Australia City Guide

Situated at the mouth of the Derwent Estuary and in the shadows of the majestic Mt Wellington, Hobart is one of the oldest cities in Australia.

Hobart's history

Rich in colonial and maritime history, Hobart is a laidback town where the pace of life is relaxed and easy going and the traffic unhurried. Beginning life in 1804 as a ragtag collection of tents and huts populated by a mixture of convicts, military men and civil servants, Hobart soon developed into Australia’s most southerly city and is now a pleasant and compact town of warm sandstone buildings and narrow streets centred around a bustling harbour.

Salamanca markets

The cool and variable climate determines how life is led in Hobart but come rain or shine the vibrant Salamanca Markets will always be running. Open every Saturday this is a great place to meet the locals as they shop for their weekly wares. The market abounds with fresh, organically grown produce as well as Tasmanian arts and crafts, quirky street performers and some fantastic street food.

Battery Point

If you happen to be there when the markets aren’t on then perhaps stroll around Battery Point where entire streets of colonial cottage and federation brick or weatherboard houses are to be found, wander down to the wharves to see the fishing trawlers come in; enjoy a harbour cruise or fish and chips on the dock.

Hobart offers so much to see within its own boundaries and with its relaxed populace it makes for one of Australia’s most stress-free and enjoyable capitals.