With over 56,000 residents in the City of Hobart proper and a greater metropolitan population exceeding 250,000, this picturesque capital maintains a welcoming small-city atmosphere despite its significance. Located on the island of Tasmania across Bass Strait from mainland Australia, Hobart sits approximately 1,250 km southwest of Melbourne and 1,680 km south of Sydney by air. Locally, it's positioned about 20 km north of Kingston and 50 km south of the majestic Mount Wellington (Kunanyi).
A Rich Tasmanian Heritage
Founded in 1804 as a British penal colony at Sullivan's Cove, Hobart holds the distinction of being Australia's second-oldest city after Sydney. Originally called Hobart Town after Lord Robert Hobart, the British Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, the settlement's early economy revolved around whaling before transitioning to mining and agriculture after the end of convict transportation. The city boasts the highest proportion of native-born Australians of any capital, a legacy of its substantial Anglo-Celtic settler population. A defining moment in more recent history was the 1975 Tasman Bridge collapse, an event that significantly impacted the city's infrastructure and daily life.
Discovering the Treasures of Hobart
Hobart offers visitors an array of distinctive attractions that showcase its unique character. The world-renowned Salamanca Market, Victoria's largest outdoor arts and crafts market, draws crowds every Saturday with its vibrant atmosphere and local treasures. History enthusiasts will delight in Battery Point, a historic harbourside suburb featuring beautifully preserved colonial-era cottages. For breathtaking panoramic views, a trip to Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) is essential. Art lovers shouldn't miss MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in nearby Berriedale, a provocative contemporary art museum that has put Hobart on the global cultural map. The Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery (TMAG) offers fascinating insights into the island's history and artistic heritage, while Cascade Brewery, Australia's oldest operating brewery established in 1832, provides a taste of local tradition.
Living in Tasmania's Capital
Life in Hobart unfolds at a relaxed pace, characterized by its stunning waterfront setting, thriving food culture, and dynamic arts scene. Despite being a state capital, Hobart maintains the friendly atmosphere of a small city or large town, making it Australia's second-smallest capital by population. The city has earned a reputation for exceptional local produce, particularly seafood, artisanal cheeses, and craft beer, alongside a strong appreciation for its heritage buildings and sites. Cultural events like MONA FOMA music festival inject vibrant energy into the community calendar. With the harbor and Mount Wellington providing abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, and a consistently high ranking for quality of life among small capitals, Hobart offers residents a balanced lifestyle that combines urban amenities with natural beauty.