About Place
- "A hidden gem with a perfect blend of urban and natural attractions."
- "The historic charm of Salamanca Place is unmatched."
- "Mount Wellington offers breathtaking panoramic views."
- "The food scene is a delightful surprise, with an abundance of fresh local produce."
Reasons to Visit
- Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventures : Hobart is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Mount Wellington offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, making it a popular spot for hiking, biking, and photography. The nearby Bruny Island and Tasman Peninsula provide opportunities for wildlife spotting, coastal walks, and exploring dramatic sea cliffs and rock formations.
- Rich History and Culture : Hobart is the second oldest capital city in Australia, with a rich history reflected in its well-preserved colonial architecture. The historic Salamanca Place, with its Georgian warehouses, now hosts a vibrant market and arts scene. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is an internationally renowned institution that attracts visitors with its provocative exhibits and unique approach to art curation.
- Culinary Delights : Hobart has a thriving food and drink scene that showcases the best of Tasmania's produce. The city is known for its fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and cool-climate wines. The weekly Salamanca Market and various local eateries offer a taste of the region's culinary offerings, from traditional dishes to innovative modern cuisine.
Visa
- Australia : No visa required.
- United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea : Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa.
- European Union Citizens : eVisitor visa.
- Other Countries : Check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for specific requirements.
Travel Expenses
- Travel to & from Hobart :
- Approximate cost for round-trip flights for two from Sydney : $500 - $700.
- Hotel Cost :
- Average hotel cost per night : $150.
- Total for 3 nights : $450.
- Food Cost :
- Lunch : $30 per person per meal.
- Dinner : $50 per person per meal.
- Total for 3 days : $480.
- Activity Cost :
- Salamanca Market : Free.
- Mount Wellington : Free.
- MONA : $28 per person.
- Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery : Free.
- Total : $56.
- Near Destination Travel Cost :
- Car rental : $60 per day.
- Total for 3 days : $180.
Total Estimated Cost : $1666 - $1866 for a couple.
Best Itinerary
Day 1 : Exploring Historic Hobart Start the day with a visit to the iconic Salamanca Market, which runs from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM every Saturday. Browse through the local crafts, produce, and enjoy some street food. For lunch, try the fresh seafood at Mures Upper Deck, which offers a beautiful view of the waterfront. In the afternoon, explore Battery Point with its charming colonial architecture and quaint streets. Dinner at The Glass House, known for its innovative dishes and stunning harbor views. Enjoy a nightcap at Lark Distillery, sampling some fine Tasmanian whiskey.
Day 2 : Nature and Adventure Begin your day with a hike up Mount Wellington, starting at 8:00 AM to catch the morning light and enjoy the crisp air. The summit offers spectacular views of Hobart and beyond. Descend by noon and have a picnic lunch at the Cascade Gardens, adjacent to the historic Cascade Brewery. In the afternoon, take a drive to Bruny Island for wildlife spotting and the famous Bruny Island Cheese Company. Return to Hobart for dinner at Franklin, known for its contemporary Tasmanian cuisine. End the night with a stroll along the waterfront.
Day 3 : Art and Culture Spend the morning at MONA, taking the 9:30 AM ferry from Brooke Street Pier. The museum's eclectic and often provocative exhibits will keep you engaged until lunch, which you can have at the museum's The Source restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery to delve into the state's natural and cultural history. Dinner at Dier Makr, an intimate restaurant offering a unique dining experience. For your evening, catch a performance at the Theatre Royal, Australia's oldest working theatre.
Safety Tips
- Stay informed about local weather conditions.
- Keep emergency contacts handy.
- Always carry a map or GPS device.
- Be cautious when hiking or participating in outdoor activities.
- Follow local wildlife guidelines.
- Stay hydrated, especially when exploring outdoors.
- Use sunscreen to protect against strong UV rays.
- Keep valuables secure.
- Respect local customs and regulations.
- Have travel insurance that covers medical and emergency situations.
Flights
Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar offer direct flights from major Australian cities to Hobart.
Average flight duration from Sydney is about 1.5 hours and costs around $250 per person round-trip.
