Things to do in Hobart

Hobart is a fascinating mix of heritage and lifestyle, panorama and exciting culture. The city’s suburbs are nestled around the banks of the Derwent River, with plenty of exciting attractions to please visitors.

Tasmania’s convict past comes to life in the historic towns of Richmond and Port Arthur. Near Hobart, are the tidy vineyards and wineries of the Coal River Valley. See the Tasmanian Devil at Bonorong Wildlife Park or take a rafting tour on the Franklin River.

International Wall of Friendship

The International Wall of Friendship was conceived as a permanent monument to the bonds of friendship and goodwill of the many nations who have made Tasmania their home and a reminder of their contribution and commitment to the development and well being of the state. 

The monument is located in the sunken garden at the Commonwealth Government Centre in Hobart. It is believed to be the first project of its kind in the world, being officially declared open in October, 1992. The Wall of Friendship has become a shrine for those communities which it represents. Each year, communities gather here to celebrate days of national and international significance, flying the Australian flag and the flags of their countries of origin.

Salamanca Place

Take in some shopping and gallery hopping at these 1830s restored, colonial-style warehouses. With a wide range of restaurants to choose from, Salamanca Place is Tasmania's number one lifestyle precinct. On Saturdays, Salamanca comes alive with the famous Salamanca Market. Over 300 stallholders sell produce and crafts from all over Tasmania. Website: www.salamanca.com.au/.

Tasmanian Seafarers Memorial

The wild seashore of Tasmania has claimed many lives, from the early days of sailing through to the present day. This simple waterfront memorial is dedicated to all Tasmanian men and women, both civilian and military, who have lost their lives to the sea. Plaques adorn the low brick wall and an anchor cross rises above. Offering a view of the small vessels moored in the protection of this wonderful bay, it is hard to envisage the terrors of the sea. This juxtaposition makes a visit to this memorial all the more moving. Phone: +61 3 6257 3113.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

The sheltered, landscaped grounds of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens hold historic plant collections and a large number of significant trees, many dating from the 19th century. It also has an increasing number of important conservation collections of Tasmanian plants and the world's only sub-Antarctic plant house. Prior to European settlement, local Aboriginal tribes used the site, and traces of their occupation are still apparent. A number of historic structures, including two walls built by convicts, date back to the gardens' earliest days.

The Botanical Gardens Restaurant, set in one of the loveliest locations for any restaurant in Tasmania, combines with an extensive programme of activities and events as well as year-round displays to offer visitors a great Tasmanian experience. Phone: +61 3 6236 3076.

Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site

The chapel was designed by John Lee Archer, a famous colonial architect, and construction on the building started in 1831. It was the chapel for the adjacent prisoners’ barracks and is one of the few examples of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture in Australia. In 1860, two wings of the building were converted to be used as criminal courts. The chapel was used until 1961, and the courts until 1983. The building has underground passages, solitary cells and an execution yard. Visitors looking for a little suspense in their lives might like to choose the evening ghost tour. Guided tours operate each day. Phone: +61 3 6231 091.

Cascade Brewery

Producing some fine examples of beer, Cascade Brewery is Australia's oldest brewery, established by Peter Degraves in 1832. The 2-hour tour is informative and you can watch first-hand the brewing process and learn about the history of brewing in Australia as well as the history of the building. Cascade beer is brewed from Tasmanian hops, barley and pure water from Mount Wellington. There is a museum of brewing and you can wander through the beautiful Woodstock Gardens. Phone: +61 3 6221 8300.

Cadbury Chocolate Cruise

This 4-hour cruise is a favourite among visitors and chocolate-lovers. The boat trip itself is enjoyable, passing under the Tasman Bridge and up the picturesque Derwent River to the chocolate factory. The two-kilometre guided walking tour has some stairs, but otherwise the tour is quite easy and suitable for children. There are many opportunities to sample the mouth-watering chocolate as it is freshly made. The factory shop is well stocked with items at reduced prices. Phone: +61 3 6234 9294.

Battery Point Walking Tours

Guided tours will outline the history of old Hobart town, and take you to see the old sandstone warehouses along Salamanca Place. Situated on the waterfront, a double row of plane trees, lit by bud lights, now runs between the warehouses and the water. Stroll through Battery Point, the address of grand mansions and mariners cottages and boatyards. Today, there are many restaurants, colonial accommodation, galleries and boutiques at Battery Point, and it is one of Hobart’s most desirable addresses. Phone: +61 3 6223 7570.

Runnymede

This is an elegant colonial house in a lovely garden that overlooks New Town Bay on the River Derwent. It was built around 1836 for Robert Pitcairn, the first lawyer to qualify in the colony and a leading campaigner against the transportation of convicts from Britain. He named the house Cairn Lodge. When Captain Charles Bayley bought the house in 1864, he named it Runnymede, after his favourite ship. The Bayley family lived in the house for the next 100 years. The building has now been restored by the National Trust, which has furnished the house to its original grace. The garden features many historic trees and plants including roses, fuchsias, hellebores, bulbs and fruit trees. Phone: +61 3 6278 1269.