
Visit Hobart, Australia
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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 12 miles away
- Huon Valley 18 miles away
- Port Arthur 32 miles away
- Mount Field National Park 42 miles away
- Maria Island National Park 43 miles away
- Tasmania 62 miles away
- Swansea 65 miles away
- Freycinet National Park 70 miles away
- Deloraine 101 miles away
- Launceston 101 miles away
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park 108 miles away
- Strahan & Gordon River 115 miles away
- Stanley 180 miles away
- Wilsons Promontory National Park 278 miles away
Photos of Hobart
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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MACq 01 Hotel
With the history of Tasmania and its people at its heart, this storytelling-themed hotel is bright, modern and stylish. It offers sweeping views of the city’s waterfront and is an easy walk from all the main sights.
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The Old Woolstore Hotel
The Old Woolstore is centrally located and just a block away from Hobart's majestic waterfront and some of the finest restaurants in Tasmania.
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The Henry Jones Art Hotel
This former jam factory has been converted into a low rise, high quality, boutique hotel on the waterfront of Hobart harbour.
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 south east coast of Tasmania, some 25 kilometers from of Hobart. The island is an unspoilt haven with spectacular scenery and a landscape which varies from pasture to rain forest. It boasts glorious miles of sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.
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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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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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