Hobart is the capital city of the Australian state of Tasmania. Hobart is very small and
intimate (population 250,000) compared to the larger cities on the mainland, reflecting the
small size of the state. The metropolitan area stretches north along the Derwent River,
crossed by several bridges. It has a mild temperate oceanic climate, with four distinct
seasons.
The first settlement began in 1803 as a penal colony at Risdon Cove on the eastern
shores of the Derwent River, amid British concerns over the presence of French
explorers. In 1804 it was moved to a better location at the present site of Hobart at
Sullivan's Cove. The city, initially known as Hobart Town or Hobarton, was named after
Lord Hobart, the Colonial Secretary. The area's original inhabitants were members of the
semi-nomadic Mouheneener tribe. A series of bloody encounters with the Europeans and
the effects of diseases brought by the settlers forced away the aboriginal population,
which was rapidly replaced by free settlers and the convict population. Charles Darwin
visited Hobart Town in February, 1836 as part of the Beagle expedition. He writes of
Hobart and the Derwent estuary in his Voyage of the Beagle.
But since the Derwent River was one of Australia's finest deepwater ports and was the
centre of the Southern Ocean whaling and seal trade, it rapidly grew into a major port, with
allied industries such as shipbuilding. Hobart Town became a city in 1842, and was
renamed Hobart in 1875.
Hobart is located on the estuary of the Derwent River in the state's south-east. The central
business district is located on the western shore, adjacent to Sullivan's Cove, with the
inner suburbs spread out along the shores of the Derwent and climbing up the hills at the
foot of Mount Wellington. The Port of Hobart occupies the whole of the original Sullivan's
Cove.
Hobart has a mild temperate oceanic climate (Koppen Cfb), with four distinct seasons.
The highest maximum temperature recorded was 40.8°C on 4 January 1976 and the
lowest minimum was -2.8°C on 25 June 1972. Compared to other major Australia cities
Hobart has the second least daily average hours of sunshine, with 5.9 hours. (Melbourne
has the least) The city rarely receives snow in winter; however, the adjacent Mount
Wellington is often seen with a covering in winter, and it has received unseasonal
snowfalls in all seasons, including summer.
PLACE TO VISIT
Salamanca Market - a major Saturday morning attraction, for locals and visitors
alike. Situated in front of large sandstone warehouses which have been converted into a
maze of craftsmen's workshops, giftshops, restaurants and other 'artsy-crafty' shops.
These warehouses were mostly built to service 19th century whaling.
Battery Point - behind Salamanca Market. This area is very old and full of interesting
architecture. Many of these buildings are built in the area's golden sandstone, giving the
older parts of the city a warm golden glow. Even though it is a very poor building material
compared to Sydney sandstone.
Botanical Gardens - Beautiful location about fifteen minutes walk from the city
centre. A must see attraction is the sub antarctic garden. Its like walking into a freezer full
of plants!
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery - donate some money so they can tart
up their act. Has one of the best coin collections in any museum. It also houses stuffed
versions of unique Tasmanian animals including Tasmanian Devils and the extinct
Tasmanian Tiger
Mount Wellington - fantastic view from the top of Mount Wellington, take a bus to
"Fern Tree" and then walk a steep zig-zag track to the top or enjoy a scenic drive to the
summit. Be sure to bring warm clothes as even in summer the summit is around 4
degrees celsius. Be wary of long, sharp icicles falling off the mobile phone tower. Take
care when driving especially at night due to the abundant wildlife on the mountain
Tasman Bridge - is a five-lane bridge crossing the Derwent River, near the CBD of
Hobart, Tasmania. The bridge has a total length (including approaches) of 1,395 meters
(4,576 ft) – longer than the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It provides the main traffic route from
the CBD (on the western shore) to the eastern shore - particularly Hobart International
Airport and Bellerive Oval. It has a pedestrian foot way on each side, but no dedicated lane
for bicycles. However, steps to the pedestrian foot way have recently been replaced with
on-ramps.
WHAT TO DO
Wrest Point Casino - Australia's first legal casino was built in Hobart, and the
complex has been upgraded many times to keep it at a high standard.
Cascade Brewery - Australia's oldest brewery offers beer brewery tours for people
aged 5 and over with tastings. Visitors must wear flat covered shoes and long pants. The
tour can not be done by those who require a walking aid as there are over 200 steps.
