When the Wrest Point Casino in Hobart opened in 1973, it wasn’t just Australia’s first casino. It was a pioneering entertainment venue, brimming with sophisticated drinking, dining and show options that were unprecedented in the country. Its unique features, plus the iconic hair curler building design of the Wrest Point Casino Tower, set it apart from every other hotel in Australia. When it comes to iconic Australian hotels, I’ve got a special connection with this one.

My first memory of the Wrest Point Casino was created in 1977. On a morning walk past the now iconic hair curler, I watched a helicopter land in the carpark when I was staying in a tent with my parents in the caravan park next door. At the age of 10, I was in awe at the sight. To me, it was the epitome of cool—the stunning, cutting-edge architecture, fashion and glamour of the 1970s right before my eyes. My wanderlust and love of travel was already there, even when I was a kid, and I wondered if I could even dream of staying somewhere that sophisticated and glamorous.

It took more than 40 years, but finally I’m walking into the Wrest Point to stay the night for the first time, and so far it doesn’t disappoint. Even though times have changed and it’s no longer brand new, the hotel is still as iconic and fabulous as I remember. The gleaming foyer of wood and marble, with the stunning Birdcage Bar and Lounge, is a blend of stylish modern design meets retro cool 70s.

Much of this comes down to the multi-million dollar refurbishment that happened in 2022/23 to mark the hotel’s 50th anniversary. The Wrest Point Casino now has a youthful and fashionable vibe, making it a must-visit for those seeking a stylish experience with a dash of retro charm, and some of the best dining in Hobart. There are even some of the original risqué showgirl costumes hanging in a display case around the corner from reception. I love the way the hotel has embraced its history while moving with the times.

I am staying for three nights with my wife over Christmas and New Year. Our plan is to indulge and enjoy the hotel and Hobart to the full. We have been allocated a Sandy Bay view room on the 8th floor at the Wrest Point Tower Hotel. Sadly, all the preferred Derwent River view rooms have been booked out months in advance thanks to the famous Sydney To Hobart yacht race.

The Wrest Point Casino offers a variety of room options across three different accommodation options that form part of the hotel complex. From the comfortable Wrest Point Motor Inn to the scenic Wrest Point Water Edge Hotel, and the stylish Wrest Point Tower Hotel, affectionately known locally as ‘The Hair Curler’, there’s something for every traveller’s taste and budget.

Arriving at our room, we’re delighted with its tasteful decor, soft king size and spacious, modern and fully renovated bathroom with a fancy walk in shower which looks nothing like the original must have in the 1970s. Also in the room are the usual array of accompaniments, such as a mini bar, coffee pod machine kettle, TV and ample cupboard space for your fancy sequined dress or bell-bottom pants.

Even though we were initially a little disappointed that we missed out on a Derwent River view room so we could watch the Sydney to Hobart yachts sail past, we ended up loving the view from our Sandy Bay room. The view of Hobart’s distinctive architecture stretching up into the leafy hills, the parklands and a lovely vista of Sandy Bay were equally impressive in their own way.

Wrest Point Restaurants: Where to eat and drink

The magic wand of the multi-million-dollar refurbishments has been applied to the whole complex with updated décor, furnishings and bathrooms. But it is easy to see where the biggest changes have been saved for the West Point Tower – its restaurants, and entertainment venues.  

Over the three nights of our stay, we indulged in cocktails in the iconic Birdcage Bar, which was infamous in its 70s heyday as a wild place to drink and party, and the fine dining at The Point Revolving Restaurant with its retro inspired yet contemporary cuisine and spectacular views. The latter turned out to be a standout meal we had during our time in Hobart and we’d love to go back. You can read a detailed review of what it’s like to dine at The Point in Hobart here.

We also had dinner at Kwan Ho at the casino, the sister restaurant of the famous and highly awarded Chinese restaurant, Me Wah. My wife and I went to the original Me Wah years ago on one of our very first visits to Hobart so it was nice to visit the more affordable sister restaurant at the casino and enjoy some more of the delicious food. Word was definitely out as it was packed with locals – we only just got  table!  Our takeaway morning latte from the coffee shop downstairs was consistently excellent. The casino also has bistros, buffets and the like, but we didn’t dine at these.

Wrest Point Casino hotel location

Wrest Point and Sandy Bay is only a few minutes by taxi or Uber from central Hobart. If you drive, there is ample free parking which makes for a nice change from other capital city hotels in places like Sydney and Brisbane where the on-site parking costs a fortune. We had a hire car but also took an Uber to and from the Taste of Summer food festival so we could enjoy some wonderful Tassie wine.

However, what truly sets this hotel apart is the delightful staff, from the impeccable professional reception to the baristas in the bistro, who were always ready with a good morning smile and my much-needed caffeine hit, making me feel welcomed and appreciated.

The only thing that was missing at Wrest Point was a few iconic 70s revival rooms or suites. Think shag pile carpet, velvet curtains, funky wallpaper, and some vinyl to spin on a retro turntable. I can hear Austin Powers now, “Oooh Baby, behave!”

Disclosure: The writers stayed as guests of the Wrest Point Hotel Casino and paid for their dining at the hotel.