| Amazingly diverse and stunningly beautiful,
Hobart sits at the foot of Mt Wellington and on the banks of the Derwent
River. A city of contrasts, and Australia's smallest and most southerly
city, Hobart offers sophisticated nightlife and World Heritage wilderness
within a geographically compact area. Settled by the British in 1803,
Hobart's convict heritage remains evident in the architecture, with many
unspoiled Georgian and Victorian buildings. An increased demand for
inner-city living has seen recent growth of townhouse and apartment-style
developments.
Central Hobart and the Queen's Domain
Here, the ambience of yesteryear is blended with today's conveniences.
Stroll around the business district and enjoy the charms of Cat and Fiddle
Arcade's animated clock, or visit the oldest theatre in Australia. To the
north lie the Botanical Gardens and Government House. In close proximity
is the sporting centre of Hobart, the Queen's Domain, home of the aquatic,
tennis and athletics centres.
The Waterfront and Salamanca
Dominant in early days, the waterfront has recently enjoyed a resurgence
of popularity. Many sandstone buildings, such as Tasmanian Museum and Art
Gallery and Parliament House, reflect the area's historical roots. This is
a popular dining and nightlife area with sidewalk cafes and restaurants
intermingled with galleries, craft and gift shops. Antarctic Adventure and
Time Warp House, both popular attractions, are located here. On Saturday,
Salamanca Place transforms into the legendary Market. Constitution Dock is
the finishing point for sailors in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the
Gasworks Village features Australia's only commercial whisky distillery.
Battery Point
A short walk from Salamanca is this historic suburb, originally home to
the whalers and mariners of Hobart Town. Original charm remains as tiny
cottages and grand mansions interweave into one enchanting suburb. Many of
the houses in this slice of history are National Trust listed and are fine
examples of sandstone building. Whilst largely residential, the area also
offers a myriad of antique shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs, and some
exquisitely restored accommodation.
Mt Wellington
Bushwalkers and photographers are rewarded by the views from the summit of
Hobart's famous backdrop. A great way to explore the mountain is by foot
on one of its many tracks. Snow is commonplace in winter, and possible in
summer. To warm up, call in for a drink at Australia's oldest brewery,
Cascade where the beer is made using water from the mountain. Nearby are
the magnificent Woodstock Gardens blooming with colour and fragrance.
Southern suburbs
The Kingborough area includes towns such as Kingston, Margate, and Snug.
At Woodbridge discover all the undersea world has to offer at the Marine
Discovery Centre. A ferry from Kettering across the D'Entrecasteaux
Channel will take you to beautiful Bruny Island, where you will encounter
rainforest and wetland areas, sandy beaches, and native wildlife. Here is
a favourite holiday destination for Tasmanians keen to take advantage of
pursuits such as fishing, diving, swimming and even camel riding.
Huon Valley
Waterways, wilderness, arts and crafts feature prominently in the Huon.
The majority of Tasmania's fruit is produced here and roadside stalls
offer bargains. Access the Hartz Mountains National Park with its Alpine
heathlands, dolerite ranges and glacier carved lakes is through this
valley. The Park has the distinction of being the closest World Heritage
Area to any capital city in Australia. Hastings Caves with their
magnificent limestone formations are also located nearby.
Northern suburbs
Once a working class area, North Hobart has been transformed into a
gastronomic delight with its restaurant strip offering a diverse selection
of cuisines. Further north, Glenorchy is home to venues such as the
Entertainment Centre and the Showgrounds. Elwick Racecourse hosts The
Hobart Cup, Tasmania's premier horse race. Chocoholics beware - the
Cadbury Chocolate Factory is near, as is the miniature Swiss Village of
Alpenrail.
Eastern Shore
Journey across the Tasman Bridge to the Eastern Shore and Bellerive Oval,,
home of international cricket matches. Bellerive is another riverside
suburb, and meandering around Bellerive Village is a boardwalk that
provides an idyllic scene for a summer Jazz Festival. This side of the
Derwent features some of Hobart's best beaches including Seven Mile,
Clifton and Carlton. This is also the gateway to the beautiful Tasman
Peninsula, and the Port Arthur Historic Site.
East Coast and Richmond
Spectacular coastlines and pristine beaches are commonplace on this coast
where pursuits such as swimming, fishing, surfing, diving, sailing,
walking and horseriding are popular. Tasmania's cool climate is ideal for
winemaking and both the East Coast and Richmond are premier locations for
vineyards which welcome cellar door sales and tastings. Richmond is a
truly historic village with Australia's oldest bridge, oldest Catholic
Church and oldest postal building. It has retained the charm of a bygone
era with slate and sandstone buildings, and there are many craft shops and
galleries.
Derwent Valley
North lie the golden hopfields. Vineyards, trout fishing and nature
reserves are all on offer. You can even feed the fish at the oldest
southern hemisphere hatchery at Salmon Ponds. Tasmania is one of the last
temperate wilderness areas in the world and there is no better
illustration than at scenic Mt Field National Park with its breathtaking
waterfalls, ski fields and excellent walking tracks through rainforests,
many ideal for the novice bushwalker. The South West World Heritage area
lies further to the west.
The grand old city of Hobart offers both locals and visitors a unique
combination of a leisurely and laid-back lifestyle with striking
landscapes, unspoiled wilderness and clean waterways. This city will charm
with its beauty and delight with the warmth of its welcome. |