Cadbury's Chocolate Factory - At the Cadbury factory you are able to listen to talks
on how chocolate is manufactured and the history of Cadbury. Unfortunately the tours of
the plant were discontinued in 2008. There is a chocolate shop, souvenir shop and cafe
onsite. Visitors also receive a chocolate gift and go into a monthly draw to win a chocolate
hamper valued at $250. $5 per adult (accompanied children under 15 are free).
The Domain - Walk from the city a few blocks towards the Tasman bridge and you'll
suddenly be out of the city and amongst greenery and trees on the Domain... (head
towards the bridge from the city but once you see greenery head up the hill towards it) Of
note is the fact that you can always be sure to see plenty of parrots in the trees. They are
relatively tame so it's a superb opportunity to see some brightly coloured parrots up close
Live Music - The Tasmanian Gig Guide publishes a monthly live music listing that is
available for download on their website. Check out what music is playing at all the venues
in Hobart.
Runnymede - gracious 1840s colonial home set in beautiful gardens, open to public
Peppermint Bay Cruise - If you are in Hobart and need to kill half a day, this is an
absolute must! You start off in Hobart and board a luxury passenger yacht, which takes
you for a cruise around the bay. On the way to Peppermint Bay the crew points out different
sites like Salmon Farms, Local Sealife, and geographic wonders. When you arrive at
Peppermint Bay you are treated to an amazing Tazmanian clambake, of clam chowder,
fish, and rock lobster. The restaurant is wonderful with its rich hard wood floors and a wall
that is completely made of glass so that you can enjoy the picturesque scenery. After a fun
day they take you home. You can make your bookings at 1300 137 919. Ticket Sales:
Hobart Cruise Centre, Brooke Street Pier, Sullivans Cove, Hobart. Departures: Cruises
depart from Brooke Street Pier, Sullivans Cove 11.30am Monday, Wednesday, Friday,
Saturday & Sunday (May 1st - September 30th). Returns 4.30pm. 12pm daily (October 1st
- April 30th). Returns 5.00pm.
Shot Tower, Taroona - colonial brick tower for making gun shot, tours and souvenir
shop
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
The Hobart Summer - Festival has emerged to become Tasmania's premier
summer festival. Following the culmination of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and
associated boost in tourism, the summer festival takes advantage of Hobart's warm
summer, picturesque location and long hours of sunlight to showcase the best in
Tasmanian produce, arts, crafts, and entertainment. It is a free event featuring talented
musicians and dancers, street theatre, Situated in Hobart's waterfront area, historic
Sullivans Cove and nearby Salamanca Market are transformed into a variety of leisure and
entertainment features for 14 days in early January.
The Taste of Tasmania - is Tasmania's largest food and wine festival. The Taste
generally operates 28 December - 3 January and will celebrate its 20th year in 2008/09.
The Taste focuses on promoting Tasmanian produce wherever possible. Visitation is
estimated at up to 300,000 people each year
Austalian Wooden Boat Festival - is a bi-annual event held in Hobart
celebrating wooden boats. It is held concurrently with the Royal Hobart Regatta. The
festival celebrates wooden boats of all sizes including wooden canoes, kayaks and
dinghys as well as yachts and tall ships.
The Royal Hobart Regatta - began in 1838, is a series of aquatic competitions
and displays held annually in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and is Tasmania's oldest
sporting event. The regatta runs for three days, ending on the second Monday in February,
and dominates the whole river for the duration of the event.
10 Days on the Island - is a biennial cultural festival held in Tasmania, Australia.
The first was held in 2001. Initially organised and co-ordinated by Robyn Archer the event
has established a significant place in the Australian arts calendar. In 2004 the event was
reviewed for the government, and various recommendations were made.
It is Tasmania's premier cultural event, and presents exhibitions, performances and
community events in 50 locations around the island. For the first time in 2007, the festival
held extensive regional tours of theatre productions
HOW TO REACH
Hobart city centre is some 15 km from Hobart International Airport at Cambridge. The
following airlines fly to HBA:
* Qantas flies from Melbourne and Sydney.
* Jetstar flies from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
* Virgin Blue flies from Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
* Tasair flies from Burnie
An airport bus service runs from the airport to Hobart (Single ticket 12.5AUD, Return ticket
22.0AUD). The bus starts at the bus terminal. For the first three bus rides (plane
departure before 07:30) you need to make a reservation before 8pm the night before.
There are several pickup points throughout the city. The ticket can be bought from the
driver or at the bus station.
A taxi will cost around $30.
It is a couple of hours drive from Launceston airport (hire cars can be rented either in
advance or at the airports), or three to four hours drive from the ferry terminal in Devonport.
