Robert Saxton

Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, with the largest population of any city in the state. It is the second oldest capital city after Sydney and was founded in 1803 as a penal settlement . It is situated on the south-east coast of Tasmania, in the inlet of the River Derwent into the Southern Ocean. Most of the city lies in the foothills of Mt Wellington, with its CBD down by the bay.

Overview

Hobart is located in the South-East of Tasmania, at the mouth of the Derwent river flowing into Storm Bay.

Much of the city is overshadowed by Mt Wellington.

The Derwent River flows through Hobart, creating separate parts of the city on either side.

Being situated in a river valley, the suburban area of Hobart spreads up the river in the surrounding foothills.

Geographical location & features

Hobart

NE quadrant:RichmondSorellMidway Point

SE quadrantHobart suburbsPort Arthur

SW quadrantHuonvilleKingston

NW quadrantNew NorfolkBridgewater

Locations of nearby towns and cities

Salamanca PlaceMuseum of Old and New Art (MONA)The Tasmanian Museum and Art GalleryParliament HouseSalamanca Arts CentreNorth Hobart shops and cafésCascade BreweryMaritime MuseumOld Hobart Town Model VillageColville St Art Gallery, Battery Point

Man made attractions

LauncestonRegional airportBus services

HobartDomestic airportBus services

DevonportRegional airportBus services

OtherCruise ships operating to and from Hobart

Major transport gateways and options

Aboriginal people had inhabited Tasmania for at least 40,000 years before in 1642, a Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman sighted land and named it Van Diemen's Land, after the governor of Batavia.

Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia, founded as a penal colony in 1803. It was then known as ‘Hobart Town’ or ‘Hobarton’.

Free settlers and former convicts transformed Hobart into a large trade outlet for Tasmania’s wool, wheat and other produce.

Hobart has since grown slowly because of its isolation, loss of whaling and ship-building industries and in the 20th century, its loss of working age men to the world wars.

In recent times people have moved to Hobart to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere and low cost of living, along with many who have migrated from Europe and Asia.

History

TourismProcessed metalsShipping – freight and passengerBeer breweriesChocolateWine

Economy

Hang out in Hobart’s parks and cafesThe Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht RaceShopping in North HobartBrowsing the shops and market in

Salamanca placeEnjoying Hobart’s many pubs and clubsLive music at various hotels and cafes, and

the Salamanca Arts CentreTheatre at the Salamanca Arts Centre

Local customs

Hobart Function and Conference CentreNorth Hobart OvalMeadowbank Estate – function spacesHotel Grand Chancellor – conference

spacesWrest Point CasinoDomain Athletic CentreDomain Tennis CentreHobart Aquatic Centre

Local facilities

Average maximum temperature (˚C): 16.9

Average minimum temperature (˚C): 8.3

Highest maximum temperature (˚C): 40.8

Lowest minimum temperature (˚C): -2.8

Average rainfall (mm) : 614.7

Climate

Ensure adequate UV protection – in the cool climate it is easy to be deceived into believing there is a lower risk of UV damage. UV is still present in harmful amounts even on cloudy days.

Swim on patrolled beaches between lifesavers’ flags to avoid rips and underwater hazards.

Beware of snakes when bushwalking , especially in hotter months.

Wear adequate insect repellent to avoid insect-borne diseases, especially around watercourses.

Health & safety advice

http://www.discovertasmania.com/destinations/hobart_and_surrounds/hobart

http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Homehttp://

www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/tasmania/hobart

http://www.bcl.com.au/hobart/http://

www.tasmania.visitorsbureau.com.au/region1.html

http://www.hobarteguide.com/

Web Links