Hobart

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania and is Australia's second oldest city, after Sydney. Hobart sits along the Derwent River and began humbly as a penal colony. Hobart is now a small and intimate city with a population of around 247,000 (as of 2020) in the Greater Hobart area. The city is renowned for its many historic buildings, including the famous Salamanca Place, and is the gateway to Southern Tasmania. Hobart played a major role during the heroic age of Antarctic exploration and is one of the five gateway cities to Antarctica.

History
Founded in 1804 by Colonel David Collins, Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia. It grew out of the penal settlement on the island at Risdon Cove, 8 km upriver, which was founded in 1803 and abandoned five months later for the present site of Hobart.

In the first half of the 1800s, the whaling boom generated a surge in maritime support industries and infrastructure. Whaling ceased in the late 1800s, but Hobart never lost its boat-building, ship-chandlery and provedoring legacy. This made Hobart a logical staging post in the heroic age of Antarctic exploration. France’s Dumont d’Urville, Australia’s Douglas Mawson, England’s James Clark Ross, and Norway’s Carsten Borchgrevink and Roald Amundsen all paused in the Derwent on their way to Antarctica.

In December 1911, the Australasian Antarctic Expedition led by Mawson was given a rousing send-off from Hobart’s Sullivans Cove. A few months later, Amundsen brought Fram into Hobart in order to send a telegram to the King of Norway with the news that his party had reached the South Pole. After sending the telegram, Amundsen publicly announced his feat from the Hobart General Post Office sandstone steps. A few months later, Mawson’s Antarctic party sent the first wireless messages from Antarctica to the outside world – to a receiving station on Hobart’s Queens Domain.

Climate
Hobart has a mild temperate oceanic climate owing to its fairly southerly latitude (42.88°S) and proximity to the Southern Ocean. As such, daily temperatures rarely reach above the low 20s, except during heat waves in summer. Nightly lows typically range around 10-12°C during summer and 4-5°C in winter, so cold weather gear is recommended all year round. So, even in summer, you should always bring a jumper just in case, and in the coldest months (May, June, July, August and September), pack layers. It is not unheard of for temperatures to drop below zero during winter, with Hobart's lowest temperature on record being a chilly -2.8°C, with sleet sometimes occurring and in the outer suburbs it even snows. Interestingly, Hobart has the second fewest daily hours of sunlight out of all Australian cities, at 5.9 hours on average for the year. However, during the summer it has the most hours of daylight of any Australian city, with 15.2 hours on the summer solstice.

Rainfall is fairly similar year round, averaging 50 mm per month, occurring around 15 days a month during winter and 10 days a month during summer. Despite the cold weather and occasional rainfall you should not expect to see any snow within Hobart, although it is not unheard of. The city receives snowfall at sea level on average only once every 15 years, caused by cold masses arriving from Antarctica. More often, some outlying suburbs of Hobart at higher elevation can receive snowfall. The nearby Mount Wellington is often seen snowcapped during winter, and its temperatures are much colder than Hobart — typically 10 degrees colder and easily reaching below zero during winter.

Visitor information

 * Tourism information for Hobart from Discover Tasmania
 * Tourism information for Hobart from Discover Tasmania

By plane


Airlines serving the airport include Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia with flights from:
 * Brisbane operated by Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
 * Melbourne operated by Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia.
 * Sydney operated by Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia.
 * Adelaide operated by Jetstar
 * Perth operated by Qantas, and Virgin Australia
 * Auckland operated by Air New Zealand

Ground transportation options from Hobart Airport include an airport shuttle operated by SkyBus which meets every arriving flight and serves most accommodation within Hobart. Reservations are not necessary for Hobart bound trips on this shuttle, but are required for the return leg to the airport. A ticket costs $22/38 for adults and $19/35 for children or pensioners for one-way/return trips respectively. Those wanting a faster or more direct option should consider taking a taxi. Depending on traffic the journey should take around 20-25 minutes and cost approximately $38-45. Car rental is also available at Hobart Airport with rental companies including Avis, Bargain Car Rentals, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Red Spot and Thrifty. All of the car rental offices are just past the arrivals gates on the way to the exit

Hobart has a small airport for the volume of passenger traffic it often accommodates. You'll have no problem finding the cafes, bars, and bookshops that are mandatory airport fare, and a souvenir shop. On the positive side you can expect to get your luggage quickly through onto the conveyor. On the negative side, there isn't enough seating in the departure lounge for a few full flights departing simultaneously. You'll still be walking across the tarmac to get on your flight.

By car
Hobart can be easily reached from all other cities and towns in Tasmania by car. Driving from Launceston via National Highway 1 takes around 2.5 hrs with car hire available from the airport or in Launceston itself. You can also take a car from mainland Australia via Devonport, with a ferry departing nightly from Melbourne. The journey from Devonport takes around 4 hrs.

