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Description
Nestling between the lofty heights of Mt Wellington and the sparkling estuary of the Derwent River, Hobart is a city that's shaped and defined by hills, bushland and water. This city is an intriguing blend of heritage and lifestyle, scenery and vibrant culture. Founded in 1803 as a penal colony, it is one of Australia's oldest cities and the capital city of Tasmania.
Claim To Fame
Hobart is internationally famous among the yachting fraternity as the finish of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race which starts in Sydney on Boxing Day (December 26). The arrival of the yachts is celebrated as part of the Hobart Summer Festival, a food and wine festival beginning just after Christmas and ending in mid January. The Taste of Tasmania is a major part of the festival, where locals and visitors can taste fine local and international food and wine.
See the Sights
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a popular recreation area a short distance from the City centre. It is the second-oldest Botanic Gardens in Australia and holds extensive significant plant collections as well as built heritage.
Mount Wellington, accessible by passing through Fern Tree, is the dominant feature of Hobart's skyline. At 1271 metres, the mountain has its own ecosystems, is rich in biodiversity and plays a large part in determining the local weather.
The Tasman Bridge is also a uniquely important feature of the city, connecting the two shores of Hobart and visible from many locations.
Hobart is also home to the Cadbury chocolate factory and the Cascade Brewery, and serves as the home port for the Antarctic activities of Australia and France.
Climate
Hobart has a mild temperate oceanic climate, with four distinct seasons. Compared to other major Australian cities, Hobart has the 2nd least daily average hours of sunshine, with 5.9 hours. (Melbourne has the least...) The city rarely receives snow in winter; however, the adjacent Mount Wellington is often seen with a covering, and it has received unseasonal snowfalls in all seasons, including summer.
Hot Spots
Hobart is a city where a rich history meets the contemporary way of life. You can learn about the Island and the city's history and contemporary life at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery on Macquarie Street.
The nightlife primarily revolves around Salamanca Place and the waterfront area, but popular pubs, bars and nightclubs exist around the city as well. You'll also find some great restaurants along Elizabeth Street in North Hobart. The Wrest Point Hotel Casino is not only the tallest building in the city, but the first legal casino opened in Australia (1973).
For another first, Hobart is home to Australia's oldest theatre, the Theatre Royal. For those who prefer arthouse and foreign films, head to the State Cinema in North Hobart.
Several festivals are held here throughout the year, such as the Hobart Fringe Festival, Hobart Summer Festival, Southern Roots Festival, and Ten Days On The Island.
