Hobart

The city of Hobart is the capital city of the state of Tasmania. Hobart is the second oldest capital city in Australia after Sydney. It is situated on the south-east region of Tasmania.

Hobart is known for its various historic places. There is the Alexandra Battery. It was built in 1885 and is located near the Derwent River. One of the oldest military places is Anglesea Barracks. This place is still used for military purposes. One of the first areas of Hobart to be settled by non-indigenous people is Battery Point. It has some colonial housing. Today the place is now occupied by accommodation and restaurants. The Female Factory was a place where female convicts were transported to from 1828. Hundreds of convicts were living there at any one point during the early colonial years.

In the centre of Hobart is the General Post Office. In 1912 Roald Amundsen sent the message to the world from this place to confirm he did reach the South Pole. Also in the centre of Hobart is Franklin Square. Standing there is the statue of Sir John Franklin. Franklin was the Governor of Tasmania (then called Van Diemen’s Land) from 1837 to 1843. At the Square there is also a view of the harbour. In the northern part of Hobart is the Old Hobart Gaol (Jail). Constructed in 1831 it was eventually turned into a courthouse. The courts ceased to be used in 1983. Old Hobart Gaol contains underground pathways; an execution place, and cells for solitary imprisonment.

Parliament House was finished being built by convicts in 1840. However it was first used as a customs house. It became the place of Tasmania’s Parliament in 1856 when Tasmania was granted self-governance. There is also a museum at Parliament House. Shot Tower offers a good view of the city. It was built in 1870. The tower was initially used for manufacturing lead shots that were spherical in shape. Salamanca Place is now a place full of cafés, restaurants and galleries. It initially was full of warehouses.

There are several museums tourists can visit. The Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts has a collection of rare antiques, books and paintings. The Australian Antarctic Division explains the scientific research and support that is part of the Australia Antarctic program. The Maritime Museum of Tasmanian contains maritime memorabilia that illustrate Tasmania’s maritime history. Mercury Print Museum has a Georgian building that dates from the early part of the nineteenth century. The museum is alongside The Mercury newspaper’s printing operation.

Housed in one of Hobart’s earliest colonial houses is the Narryna Heritage Museum. It possesses a collection of china, paintings and furniture. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery dates back to 1836 and contains a collection of fauna, Australian art and gemstones. Tasmanian Distillery and Museum is where Sullivans Cove Whiskey is produced. Tours are often conducted at this distillery and museum and tourists can enjoy other areas that have restaurants and a hotel. In the former New Town Station is the Tasmanian Transport Museum. Tasmania’s railway history is displayed to the public. Visitors can also see steam and diesel powered vehicles; trams, and buses.

Other places to visit are Mt Nelson. Signal Station was built there in 1811. In the old Station building visitors can learn the codes used for signalling. This place also has a great scenic view. Tourists can also take a bus ride up the mountain and then take a stroll downhill. From the top of Mt Wellington there is a great sight of Hobart. When at the top of the mountain visitors will experience cool temperatures. The best views of Hobart occur when the whether is fine. There are several companies in Hobart that organise tours. Tours involve activities like fishing, biking, kayaking, flying and wining & dining. The tours that are available will depend on the time of year as they are often seasonal.