Tasmania’s capital city is steeped in history. Settled by the British in 1804, Hobart was mostly populated by convicts and soldiers. Gradually the town developed on the backs of the whaling and boat building industries. The city’s Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, sandstone warehouses and Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, which date back to 1818, are a legacy of the wealth these industries generated.
Downtown Hobart is based around the original settlement site at Sullivan’s Cove on the Derwent River, and is easy to navigate by bus or bike, or on foot. On a Saturday, catch the free HobartHopper shuttle bus from the city centre and head to the markets at Salamanca Place. Drawing tens of thousands of people, these markets offer fashion, crafts, art, gourmet food and locally grown produce. Salamanca Place is also an arts hub, so on any day of the week there’s always something to see and do in its galleries and theatres.
Gone are the days of meagre convict rations Hobart today offers some of the most innovative cuisine in the country and the quality of its local produce, beer and wine is prized throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific.
The city also has a thriving theatre community, with two historic theatres running seasons of plays, opera, live music and cabaret. Tour the Theatre Royal and learn about those who have graced its stage, from Laurence Olivier to Hugo Weaving.
Spend a day exploring history on the waterfront in the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery where the living culture of Tasmania’s indigenous people comes alive through artifacts, stories and displays. Learn about the tragic conflicts between these people and the early settlers, and the lives of indigenous people in Tasmania since then.
Board a vintage ferry and cruise down the incredibly scenic Derwent River. Learn more about city’s connection to the water at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania. You can also get a ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), renowned internationally for its provocative and imaginative displays.
Discover Hobart’s natural side at Mount Wellington where there are hiking and biking trails, and incredible views over Hobart and the water. Outside Hobart there are other walking tracks following the coastline and river, offering great spots from which to watch the sun go down.
Hobart
Where to stay in Hobart
Hobart Central Business District
4.5/5Wonderful!(57 area reviews)
The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Hobart Central Business District. Make a stop by Parliament House or Franklin Square while you're exploring the area.
Battery Point
The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Battery Point. A stop by St. George's Anglican Church or Narryna Heritage Museum might round out your trip.
Sandy Bay
The ample dining options and casino gaming are top of the list for many visitors to Sandy Bay. A stop by Long Beach or Wrest Point Casino might round out your trip.
Richmond
Unique features of Richmond include the historical sites and gardens. Make a stop by Old Post Office or Richmond Bridge while you're exploring the area.
North Hobart
North Hobart is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out North Hobart Oval, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.
New Norfolk
New Norfolk is noteworthy for its gardens, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Anglican Church of St Matthew and Derwent Cliffs State Reserve.
Reviewed on 28 Sep 2022
Reviewed on 29 Sep 2022
Reviewed on 21 Sep 2022
Reviewed on 27 Sep 2022
Reviewed on 25 Sep 2022
Reviewed on 25 Sep 2022
Popular places to visit
Salamanca Place
Spend a day in this area where sandstone warehouses are now home to gourmet restaurants, trendy bars, galleries and a busy Saturday market.
Salamanca Market
During your visit to Hobart, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Salamanca Market. Discover the fascinating museums in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.
Constitution Dock
History seeps from the stones on Hobart’s waterfront, where colonial buildings are now galleries and where you can eat fresh seafood and watch a famous yacht race.
Museum of Old and New Art
Hobart’s remarkable Museum of Old and New Art has a surprising mix of thought-provoking installation art, modern paintings, sculptures and ancient artefacts.
Cascade Brewery
Step back into the past at the oldest brewery in Australia, a striking Gothic building near Hobart, and try some of the best beers in the country.
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Immerse yourself in the state’s history and art at these 19th-century waterfront buildings where collections include an exhibit on the fabled Tasmanian tiger.
Other places like Hobart
- Salamanca Place Holidays
- Salamanca Market Holidays
- Constitution Dock Holidays
- Museum of Old and New Art Holidays
- Franklin Wharf Holidays
- Cascade Brewery Holidays
- Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Holidays
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Holidays
- Frogmore Creek Holidays
- Franklin Square Holidays
- Kingborough Sports Centre Holidays
- Hobart Function and Conference Centre Holidays
- MyState Bank Arena Holidays
- Theatre Royal Holidays
- Blundstone Arena Holidays
- Eastlands Shopping Centre Holidays
- Coal Valley Vineyard Holidays
- Richmond Bridge Holidays
- Lark Distillery Holidays
- Bellerive Oval Holidays
- Zoodoo Zoo Holidays
- Royal Hobart Showground Holidays