By boat
Hobart offers a beautiful deep-water port with cruise ship berths in the heart of the historic Salamanca area of the city. Large cruise ships dock at Macquarie Wharf. Volunteer greeters meet the cruise ships, answer questions, and point the way. The immediate area, which includes Constitution and Victoria Docks, offers shopping for art, crafts, clothing and souvenirs; light snacks and food; fishing boats; a yacht basin; and the maritime museum.

Hobart cruise ship calendar

By bus
230 Liverpool Street is where Redline coaches arrive from Devonport via Launceston, with one or two services most days.

is where Tassielink coaches arrive from Devonport via Launceston, East Coast, Port Arthur and the West coast.

The Red Decker Hop-on Hop-off Bus connects Hobart (city loop tourist attractions), Mt. Wellington, and Richmond village.

Get around
Hobart is perhaps the most car-centric capital city in Australia. The only form of public transport it has is its BRT and its inefficient ferries. There are only two bridges in Hobart crossing the Derwent River (Tasman and Bowen Bridges), and both these bridges can get congested during peak hours. You are best off using a car to get around the city, though it may be much easier to explore the CBD on foot.

On foot
Walking is the best way to explore the downtown area. It is easy to walk between the city centre, Salamanca, and the port/harbour area. If you are staying in the Salamanca area, you may not need any other form of transport. Between the City Centre and Sandy Bay via Battery Point is only half an hour to walk (although there are some hills).

By bus
Hobart has a sufficient public bus system. The main interchange is in front of the GPO (General Post Office). Ticket prices depend on the distance and start slightly above a dollar. Services are considerably less frequent on Sundays. Timetables are all available online from the MetroTas website.

By bicycle
Hobart is hilly any which way you choose to head, so bike riders should be prepared for hills. There is a poorly developed network of off-road cyclepaths, but Hobart drivers tend to be tolerant of cyclists, and most roads tend to be wide enough to accommodate them. One old railway line from the city as far as Claremont has been converted to a first-class cycle and walking path (take care from motor vehicles at intersections).

By car
Hobart is the favourite launching off point for visitors keen to explore other areas of Tasmania. A car is certainly the best and most convenient way of getting to the more rural and scenic spots. As most domestic travellers arrive by plane, there are plenty of options for car hires at Hobart Airport.

Roads west of the Derwent River are generally not congested, although you can expect to pay for parking in the city areas. Hobart City Council operates an app that can be used to pay for car parking. Avoid driving in the Salamanca area on a Saturday, due to road closures and traffic snarls due to the markets.

By boat
A public ferry operates in the mornings and afternoons from Hobart waterfront to Bellerive pier. Numerous ferries, sightseeing harbour cruises and a water taxi service also operate from the Hobart docks (Brooke St Pier) to outlying attractions including MONA at Berriedale. Some of these include dining on board, while others may terminate at a site with a restaurant such as Peppermint Bay and MONA.

Buildings and landmarks
As one of Australia's oldest cities, Hobart is home to a multitude of historical buildings that often showcase splendid examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture. In fact, over 90 buildings within Hobart are classified by the National Trust, with around 60 of them along Macquarie St and Davey St alone. Many, but not all, of the historical buildings are located within or near Hobart's Central Business District (CBD) or around Battery Point.



Museums and art galleries
One of Hobart's biggest cultural drawcards is the multitude of museums and art galleries that are dotted around the city. Many of the exhibits, particularly in the museums, have a distinct Antarctic theme, a result of Hobart's long history of being a Gateway City to East Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is among the best museums in Australia has and has fast become a Hobart icon.


 * For the Australian Antarctic Division, see Wikivoyage's article on Kingston. It's an Australian government institute that has a visitor centre open to the public.
 * For the Australian Antarctic Division, see Wikivoyage's article on Kingston. It's an Australian government institute that has a visitor centre open to the public.



The stars and aurora
Hobart is one of the most easily accessible places to view the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis. Your chances depend on the space weather, and to have a good chance of seeing the aurora you'll want a K-Index above 6. You can see the current K-Index (updated every 20 minutes) at the Australia Space Weather Services. They have forecasts there for space weather for the next several days.

Do

 * Polar Pathways is a historical walking and driving tour of Hobart’s associations with Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. They include bronze statues commemorating the exploits of explorers and Hadley’s Hotel where Roald Amundsen stayed in March 1912 after his journey from the South Pole. Go to the Tasmania Travel Information Centre and pick up a Polar Pathways brochure and map.