Hotels
- MACq 01 Hotel
- The Henry Jones Art Hotel
- Somerset on the Pier Hobart
- Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
- Islington Hotel
Contacts
- Indian Embassy in Canberra : +61 2 6225 4900
- Police, Ambulance, Firefighters : 000 (Emergency number in Australia)
Country
Closet Airport
- Hobart International Airport (HBA)
Nearest City
- Melbourne
Heritage Sites
- Port Arthur Historic Site (a short drive from Hobart)
Airlines
- Qantas
- Virgin Australia
- Jetstar
Currency
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
Languages Spoken
- English
Real Story
Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, Australia, has a rich and complex history that dates back to the early 19th century. One of the most significant events in its history is its founding as a penal colony.
Establishment as a Penal Colony
In 1803, the British government, concerned about French exploration and potential claims to the southern part of Australia, decided to establish a settlement in Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). Lieutenant John Bowen arrived with a small party at Risdon Cove on the eastern shore of the Derwent River. However, the settlement faced many difficulties, including lack of resources and conflict with the indigenous Palawa people.
Recognizing the need for a more viable location, Lieutenant Colonel David Collins was dispatched from Port Phillip (present-day Melbourne) in 1804 to establish a new settlement. Collins chose a site further down the river, and thus Hobart Town was founded on February 20, 1804. The settlement was named in honor of Lord Hobart, the then British Secretary of State for War and the Colonies.
Early Challenges and Growth
Hobart Town initially struggled with the same issues as other early penal colonies: inadequate supplies, harsh conditions, and tensions with the indigenous population. The Palawa people faced displacement, violence, and diseases brought by the Europeans, leading to significant suffering and population decline.
Despite these challenges, Hobart began to grow. The deep harbor facilitated maritime trade, and the town became a crucial port for whaling, sealing, and later, Antarctic exploration. Convict labor was used to build much of the infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings. Some of these structures, such as the Cascades Female Factory and the Hobart Convict Penitentiary, still stand today as part of Tasmania’s convict heritage.
Transformations in the 19th Century
By the mid-19th century, transportation of convicts to Van Diemen's Land had ceased, and Hobart started to transform from a penal colony to a bustling city. The discovery of gold in Victoria led to a boom in trade and immigration, with Hobart benefiting from its strategic position.
Hobart's cultural and social landscape also began to change. Public institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and libraries, were established. The city's economy diversified, incorporating agriculture, shipbuilding, and brewing. The Cascade Brewery, founded in 1824, remains Australia's oldest operating brewery.
Modern Hobart
Today, Hobart is known for its well-preserved historical architecture, vibrant arts scene, and natural beauty. Sites like Salamanca Place, with its Georgian warehouses, Battery Point, and the Hobart Convict Penitentiary offer glimpses into the city's past. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has positioned Hobart on the global cultural map with its provocative exhibits and innovative approach to art.
The story of Hobart’s founding and evolution from a penal colony to a modern city is a testament to resilience and transformation. It reflects broader themes in Australian history, including the impacts of colonization on indigenous peoples, the development of Australian society, and the enduring legacy of the convict era.
Cuisine
Hobart's cuisine is a reflection of its rich natural resources, maritime heritage, and a growing emphasis on local, sustainable produce. The city's food scene is vibrant and diverse, combining traditional Australian flavors with innovative culinary techniques.
Seafood
Given Hobart's location along the Derwent River and its proximity to the Southern Ocean, seafood is a staple of the local diet. Fresh oysters, particularly from Bruny Island, are renowned for their clean, briny flavor. Other popular seafood includes scallops, abalone, and rock lobster. Many restaurants in Hobart, such as Mures Upper Deck and The Drunken Admiral, pride themselves on serving fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes.
Dairy and Cheese
Tasmania's cool climate and fertile pastures make it ideal for dairy farming. The region is known for producing high-quality cheeses, including varieties like brie, camembert, and blue cheese. The Bruny Island Cheese Company and Grandvewe Cheeses are notable producers, offering both traditional and innovative cheese products.
Farm-to-Table Movement
Hobart has embraced the farm-to-table movement, with many restaurants sourcing their ingredients directly from local farms and producers. This emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce is evident in the menus of establishments like Franklin and Dier Makr, where dishes change regularly to reflect what is available. Local farmers' markets, such as the Salamanca Market, also play a crucial role in this culinary culture, providing residents and visitors with access to fresh vegetables, fruits, and artisanal products.
