My Tasmanian Adventures have been documented on here enough times, but I never quite gave an overview of the historic capital, Hobart, despite passing through its waters 5 times and spending at least a week there back in 2010. Having been founded way back in 1804, Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia. Also the capital of Tasmania, this isolated region exhibits a strong sense of community connection that is best explored through its historic buildings and rich heritage. At every turn, visitors are bound to come across inspiring examples of late Georgian architecture.
Hobart waterfront photographed at night with city skyline and fishing boats
Historic Trips to Hobart and the Regions Nearby
Hobart and other parts of Tasmania offer a basket of rate examples of early colonial buildings and landmarks of national importance. For instance, visitors simply enjoy spending time in Clarendon, an iconic colonial mansion along with Runnymede, a unique century whaling family home. In addition to this, inspiring visits include a trip to the Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site that sits right in the heart of Hobart. This building is considered to be one of Australia’s most important convict locations which predate Port Arthur.
Hobart along with Launceston is home to some fine 19th and 20th century architectural styles including Edwardian, Victorian and Regency. The country’s oldest theatre sits in Hobart, setting the ideal example of intimacy on an opulent scale.
The architectural treasures of this city and the rest of Tasmania are best explored during the state’s National Heritage Festival. During this festival, it is possible to explore some of the National Trust houses that are usually closed for public otherwise.
The area around the river in Hobart is especially scattered with some of the most beautiful historic structures you can find. While visiting, make it a point to visit the Salamanca Place that is home to a terrace of warehouses that were alive with activity back to the whaling era of the 1830s. Next to the Battery Point, considered to be the original seamen’s quarters for the city and the Macquarie and Davey Streets are home to over 60 structures that are classified by the National Trust.
Hobart Harbour, Tasmania, Australia.
Exploring Historic Hobart with Ease
This city is a dream come true for the lover of architecture. If you are visiting this city for a short period of time, you want to make sure that you maximise your trip and explore as much as possible. With the help of a car rental service such as Hertz, it is possible to get around conveniently. The availability of a GPS system from the car rental company allows visitors to easily explore the areas just like the locals do!
You can see some of my cool Tasmanian posts on the Tassie Devils and the Nut at Stanley.