Hobart

Introduction

hobart

© judy1

Hobart, the capital of Tasmania and Australia's smallest state capital is a charming harbour city. It is Australia's second oldest city, founded in 1803 as a penal colony. Hobart lies at the foot of Mount Wellington and on the banks of the Derwent River. The waterfront areas Macquarie Wharf, Constitution Dock, Salamanca Place and Battery Point are just gorgeous with their Georgian buildings and the looming presence of Mount Wellington in the background. The locals are very relaxed, super friendly and have none of the snobbery of Sydney and Melbourne inhabitants.

Neighbourhoods

• Battery Point is an old village of 19th century cottages.

Sights and Activities

• Battery Point - (Located behind Salamanca Place). One of Hobart's oldest suburbs, the area is named after a battery of guns put on the point in 1818. Whilst the guns have long been removed this area still retains much of its historic charm. Many buildings are of historical value, with some constructed with golden sandstone that was quarried from the area. If you venture deep within Battery Point, you may stumble upon 2 Nanny Goat Lane, a well-known steep laneway with superb views of the suburbs at the top and a whimsical sign to match its odd name
• Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery - (TMAG), Dunn Pl, ☎ +61 3 6211 4134, e-mail: [email protected]. Daily 10AM-5PM. Established in 1843 by the Royal Society of Tasmania, TMAG is an impressive natural history museum, art gallery and herbarium in one. It boasts various exhibits with Tasmanian, Australian and International themes. Displays include wildlife collections, the history of Tasmania, medal and coin collections, indigenous collections, contemporary art and classical art galleries. Islands to Ice is an exciting permanent exhibition of Antarctic natural history, exploration and science that also gives an insight to what it is like to live and work in some of the most inhospitable climates on earth. It is a must see for all Antarctic enthusiasts. Free, special exhibits may require paid entry
• Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) -655 Main Rd (Brooke St Pier or Metrobus 42, 111, 117-122, X1-X3), ☎ +61 3 6277 9900, e-mail: [email protected]. W-M 10AM-5PM (open 7 days/week in Jan). This world-class museum of contemporary art has created a buzz in Hobart. Visitor opinions diverge from spectacular, to confronting to I just don't see what the fuss is about. The museum has a decidedly adult feel, so may not be the ideal place for kids. For those who don't get it, there are impressive views over the Derwent River along with a cafe and Morilla Winery on site. The building itself is quite interesting and is worth a look at. There are also some "traditional art" pieces, including some mummies. Ferries run at least five times a day from Brooke St Pier which offers a scenic journey along the Derwent River. Bookings for the ferry are required and cost $20 one-way or return. You can also drive to MONA, with limited parking, or go by bus. Adult $20, concession $15, under 18 or Tasmanian resident free.
• Parliament House of Tasmania, ☎ +61 3 6212 2248, e-mail: [email protected]. Originally designated as a customs house, the Parliament House of Tasmania opened in 1840, but came to serve solely as the states Parliament House and in 1904. The building comprises 3 levels with various areas including the House of Assembly, Legislative Council, Parliamentary Library and Parliamentary Museum. Tours of the Parliament are available to the public which run on non-sitting days(See their website for non-sitting days) at 10AM or 2PM. Another option would be to sit in the public gallery during sitting days.
• Penitentiary Chapel, Cnr Brisbane St & Campbell St, ☎ +61 3 6231 0911. Day Tour: F Su 10AM, 11:30AM, 1PM, 2:30PM, Sa 1PM, 2:30PM; Ghost Tour: M F by appointment. This historic site was originally built as a chapel for male convicts, built with solitary confinement cells underneath the building and was converted into a supreme criminal court and prison chapel, complete with gallows and an execution yard. The site can only be visited by tours which run during the day, or a ghost tour that runs at night. Day Tour: Adult $12, Concession $10, Child $5; Ghost Tour: Adult $15, Child/Concession $10.
• Salamanca Place. Named after the main street that this area runs along, Salamanca Place is home to rows of colonial style sandstone buildings that were once warehouses built to service the 19th century whaling industry. Today this area has been converted into a precinct of restaurants, bars, galleries and craft shops. Make sure you venture behind the row of shops along Salamanca Place as there are lots to explore around this area. Salamanca Place is also home to the famous Salamanca Markets every Saturday.
• Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Hwy, ☎ +61 3 6232 3209. M-F 8:30AM-5PM. An institute that is part of the Australian Government, their role is to ensure Australia's Antarctic interests are best served. Located onsite is a visitor's centre with exhibits that explore the history of Antarctic expeditions, the scientific research and logistical support that is required for Australia's Antarctic program. There is also an extensive library with books relating to all thing Antarctic. Free.
• Australian Army Museum Tasmania, Anglesea Barracks, Davey St, ☎ +61 3 6237 7160. Tu Th Sa 9AM-1PM. Located within the grounds of the historic Anglesea Barracks, which were established in 1811, this museum covers Tasmania's military history. While the barracks remain an active Australian Defence Force base it is open to the public, and has interesting displays of weapons and several historically significant monuments. These include the only war memorial to have been erected by the many British Army units which undertook garrison duties in colonial Australia. They also offer a guided tour of the barracks on Tuesday at 11AM. Adult $5, child $1.
• Maritime Museum of Tasmania, 16 Argyle St, ☎ +61 3 6234 1427, e-mail: [email protected]. Daily 9AM-5PM. This museum houses the largest collection of maritime artefacts in Tasmania. Displays include information on the early maritime history of Tasmania, the role of lighthouses, the whaling industry, maritime trade, boat building and shipping. Adult $9.00, concession $7.00, student $5.00, child free.

