Hobart

Waterfront luxury, fantastic seafood, colonial and aboriginal history, all with a majestic mountain serving as a backdrop, that’s Hobart in a nutshell. But the capital city of Tasmania is so much more than that.

As Australia’s second-oldest city, the colonial 19th-century history of Hobart still presents itself until today. A walk around the central city reveals much of its colonial architecture still intact, with many of these buildings found in the historic precinct of Battery Point. Close by is the famous Salamanca Place, an area of artists, cafes, and shops all set in Georgian warehouses, another example of how Hobart strives to preserve the uniqueness of its history and architecture. It is also the site of the bustling Salamanca Market that happens every Saturday, where the best of Hobart’s talent and food can be experienced in this quaint locale. Hobart’s unique architecture is amplified by the magnificent Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) that looms over the city from all angles. For history aficionados, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is the perfect place to start the journey into the city and state’s rich history and culture. For those seeking a truly unique experience, a ferry ride from the docks goes to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). It is undoubtedly home to some of the most creative art installations and natural beauty in the world.

Since it is a seaside city, Hobart’s seafood is famous across Australia, ranging from scallops to oysters to the famed abalone. The stalls and restaurants along Hobart’s scenic waterfront Constitution Dock will leave seafood lovers spoilt for choice, marvelling at the freshness of the catch. It also serves as the gateway to Antarctica, with the Antarctic explorers often anchored at the Dock. The Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum can help visitors relive the Australian history of exploring the Antarctic region.