Hobart Hotels Guide
Tasmania, Australia
Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, and with a population of only 260,000, the city is very easy to navigate. With its beautiful harbour and fascinating mix of historic and contemporary culture, the city is a great place to spend a few days exploring. It is also the start point for tours to Cradle Mountain National Park and the other wilderness areas of Tasmania.
Map of Hobart Australia
Hobart Highlights
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A great place to start exploring is Salamanca Place, a 19th century whaling dock that has been converted into a gorgeous area of cafés, restaurants and art studios. It's the ideal place to spend a few hours soaking up the unique waterfront atmosphere of Hobart. The buzzing Salamanca Markets, held here every Saturday, are a 'must-do' while in town. Over 300 stallholders sell fresh produce, gourmet delights, arts, crafts and hand-made products from all over Tasmania.
A 15 minute drive or river cruise will bring you to the innovative Museum of Old and New Art. This '21st century' museum boasts a collection that ranges from ancient Egyptian mummies to cutting edge modern art. Each visitor is issued with a touch screen device which gives information for the exhibits and allow users to vote for their favourite pieces. Packages including transport and gourmet dining are available.
For a wilderness experience only 20 minutes drive from the city, visit majestic Mount Wellington. Towering 4000 feet (1270 metres) above Hobart, the mountain has spectacular lookouts and bush-walking trails into the World Heritage listed cool rainforest areas and the sub-alpine areas at the summit. For the more adventurous there are abseiling and trail-bike riding tours available. On your way back down stop in at the historic Cascade Brewery for a glass of their boutique beer and a tour.
No tour of Hobart would be complete without a trip on the harbour and there are a number of options available including the historic sailing ship 'Lady Nelson' or more modern catamarans and yachts. Enjoy the sunset on the water while nibbling on gourmet 'King Island' cheese and local wines.
About 60 km to the south-east of Hobart, across several shark infested bays, is Tasman National Park and the old penal colony of Port Arthur – you can visit this UNESCO site on a boat tour from Hobart or otherwise there is road access along the Tasman Peninsula – both journeys offer spectacular views along the way.
Hobart has a cool temperate climate with cold winters (May to September) and mild summers (December to February). The main event in Hobart is the yearly Sydney to Hobart yacht race in late January. The city comes alive with parties and fun as the locals help celebrate the triumphal entry of the yachts into Hobart after the challenging ocean race.