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As Australia’s second oldest city, Hobart is rich in colonial and maritime history.
Hobart is also the second sunniest city in Australia, after Adelaide, contributing to its bustling café culture, which is focused on the waterfront, where fishing boats are berthed next to cruising yachts and a square rigger or two.
Hobart's history
First populated in 1804, as a ragtag collection of tents and huts with a population of 262, of which 178 were convicts, Hobart soon developed into a penal colony.
Convict and early settlement history highlights begin with the diverse Salamanca Place and its many galleries, cafés and the extraordinarily vibrant Saturday market, or you can venture up ‘Kelly’s Steps’ to emerge in the city’s best preserved village area of Battery Point, so called after the defensive guns built by the British.
Exploring Hobart
Also worth including are the views from Mount Wellington, the serene parkland of the ‘Queen’s Domain’ and the harborfront heritage area of the Henry Jones Jam Factory, established by its rags-to-riches namesake, who was, at one point, the largest private employer in the Southern Hemisphere.
Hobart offers so much to see within its own boundaries, but it is also a marvelous base from which to explore the surrounding area’s diverse attractions, whether taking wildlife cruises or guided convict tours.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Hobart
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Hobart, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Hobart
- Richmond 19 kilometers away
- Huon Valley 29 kilometers away
- Port Arthur 52 kilometers away
- Mount Field National Park 67 kilometers away
- Maria Island National Park 69 kilometers away
- Tasmania 100 kilometers away
- Swansea 105 kilometers away
- Freycinet National Park 112 kilometers away
- Deloraine 162 kilometers away
- Launceston 163 kilometers away
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park 173 kilometers away
- Strahan & Gordon River 184 kilometers away
- Stanley 290 kilometers away
- Wilsons Promontory National Park 448 kilometers away
Photos of Hobart
Our expert guides to exploring Hobart
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Hobart, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Hobart at its best.
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What to do in Tasmania: our highlights guide What to do in Tasmania: our highlights guide
What to do in Tasmania: our highlights guide
Australia expert Haley explains why Tasmania shouldn’t be overlooked on a trip to Australia. From farm-to-table dining to expansive walking trails along rugged coastlines and getting a glimpse of wild Tasmanian devils and fluffy wombats, this island has much to discover.
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Accommodation choices for Hobart
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Hobart. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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The Old Woolstore Hotel
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The Henry Jones Art Hotel
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MACq 01 Hotel
Hobart
Ideas for experiencing Hobart
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Hobart, and which use the best local guides.
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Bruny Island Bruny Island
Bruny Island
Bruny Island lies off the southeast coast of Tasmania, some 25 kilometers from Hobart. The island is an unspoilt haven with spectacular scenery and a landscape which varies from pasture to rainforest. It boasts glorious miles of sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.
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Seafood seduction on a Bruny Island cruise Seafood seduction on a Bruny Island cruise
Seafood seduction on a Bruny Island cruise
Join a small group for a cruise down the Derwent River into the waters that surround Bruny Island, home to Tasmania's finest seafood. You'll help with the catch before savoring an extensive lunch of gourmet produce.
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Hobart Kayaking Hobart Kayaking
Hobart Kayaking
Experienced guides will provide comprehensive paddling instructions before you take to the water and explore the shoreline of historic Battery Point.
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