Hobart City Guide

Australia> Hobart City

Hobart, capital city of Tasmania, is wrapped around a magnificent harbour at the foot of Mount Wellington. The second oldest city in the country, is blessed with a sparkling, feisty city with a colorful history. It is the ideal base from which to explore the wild, tranquil beauty of Tasmania, with over a hundred of national parks and wildlife reserves.

There are myriad of events of festivals held in Hobart, one of them is Hobart Summer festival- a celebration of Tasmania's style, showcasing gourmet food and wine at Hobart's waterfront. Another event is Targa Tasmania, a road competition drawing of the best features of European classics.

Hobart is also a shopping paradise. The Hobart shopping areas, Liverpool, Murray and Collins Streets and Elizabeth Street Mall. One of the major attraction in the city, the Salamanca Place is a great place to explore, while in Tasmania.

For an experience of nature, visit the Bonorong Park Wildlife Center, which is located about 26km from Hobart. Visit the koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian Devil and unique Australian animals. The Huon Valley, which is located about 45 minutes drive south of the city is a perfect city gataway. Here, you can explore the wonderful orchards, and explore the oyster and salmon farms. Another popular tourist spot is Strahan, a well- known stopover, tourist town with plenty of nature to offer.

Getting There and Moving Around

By air

The airport is 22km (14 miles) from Hobart city center. Qantas and Ansett operate direct links with international flights every day. Other airports served by regular flights are Launceston in the north and Devonport and Wynyard on the northwest coast. Direct international flights to Hobart from Christchurch in New Zealand are available on a seasonal basis (Oct- Mar).

By sea

The Spirit of Tasmania ferry runs thrice- weekly from Melbourne to Devonport on the northwest coast of the island.

By road

Metro buses operate in city and suburban areas. Local bus networks are operated in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. The main routes are: the Lyell Highway from Hobart to Queenstown, the Huon Highway from Hobart-Southport, the Heritage Highway from Hobart-Launceston, the Tasman Highway from Hobart along the east coast and the Bass Highway linking the ports of the north and northwest coast. Tasmania has its own coach services, Tasmanian Redline Coaches, which offers a Super Tassie Bus Pass to out-of-state visitors, and Tasmania Wilderness Transport, serving the needs of bushwalkers.

Moving Around

There are multiple modes of transportation available for in the city traveling.