Location

Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart offers a contrasting blend of heritage, scenery and culture, with world class activities and attractions nearby. Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart combines heritage charm with a modern lifestyle in a setting of exceptional beauty. It’s no wonder Lonely Planet has called Hobart one of the top ten spots to visit in the world right now.

Hobart is Tasmania’s capital city and the second oldest capital in Australia, after Sydney, New South Wales, with the area having been occupied for possibly as long as 35,000 years by Aboriginal Tasmanians. Having begun its life as a penal settlement, the city has a rich history and well preserved architecture from the Georgian and Victorian eras.

Located at the entrance to the Derwent River, its well-preserved surrounding bushland reaches close to the city centre and beaches line the shores of the river and estuary beyond.

As a working port Hobart on the Derwent River estuary, the waterfront has provided a focal point for industries based around shipping, fisheries, and in more recent years as cruise ship destination, and an Antarctic gateway port. Hobart is also now a major world centre for Antarctic and Southern Ocean scientific research and fisheries management, hosting the Secretariat for the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), the Australian Antarctic Division, and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.

With its captivating history, picturesque waterways, rugged mountains and gourmet experiences, the city has something for everyone.

Award-winning restaurants offer fine dining experiences using the best Tasmanian produce recognised by the world’s best chefs, while on the waterfront punts and fishmongers sell the freshest seafood straight from the Southern Ocean.

Enjoy the contrast of elegant heritage sandstone alongside modern architecture. Explore Salamanca Place, a short walk from the waterfront, with its galleries, theatres, craft shops and restaurants in 1830s Georgian warehouses and on Saturdays enjoy the food and entertainment of Salamanca Market, Australia’s best outdoor market.

Take a walk along Hobart’s iconic waterfront, explore the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or take a ferry up river to MONA for an out-of-this-world modern art experience.

It’s easy to fall for the many charms of this quietly buzzing city that hits fever pitch at festival time.

Hobart is also close to many of southern Tasmania’s best travel experiences, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.

For more information on things to see and do while in Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website.