Unique Local Ingredients
Tasmania is home to several unique ingredients that are celebrated in Hobart's cuisine. The Tasmanian pepperberry, with its spicy and slightly sweet flavor, is often used to season dishes. Leatherwood honey, derived from the blossoms of the leatherwood tree found in the rainforests of western Tasmania, has a distinctive taste and is used in everything from desserts to marinades.
Cool-Climate Wines and Craft Beverages
Hobart is situated near some of Tasmania's best vineyards, which produce excellent cool-climate wines. Varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling are particularly well-regarded. Wineries like Moorilla Estate and Frogmore Creek offer tastings and tours. Additionally, Hobart has a burgeoning craft beer and spirits scene, with establishments like the Hobart Brewing Co. and Lark Distillery producing high-quality beverages.
Culture and History
Early History and Indigenous Heritage
Before European settlement, the area now known as Hobart was inhabited by the Palawa people for tens of thousands of years. They lived in harmony with the land, maintaining a rich cultural heritage and sustainable lifestyle. The arrival of Europeans in the early 19th century had a profound and often devastating impact on the indigenous population, including displacement, violence, and disease.
Colonial Era
Hobart was founded in 1804 as a penal colony under the command of Lieutenant Colonel David Collins. The British government established the settlement as a strategic move to prevent French claims to the region. The early years were marked by hardship and conflict, both with the indigenous population and within the colony itself. Convicts were put to work building infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings, some of which still stand today.
Growth and Development
Despite its harsh beginnings, Hobart began to thrive by the mid-19th century. The cessation of convict transportation in the 1850s marked a turning point, leading to significant social and economic development. Hobart's deep-water port facilitated trade and commerce, becoming an essential stop for whaling ships and, later, Antarctic expeditions. The discovery of gold in Victoria and the development of agriculture and industry further boosted the city's growth.
Cultural Evolution
As Hobart grew, so did its cultural landscape. The city embraced its convict past while developing a distinct Tasmanian identity. Historic areas like Battery Point and Salamanca Place became vibrant cultural hubs. Salamanca Place, with its Georgian sandstone warehouses, was transformed into a bustling market and arts precinct, hosting the famous Salamanca Market every Saturday. Battery Point, with its narrow streets and well-preserved cottages, offers a glimpse into Hobart's colonial past.
Arts and Festivals
Hobart has a dynamic arts scene that reflects both its history and contemporary influences. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) opened in 2011 and has since become a major cultural attraction. MONA's provocative and eclectic exhibits draw visitors from around the world and have significantly impacted Hobart's cultural landscape. The museum also hosts the annual Dark Mofo festival, a winter celebration of art, music, and food that explores themes of darkness and light.
Other notable cultural events include the Taste of Tasmania, a summer festival showcasing the region's food and drink, and the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, celebrating Hobart's maritime heritage. These festivals, along with numerous galleries, theatres, and music venues, contribute to a lively and diverse cultural scene.
Maritime and Antarctic Connections
Hobart's deep connection to the sea is evident in its maritime history and ongoing role as a gateway to Antarctica. The city's port has been a crucial stop for Antarctic explorers since the early 20th century. Today, it serves as the home port for the Australian Antarctic Division and hosts international research vessels. This connection is celebrated at the Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, which commemorates the heroic age of Antarctic exploration.
Contemporary Hobart
In recent years, Hobart has experienced a cultural and economic renaissance. The city's food and drink scene has flourished, with an emphasis on locally sourced, high-quality produce. Hobart's cool climate wines, craft beers, and artisanal cheeses have gained national and international recognition. The rise of innovative restaurants and cafes has positioned Hobart as a culinary destination.
The city's architectural landscape is a blend of the old and new. Historic buildings coexist with contemporary developments, creating a unique urban environment. The adaptive reuse of heritage buildings for modern purposes is a testament to Hobart's ability to honor its past while embracing the future.
Cultural Significance
Hobart's culture is a tapestry woven from its convict heritage, maritime history, indigenous roots, and contemporary creativity. The city's ability to transform its convict past into a source of cultural pride, while fostering a vibrant arts scene and culinary excellence, makes it a fascinating and dynamic place. Hobart's story is one of resilience, innovation, and an enduring connection to both the land and the sea.