Hobart on the Derwent River

The capital of Tasmania, Hobart sits on the Derwent River. There are many interesting things to see here such as Battery Point, a historic district and the lovely waterfront. High above the city towers Mt. Wellington offers spectacular views. 

Salamanca Place is an impressive row of four-story sandstone warehouses which are a classic example of Australian colonial architecture. These date back to the whaling days of the 1830s. At this time Salamanca was the city’s commerce and trade hub. In the 1970s restoration was begun and today visitors can find many restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops here. 

Here you’ll also discover the nonprofit Salamanca Arts Center which is housed in seven Salamanca warehouses. This includes more than 75 arts organizations and individuals. There are also galleries, shops, performing art venues and versatile public places.

Rising high above Hobart is Mt. Wellington at a height of 1270 meters. This is a great spot to get awesome views from, it’s wonderful for hiking and even biking. If driving a sealed road will take you right to the top or you can hop on the Hobart Shuttle Bus which gives two-hour tours up to the summit.

The summit road was carved out of the mountainside during the Great Depression. It goes winding up from the city through the thick temperate forest. The more adventurous-minded can come down the slopes on mountain bikes. When a peak rises above the clouds you can get a spectacular view of the clouds. 

North of the city center you’ll find MONA occupying its place on a saucepan-shaped peninsula that juts into the Derwent River. This is a large museum with three underground levels, abutting a sheer rock face. Here you can enjoy ancient antiquities, contemporary works and so much more. 

Take the time to explore the old maritime village of Battery Point. Here you can wander through tiny lanes and view 19th-century cottages. 

You’ll find the impressive St. George Anglican Church and many quaint cafes. Many architectural styles mingle here from one and two -room fishermen's cottages to the mansions of merchants and master mariners. 

Even though most of these houses are occupied by residents of Hobart there are also guesthouses where you can stay. Relax and enjoy a drink at the Shipwright’s Arms Hotel.

At Hunter St., you can see a row of fine Georgian warehouses which are now occupied by the University of Tasmania’s Art School and the upper-class Henry Jones Art Hotel. 



The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has found its home in Hobart’s oldest building, the Commissariat Store dating from 1808. This museum features colonial relics and wonderful Aboriginal and wildlife displays. The gallery curates a collection of Tasmanian colonial art. Free guided tours are available. You’ll find a cafe here too. 

Located next to the Hobart Rivulet is Australia’s oldest brewery Cascade Brewery, dating from 1832. It still offers excellent beer. There are tours available that offer plenty of history and beer tastings. 

At one time a leafy hill on the north side of the city belonged to the governor and no houses could be built there. Today this hillock is known as the Queen’s Domain and has become public parkland. Here visitors can play cricket and tennis. Go swimming at the Hobart Aquatic center, see native grasslands, lookouts and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. 

Found on the eastern side of the park are the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Dating from 1818 here visitors can see over 6000 exotic and native plant species. You can picnic on the lawns, take a look at the Sub-Antarctic Plant House and relax at the Botanical Restaurant. 

Well worth a visit is the wild Bruny Island, nestled on the D’Entrecasteaux Channel just a short drive and ferry ride from Hobart. People love to walk along the rocky coastline and roam the quiet beaches, tall forests and green hills. You can see plenty of wildlife such as wombats, wallabies and little penguins.