Hobart is primarily a maritime city, and its modern port is host to some 30 cruise ships a year, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the home port of Australia’s Antartic Division, the ice breaker Aurora Australis and other national research ships. As the long-standing base for Antarctic exploration and research, it was visited by expeditions led by Shackleton, Scott, Ammundsen and Mawson.

Hobart has a vibrant arts community with many festivals – "Ten Days on the Island" is internationally renowned with events that encompass communities around Tasmania. The wharf and Salamanca Place host the annual week long Taste of Tasmania at the end of December.

Hobart, the city that nestles between moutain and sea, is known for its history, scenery and unique lifestyle.  Australia's second oldest city, settled by Europeans in 1803, it has a rich architechtural heritage.  Georgian sandstone buildings line city streets, Salamanca Place and Battery Point, while lovingly restored Victorian and Federation homes overlook the harbour from suburbs within walking distance to the CBD.

The population of the Greater Hobart area is only 190,000, yet its cosmopolitan outlook and its enviable lifestyle sets it apart as a capital city.  Hobart's temperature climate boasts more sunny days than other Australian capitals and all but Adelaide have a higher annual rainfall!

Hobart is a close knit and caring community, where people of diverse backgrounds live in harmonious and accepting relationship.  With residents who are renowned for their helpful and friendly approach to visitors, newcomers soon establish friendships and find activities to keep them busy.

The relaxed atmosphere and ease of travel, belie an active, vibrant commercial and recreational city.  Every week you will find some new festival, sporting event or cultural activity to enhance your leisure time.

While enjoying the advantages of city living, you are never far away from sandy beaches, historic villages and access to Tasmania's much prized pristine wilderness.

You will love the cafes and restaurants of Salamanca place and North Hobart, where you can meet with friends and family, to savour cuisine from all around the world.  Wonderful Tasmanian produce, fresh seafood and stunning local wines are available everywhere and can be enjoyed outdoors in summer, or beside crackling log fires in winter.

Hobart has more boats per head of population than any other Australian capital.  So get into the Hobart swing of things and walk along the river or along Hobart waterfront to see the display of boats.

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attractions include:

• Take an escorted Historic Hobart Walk, or a self-guided walking tour around the heritage sandstone buildings including the Commissariat Store, Parliament House and the Court House.
• Visit Battery Point, once a mariners’ village. Features are the quaint cottages, the village green of Arthur Circus, the elegant hotel Lenna, originally built in 1870 as a family home, and the superb restaurants of Hampden Road.
• Have a hands-on experience at Antarctic Adventure, an interpretive centre celebrating Australia’s relationship with Antarctica, located at Salamanca Place.
• Explore Tasmania’s maritime heritage, shipwrecks and whaling history at the Maritime Museum.
• Check out the new Botanical Discovery Centre and the Macquarie Island Sub-Antarctic House at the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens.
• Browse through Salamanca Place built 1835-60. Originally dockside stores during the whaling years, this is now a vibrant centre for all kinds of craft and entertainment. A feature is the colourful markets held every Saturday between 9am and 3pm.
• The Theatre Royal, Australia’s oldest theatre, opened in 1837.
• Stroll along Constitution Dock, the finishing point for the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and a showcase for Australia’s maritime history.
• Don’t miss the exhibitions at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.