Hobart - Travel Guide

Pictures of Hobart

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, a very appealing and old city to visit, the city attractions as its wonderful harbor and the colonial cottages give Hobart a special atmosphere and elegant appearance. To Hobart's harbor arrive a great number of yatchs from all over the world only comparable to Sydney's Harbour.

The city began as a town of tents and huts with a population of 262, but was named a city in 1842. Important industries included whaling, shipbuilding and export of corn and wool.

Hobart's history began when Lietenant John Bowen make the city the Australian's second oldest capital city and was known as Hobart Town or Hobarton, the name is because of Lord Hobart, Secretary of State for War and the Colonies at the time of its settlement. As the time passed by Hobart become an important base for the British Navy, the dock of Hobart was used for the shipment of materials and new docks were constructed in Salamanca Place in the mid 19th century and was in this century that Hobart continued to grow, thanks in particular to considerable influxes of population after the two world wars. Hobart was proclaimed a town only in 1842 and many ships and buildings were constructed of the pioneering period and are still preserved.

The city is fairly small with the streets laid out in a grid, with the Elizabeth Street Mall being the centre. You'll also find a further shopping area along Elizabeth Street. For history visit the Georgian warehouses along the waterfront and the colony district of Battery Point. The university and casino are further along the river on Sandy Bay. To the north of the city is The Domain, a recreation centre, including the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. There is also a bridge crossing to the east and the airport.

More of the cities in Tasmania were used as penal colonies, Hobart was known for its agriculture and forestry development. Nowadays the port of Hobart is less industrious but more touristic, the city hosts many industries of Tasmania including a high-speed catamaran factory and a zinc smelter, as well as a vibrant tourist industry, the main University of Tasmania is located here and also the major financial and government institurions of the State.