Visiting Hobart - What to See and Do

(Hobart Airport HBA, Australia)

Hobart is located on the Australian island state of Tasmania, just 150 miles from the Australian mainland. Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania and is located in the south-eastern area of the island.

The people of Tasmania are friendly and relaxed, due to the excellent climate and easy-going island environment. Historically, the island was used as a place to keep convicts. Evidence of the island's past can be seen at Richmond Gaol, 16 miles from Hobart. The waterfront warehouses of Hobart are a good place to explore other aspects of the island's fascinating 19th-century history.

Ten things you must do in Hobart

• Look out over the superb skyline of Hobart and the surrounding area from a vantage point called Mount Nelson Lookout. The area has a signal station that was built in 1861, walking tracks, several picnic areas and a restaurant.
• Take a fantastic cruise from the waterfront area of Brooke Street Pier to the bay and locations beyond. Commentary, refreshments and superb views of Hobart are some of the cruise's highlights.
• Join a walking tour of Hobart to get an intimate perspective of the city. Your local guide will take you on a tour of the city's tourist attractions and places of historical significance.
• Visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory in Hobart for a guided tour of this superb building, built in the 1920s. On the tour you will see chocolate-making demonstrations and historical items. Stop at the gift shop for all your chocolate needs.
• Relax by looking at the many yachts and boats moored at Constitution Dock. This is a popular area that features top restaurants and wine bars. Festivals and events also take place in this area.
• Swim in the placid waters of The Tinderbox Marine Reserve, located near the city centre. Activities here include boating, snorkelling, scuba diving and walking trails.
• Learn about the brewing process at the Cascade Brewery in South Hobart. The brewery's 150-year history can be traced at the museum.
• Find out about Hobart's dockland culture and history at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania, housed in Secheron House. Impressive exhibitions, artifacts, paintings and photographs are on display in this historic 1831 building.
• Appreciate the fantastic artwork showcased at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Traditional, colonial and modern paintings are complemented by sculptures, ceramics and Aboriginal artifacts.
• Visit the Antarctic Adventure in Salamanca district for an innovative experience that covers more than 50 icy exhibits. Among the more popular attractions are the penguin theatre, a sub-zero cold room, ski simulators and the Antarctica planetarium.