Hobart Area Guide
Founded in 1804 Hobart is the second oldest capital city in Australia, second only to Sydney in terms of age. As a result of its age, it is home to some of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Australia, thanks partly to its small size and determination to preserve its heritage. For those visiting Tasmania's Capital, exploring its history is a must but Hobart is also a strong artistic side and many of its heritage attractions have a modern bent.
The first part of Hobart to be settled is Battery Point. This beautiful locale is still a living breathing part of town, with residents descended from its original builders living side be side with more recent arrivals. Home to some of the finest examples of colonial and georgian architecture in Australia, these beautiful streets are also host to fine restaurants, cafes and boutique shops. It is defiantly worth an explore, to see the old melding with the new.
A great deal of historical Hobart is still in working order, take Anglesea Barracks. Built in 1811, it is the oldest military barracks in Australia that are still in use by the Australian Defense Force today. Here in Hobart, history is not confined to a museum, it is persevered to be lived in rather than just observed.
Hobart was mostly built by convicts, and some of it was designed by them to. Parliament House, originally built to be a Custom House in 1836, was not just built by convicts but its chief architect was the convict John Lee Archer, who is also responsible for many fine buildings throughout the city. There is a museum on the ground floor, that is well worth a visit, and a grand lawn outside that is popular with picnickers.
There is a mix of the Convict and the Settler in Hobart. For more of the latter, head to Runnymede, the residence of the first lawyer to qualify in the colony. Built in 1836 it is a grand stately home that has been preserved by the National Trust as a museum. It is open for guided tours Tuesdays to Thursdays and general visitors on Fridays.
For more convict history, the Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site is home to some of the oldest buildings in Hobart, and the Female Factory once housed over a thousand convict women at a time. Both give an insight into the convict history of the city.
For a bit of Art and culture, head to Allport Library and Museum of Fine Art. This has one of the finest and largest collection of rare books you can find, and is also a major stop on Hobart's Bookwalk. Hobart is very proud of its literary ties, with many boutique and specialty bookshops dotted around the city, a dedicated book walk is being developed and maps are available from the tourist office.
To escape the city, you don't have to travel far, just five minutes from the CBD is Cascade Brewery. Established in 1824, it is Australia's longest continually running brewery. In addition to its excellent beer, sold throughout Australia, it also has an excellent resturant and bar in its vistors centre. Set in several hectares of gardens it also has a vistiors shop, so you can buy direct from the Brewer. For those with a keen interest in beer, you can see how its made on the two hour guided tour of the brewery.
Bookings are essential, and be prepared to climb a lot of stairs, but at the end you can quench your thirst with some free samples.
Hobart is a beautiful historic city, the capital of Tasmania it has a lot to offer its many thousands of visitors each year. Close to the major historic site of Port Arthur, and surrounded by beautiful landscapes, you can use Hobart as a base from which you can explore southern Tasmania. Staying within the city, however, you'll find a treasure trove of living history to explore.