Gambling
If you find gambling and betting entertaining then Hobart has a modest set of venues for you to explore. The most well known is Wrest Point Casino, which happens to be the very first legal casino built in Australia. Other options include the local racecourse for horse and hound racing along with various lotteries and statewide betting agencies.



Scenic tours

 * Walk, the tourist information centre has a free booklet of walks in Hobart and up Mt Wellington. Kingston has a similar booklet
 * Mount Wellington Shuttle. Bus that takes you to the top of Mt Wellington and spend some time looking out over the city before bringing you back to the city centre. Includes a tour guide that provides information on the drive up.
 * Mount Wellington Shuttle. Bus that takes you to the top of Mt Wellington and spend some time looking out over the city before bringing you back to the city centre. Includes a tour guide that provides information on the drive up.

Theatre & music
Hobart is fast becoming a cultural hub within Tasmania and boasts some well known theatres and music venues, including the famous Theatre Royal. Those looking for local music gigs should check out The Dwarf Gig Guide for Tasmania. The guide has information on all live music gigs for the next month in advance.



Wineries
The Greater Hobart region is part of the Southern Wine Route in Tasmania. Owing to the cool climate this region is known for producing a superb range of cool-climate wines including cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, gewurztraminer, pinot gris, pinot noir, riesling and sauvignon blanc. Hobart's primary wine growing region, Coal River Valley, lies just east of the Derwent River around Cambridge and Richmond. There are also other wineries around Hobart, including north around the Derwent Valley and west around the Huon Trail. Be sure to check out Wine Tasmania, which has further information on Tasmania's wine regions.



Wine tours
Due to the distances and lack of public transport to many of the wineries, the best way of visiting them is by car. There are also places that organised tours, usually on weekends, such as Boutique Wine Tours.

Providores
Sure you could head on over to one of the national supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths, but why do that when Hobart is brimming with plenty of unique providores, delis and specialty food stores for you to sample some of Tasmania's finest food and produce.

Eat
Hobart has a profusion of eating establishments ranging from the cheap to the luxuriously expensive. Freshly caught seafood is a specialty of the region, and there are several excellent seafood restaurants. Deep-sea Trevalla is unique to Tasmania and must be tried. Tasmanian lobster is also excellent. Scallop pie is also unique to Tasmania and can be easily purchased from the Salamanca Market food stalls. Restaurants are concentrated in the Salamanca and North Hobart areas.

Mid-range
Many of the establishments listed in the Drink section below also serve food.



Connect
The Service Tasmania & Parks and Wildlife office on Macquarie St. has free internet. Hadleys Hotel foyer and Wrest Point Casino have free WiFi hotspot and excellent public bar for sheltering from the cold in comfort. There are numerous internet 'cafes' in the city centre. The State Library building in Macquarie St also offers free wifi. Many coffee shops offer free wireless internet with a purchase. Hobart City Council offers free wifi inside Franklin Square.

Consulates
Almost all consulates in Hobart are honorary, and don't offer help with passports or administrative issues but can provide emergency assistance. Most honorary consulates are filled by local business figures.


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Go next
Hobart is a good base for exploring Southern Tasmania and a great starting point if you plan to explore the rest of Tasmania. Many nearby destinations are close enough to allow for a day trip from Hobart or even a few days away if you wish.
 * Bruny Island — Actually two islands connected by a narrow isthmus. Bruny has much to explore from its amazing food and produce to spectacular scenery and lookouts. If you are lucky and hang around until dusk you may spot Little Penguins as they plod from the ocean to their nests at the isthmus.
 * Freycinet National Park — On the east coast and home to the famous Wineglass Bay, previously voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The rugged natural beauty of Freycinet is spectacular and there are various scenic drives or walks you can take to soak it all up.
 * Huon Trail — An expansive region to the south-west of Hobart, incorporating the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and Huon Valley. Huonville is one of the main towns in this area although there is plenty more to explore in this region. If you continue far south you will reach Cockle Creek, the southernmost point you can drive to in Australia. It's best to take a car to explore the Huon.
 * Mount Field National Park — A small, yet impressive National Park just over an Hour north-west of Hobart. The park is home to Russell Falls, one of Tasmania's finest waterfalls, and in winter you can ski down the slopes at Mt Mawson. Stop off at New Norfolk along the way to explore the charm of this small town.
 * Port Arthur — A former convict settlement on the Tasman Peninsula that is steeped in history. A popular day trip from Hobart, there is much to explore on the whole peninsula including Tasman National Park, which is brimming with spectacular views and natural rock formations.
 * Richmond — A quaint little town less than 30 minutes north-east from Hobart. The town is home to the oldest bridge in Australia and Australia's oldest intact prison. On the way you can eat and drink your way to Richmond by visiting some of the wineries dotted along the road.