Discover the Best of Hobart: 8 Things to See and Do in Tasmania’s Vibrant Capital

From Salamanca Market to Mount Wellington: Explore Natural Beauty, Rich History, and Culture of Tasmania’s capital city

Located in the southernmost state of Australia, Hobart is a vibrant city that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences.

Nestled between the River Derwent and Mount Wellington, Hobart boasts stunning landscapes and scenery, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city also boasts cultural heritage, reflected in its historic buildings, art galleries, and museums.

Hobart has plenty to offer if you are interested in hiking, exploring history, or indulging in local food and wine. 

Here are some things to do in Hobart, Tasmania:

1. Visit Salamanca Market: Salamanca Market is one of the city’s most iconic destinations. A lively outdoor market is open every Saturday and features over 300 stalls selling local produce, arts and crafts, and other souvenirs.
2. Explore the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA): MONA is an award-winning art museum with a contemporary and modern art collection. The museum is located on a private peninsula in the Derwent River and is accessible by ferry.
3. Take a tour of Cascade Brewery: Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest operating brewery, located at the foothills of Mount Wellington. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery to learn about the history of beer-making and taste some of the brewery’s famous beers.
4. Visit Mount Wellington: Mount Wellington is a towering peak that overlooks Hobart. It’s a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding wilderness.
5. Explore Battery Point: Battery Point is a historic neighborhood just a short walk from Hobart’s city center. The area is known for its charming colonial-era architecture and quaint streets with a bevy of boutique shops and restaurants.
6. Take a stroll through Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a stunning 14-hectare botanical garden with a collection of plants worldwide. Visitors can walk through the gardens, enjoy a picnic, and learn about Tasmania’s flora.
7. Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery: The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for history and art lovers. The museum features exhibits on Tasmania’s natural history, Aboriginal heritage, and colonial history, as well as contemporary art exhibitions.
8. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located just outside of Hobart and is home to a number of Tasmanian devils that have been rescued and rehabilitated.

Did you know?

Hobart is home to the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, the Hobart Rivulet Track. This historic walkway was once a vital transportation route for early settlers and now offers visitors a unique perspective on its history and natural beauty. The track winds its way through the city’s suburbs and alongside the Hobart Rivulet, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A little history:

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, the island state located off the southeastern coast of mainland Australia. The area where Hobart is situated was first explored by Europeans in 1772, with the British establishing a settlement in the area in 1803.

The city was initially known as Hobart Town and was named after Lord Hobart, the Colonial Secretary at the time. The settlement quickly grew as a hub for the convict transportation system, with thousands of convicts being transported from Britain to serve their sentences in Tasmania.

By the 1820s, the city had become a prosperous port town, with its natural harbor providing access to valuable resources such as timber, wool, and whale oil. It is a thriving city with a rich cultural heritage and a solid connection to its natural environment.