Touring Tasmania: Hobart

So it was the end of the road for us on our Tassie adventure, as we arrived into the capital city of Tasmania, Hobart. However prior to arriving in Hobart we travelled through some spectacular countryside from Derwent Bridge via Tarraleah, Hamilton and New Norfolk following the Derwent River for most of the way.

Derwent Bridge & Lake St Clair

The halfway point on the drive between Hobart and Strahan, Derwent Bridge is named after it’s crossing at the source of the mighty Derwent River. We spent a night here by the cosy open fire at the Derwent Bridge Hotel after a very chilly day.

Although only a very small town, Derwent Bridge sits right near the world famous Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park at the southern end of the Overland Track. The overland Track hike is a 65 kilometre, six-day trek through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

It’s just 5 kilometres from Lake St Clair and some of Tasmania’s most stunning wilderness. Lake St Clair is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake and can be explored on a scenic cruise with spectacular views of the mountain peaks surrounding the lake.

Whilst here you must check out the Wall in The Wilderness, a stunning wood carving depicting the area’s history that is still work in progress.

Tarraleah

Just past the township of Tarraleah, once home to workers on one of Australia’s first hydro-electric schemes, we came to the Nive River and the beginning of extensive power stations in the highlands.

Tarraleah has been restored as an idyllic village with original cottages that were hand-built in the 1930s and is a very quiet little spot offering plenty of outdoor activities, including fly fishing and high-altitude golf, on a course tended by the local wallabies.

Hamilton

Located 74 kilometres northwest of Hobart on the Lyell Highway, Hamilton is a typical Tasmanian historic town that dates back to the early nineteenth century.

Hamilton was once a bustling frontier town that contained many inns and several working breweries. It was once destined to be the capital of Tasmania despite its vast distance from any port.

It contains a few small shops and buildings, such as the court house, the old schoolhouse, St Peter’s Church and the Hamilton Inn, many of them dating back to convict times.

Hobart

Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart sits under the watchful eye of Mt Wellington and hugs the wide expanse of the Derwent Estuary. The wonderful thing about Hobart is that is has retained much of its original charm and heritage that is evidenced in its many historical Georgian-style sandstone buildings spread around the city.

Things To Do in Hobart

Our two days in Hobart consisted of:

• It was an eye-opening and interesting visit to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) at Berriedale north of the city. Some of the exhibits here are aimed to shock and dismay visitors, for example there is a ‘poo machine’ that emulates the human digestive system that actually has a bowel movement at precisely 2pm every day!

  

• A visit to Hobart’s and Australia’s oldest operating brewery, Cascade Brewery where you can take a guided tour of the brewery, sample some of the beer or just amble through the grounds and gardens of the brewhouse and reception centre.

  

• A glimpse into Tasmania’s convict past at the Cascade Female Factory, that tells the sad tale of many poor female souls who were interred here during the 1800’s.

  

• A leisurely stroll around the Royal Botanical Gardens, the second oldest gardens in Australia that boasts an impressive range of native and exotic plants.

  

• A wander around Hobart’s waterfront, Sullivans Cove that extends from Salamanca Place to Hunter Street, where there are still old warehouse buildings lining the harbours.

  

• A look around Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum where you will learn about Australia’s Antarctic history and exploration.

  

• A browse through the Salamanca Markets with the amazing backdrop of 1830’s sandstone warehouses.

  

• Enjoyed a meal of fish and chips at Battery Point on the waterfront and took in the stunning harbour views.

  

• Took a guided tour aboard the Aurora Australis, Australia’s only ice-breaker ship. An interesting ship that is in involved in ongoing scientific research in the Antarctic and Macquarie Island.

  

• Enjoyed a coffee at this great Hobart coffee shop, that is amongst the vast number of the cafe culture that exists in this city.

Looking for a three day itinerary in Hobart? Click here

The convict history, the Derwent River waterfront, the Salamanca Markets, Australia’s oldest brewery, the glorious Botanical Gardens and the abundance of restaurants and cafes all added to the charm of Hobart. I simply loved the place and found it so easy to get around the city on foot. Hobart is one place that I could easily lose myself for days!

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