The Best Of Hobart | Exploration Guide

Hobart, the largest city and capital of Tasmania is located on the west bank of the River Derwent estuary above its mouth.  The city spans along the foothills of Mount Wellington, often snow-covered. Hobart is also Australia’s most southerly city. It was in 1798 that the British navigator George Bass explored the region and was impressed with the landscape and setting. If you are not sure where to see the best Hobart attractions, here is a list of what to see and things to do whilst in the city. 

Hop Aboard a Hobart Dinner Cruise 

Derwent River is one of the major rivers flowing through Hobart and it is estimated that nearly 40% of the Tasmanian population lives around the Derwent River estuary margins. The river is also widely popular for recreation purposes including boating, fishing and more. Our first pick for you is a Hobart dinner cruise on River Derwent that offers stunning night views of the area and a delicious dinner featuring seasonal Tasmanian produce. Enjoy a laid-back and romantic cruise dining at night with your loved ones. Make the most of the city’s waterfront position on board this amazing dinner cruise in Hobart. Glide past many prominent landmarks including the Botanical Gardens. Also, get to listen to the informative commentary to learn more about the city and its surroundings. 

Visit the Historic Port Arthur  

Port Arthur is a historic site in Tasmania that is known for its intriguing convict past, representing the foundational stories in Australia’s history.  Take a Port Arthur Tour to see the cavalcade of important landmarks from the heart of Hobart. Once you arrive at the Port Arthur Historic Site, you can visit all the essential landmarks such as the penitentiary, Commandant’s House and the old colonial church and more. It would be great to have a guide to assist you throughout the tour so that you can learn more about the history and other dramatic occurrences that have put Port Arthur on the map. 

Battery Point

There’s no question about Tasmania’s old-world charm that is exemplified aptly by Hobart’s suburb of Battery Point. A visit to Battery Point is akin to travelling back in time. This truly historic area has many buildings that have remained intact since their founding back in the 1830s. You will find a number of charming little coffee houses and restaurants in the area that will definitely serve the purpose of porting you into the yesteryears. There are some fine examples of architecture here and walking guides available from the local Post Office. They will highlight all points of interest that are perfect for first-timers. Key spots include St. George’s Anglican Church, Arthur Circus and many high-end houses and hotels that are still functional today.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Located on a hillside in close proximity to eastern Hobart, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are a great spot to spend quality time for friends, family and couples.  They make up for their comparatively small size to those in the bigger cities by being perhaps the most beautiful. The gardens showcase a prolific collection of rare and endangered native plant cities - over 6500 estimated species of plants can be found here - and also incorporate a number of lovely water views to help complement the greenery and form an ambient, relaxing atmosphere. It is one of Hobart's most loved spots for a picnic, and a great spot for a leisurely stroll through its well-groomed garden beds. Every plant in the Botanical Garden is both healthy and well-categorised, each section of the Botanic Gardens bringing with it its own unique charm.