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Hobart
Tasmania's capital, Hobart lies in the south east of the state, near the mouth of the Derwent River at the foot of Mount Wellington.
The warmer months are a great time to visit Hobart especially during late summer and autumn. Hobart is an excellent starting point for a tour around beautiful Tasmania.
Hobart CBD - A short stroll from any of the major hotels or transit points you'll find Tasmania's premier commercial centre Hobart CBD. A lively, friendly city with that magical blend of pavement, arcade and centre shopping, providing easy access to national department stores, fashion outlets, Tasmanian souvenirs and crafts and a cosmopolitan cafe society.
Saturated in colonial history, Hobart is one of those cities guaranteed to keep the visitor busy. You can make a frothy start with a tour of the Cascade Brewery, tread the ancient boards of the Theatre Royal, troop through the Anglesea Barracks, say a prayer in the Penitentiary Chapel, admire the blooms of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, try you luck in Australia's first legal casino at Wrest Point or take the weight off your feet with a cruise on the harbour.
Visit the old Richmond Gaol in the historic town of Richmond, 25km from Hobart. Close by are the neat vineyards and wineries of the Coal River Valley, home of superb cool climate wines. Battery Point is the heritage area of Hobart and offers insight into Hobart's maritime history. There's a museum, churches and wonderfully preserved Georgian mansions and cottages, including renowned Arthur Circus.
Constitution Dock is the finishing line for the nation's premier yachting event - the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and is the place to buy seafood. Salamanca Markets are held each and every Saturday in historic Salamanca Place. Pick up a bargain, sip a coffee, browse through the galleries. At night enjoy the attractive river view whilst dining and relaxing. And don't miss a tour at the Cadbury Schweppes Chocolate Factory at Claremont, about 10 minutes north of Hobart.
To the north of Hobart you will find some delightful villages with a rich legacy of colonial buildings and the stunning coastline and craggy peaks of Freycinet National Park. Here too you will find the road which takes you to the Tasman Peninsula the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Port Arthur. To the west lies the agricultural area around New Norfolk and the waterfalls and forests of Mount Field National Park. South of Hobart lies the Huon Valley, renowned for its orchards, the wild beauty of Bruny Island, the thermal pools and caves at Hastings and the World Heritage Area of Southwest National Park.
The Hobart region offers a range of holiday accommodation including self-contained apartment accomodation, luxury hotel accommodation, budget motels and bed and breakfast acommodation.
Getting to Hobart -
Flights to Tasmania operate on a regular basis from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. Hobart Airport is situated in Cambridge, 17km (15 minute drive) from Hobart CBD.
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry service operates between Melbourne and Tasmania arriving in the North-West city of Devonport. For more information and bookings go to www.spiritoftasmania.com.au.
Approximate driving times between major destinations -
Hobart to Launceston - 2.5 hours
Hobart to Port Arthur - 1.5 hours
Hobart to Strahan - 5 hours
Hobart to Coles Bay - 3 hours
Hobart to Cradle Mountain via Launceston - 4.5 hours
Launceston to Cradle Mountain - 2 hours
Cradle Mountain to Strahan - 2 hours
Hobart is an ideal base for your southern Tasmanian journey - explore farther afield, then return to relax, unwind and rejuvenate.
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