Tasmania is the second oldest capital city in Australia. Hobart dates from 1804, it is exceeded in antiquity only by Sydney. As a result, Hobart has a degree of history which one might not have expected prior to arrival, and a number of fine older buildings.
The city of Hobart is the most southerly of Australian capital cities, yet its latitude compares with Rome in the northern hemisphere. Hobart weather is very seasonal - with four distinct seasons, in what climatologists call a mild temperate maritime climate. Hobart also has the second lowest daily average of sunshine of all Australian cities - just 5.9 hours per day. However because of its southerly position it enjoys as much as 15 hours per day of sunlight during the Summer solstice.
Hobart has a strong European influence and this is evidenced in the Georgian influenced sandstone cottages and mansions. Built almost entirely with convict labor from Ireland and England , Hobart was first settled as a penal colony in 1804. Hobart was a harsh place to be then but has since come a long way from this dark past. However it is this history which gives Hobart much of its intrigue and it's definitely one of the reasons to visit.
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One of the oldest cities in the country, the historic tours around Hobart are well worth a visit. Take a guided tour through Battery Point one of the most esteemed suburbs in Hobart, including a visit to St Georges Church; or learn about the darker side of Hobart on the Old Pub Tour, with spine tingling tales of murder, brothels and smuggling.
Taste the sweeter side of life with a tour through the working Cadbury Chocolate Factory. The factory was built in the 1920’s and many of the buildings on-site are now Heritage Listed. Follow the chocolate making process from and sample the raw materials and finished product.
Famous as an old convict settlement, Port Arthur beautifully maintains its historic sites including the sinister Penitentiary, the Separate Prison with its haunting tales, and the Convict Church which has been carefully restored over the years to its current impressive state.
Feel the rush of the wind in your face as you whizz 1270m down Mt Wellington on your mountain bike. Stopping for pictures along the way, this 21km bike ride will make its way down the mountain (with optional off-road sections for the more adventure-minded) before making its way back through the town to the Hobart waterfront.
Suspended high in the forest treetops, the Tahune AirWalk walkway is just one of the attractions at the park. Bush walks, swinging bridges and historic houses are all available tour – if you get tired of walking, you can even hire a Segway to cruise through the forest!
Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest, and offers daily tours through its beer-making facilities. Explore the history of the craft and the informative Cascade museum before sampling some of the product with your fellow tourists at the end of the tour.
For over thirty years the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park has introduced the famous little Tasmanian Devil to visitors, showcasing their mischievous behaviour and entertaining feeding habits (feedings are 6 times daily!). with a recent major facelift, the park has newly established habitats for the Devils in which they are thriving, allowing visitors to get closer than ever before. Also worth seeing is the falcon free fall show, the only one of its kind in Australia!
Take in the vast and untouched beauty of the Tasmanian landscape with a scenic flight. Marvel at contrast between the mountainous alpine areas and the unspoilt marine reserves, the isolated wilderness areas with the fully developed harbours. Stick with one of the tried and true Hobart tours, or create your own – whatever you choose, your experience will be unforgettable!
