Destination overview

Hobart is Australia’s second oldest capital city after Sydney, and dates from 1804. As a result, the city vibrates with history and is set in a beautiful natural setting. Much of the original Hobart was built with convict labour and the evidence is still apparent in the historic sandstone buildings – from the settler's cottages to the colonial mansions.

Only a one-hour flight from Melbourne, Hobart is situated on the Derwent River, with its excellent deep water harbour making Hobart a place of yachts, fishing boats and cafés by the sea.

Once bustling with whalers and entrepreneurs, 19th century sandstone warehouses now serve as dockside, cafés, artist’s studios and restaurants where you can enjoy excellent cuisine and fine wines.

The remnants of the early convict days are still evident in the gorgeous sandstone buildings that are a real drawcard for lovers of architecture.

This old fishing town has some wonderful treasures. Why not visit Fair Light Cottage, an old shipwright's cottage perched high on the edge of Cygnet Bay. Discover Australia’s history in the nearby Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, enjoy classical and modern music in a variety of venues, or go to the theatre in this city of festivals.

Take a harbour cruise past square-rigged yachts, or drive to the summit of Mount Wellington for a bird’s eye view of the intricate pattern of islands and estuaries that reach out to the sea beyond.

There is a lot to do within a 90-minute radius of Hobart. You can visit Richmond, situated south-east of Hobart and then wander down to the Tasman Peninsula and the Port Arthur historic site where you can walk along the cliffs.

Port Arthur is one of most tangible relics of the convict system in Australia and is a piece of the nation’s history which is not to be missed. Along the route, a point of great interest is Eaglehawk Neck, which really is worth stopping for.

In convict times, Port Arthur is where soldiers and dogs guarded the Tasman Peninsula to ensure that escape was almost impossible. At this point the isthmus is only one hundred metres across. A chain was run across and dogs tied to the chain. Then, since the only possible escape route was via the sea, a rumour was circulated that the waters were infested with sharks. Even so, in 1843 the bushranger Martin Cash and two of his friends did manage to escape from there.

Now, though, the point of interest is not the dogs, but the natural scenery and historical buildings. You’ll find four natural wonders within the space of a few hundred metres. Tasman Arch, a natural bridge you can walk across, the Devil’s Kitchen, where the waves rush in through a narrow gap producing a cauldron of churning water at the foot of a deep enclosed chasm, the Blowhole, and the Tessellated Pavement, caused by wave action. The scale of these natural wonders is very impressive and something the whole family will enjoy.

There are other sights to see in the vicinity of Port Arthur which include Remarkable Cave, five kilometres south, as well as various other convict sites including the Coal Mines, in the north-west of the peninsula.

Take a cruise that brings you to within metres of some of the world’s highest sea cliffs that rise more than 300 metres from the sea at Bruny Island. Bruny is truly an island of surprises, with only 500 permanent residents, among the gentle rolling countryside that meets a wild and rugged coastline.

Drive north to Oatlands to explore Australia’s largest collection of sandstone buildings. Further afield through New Norfolk is the pretty town of Hamilton, or for a taste of the high country, visit Bothwell at the southern edge of the Central Plateau.

Only 26 kilometres from Hobart, you will find Richmond - one of Tasmania’s oldest towns. It is most famous for its bridge, built in 1823, and is the oldest stone bridge remaining in Australia. However, this town has many other attractions including the oldest surviving gaol in the country, built in 1825. It has its original Court House, public buildings and churches. St Luke’s Church dates back to 1834, while St John’s Church (circa 1836) claims to be the oldest Catholic church in the country.

A must when visiting Richmond is to go and see Old Hobart Town Historical Model Village – based on historical records of how Hobart looked in the 1820s. The model village took three years to construct and has 60 buildings and 400 figurines.

The city also boasts horse-drawn carriage rides, art galleries and shops full of antiques and crafts, as well as cafés, old-time bakeries, restaurants and a guided historical walk.

Also in Richmond, you’ll find Zoo Doo Fun Park, where you can find alpacas, llamas, buffalo and camels, as well as miniature pony races complete with jockeys. There is also an indoor working model village and merry-go-round for the little ones.

Battery Point

One of Hobart’s oldest and most historic areas, Battery Point stands as one of the most authentic ways to step back in time. Buildings made of sandstone have stood since very near the community’s founding. Battery Point is one of the more exclusive areas of Hobart and has a number of large, well-built homes, apartments and historical cottages. Connected to Salamanca by Kelly’s Steps, constructed back in the 1830s out of massive sandstone blocks, Battery Point is one of those places that needs to explored on foot to really get a good feel for the place.

Salamanca Market

Visit colourful Salamanca Market on Saturdays for art, produce and craft focused around local materials and unique ideas. There are also buskers performing anything from the blues to folk or jazz.

Riversdale Vineyards

The vineyards and olive groves of Riversdale Estate, in the rolling countryside of the Coal River Valley, are just 20 minutes from Hobart. Take a wander through the vineyard, complete with signs letting you know the variety of grapes planted, and progress to exploring the many other local vineyards and restaurants. The Coal River Valley is acclaimed for the quality of its cool climate wines and Riversdale Estate is quickly becoming recognised for the reliability and quality of its wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Huon Valley

Just 25 minutes south of Hobart, the Huon Valley will immerse you in a world of diversity and discovery taking you through a seemingly ageless place - a region of waterways and wilderness, art and craft, forests and fishing boats, orchards and vineyards. It also has the last original operating bush tramway at Ida Bay.

Majestic Mount Wellington

Head to the top of Mount Wellington, one of Tasmania's highest and most famous peaks, and admire the breathtaking views of Hobart and beyond. Once there, if you’re adventurous, you can take a guided bike ride down the mountain or explore the variety of walking tracks and mountain bike trails.

With the River Derwent at its heart and Mount Wellington rising above it, the tranquil city of Hobart takes you back to a bygone era that co-exists with the vibrancy of a pocket-sized modern metropolis.

If you haven’t been to Freycinet and Coles Bay, it’s worth the 2 hours’ drive and, when you absolutely have to leave, it’ll take you just 10 minutes to get to Hobart Airport.