Hobart

Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city, has come a long way since its origins in 1804. The first settlers were British and its population was made up of convicts and soldiers, but over the next century, wealth poured in from the lucrative whaling and boat-building industries. This legacy is still visible today in the city’s impressive Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings, as well as the beautiful Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens. The original settlements were located at Sullivan’s Cove on the Derwent River. This area is now downtown Hobart, a busy and vibrant district best explored on foot or by bike.

Jump on the free HobartHopper shuttle bus from the city centre and spend a few hours in Salamanca Place. This area has a thriving arts community with plenty of galleries to explore. Visit the popular markets held every Saturday to browse the huge selection of arts, crafts, fashion, gourmet food and locally-grown produce.

Lovers of drama and entertainment will be impressed by the programme of plays, opera, live music and cabaret on offer at the city’s two historic theatres. The Theatre Royal provides guided tours of this venue where actors such as Lawrence Olivier have trodden the boards.

Tour the fascinating Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for insights into the indigenous Tasmanian history and culture. The exhibition features artefacts, stories and displays bringing to life the rich heritage, as well as charting the devastating conflicts between this people and the European settlers.

The city’s historic connection with the water is explored at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania, and you can take a cruise down the Derwent River in a vintage ferry for a beautiful view of the waterfront. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is also just a short ferry ride away, and its lively and provocative exhibitions make this a must-see attraction.

Explore Tasmania’s natural beauty with an excursion to Mount Wellington in Wellington Park. Spend the day hiking, mountain biking or horse riding surrounded by picture-postcard scenery. This vantage point will give you some the most spectacular views across Hobart and the ocean beyond.

Round off you day with dinner in one of Hobart’s many restaurants, which serve some of the most innovative cuisine in the country. The quality of the locally-produced food, along with the beer and wine, is renowned throughout Australia.