With its stunning harbor, mountains soaring in the backdrop, and enchanting old town, Hobart reels you in effortlessly. Tasmania's capital is full of history, cultural energy, and is close to pristine wilderness. What more could you ask for?
Also known as Mount Wellington, Kunanyi offers incredible views across one of Australia's most picturesque cities.
Parts of Hobart offer a portal into the Victorian age. Most of all, Battery Point is a delight, with its cottages, churches, and pubs.
Hobart has some fine museums. MONA is the highlight, with its provocative art collection, but it's rivaled by the Tasmanian Museum and the Narryna Heritage Museum.
Sports in Hobart revolve around cricket. Catch a game at the Bellerive Oval or learn about the sport at the Tasmanian Cricket Museum.
Why not use Hobart as a base and visit local attractions like the penal settlement at Port Arthur, the gorgeous Tasman Peninsula, or the trails around Lake St Clair?
Seafood is Hobart's favorite cuisine. Some of the finest places to try it include the Drunken Admiral, which serves up mammoth platters; the Ball & Chain Grill; and Cultura, an Italian cafe restaurant in the CBD. Meals should come to around A$30-35 per head.
Tourism season in Hobart peaks between December and February, when the sun blazes down. Try March or April for mild weather and less competition for accommodation.
Hobart International Airport (HBA) has connections to Sydney and Melbourne. The Redline airport shuttle costs A$18, while taxis into town will cost around A$45.
If you are driving from Launceston take Highway 1 across Tasmania. From destinations further west, take the A10 instead.
Redline runs buses from most major Tasmanian towns straight into Hobart's CBD (Central Business District).
Leading accommodation options near Hobart harbor include the Henry Jones Art Hotel and the historic Salamanca Wharf Hotel.
Battery Point - built in the 19th century, Battery Point is a charming suburb with beautiful houses, churches, and fine dining options everywhere you turn.
Salamanca Place - Hobart's waterfront neighborhood, Salamanca hosts a lively market and plenty of bars, including the Glass House and the Whaler.
Hobart CBD - the Central Business District is Hobart's commercial hub. Head there to shop, find luxury hotels, and eat at fine restaurants like Templo.
Public buses will take you almost anywhere in Hobart. The best option is to pick up a Day Rover ticket in the morning for A$5.30.
Expect taxis in Hobart to charge a meter drop of A$3.60, followed by around A$3 per mile after that.
Car rental companies in Hobart include Thrifty, Budget, and AAA, and rates will be around A$13 per day.
If the Saturday market's in full swing, head to Salamanca's waterfront to pick up clothing and craft bargains. If not, try the Elizabeth Street Mall to explore its wide range of boutiques and chain stores.
Grocery stores in Hobart include Woolworths and Macquarie, and you can expect to spend around A$4.70 on 12 eggs.