Hobart

The state capital of Tasmania, Hobart is Australia’s second oldest city after Sydney, and was founded as a penal colony in 1804. Because of conflict with Europeans, as well as the onset of disease brought by these new settlers, the aboriginal population quickly receded, and in place came migrants and a sizeable convict population.

Today it is the financial and administrative hub of Tasmania, and is home for Australian and French Antarctic missions. It is also a convenient base from which to explore the state’s natural scenery and wildlife.

Attractions

The historic suburb of Battery Point was once home to the city’s seamen, and today is the home of the Narryna Heritage Museum, which was built in 1836 and contains numerous colonial artefacts, including china, furniture, and artwork. Salamanca Place, on the waterfront, has a row of sandstone warehouses that are typical examples of Australia’s colonial architecture.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery includes Hobart’s oldest building, the Commissariat Store, which was constructed in 1808. The museum has Aboriginal exhibits, while the gallery contains a number of colonial art pieces.

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens were established in 1818 and offer fantastic views of the Derwent River. The gardens contain over 6000 species, including more than 400 Tasmanian varieties. One intriguing feature is the Arthur Wall, which used to be heated by fire to keep frost away from some of the exotic plants in the gardens.

Overlooking the city, Mount Wellington stands 1270 metres high, and offers visitors spectacular views of the area. Experienced walkers can make a return trip to the summit from the city centre in a day, but an easier option is to take a bus to the mountain’s base and then enjoy a 5 to 6 hour return walk back into the city.

Shopping

Salamanca Place on the waterfront has a weekly market with more than 300 stalls, offering visitors an array of goods, such as fruit, vegetables, baked good, flowers, and local handicrafts. In addition, housed in the sandstone warehouses are some boutique shops.

Nightlife and Eating Out

It is perhaps no surprise that Hobart offers a good standard of seafood to visitors. One of the best-known seafood restaurants is Fish Frenzy on the waterfront, with fresh and high quality food complemented by great views over the harbour. Another restaurant that serves Australian fare is the Ball and Chain Grill, which is particularly good for steak. There is international cuisine on offer as well, and recommended restaurants include Annapurna for Indian food, and Vietnamese Kitchen for South East Asian food. Hobart is home to Australia’s oldest brewery, Cascade Brewery, and has plenty of drinking establishments for visitors. Two well-known places are The Hope and Anchor Tavern, a historic pub that dates back to 1807, and Knopwood’s Retreat, which is believed to have been a “Friday night institution” since 1829. Perhaps the only 24-hour establishment in town is Wrest Point Casino Wrest Point Casino, Australia’s first legal casino, which is a famous Hobart landmark today.

Tourist Information

Tourism TasmaniaLevel 222 Elizabeth StreetHobartTasmania 7000

Telephone: +61 3 6230 8235Website: www.discovertasmania.com.au

Airport

The only international flights out of Hobart are to New Zealand and Fiji, so most visitors choose to fly into Melbourne or Sydney, and then take a short 1-2 hour domestic flight into Hobart.