Hobart, Tasmania · Key features: Public bar, dining room, rooftop bar · Culinary focus: Classic pub fare using fresh Tasmanian produce · Heritage: Restored landmark, operating since 1858 · Online presence: Official website, Facebook, Instagram, SevenRooms reservations
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-29.
Sources reviewed: Official property website, Tripadvisor reviews, HappyCow, Southern Tasmania tourism site, FANZO.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification. Research is based on publicly available sources as of the publication date.
Snapshot of the Telegraph Hotel
- 19 Morrison Street, Hobart, built in 1858 (Telegraph Hotel History)
- Three distinct levels: public bar, dining room, and rooftop bar (Official Website)
- Modern bar with harbour views, partial cover, and heaters; weather-dependent (Rooftop bar at the Telegraph Hotel)
- Classic pub fare with Tasmanian produce and seasonal à la carte menu (Main Menu Page)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment | The Telegraph Hotel (also known as ‘the Tele’) |
| Location | 19 Morrison Street, Hobart, Tasmania |
| Key features | Public bar, dining room, rooftop bar |
| Culinary focus | Classic pub fare using fresh Tasmanian produce |
| Heritage | Restored landmark, operating since 1858 |
| Online presence | Official website, Facebook, Instagram, SevenRooms reservations |
Telegraph Hotel Hobart reviews
Tripadvisor lists the Telegraph Hotel with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 178 reviews, ranking it #60 of 527 restaurants in Hobart. The platform categorizes the venue as a bar, pub and Australian restaurant offering lunch and dinner.
What do Tripadvisor reviews say?
Customer feedback, aggregated from multiple reviews, highlights a clear strength in the venue’s atmosphere and location. Several reviews praise the renovated spaces and the multi-level layout featuring a public bar, bistro, and rooftop bar.
However, experiences with food and service show significant variation. While some diners mention attentive staff and enjoyable pub classics like scallop curry pie and chicken parmigiana, others describe service as slow, chaotic, or rude. Cleanliness concerns, such as sticky tables and a missing accessible-toilet door, also appear in recent feedback.
- Tripadvisor rating: 4.2 out of 5 (based on 178 reviews)
- Tripadvisor ranking: #60 of 527 restaurants in Hobart
The bottom line: The Telegraph Hotel’s strength is its ambiance and waterfront location, but service and maintenance can be inconsistent, making it a venue where experience may vary by visit.
Telegraph Hotel menu
The official website positions the food menu as pub classics with Tasmanian produce and local flair. The main menu page describes a seasonal à la carte offering using locally sourced ingredients from local suppliers and producers.
“…pub classics with Tasmanian produce and local flair.”
Telegraph Hotel official website
What type of food is served?
The core offering centres on classic pub fare, including Tasmanian steaks, pizzas, and sharing snacks. The rooftop menu allows guests to order from the full menu, including main meals, sharing snacks, and pizzas.
For diners with dietary preferences, a single review on HappyCow indicates the restaurant, while primarily serving meat, offers vegan versions of burgers, pizza, pasta, cauliflower gnocchi, and dessert. This information comes from a third-party source and has not been independently verified by the venue on its main menu pages.
The pattern: The menu focuses on accessible pub staples elevated by local Tasmanian ingredients, appealing to both traditional diners and those seeking modern twists.
Telegraph Hotel Hobart rooftop bar
The rooftop bar is a central feature of the venue. The official rooftop page describes it as a modern and approachable bar rather than a formal dining room.
“Head up the stairs and land at the Rooftop Terrace – a modern and approachable bar offering stellar views of Sullivan’s Cove and beyond.”
Telegraph Hotel official website
What is the atmosphere like?
The space is marketed for its views over Sullivan’s Cove and the surrounding harbour. However, the venue is clear about the outdoor limitations.
The rooftop accepts both reservations (via SevenRooms) and walk-ins, subject to availability. It can accommodate up to 70 people for semi-private functions.
The catch: The rooftop is the highlight for many, but its value depends heavily on weather and planning. Have a backup plan, as indoor alternatives are not guaranteed for rooftop bookings.
Telegraph Hotel opening hours
The official website lists regular trading for the hotel as Sunday through Thursday from 12pm to 11pm, with Friday and Saturday trading until late. The kitchen or dining hours are listed as 12pm to 9:30pm daily.
Does the rooftop bar have separate hours?
The official sources do not specify separate rooftop hours, but the general trading hours suggest the rooftop operates within the hotel’s open times. It is best to confirm directly with the venue for the most current information.
What to watch: The kitchen closes earlier (9:30pm) than the bar (11pm or later), so latecomers should plan to eat early or rely on bar snacks.
Telegraph Hotel specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | The Telegraph Hotel (also known as ‘the Tele’) |
| Address | 19 Morrison Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000 |
| Built | 1858 |
| Original Name | The Electric Telegraph Hotel |
| Venue Levels | Public bar, dining room, rooftop bar |
| Cuisine | Classic pub fare with Tasmanian produce |
| Rooftop Capacity | Up to 70 guests (semi-private function) |
| Reservations | SevenRooms (dining room and rooftop) |
| Happy Hour | Monday to Friday, 4pm–6pm |
| Dietary Options | Vegan options noted by third-party reviews |
Pros and cons of the Telegraph Hotel
Pros
- Heritage atmosphere with restored 1858 building and Art Deco features
- Dedicated rooftop bar with harbour views
- Tasmanian produce-led menu
- Multiple spaces: public bar, dining room, rooftop
- Weekday happy hour (4pm–6pm)
Cons
- Variable service quality based on multiple customer reviews
- Rooftop is weather-dependent with limited indoor guarantees
- Cleanliness and maintenance concerns noted by some guests
- Limited independently verified dietary and allergen information
Location and how to get there
The Telegraph Hotel is located at 19 Morrison Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, near Sullivan’s Cove and Hobart’s waterfront. It is within walking distance of the city centre and the Hobart waterfront precinct, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the area.
Alternatives to the Telegraph Hotel
For a different waterfront pub experience in Hobart, visitors might compare the Telegraph Hotel with other historic venues along the harbour. While the Tele distinguishes itself with a dedicated rooftop bar, several other pubs in the area offer Tasmanian produce-led menus. The Telegraph Hotel’s combination of a 160-year heritage, multi-level layout, and rooftop terrace is relatively unique in the immediate waterfront area.
Our pick: Telegraph Hotel for heritage and rooftop enthusiasts
We recommend the Telegraph Hotel for:
- Heritage pub visitors: The preserved 1858 building and Art Deco interior offer a tangible link to Hobart’s past.
- Rooftop bar enthusiasts: The dedicated terrace with Sullivan’s Cove views is a standout feature, provided you plan for the weather.
- Value-seeking diners: The weekday happy hour and accessible pub classics menu offer solid value in a central location.
Related reading:
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