Destination Guides > Australia > Tasmania > Hobart
Hobart
Tasmania’s largest city is perfectly situated at the mouth of the Derwent River with a compact centre and suburbs clinging to the hillside overlooking the wide estuary. The city is well located as a base for exploring the surrounding countryside making it ideal for excursions to the Huon Valley, Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula, and nearby towns like Richmond and New Norfolk.
It is the second oldest state capital and it has retained its old colonial architecture more so than any other large Australian city. Battery Point and the downtown area, particularly around Salamanca Place, is full of renovated sandstone buildings which have been converted into pubs, cafés and restaurants which give the city a vibrant air despite the general slow pace of the city. Held here each Saturday, Salamanca Market is a great place to hang around and soak up the atmosphere.
Although Tasmania’s main appeal is its wilderness, Hobart does have a few worthwhile sights. There are some interesting museums and it is also possible to take a guided tour of the Cadbury chocolate factory and the Cascade brewery, both of which offer tastings.
Practical Information
Hobart Information Centre
20 Davey Street, Hobart
Tel (03) 6230 8233
Website www.discovertasmania.com
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.15pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
INTERNET ACCESS
Free Wi-Fi hotspots are hard to come by in Hobart, but if you’re willing to pay $7 per hour or $50 for 10 hours you can log on to one of the Mouse on Mars (tel (03) 6231 5421) hotspots around town including Adelphi Court YHA, Central City Backpackers, Montgomery’s Hotel YHA plus the Tassielink coach terminal on Brisbane Street and the Retro Café on Salamanca Place.
Alternatively you can use the computers at most hostels and also at the following internet cafés:
Mouse on Mars
112 Liverpool Street, Hobart
Tel (03) 6231 5421
Website www.mouseonmars.com.au
Open 10am-10pm daily
The Pelican Loft
35A Elizabeth Street, Hobart
Tel (03) 6234 2225
Open summer Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 10.30am-6pm; winter Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10.30am-4pm