Events and Festivals

• The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race takes place every year starting on boxing day (26th December). The participants start arriving in Hobart a couple of days later.
• Outdoor Music Festivals are popluar throughout Australia - read about those festivals in and around Hobart: Outdoor Music Festivals in Tasmania

Weather

The climate is extremely variable with high fluctuations in temperature and wind speed during the average week. Summer lasts from December to February and has an average maximum temperature at sea level of 21 °C. Winter lasts from June to August with an average maximum temperature at sea level of 12 °C. Still, it can be around 35 °C on some summer days and below zero during some winternights. Although rain is possible in every month, the wintermonths of June to August tend to be somewhat wetter.

Getting There

By Plane

Hobart International Airport (HBA) is located 20 kilometres east of the city and services flights to and from other airports in Tasmania and the rest of Australia. Although it's called an 'international' airport, it has not served a regular international flight since the early 1990s.

The five main airlines flying to Hobart International Airport are:

• Qantas - (Melbourne, Sydney)
• Jetstar Airways - (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney)
• Virgin Australia - (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney)
• Tiger Airways Australia - (Melbourne)
• TasAir - (Burnie, Devonport, King Island)

Getting from the airport to the city:
To get to the city centre from the airport, you can drive along the Tasman Highway. The city is on the opposite side of the Derwent River. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi ($40+) or take the Airporter Shuttle Bus, which costs $17 one-way for an adult.

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 hours with car hire available from the airport or in the 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 3.5 hours.

By Bus

Hobart Transit Centre 230 Liverpool Street is where Redline coaches arrive from Devonport via Launceston, with one or two services most days.
Brisbane St Terminus is where Tassielink coaches arrive from Devonport via Launceston, East Coast, Port Arthur and the West coast.

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, was once the heart of Hobart's shipping industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Getting Around

By Car

To see areas further afield, a car is useful. Roads are generally not congested, although you can expect to pay for parking in the city areas. Avoid driving in the Salamanca area on a Saturday, due to road closures and traffic snarls due to the markets.

There are plenty of companies you could choose to hire a car from, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty. Car hire is often not available to drivers under 25, or if it is, it's more expensive for younger drivers.

By Public Transport

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 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 Bike

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 Boat

Numerous ferries, sightseeing harbour cruises and a water taxi service 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.

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.

