Originally known as Hobart Town, Hobart is Australia's second oldest city (after Sydney), and is beautifully situated on the Derwent River and has preserved much of its elegant colonial Georgian architecture.
Some key places of interest to visitors include:
The Waterfront: Hobart has a waterfront area facing onto the Derwent River that is worth exploring. It is centered on the Franklin Wharf, the Constitution Dock and Victoria Dock. Constitution Dock is where the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race finishes each New Year and the Royal Hobart Regatta takes place there each Feburary.
Salamanca Place: The waterfront at Salamanca Place features a row of attractive sandstone warehouses. They were built back in the 1830s and were the center of the colony's commerce in the 19th century. These days they now house shops, restaurants, galleries and nightclubs. On Saturdays a famous open-air art and crafts market is held here.
Battery Point: From the 1830s this was the centre of the port area with many sailors, shipwrights, fishermen and merchants living and working there. Much interesting architecture remains -- for example, Arthur Circus, St George's Anglican Church, and the Anglesea Barracks (built in 1811, it still used by the Australian Army and is the oldest military establishment in Australia).
Queen's Domain: This green space was originally reserved for the Governor's private use and these days it is used as public parklands and sports fields. On one side is the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens.
Mt. Wellington: Mt Wellington (height 1270m) is a mountain that looks over all of Hobart. You can walk up to the summit or take an taxi to the top and walk back down.
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery: This museum includes exhibitions on Aboriginal life, on life in colonial times, and on the Tasmanian tiger (now believed to be extinct) and on the megafauna (giant marsupials) that once lived in Tasmania.
Cascade Brewery: Australia's oldest brewery and one which still produces some of Australia's finest beer.
