 Attractions
Cadbury's Chocolate Factory: This tasty attraction is situated in Claremont, 15 minutes outside of Hobart. It is open Mon-Fri, for various tours, ranging from boat cruises to drive yourself tours. This is an excellent outing for chocoholics and families, as it is both exciting and educational. For further information on this culinary delight, you can call Cadbury's toll free number: 1800 627 367
Anglesea Barracks: Building began in 1814 on what is now the oldest military establishment in Australia still used by the Army. Two impressive bronze cannons are mounted on the grounds. One theory has it that they were souvenired from the brig HMS Sirius by a detachment of the 73rd Regiment, which served in Hobart from 1810-14.
Cascade Brewery: Hop vines were brought to Hobart as early as 1822, and the cultivation of hops and brewing have been two of Tasmania's important industries. The brewery was established in 1824, the stone building erected in 1832 and extended in 1927. It houses a collection of bottles that tells the story of brewing in the state.
Maritime Museum: This museum in the seafaring village of Battery Point brings to life Tasmania's rich maritime history, with displays of pictures and equipment covering the whaling era, models of various ships from the past to the present day, and relics from sunken vessels. The collection is housed in Secheron House. Open Sunday-Friday afternoons and all day Saturday.
Royal Botanic Gardens: The development of these beautiful gardens, spread over 13.5 hectares in the Queen's Domain, goes back to 1818. The 280 metres Eardley-Wilmot Wall between the gardens and Government House is said to be the longest convict-built wall in Australia still standing. Buildings include a conservatory, a tropical greenhouse, a rosarium and a fuchsia house.
St David's Cathedral: This sandstone church, built in the Gothic Revival style (1868), boasts several treasures. The alter vessels include 5 solid silver pieces presented by King George III in 1803, and there is a collection of stones from many well-known English abbeys and cathedrals.
Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery: A section of this building is itself a museum piece, since it dates from 1808 and is Hobart's oldest structure. The art gallery has a fine collection of colonial art, water colours and prints. The museum collection includes Aboriginal artifacts and convict relics, as well as whaling and shipping displays. It is open daily.
Theatre Royal: A thousand people attended the laying of the foundation stone in 1834, every ship in the harbour showed its colours. Until a devastating fire in mid 1984, this small theatre was renowned worldwide for its beautiful interior and was the oldest theatre in Australia still in use, having opened in 1837. The classical facade remains intact and the auditorium has been restored to its former glory.
Van Diemen's Land Memorial Folk Museum: Established in 1957 at Narryna, one of Hobart's early colonial houses, this folk museum was the first in Australia. Narryna was built in 1834 and retains all its original features. The kitchen, nursery and several other rooms have been furnished to reflect the lifestyle of settlers early last century, with everything from clothing to domestic equipment on display.
Port Arthur: Between 1830 and 1877, approximately 12 500 convicts served sentences at Port Arthur. Visit the restored buildings of the Lunatic Asylum (now a museum) and the Model Prison, or take a trip to the Isle of the Dead in the middle of Carnarvon Bay.
Salamanca Place: Salamanca Place was once a row of sandstone warehouses close to the waterfront, but today it is home to many shops, which stock everything from antiques, arts and crafts and clothing to bric a brac. Each Saturday Salamanca Place comes alive for the open air Salamanca Markets where locals and visitors alike flock to the markets that offer arts and crafts for all tastes. Salamanca Place is within walking distance of the city centre, Battery Point, and the Franklin Wharf area
Constitution Dock: Constitution Dock is surrounded by some of the biggest tourist attractions in Hobart and is home to the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race, the nearby area is noted for its tantalising cafes and restaurants. Also in this area is Sullivan's cove which features specialty shops, restaurants and a whisky distillery. The area is set close to the water and walking along the water front taking in all the historical surroundings, makes for a very pleasant day.
Tasmanian Parliament House: John Lee Archer is Tasmania's best known colonial architect. He designed Hobart's magnificent Parliament House. Formal work, mostly by convicts, began in 1835 and the basement level was finished by March 1836. The Legislative Council first met here in 1841. In April 1856 the building was altered to house the new bicameral Parliament. While originally built as Customs House it has been solely used as Parliament House since 1903. Current alterations to the building are aimed at restoring it to, where practicable, its original style.
Tasmania distillery and museum: Tasmania distillery and museum is proud to continue Tasmania's distilling tradition, close to the site of the original distillery at famous Sullivan's Cove. A tour of the Tasmania Distillery and Gas works Museum is a must. Open 7 days a week for tours and cellar door sales of Sullivan's Cove whisky and many more.
Old Hobart Town Historical Model Village: A self guided tour around this historically accurate model gives you a unique insight into Hobart's history and its importance in Australia's heritage. Be assured of quality as you observe this detailed work of art at Tasmania's triple award winning attraction.
Things To Do Outside Of Hobart:
Bruny Island: The island is a sparsely populated island and is renowned for its varied wildlife. The island is two islands joined together by a isthmus where bird life come to breed and has five state reserves. The island has its own museum, the Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration which is open daily except for Wednesday. The island also has many beautiful areas for fishing, swimming and bush walking on the island's numerous walking trails.
Mount Field National Park: This National Park is well known for its many rainforests, mountain scenery, lakes, beautiful waterfalls and many wildlife. The best known feature in Mount Field National Park is the Russell Falls which is also accessible for wheelchairs. Cross country skiing is available at Mount Mawson when there is snow.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair: Tasmainia's best known National Park has a world heritage listing and is home to beautiful mountain, lakes deep gorges and abundant wildlife. The park also includes Mount Ossa, the highest peak in Tasmania. There are many walks to be found in the park, including one of the most popular bush walks in Australia, The Overland Track which is an 80 kilometre walk between Cradle Valley and Cynthia Bay.
Maria Island National Park: Maria Island National Park is a park with many wildlife, fern gullies, sandy beaches and limestone cliffs. The island which was once a penal colony still has its remains. Your own supplies will need to be brought to the island as there are no shops.
New Norfolk: New Norfolk is set in the breath taking Derwent Valley which has many historical buildings. Visitors are greeted with fields of hops. hawthorn hedges and horse chestnut trees that ideally blend with the historic feel of this magnificent town. For a bit of excitement jet boat rides are available on the Derwent River, or for the more relaxing afternoon, a trip to the salmon ponds would be ideal, where you can feed the fish and dine in the restaurant.
|