• HeartFood, Street entrance to Bank Arcade (at Liverpool St), ☎ +61 3 6234 2884. Open for lunch only: M-F 10AM - 4PM. Vegetarian/vegan restaurant that offers organic, gluten-free and whole foods.
• Jackman & McRoss, 57 Hampden Rd, ☎ +61 3 6223 3186. 7AM-5PM. A Hobart institution with fantastic bakery treats - a must visit when in town. Walk in and take one look at the counter display and you'll see why. Eat-in is table service with a different price list. Short walk from Salamanca Place - head up the stairs by the gallery, keep walking along the road and it's just on the right. You can't miss it, there will be lots of cars parked nearby.
• Machine Laundry Cafe, 12 Salamanca Sq, ☎ +61 3 6224 9922, fax: +61 3 6224 7967. M-Sa 7:30AM-5PM, Su 8:30AM-5PM. This cafe (which also houses a laundromat, hence the name) is a good place for a filling breakfast of $8-$15. Eggs benedict and banana and ricotta pancakes are recommended.
• Tricycle Cafe, Salamanca Place, tucked in next to the Peacock Theatre. Without doubt the best coffee in Hobart, made well and consistently good! Outdoor dining on the Path with outstanding muffins. Artisan sourdough, Tasmanian vintage cheeses with a cool vibe. Baked eggs with yoghurt and chutney are a surprising combination that works.
• Villino Espresso, 30 Criterion St, ☎ +61 3 6231 0890. M-F 8AM-4:30PM, Sa 9AM-3PM. Small cafe in the CBD of Hobart. Good coffee made well and consistently.
• Mures Fish Centre, Victoria Dock, ☎ +61 3 6231 1999 (upper deck), +61 3 6231 2121 (lower deck), fax: +61 3 6234 4464. Mures has two sections: the upper deck is a stylish seafood restaurant (mains $20-30); the lower deck is a cafeteria style bistro (mains approx $10) and served mainly deep fried fish and the like. Reservations are usually required for the upper deck. Coffee and ice-cream is also available in a casual environment on the lower deck.
• The Drunken Admiral, 19 Old Wharf, Hobart Town, ☎ +61 3 6234 1903, fax: +61 3 6231 1259. Dinner daily from 6PM. Wonderful restaurant close to Mures. The seafood platter is highly recommended. It is important to make a reservation as this is a popular restaurant. Mains $21.90-31.90.
• Ball and Chain, 87 Salamanca Pl. Long established and very popular steakhouse.

