Hobart Suggested Itineraries

Written by Viator, December 2010

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Must-Do Experience, Tip - General Travel, Tip - Suggested Itineraries

From the weekend market of Salamanca Place to cute colonial Battery Point, the call of the sea and colonial history are never far from mind in the yachties’ haven of Hobart. The Georgian warehouses lining Sullivans Cove form the focus of Hobart’s historic docks precinct, and towering Mount Wellington is an ever-present backdrop. Australia’s second-oldest city, Hobart has a swag of warm sandstone Georgian architecture and a growing reputation for fine restaurants and wine bars.

Day 1: Historic Hobart

You won’t find a more charming urban enclave than lovely Battery Point, perched above the Salamanca Place warehouses and Sullivans Cove. The tiny streets are lined with gorgeous early-19th-century cottages, each boasting pristine flower beds and more than likely a resident tabby cat sunning itself on the brick wall, waiting for a pat. To get to Battery Point from Salamanca Place, follow the time-worn Kellys Steps. You’ll also get a rich sense of the colonial past at the Penitentiary Chapel site, especially if you take an atmospheric evening ghost tour.

Day 2: Museums and Galleries

To get to grips with Hobart’s history, dive into the Maritime Museum of Tasmania and its collection of seafaring memorabilia. Aboriginal art and colonial relics are displayed at the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, and the role of the army in colonial times is explored at the Military Museum. There’s more colonial history at Narryna Heritage Museum, giving you the chance to explore an 1836 Georgian mansion. For a real taste of history, take a tour of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or see beer being brewed at the 1832 Cascade Brewery.

Day 3: Colonial Past

It’s impossible not to feel a frisson of dread when you enter Port Arthur Historic Site. The 1830s convict penitentiary built on the Tasman Peninsula, 60 km (37 miles) south-east of Hobart, is now a ghostly collection of neo-Gothic ruins. The history seems more benign at the lovely town of Richmond, famous for its convict-built bridge and duck-filled village pond. Other colonial towns with lovely colonial buildings include Oatlands, Ross and Campbell Town, with its convict trail.

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Reply by Maria B, February 2012

Doing what: Hobart Half-Day Sightseeing Coach Tram Tour

Great introduction to Hobart. Our tour guide was exceptional- very knowledgeable and even offered to take our photographs. I highly recommend it.

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Reply by Trevor H, United Kingdom, January 2012

Doing what: Hobart Half-Day Sightseeing Coach Tram Tour

Very pleasant and informative, good driver

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Reply by Cali, Australia, February 2012

Doing what: Grand Historical Port Arthur Walking Tour from Hobart

Well worth the trip! Loved the Isle of the Dead tour though a little rushed. The only negative in the day was the bus driver's inappropriate commentary on the way down, asking us to imagine the horrible stretch marks and breasts of his ancestor after having 22 children. He also gave the wrong tickets to a couple who got off the bus. When he realised he said "Oh well, they don't speak English anyway".