Hobart Tasmania

Hobart is the sea, and the sea is Hobart ... it's natural deepwater port is considered one of the best natural harbours in the world. Settled in 1803, Hobart is the second oldest capital city in Australia, being settled from Sydney. Originally colonised to provide accommodation for convicts, Hobart quickly became a commercial centre, whaling and sealing port and the gateway to the Mainland of Australia from the south. Launceston, in Northern Tasmania, was settled from Hobart and it was from Launceston that John Batman crossed Bass Strait to settle Melbourne in 1835.

Dominated by Mount Wellington and the Derwent Estuary, Hobart sprawls along the River, joined by the Tasman Bridge near the city centre, the Bowen Bridge 30 minutes to the north, and then by the Bridgewater Causeway at Granton where the Estuary narrows. Scenic Valleys and dramatic hills make Hobart extremely picturesque, and offer spectacular views and great sightseeing opportunities.

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On arrival from Hobart Airport, or from the north of Tasmania, the truly stunning views of the city, Mount Wellington, the Derwent River and Battery Point will really impress you. Hobart really does live up to its reputation for scenery. If you are traveling alone or want a good introduction to the city, book on the Hobart Half-Day Sightseeing Coach Tram Tour.

If you wish to stay in Battery Point, or close to Salamanca Place and the Docks area, it is very wise to book your accommodation before arrival. Find out more information on deals in Hobart Hotels here on our Hotels in Hobart information page.

Compare Prices on Hobart Hotels: >>> Tasmania.com - Hotels in Hobart

Battery Point

Battery Point was established as a gun battery in 1818 to protect Hobart's southern approaches, and quickly became a fashionable area in which to live. Many of the stone cottages, pubs, warehouses and winding roads date from before the 1900's and have been wonderfully preserved. This slice of Australian Colonial history is as authentic as you can get. If you choose accommodation in or near Battery Point or Salamanca Place you will have done well.

Battery Point can be easily visited as a walking tour from Salamanca Place - look for Kelly's Steps between the warehouses on the waterfront, or climb the hill on the southern end of Salamanca Place. As you leave Salamanca Place, turn right uphill past Lenna of Hobart - well worth staying at, or dropping in for a drink at the Chandelier Lounge Bar for a real touch of authentic colonial style. Continue on through Arthur's Circus with its quaint cottages, and then the short distance to Hampden Road, the heart of Battery Point itself.

Compare Prices on Lenna of Hobart: >>> Tasmania.com - Lenna of Hobart

Salamanca Place, Salamanca Market and the Docks

As the port of Hobart developed in the early 1800's, the waterfront area beside Battery Point was quarried out for building material and the rubble used to create a wharf. Into the resulting space was built an imposing set of conjoined warehouses, creating the Salamanca Place precinct. The warehouses have been wonderfully preserved and have been renovated into quality shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes, accommodation and offices. There is also an excellent mini-supermarket.

At the north end of Salamanca Place are the Houses of Parliament, the seat of Tasmania's State Government, and directly opposite, at the city end of Salamanca Place are the Supreme Law Courts and the lovely St David's Park. The park is situated on the site of the first cemetery for the colony of Hobart Town, and has many of the tombstones of the first settlers, as well as those of some settlers who arrived on the First Fleet in 1788. The fine old trees and the landscaping make the park well worth visiting.

For 30 years, Hobart and Tasmanian artisans, craftsmen, entertainers, artists and vendors have set out their offerings at the Salamanca Place Market, held in the cobblestoned area in front of the warehouses every Saturday. The market is a must if you are in Hobart, and it is worth arranging your schedule to be there on that day if interested. The quality of the items for sale is excellent and you will find much that is unique to Tasmania, including fine gourmet Tasmanian food, Huon Pine woodcraft and many other handmade items.

For apartment accommodation very near Salamanca Place, we suggest you look at Somerset on Salamanca Hobart at the north end of Salamanca Place, Quest Waterfront Hobart (2 minutes walk away), Somerset on the Pier Apartments Hobart for a totally unique experience, or Salamanca Terraces Hobart, right on Salamanca Place at the southern end.

Destinations in Tasmania Hobart Cradle Mountain Launceston Tamar Freycinet Mount Wellington Stanley Strahan Southwest Wilderness Port Arthur Derwent Valley Bruny Island

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