Drink

• Bar Celona, 45 Salamanca Pl, ☎ +61 3 6224 7557, fax: +61 3 6224 7388. Bar Celona is a combined wine bar and cafe. The decor is open and wood paneled: while it can get a bit noisy, it's a good place to escape some of the much more crowded bars on a busy weekend night, especially if you want to have a nice glass or two of wine.
• The Lower House, 9 Murray St. The mildly witty name of this lounge bar across the road from parliament is a decent metaphor for the atmosphere. Colloquially known as 'lower' it is a pre-drinking venue of choice for a mostly young crowd. There is seating inside, as well as a reasonably large outside area. They do food, but it does get very crowded after about 10PM. Directly across the lane from Mobius.
• Mobius Lounge Bar, 7 Despard St. Depending on who you ask, Mobius will be described as either the seediest or the best club in Hobart. The grumpy bouncers and reasonably seedy atmosphere though, can't detract from the fact that the DJ's are clearly some of the best in Hobart and the dancefloor is regularly full. Generally plays more underground, electronic music. Recently quite enthused by dubstep.
• The Lark Distillery, 14 Davey St (Next to the Tourist Information Centre), ☎ +61 3 6231 9088, e-mail: [email protected]. 10AM-till evening. The Lark Distillery is the first licensed distillery in Tasmania since 1839 and now operates as a bar, store and distillery in one. It produces fine single malt whiskey and other liqueurs. It provides free tastings of liqueurs and spirits and charges a small fee to taste their 3 types of whiskeys ($2 each tasting or $5 for all 3). Their bush liqueur also has a distinctive taste through the use of pepperberries. There are several live music performances a week. Entry is always free and students receive a 10% discount on drinks.
• Cargo Bar Lounge, 47-51 Salamanca Pl, ☎ +61 3 6223 7788. Cargo is one of the more recently opened bars in Hobart. Modern feel with a mix of outdoor seating on the street, or a quieter secluded booth style seating at the back of the bar. Drinks are the usual fare; a selection of beers on tap, a good choice of wines and most spirits.
• Flamingo's Dance Bar, 201 Liverpool St, ☎ +61 3 6294 6173. Hobart's only gay bar. This place is small and intimate and it goes off on Friday and Saturday night, especially during the summer months. They also put on a pretty wild New Year's Eve party.
• The New Sydney Hotel, 87 Bathurst St. One of the most popular inner-city pubs, the cosy New Sydney is home to Hobart's Irish community and offers an Irish pub atmosphere rather more authentic than that of an Irish theme pub (see Irish Murphy's, below). Large range of imported and local beers on tap.
• Republic Bar & Cafe, 299 Elizabeth St North Hobart, ☎ +61 3 6234 6954. In its day, the former Empire Hotel was one of Hobart's roughest pubs, hosting a shoot-out during the 1980s. Australian cricketer Max Walker grew up in the Empire, which was run by his parents. After a re-modelling and re-branding as the Republic Bar in the mid-1990s, it has become one of the State's most popular pubs. Today the Republic Bar is Tasmania's premier music venue, with live music 7 days. It hosts an award winning restaurant, art gallery and a large covered beer garden that is good all year round.
• The Shipwright's Arms, 29 Trumpeter St, ☎ +61 3 62235551. It's in Battery Point, one of Australia's oldest suburbs, the Arms opened in 1842. Cosy fires and Chesterfields is the atmosphere here and the nautical theme attracts participants in the Sydney-Hobart yacht race around the new year. A popular local pub, slightly off the tourist trail, the beer garden is an attractive place for a meal on summer evenings.
• Irish Murphy's, 21 Salamanca Pl, ☎ +61 3 6223 1119, fax: +61 3 6223 1133, e-mail: [email protected]. Irish Murphy's is a busy Irish pub on one of the prime nightlife strips. It has a young crowd dancing to pop hits from their childhood in a fake Irish franchise pub. The meals are quite good, and there's a fantastic view over the old warehouses at Salamanca.

