Bram ReusenHobart is the capital of Tasmania, [fzPrice]hba[/fzPrice] Australia’s only island state and an absolutely gorgeous part of the country. It’s the second oldest state capital in Australia, after Sydney, having been founded as a British penal colony in 1804.
Located at the mouth of the Derwent River, at the world’s second deepest natural harbour, Hobart is filled with history. There are centuries-old neighbourhoods, a convict-built harbour, gorgeous sandstone houses and bustling outdoor markets. Hobart is not a city of skyscrapers; instead, its skyline is dominated by towering Mount Wellington, the summit of which offers spectacular views of the city and the land- and seascapes beyond, as we shall see below.
When you’re in Tasmania, these are some of the many things to do.
Also Read: 12 Experiences You Must Have in Australia
Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Image Credits: Sarah Brabazon
Founded as early as 1843 by the Royal Society of Tasmania, which is incidentally the oldest Royal Society outside of England, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is the perfect place to get to know local history and admire fine works of art before heading out and exploring the city. It features Tasmanian colonial art, Aboriginal and wildlife displays, a huge coin collection and the relationship between Tasmania and Antarctica, among many other things.
Grab a Drink at Salamanca Place
Image Credits: Jes
Salamanca Place is essentially a row of gorgeous historic sandstone houses right behind the Hobart waterfront. Salamanca Square has been transformed into a fine marketplace annex parking space. The area dates back to the 1830s, when it was the city’s whaling center. Nowadays, Salamanca Place is home to numerous bars, cafés and restaurants—a wonderful place to grab a coffee in the morning or a beer or glass of wine in the evening.
See Historic Houses in Battery Point
Image Credits: Royston Rascals
Battery Point, located on a small hill behind Salamanca Place, is Hobart’s oldest neighbourhood. It gets its name from a gun battery that was once supposed to protect the settlement from attackers—although no one ever actually did attack. Highlights in this landmark neighbourhood are Kelly’s Steps, South Street and picture-perfect Arthur Circus.
Stroll Along the Waterfront
Image Credits: Heath Pithouse
A rocky shoreline, a promenade, piers protruding into the ocean, seagulls screaming overhead and fishing boats bobbing on the water—this is what you can expect from the wonderful Hobart waterfront and harbour. It’s definitely one of the best places in the city to go for a stroll. There are a number of seafood shacks and if you want to go on a boat excursion, this is where the boats depart.
Take a Tour of the Cascade Brewery
Image Credits: A + T
The Cascade Brewery is the oldest brewery in Australia. It has been brewing beer since 1832 and continues to do so until today. The building itself is impressive as well, a magnificent tall Gothic structure. A tour of the brewery—only allowed for people 16 years of age or older—shows the brewery’s history and ends with a beer tasting.
Hike to the Summit of Mount Wellington
Image Credits: Island home
Mount Wellington dominates the Hobart skyline and is a popular place for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Rising up to 1,270 metres high, the mountain is covered in snow in winter and offers superb day hiking in summer. The panoramic views from the summit are absolutely incredible. People who don’t want to use their own body to get to the summit can drive up on the sealed summit road.
Also read: 6 Types of Winning Pictures You Should Take While in Australia
Browse the Stalls at Salamanca Market
Image Credits: jomilo75
Salamanca Market comes alive in Salamanca Square every Saturday morning and attracts locals as well as tourists. Flanked by the beautiful sandstone buildings of Salamanca Place, the square is filled with a maze of stalls selling everything from snacks and produce to wood products and art.
