Situated between Mt Wellington and the River Derwent, Hobart, the second oldest state capital in the land, was established in 1804 - just one year ahead of its great civic rival, Launceston.
Saturated in colonial history, Hobart is one of those cities guaranteed to keep the visitor busy. You can make a frothy start with a tour of the Cascade Brewery, tread the ancient boards of the Theatre Royal, troop through the Anglesea Barracks, say a prayer in the Penitentiary Chapel, admire the blooms of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, try you luck in Australia’s first legal casino at Wrest Point or take the weight off your feet with a cruise on the harbour.
Battery Point is the heritage area of Hobart and offers insight into Hobart's maritime history. There's a museum, churches and wonderfully preserved Georgian mansions and cottages, including renowned Arthur Circus. Constitution Dock is the finishing line for the nation's premier yachting event - the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and is the place to buy seafood. Bargain hunters will love the Saturday markets at Salamanca Place. And don't miss a tour at the Cadbury Schweppes Chocolate Factory at Claremont, about 10 minutes north of Hobart.
The warmer months are a great time to visit Hobart especially during late summer and autumn. Hobart is an excellent starting point for a tour around beautiful Tasmania.
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Hobart and the South-East Region
Festivals: Summer Festival (Dec - Jan), Australian Wooden Boat Festival (Feb), 10 Days on the Island (Mar - April every second year), Tulip Festival of Tasmania (Sept), Sydney and Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race (Dec)
Things to do
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens - includes the Gardening Australia vegie garden and Subantarctic Plant House.
Gasworks Shopping Village - with a commercial whiskey distillery open for tours.
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery - a fine collection of colonial artworks.
Bond Store - Hobart's oldest building.
Hope and Anchor Tavern - Australia's oldest licensed hotel.
Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site - to see tunnels, courtrooms and ghost tours.
Theatre Royal - the charming Georgian interior is the oldest operating theatre venue.
Maritime Museum of Tasmania - with relics and documents from early years.
Constitution Dock and Victoria Dock - for great seafood.
Salamanca Place - row of 19th century warehouses, now converted to galleries. The colourful Saturday market features buskers, craft, gourmet foods and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Battery Point - take steep Kelly Steps up the hill for grand houses, St Georges Anglican Church, Arthur Circus and the oldest building in Battery Point - the signalling station.
St David's Park - pioneer burial ground.
Anglesea Barracks - elegant Georgian buildings, one of which now houses the Military Museum of Tasmania. You can take a tour of the barracks or visit the museum.
State Library and Museum of Fine Arts - for rare books and antiquities.
In the area
Sandy Bay - to see the Royal Yacht Club, Wrest Point Casino, Mount Nelson Signal Station Lookout and Shot Tower.
Mount Wellington - for panoramic views of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, Hobart and Derwent Valley. Temperatures can drop so take warm clothing.
Cascade Brewery - for tours and tastings.
Runnymede - a magnificent Georgian National Trust homestead.
Tasmanian Transport Museum - open on weekends and public holidays.
Cadbury Schweppes Chocolate Factory - operates tours each weekday and also has a factory shop. Free samples available during tour.
Seven Mile Beach and Clifton - for swimming and walks.
For more things to do in and around Hobart, see our Top Spots.
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