Sleep

• Alexandra on Battery, 3 Sonning Crescent, Sandy Bay, ☎ +61 3 6225 2574, fax: +61 3 6225 3522. $80-90 per night.
• Brunswick Hotel, 67 Liverpool St, ☎ +61 3 6234 4981. Check-out: 10:30AM. Great location a half block from the pedestrian mall on Elizabeth Street. Dorm rooms start at $23. Private en suite rooms start at $65. Big covered outdoor area in the back. Very nice bar and restaurant out front. $23 and up.
• Dr Syntax Hotel, 139 Sandy Bay Rd, ☎ +61 3 6223 6258, fax: +61 3 6224 0132. Sandy Bay. Pub-style accommodation. $45-70.
• Hobart Central YHA, 9 Argyle St, e-mail: [email protected]. Hobart Central YHA is the most centrally located backpacker accommodation in Hobart, only a block from the city's waterfront.
• Battery Point Boutique Accommodation, 27-29 Hampden Rd, ☎ +61 422 629432, e-mail: [email protected]. Self contained apartments in historic Battery Point. $145-210 per night.
• Motel 429, 429 Sandy Bay Rd, ☎ +61 3 6225 2511, fax: +61 3 6225 4354, e-mail: [email protected]. Sandy Bay. $99-113 per night. edit
• Rydges Hobart, 393 Argyle St (Cnr Argyle Street & Lewis Street), ☎ 1300 857 922 (local rate). Rydges Hobart is 2 km from Hobart's central business district. A history-themed hotel in a heritage-listed building.
• Somerset on the Pier Hobart, Elizabeth Street Pier, ☎ +61 3 6220 6600, e-mail: [email protected]. Somerset on the Pier is an award-winning transformation of the early 1930s pier building, offering views of the River Derwent and Historic Sullivan's Cove. All 56 apartments, which range from one-bedroom executives to two-bedroom premiers are non-smoking, and have a kitchen and broadband internet access.
• Somerset on Salamanca Hobart, No 8 Salamanca Place, ☎ +61 3 6220 6600, e-mail: [email protected]. The serviced residence offers a range of apartments from studios to two-bedroom executives that comes with a private balcony or courtyard, kitchen and broadband internet access. Situated minutes from the Central Business District and Salamanca Market.
• Waterside Accommodation, 10 Harbinger Ln, ☎ +61 3 6249 2352. The Hobart properties are at Austins Ferry. All have views, are on the water and are available for short term rental.
• Welcome Stranger Hotel, Cnr Davey and Harrington Sts (Opposite St David's Park), ☎ +61 3 62236655. Good Hotel in Hobart that is close to the city and waterfront. Breakfast is included.
• Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, 1 Macquarie Street, Hobart. A fantastic hotel right next to the Hobart Waterfront. The apartments are very comfortable and spacious. Good room-service and a nice restaurant. The Baa Bar is a comfortable place to relax after a big day.
• Hotel Grand Chancellor, 1 Davey St, ☎ +61 3 6235 4535, e-mail: [email protected]. A waterfront hotel along Sullivan's Cove with 244 rooms that are modern and clean. Facilities include a bar, heated pool, fitness centre and sauna. This hotel can be busy during exhibitions and conferences in the connecting Federation Concert Hall, which is also home to the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
• Henry Jones Art Hotel, 25 Hunter St. Winner of a national award for luxury small hotels.
• The Islington, 321 Davey St, ☎ +61 3-6220-2123. Is an amazing converted mansion built in 1874. Rooms are fantastic with a view of Mt Wellington and a garden. Public spaces inside the hotel have open fires, original art work and antique furniture. Service is excellent. Room rates can be negotiated, but don't expect cheap (from $400/night).
• Lenna, 20 Runnymede St, ☎ +61 3 6232 3900, toll-free: 1800 030 633, e-mail: [email protected]. Battery Point. One of Hobart's most stylish boutique hotels. The rooms are very comfortable and well furnished with great views out on Battery Point and the waterfront.

You can use the form below to search for availability (Travellerspoint receives a commission for bookings made through the form)

Learn

• University of Tasmania

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet cafés are very common in the larger Australian cities and popular tourist destinations. However, once you leave the major population centres, you might have trouble finding somewhere to log on. Free wifi is getting more and more common (either with or without a code) in places like restaurants, some bars and coffee places and hotels. Sometimes a fee is required.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

Australia is on a GSM 900/1800 network, so if you have an unlocked phone that works on those frequencies, you will be able to buy a prepaid SIM-card and stick into your phone when you're in Australia. You will receive a new Australian phone number with the SIM-card.

To dial out of Australia use the prefix 0011, followed by the calling code of the country you are trying to reach, followed by the area code of the city/town (without the 0!) and finally the phone number.

Within Australia, it is necessary to add an area code to the phone numbers if you are calling from outside the area. Below are Australia's area codes:

• 02 - New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory (Sydney, Canberra)
• 03 - Victoria & Tasmania (Melbourne, Hobart)
• 07 - Queensland (Brisbane)
• 08 - Western Australia, South Australia & Northern Territory (Perth, Adelaide, Darwin)

000 is the emergency telephone number in Australia, but the international GSM mobile emergency telephone number 112 also works on mobile phones.

Post

Australia Post is the government's postal service. Most suburbs will have at least one post office. Opening times are mostly from around 8:00 or 9:00am to 5:00pm though larger ones keep longer hours sometimes. A standard letter or postcard sent within Australia will cost $0.60. Internationally, it costs $1.70 to send postcards anywhere in the world. Letters cost $1.85 to send within the Asia Pacific region and $2.60 to anywhere else in the world.^[1]. It is also possible to send things as parcels or by express mail. You can also use use private courier companies like TNT, UPS or DHL as they are competitive and reliable.

External Links

• Council Website