Making the most of Hobart Tasmania
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The Hobart Cruise Terminal is located within 15 minutes walk of Hobart's city center. All ships berth at the newly renovated Macquarie Wharf No2. The fully operational Cruise Terminal features high quality services and amenities including seating, visitor information services and retail outlets including high quality local crafts and gifts, duty free precious stones and currency exchange.
Printable map to take along.
The city of Hobart is unique offering all the amenities of a thriving city only minutes from a wide variety of natural beauties. Situated on the west bank of the Derwent River the city in many ways retains the flavor of a small town with a leisurely pace and a population of 160 000. One of the most beautiful capitals in the world, Hobart is set under the towering peak of Mount Wellington and has a deep water port rivaling Sydney harbor.
Founded in1804 by Colonel David Collins, Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia. It grew out of the first settlement on the island at Risdon Cove, eight kilometers up river, which was founded in 1803 and abandoned five months later for the present site of Hobart. Ridson Cove remains today much as it was 190 years ago and is an unique tourist attraction.
There are many fine examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture, including, Salamanca Place which has a terrace of warehouses dating back to the whaling days of the 1830's. Nearby Battery Point, the original sea mens quarters of the city and Maquarie and Davey Street offer more than 60 buildings classified by the National Trust.
Getting around
Hobart is very walkable. The tourist information has a free booklet of walks in Hobart and up Mt Wellington. travelers with physical disabilities should check out the useful Hobart CBD Mobility Map from the visitor information center. At the center you can book any number of tours including trips around Hobart, up to mount Wellington and other locations.
Red Decker: Your choice of 20 stops featuring Hobart's Best Sights and attractions. Hop on Hop off or stay on and do the 90 minute City Loop Tour or do both. Informative Commentary.
Nearby places
Port Arthur. This former penal colony is Tasmania's top attraction. Located 60 miles southeast of Hobart.
Wellington Park: Metro buses run a service to Fern Tree, leaving from Franklin Square in the center of Hobart. A number of tour companies operate tours up the Mountain.
Food and shopping
The compact and navigable city center has a grid of one-way streets encircling the Elizabeth St Mall. The visitor information center, banks and the main post office are on Elizabeth St, while the main shopping area is west from the Mall.
Salamanca Place: A historic waterfront area with Georgian sandstone warehouses, now home to galleries, cafes, and boutiques. The Salamanca Market, held on Saturdays, is a must-visit for local crafts and food.
Money
Australian Dollar
Staying connected
The Service Tasmania & Parks and Wildlife office on Macquarie St. has free internet. There are numerous internet 'cafes' in the city center. Many coffee shops offer free wireless internet with a purchase.
Opening Hours and
Shops and services are generally open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Sundays until 4PM.
In remote country areas, roadhouses provide all the essential services for the traveler and, on the major highways, are generally open 24 hours a day. In tourist areas, even ones well off the beaten track, tourist offices are often open every day or at least through the week plus weekend mornings; urban information centers are more likely to conform to normal shopping hours.
Tourist attractions such as museums, galleries and attended historic monuments, are often open daily, though those in rural communities may have erratic opening hours.