Hobart

Tasmania’s lively capital that retains an old town salty-air feel - Hobart is humming! The slower pace, in the midst of busy urban life elsewhere, has become an endearing drawcard. Boutique hotels are filled to the brim and visitors are flocking to this harbour-side city in increasing numbers. What’s all the fuss? It’s probably because you can have early morning sand between your toes, wander city streets, head to a mountain summit and be back in time for evening cocktails on the waterfront. This compact capital is a liveable city, a vibrant city. A place where people still say hello – their relaxed pace now on-trend in a busy world.

Hobart is where the bulk of Tassie locals live. That’s good reason to make it your first port of call. It sits at the southern end of the island, on the edge of the River Derwent. It is a port town that dates back to early explorers and convicts sent here for stealing rams. The waters run deep – it’s not only the second deepest port in the world, it also offers a myriad of waterways that will please any sailor who has navigated a globe of oceans. Think calm rivers, secret coves and spinnakers of energetic colour as yachts sail the Derwent. It’s also home to the finish line of one of the world’s greatest blue water ocean races, The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Folk still come by boat. They just arrive in fancier vessels. Image: Hobart Harbor

Don’t be tricked by the small scale of Hobart. There’s so much here for the curious visitor. If you like the sound of discovering a new craft beer, delving into history that dates back to Australia’s earliest days or hopping on a ferry to MONA, a museum that’s reinvented what museums are all about, then Hobart is for you. Great live music, independent stores, mind-pausing art - all in one compact and classy location. Why not join a cooking class and enjoy food so fresh you’ll be wiping the dirt off spuds the farmer plucked from the earth that morning? Alternatively, leave your meal preparation to one of the many first-class chefs that call this city home, hungry to showcase the island’s delicious produce.

Some people come to Hobart just for the food. They eat, they drink and they eat some more - and then they plan their next meal. With produce so fresh the oysters are still touched with the salty waters they were plucked from that morning and whisky that was distilled 'just up the road', what's stopping you? Eating and drinking in Tasmania is filled with quirky and authentic experiences - think sitting in a vineyard in front of the vines and talking to a winemaker with their pet dog (or maybe their pet duck) by their side. Ask us about our range of private, small group and personal food and drink adventures in Tassie. Thanks for the image Tourism Tasmania & Nigel Honey (Lunch at Hobart Harbor)

Adventure hugs the city, it's Hobart’s middle name. Walk along a pathway connected to the city streets and within a short stroll you’ll feel the majestic Kunanyi/Mount Wellington rise beside you, its presence shaping the air and light. For those seeking adrenaline-style adventure, take a bike tour and descend this 1271-meter Godfather that watches over the city. The thrills end back on the streets of Hobart where a well-deserved ale awaits. But it’s not just the mountain. Adventure-seekers can set sail and literally hop on a former Sydney to Hobart yacht for an afternoon sojourn around Bruny Island by simply wandering out on a city pier. Or take a walk and be delightfully distracted as a platypus raises its head near the famous Cascade Brewery. Image Credit: Peter Topliss (View of Hobart from Mt Wellington/Kunanyi Lookout)

Ah history - Hobart has this in spades! It’s a history that dates back to the beginning of times. There are stories of indigenous Tasmanians, explorers, mining, agriculture, lost husbands in world wars and timber cutters seeking out famed Huon pine. Indigenous stories date back tens of thousands of years, their deep connection to the land is evident in the shell middens, caves and rock art still in existence today.

The history of European exploration and settlement is young in many respects. About 40 minutes from Hobart is the country’s first golf course set up by a Scottish fellow who wanted a taste of home. Somewhat unsurprisingly, it happens to be very close to a whisky distillery.

Then there’s Port Arthur Historic Site. This is history embodied, the kind that captivates crowds. Once looked upon as a dark blemish on our country's history, these days many visitors are proud when they head to Port Arthur and come to find they have convict blood.

For another side of history head to the Theatre Royal in town for a live show. This is the oldest theatre in the country. Sink into the velvety seats and soak up the atmosphere while being entertained. Image Credit: Rob Burnett (Shene Estate & Distillery)

One of the things that makes shopping in Hobart such a treat is the one-off designers and the independent stores tucked away across the city. Move a few coat hangers in Liverpool Street, and don’t be surprised if the maker is busily sewing something out back. There are leather stores, hidden studios, and a jeweller who wears a suit when he’s presenting wedding rings to clients and a wetsuit when searching for rare gems in wild Tasmanian rivers. These are the type of shopping adventures that only Tassie can provide. Image credit: Nick Osborne (Shopping in Hobart)

There are so many accommodation options in Hobart, ranging from reliable and predictable chain hotels to quirky one-offs. There are hostels that are not for the average backpacker, they instead offer a help-yourself veggie patch, views of the mountain and bikes for those with a penchant for riding to MONA. Or go all out, and stay at the waterfront’s fanciest hotel, so close you can nearly cast a fishing line from the penthouse suite. Or opt for something in between, there really is something for everyone. Take your pick.

• Come for Dark Mofo, held during mid-winter each year in Hobart. It has reshaped how locals and visitors experience our winter. While some locals used to head to the sunny climes of Queensland, they now rug up and stay put for the mulled wine and the entertainment of festival goers plunging naked into the River Derwent on the Winter solstice.  Image credit: Adam Gibson (Dark Mofo)

• If you love wildlife there’s some excellent opportunities with wildlife parks on the outskirts of Hobart.

• Hobart kicks in to a new gear around Christmas and New Year. The Sydney to Hobart yachts are making their way in, pro musicians are strumming, the Taste of Summer festival is buzzing and buskers fill street corners with all manner of tunes.

• For those who like a dip at the beach, head for Seven Mile or Bellerive Beach and grab some fish and chips. For the surfers, there’s Clifton and Park Beach that provide great waves.

There are plenty of ways to head down to Hobart. Arrive by air at our ‘international airport’ but don’t expect there to be seventeen take offs in line when you land. Hobart International Airport is growing due to fierce demand, but it’s no LAX. As is the charm of Tassie, it's only a 15 minute commute and you’re be in the heart of Hobart. There are friendly bus drivers to deliver you close to your accommodation and the taxi fare to the city won’t break the bank before you head out to explore Salamanca Market.

Alternatively, take the ferry from mainland Australia. The Spirit of Tasmania departs from Geelong and arrives in Devonport. This small northwest town is well worth exploring. From there, head for Hobart via the Heritage Highway, a scenic journey that will take just over 3 hours.

Featured Day Tours:

Image Credits:
1 : Kathryn Leahy
3 : Alastair Bett
4 : Roaring 40's Kayaks
5 : Cascade Brewery Co. Hobart
6 : Mitch Osborne
9 : Nick Osborne
10 : Hobart City Council
12 : Jack Mohr
14 : Nigel Honey
16 : Rob Burnett
10, 14 : Tourism Tasmania