The Cat & Fiddle Arcade

Imagine a place where historical charm meets modern shopping — that is the Cat and Fiddle Arcade. Located in the heart of Hobart, this unique shopping complex brings together around 17 buildings under one roof, forming a cozy quarter for strolling and shopping. It’s more than just a shopping center; it’s a true cultural landmark cherished by locals and a must-visit for tourists exploring Australia.

Cat and Fiddle Arcade. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The arcade's main pride is its famous musical clock tower. Every hour, a fairy tale comes to life: to the sounds of a glockenspiel and vibraphone, animated figures of a cat, a cow, and a dog act out a scene from the nursery rhyme "Hey Diddle Diddle." This spectacle invariably draws crowds to the central square of the complex.

As a major fashion hub, the arcade offers over 70 specialty stores. Here, global giants like H&M, Myer, and Target sit alongside cozy local boutiques. A clever system of walkways connects the complex to other popular malls in the city, allowing you to enjoy your stroll in any weather without leaving the comfort of the shopping galleries.

For your convenience, we have gathered the current contact details for the shopping center. You can check information about specific stores or the schedule of holiday events directly on the official website or by phone. The arcade administration is always open to feedback and ready to assist visitors.

The first thing to do upon arrival is to find a good spot in Cat and Fiddle Square just before the top of the hour. You'll witness the unique musical clock show: for exactly 30 seconds, the space is filled with melody as figures of a cat with a fiddle and a cow jumping over the moon come to life. This charming performance brings smiles to both adults and children, continuing a tradition that began in the middle of the last century.

Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to explore here: from the massive two-story Myer department store to small shops selling Tasmanian souvenirs and jewelry. The arcade features the latest collections from global brands as well as unique pieces by local designers. A stroll through the two levels of the arcade allows you to appreciate the 1962 architectural style and feel the atmosphere of old Hobart.

If you get hungry, stop by the local food court. It often hosts exhibitions and art installations, so you can combine a snack with some cultural downtime. Thanks to the indoor walkways, you can easily continue your route to the neighboring shopping zones of the Icon Complex or Elizabeth Street Mall without ever stepping outside.

The shopping arcade is located in the very heart of the city at 51 Murray St. This is an ideal location for tourists, as the Cat and Fiddle Arcade is just steps away from the Elizabeth Street Mall and the main transport hub, the Hobart Bus Mall. If you prefer walking, the stroll from the picturesque Salamanca Place or historic Battery Point will take no more than 15–20 minutes.

For those arriving by public transport, most city buses stop just a couple of minutes' walk from the entrance. If you are traveling by car, there are spacious parking lots in the neighboring Centrepoint and Hobart Central complexes, with 1,700 spaces available. From Hobart Airport, you can reach the center in about 20 minutes by taxi or the SkyBus express service.

The history of this location began back in 1817, when a pub stood on the banks of the Hobart Rivulet with a bright sign depicting a yellow cat playing a fiddle. In those days, the area was a bustling hub where whalers and gentlemen gathered, and narrow alleys were filled with stables and workshops. The arcade began to take its modern shape in 1958 when architects decided to unite 17 old buildings into a single shopping space.

The grand opening took place on July 31, 1962. The city mayor and an orchestra welcomed residents to the new arcade, which became an embodiment of the modern style of that era. One of the project's main highlights was the musical clock tower. The melody for it was specially recorded in Melbourne, and the animation of the figures was inspired by an old English nursery rhyme known since 1765.

Interestingly, the arcade is inextricably linked to the city's natural history. It is built directly over the Hobart Rivulet, which was once an open stream but was enclosed in underground tunnels in the early 20th century. As you walk through the shops, you are actually following the path of the historical waterway that once gave life to Hobart's industry.

For a quick look at the arcade's architecture and to watch the musical clock show, you'll need about one hour. This is enough time to take photos and browse a couple of souvenir shops. If you plan on a full shopping spree at stores like H&M or Myer, you should set aside at least 2–3 hours.

Keep in mind that the food court often hosts interesting art installations or musical performances. If you decide to combine shopping with lunch and a stroll through connected malls like the Elizabeth Street Mall, you could easily spend half a day in this area, enjoying the leisurely pace of the Tasmanian capital.

The shopping center operates on a schedule standard for Tasmania, making it easy to plan a visit throughout the week. Main opening hours:

• Monday — Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

It’s important to remember that the famous musical clock operates on an extended schedule — its melodic show can be seen every hour from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, regardless of the store hours.

Its central location makes the Cat and Fiddle Arcade an excellent starting point for exploring other sights. A stroll through the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of Tasmania, from its colonial past to modern art installations.