Introduction
Situated on the shores of Derwent River in the southernmost island state of Tasmania, Hobart is a small but beautiful port city. The city, which served as the capital of Tasmania from 1825, displays some fine colonial architecture dating back to the first quarter of 19th century. With attractive buildings, a busy harbour, beautiful landscape, refreshing parks, and excellent food, Hobart is worth a visit.

What to do
A normal day, for a visitor to Hobart, should be spent travelling to various important sites within the city. This will help you know how Hobart has preserved its colonial heritage within the most modern environs. Mark your evenings with shopping in the markets of Hobart that always buzz with activities. Further more you can spend some time in a good restaurant and savour some authentic Tasmanian dishes. Probably, you would like to spend the night with a good sleep in your room after this hectic schedule. But, if you still feel energetic enough then make a splash in the night clubs and pubs of the city. And yes be ready for the next day, for their is a lot here to look forward to.

City at a Glance

Latitude 42.52S Longitude 147.19E Population 195,000 Language English Religion Christianity Telephone Code 03

History
Situated in the southernmost corner of Australia, Tasmania was inhabited by the aboriginal tribes before the Europeans arrived here in 1772 AD. Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, was founded in 1804 when the then Lieutenant – governor David Collins moved a former settlement in Risdon Cove on the eastern shore of the River Derwent to the present site. The city was named after British statesman Lord Rober Hobart and proclaimed the capital of Tasmania in 1825. In the beginning, Hobart was a convict colony like most of the other cities of Australia, at that time. Last convict ship landed in Hobart in 1853 and in the year 1857, it became a city. The year 1967 saw one of the worst tragedies in its otherwise peaceful history when bushfire spread through the outskirts of the city claiming the lives of many people. Present day Hobart, due to its constant march on the path of development and progress, is one of the most advanced and modern cities in Australia

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Hobart has a beautiful climate throughout the year. Autumn from March to May is mild and the winters from June to August are cold with wet and cloudy sky. September to November is the spring time in Hobart, but the hangover of persists resulting in chilly weather conditions. However, summer (December to February), with its clear skies, warm and sunny days, delightful breezes from the sea, is undoubtedly the best season to visit this city.

Highlights
Salamanca Place
Situated on the waterfront of Hobart, Salamanca Place has rows of former warehouses for trading on the port. Most of these buildings have been now redesigned tastefully and converted into cafes, offices, art galleries, and tourist shops.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
The museum is housed in the Commissariat store built in 1808, which used to issue the supplies for the people and new colony. It now houses a section on aboriginal tribes, some relics of colonial heritage, and good amount of colonial art objects. The museum was refurbished and opened in 1995, giving it a new attractive look.

Battery Point
located near the Salamanca Place, this is the most historic suburb of Hobart. In the beginning, the place was used as the home for the mariners. The image of Cornish fishing village is still there, though some new attractions like Tasmanian Maritime Museum and Colonial Museum have been added. For the visitors, there are several tearooms, restaurants, antique shops, and pubs located in the area.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
The Hobart Summer Festival is the pick of Tasmanian festivals. The festival celebrates the best of art, culture, cuisine, and other forms Tasmania in general and Hobart in particular. Sydney to Hobart and Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Races are the highlights of this festival, providing wholesome entertainment to the visitors. Some other festivals that are celebrated here in Hobart are the Royal Hobart Regatta in February, Salamanca Writer's Festival weekend in March, and the Royal Agricultural and Horticulture Show in October.

PLACES NEARBY
Mt Wellington
With a height of 1270 m, Mt Wellington dominates the city of Hobart physically. The park provides ample opportunity to trek around in the hills, bushwalking, mountain bike riding, cross country skiing, picnics, barbecues, and sightseeing. Other places of interest around Hobart are Richmond situated at a distance of around 24 km south of the city and known for its old structures, and Mt Field National Park situated at a distance of 80 km west of the city.

SHOPPING
Salamanca Market on the Saturday and Battery Points are the two places to shop and enjoy around in the city. Here, you can shop for handmade objects and garments made of leather, glass, silver, native timber, silk, and wool in these markets. The state of Tasmania excel in wines and honey production, shopping for these therefore, is a wise option.

WHERE TO STAY
Being a small city, Hobart does not have those high end, super luxury hotels with fat tariffs. Low budget hotels can be found in the city centres or in the suburbs that are not far away from the attractions. These include a whole range of inexpensive accommodation options like Bread and breakfast, motels, camps, pubs, lodges, and wilderness cottages.

WHERE TO EAT

There are good food options available at most of the places in Hobart. Some of the best restaurants in the city are located in Salamanca Place and Battery Point area. While in Hobart, make sure that you have tasted its specialities such as the famous wines, rich cream, flavoured cheese, fruits, and a host of other items that are harvested by the Tasmanians.

TRANSPORT RESOURCES
Air Travel Resources
Though having its own airport, Hobart is not connected directly to international destinations. Ansett and Qantas are two major airlines connecting the city with Melbourne, Sydney, and host of other cities in the country. Bus service and taxis are available to reach city centre from the airport.

Land & Water
Bus services connect most of the smaller and interesting destinations on the island with Hobart. If you have less time then consider hiring your own car as the public transport can be erratic or sparse especially on weekends and public holidays. From Melbourne and Sydney luxury ships and cruises run for Hobart.

Local Transport
The city is small enough to be walked around and public transport is required only when you have less time. There is an excellent bus service in the city that connects all the places of interest here. Ferries are also a good option to visit places of attraction around the harbour.