With a glimpse of the Southern Ocean in the distance and Mount Wellington providing a dramatic backdrop, Hobart is a modern city with its vibrancy fused with the tranquillity of a bygone era.  The character and lifestyle of Hobart's European settlers are evident in the grand colonial mansions and the small wooden cottages which are scattered around the city. Here are some more reasons to endulge in travel to Hobart.

Hobart is a city of fishing boats and fish & chips punts at the docks, coffee at Salamanca Place where the legendary market is held every Saturday; and  music – modern or classic at a variety of venues around the town.

A stroll through Sullivan’s Cove conjures up the rich maritime history of Hobart which was a gateway to Antarctica for such legendary polar explorers such as James Ross, Roald Amudsen and Australia’s own Douglas Mawson.  The nearby Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery gives you an insight into the island’s Aboriginal and colonial history.

The area surrounding Hobart is rich with a variety of landscapes and experiences:

To Hobart’s south east are the Coal River Valley wineries and Richmond, a picturesque, historic town with the oldest bridge in Australia and a convict jail which serves as a prelude to the Port Arthur Historic Site.  On the Tasman Peninsula you can also cruise to the Tasman Island along sea cliffs, take thrilling cliff walks and admire geological features such as the Tessellated Pavement and Tasman’s Arch. Our Hobart kayak tours are a unique way to experience our coastline.

South of Hobart, you can cruise beneath some of the world’s highest sea cliffs at Bruny Island, tour the vineyards of the Huon Valley or walk among the treetops at Tahune Airwalk.

West on the Derwent River is New Norfolk with its bucolic charm and the pretty town of Hamilton. For a taste of the high country and a round of golf on the oldest course in Australia, visit Bothwell at the southern edge of the Central Plateau; or drive north to Oatlands, to explore Australia’s largest collection of sandstone buildings.

A drive to the summit of Mount Wellington offers a bird’s eye view of the geography of this southernmost city with its intricate pattern of islands and estuaries that reach out beyond Storm Bay to the Southern Ocean. So there is plenty of things to do in Hobart during your stay!

Make your Hobart vacation complete with our selection of Hobart tours! Tasmania tours don't get any better than this. And whilst you're in Australia, check out our other Urban Adventures in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.