Hobart Travel Guide

Hobart is a city in the South East of Australia.  The capital city of Tasmania, it is also the second oldest and one of the most populated cities in Australia.   Despite that, Hobart is a modern village where the rhythm of life is easy going.  It is difficult to believe that this lovely city started as a penal colony for British prisoners back in 1804.  Now it is a city that relies on tourism and the sea as one of its main resources it is the ideal place to spend your vacations.  Mild weather and a good selection of good quality and Cheap Hotels in Hobart make it perfect for a long stay to explore Tasmania and its many NatureParks and attractions. 

1. Sightseeing: you can start your day exploring the city. Highlights include Constitution Dock, ABC Buildings - Hobart's original sandstone railway station, Botanical gardens, Government House, Derwent Entertainment Centre and Montrose Bay.
2. For the sweet toothed: a visit to Claremont Cadbury plant for the sweetest tour in Australia. Learn about Cadburys history and chocolate manufacturing processes and fill up your pockets with free samples.
3. For the adventurous: Visit the summit of Mount Wellington, which rises to a height of 1270 metres. You can get there by car: It is approximately 20 km. away from the city. From there you can have a spectacular view of Hobart and if you are a sporty person you can cycle downhill through the alpine terrain and magnificent forest. You can choose between a road and an off-road section –for the really adventurous- to descend.
4. Kayak from cascade Gardens to Constitution Dock on the gentle Derwent River.
5. For the Historians: Visit Port Arthur Historic Site, a compelling and dramatic reminder of their convict past and the early settlement of Tasmania. Highlights include Eaglehawk Neck, pristine pirate’s bay, the Penitentiary, the Commandant's House, and the church.
6. For the lovers of the occult: You can take a cruise on Carnarvon Bay around the "Isle of the Dead". Or take a “ghost tour” of Port Arthur.

For the nature lovers: visit some of the many national parks in Tasmania. Do not miss the Tasmanian Devils, Kangaroos and Koalas.

For the romantic: Cruise along the delightful Derwent river and watch contrasting coastlines as you head downstream, do not miss the spectacular Tasman bridge.

For the sea lovers: Hobart is a busy seaport, a city of yachts and spinnakers so enjoy a walk along the marine, spend sometime sitting down with a good beer and listening to some sea stories and enjoy a meal of fresh sea food or the typical fish and chips.

For architecture lovers: Hobart has a good collection of sandstone cottages and stately Georgian Homes.

A day out from Hobart: Visit Richmond, a Georgian style village with mellow stone cottages which will take you back in time.

For bargain hunters: Salamanca market, you name it, you’ll find it there!

For gamblers: the perfect setting is Wrest Point Casino.

For wine lovers: do not miss the many vineyards surrounding Hobart. Two of the most popular ones are Moorilla Estate at Berriedale.

For the gardeners: visit The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, this is the second oldest botanic garden in Australia. The best time to visit is during the Spring, specially during the Tulip Festival.

For party lovers: Hobart nightlife primarily revolves around Salamanca Place, and the waterfront area. Hobart is also home to many festivals such as Hobart Summer Festival, Southern Roots Festival, Ten Days on The Island (a biannual international arts festival), and the Falls Festival in Marion Bay.

For a quiet night in Hobart: you can try one of the many local or international restaurants. There are also 3 cinemas and an arthouse for foreign films.

Due to its mild weather anytime is good to visit Hobart.  But if you are into parties, then just after Christmas is the best time to enjoy the Hobart Summer Festival, a food and wine festival that starts on Boxing day with the end of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and lasts until mid-January.