Study abroad in Hobart

Introducing Hobart

Hobart is Australia's second-oldest city and its southernmost capital. Straddling the mouth of the Derwent River and backed by towering Mt Wellington, Hobart has embellished its rich colonial heritage and splendid natural beauty with the youthful, lively atmosphere of numerous festivals and inner-city bars and restaurants. Its attractive Georgian buildings, busy harbour, relaxed people and serene surrounding districts make it one of Australia's most stress-free and enjoyable capitals.

The city centre is fairly small and easy to navigate, with its streets arranged in a grid pattern around the Elizabeth St Mall; the visitor information centre, banks and the main post office are on Elizabeth St, and the main shopping area extends west from the mall. Salamanca Pl, a row of Georgian warehouses, is along the southern waterfront, and just south of this is Battery Point, Hobart's well-preserved early colonial district. If you follow the river south from Battery Point you'll come to Sandy Bay, the site of Hobart's university and the Wrest Point Hotel & Casino.

Hobart's Weather

Hobart has four distinct seasons, although storms can bring wintry conditions at any time of year. In summer the days are generally warm rather than hot, while the nights are mild. Conditions are usually good up until March, when temperatures drop. The rest of autumn is generally characterised by cool, sunny days and occasional frosty nights. Winter is wet, cold and stormy and overcast days are common. Spring is windy and storms still sweep the island, but in between the sun shines and gradually warmth returns.

Cultural Overview

Hobart has a thriving arts and crafts scene. To give you an idea of the city's dedication to the arts, there's the non-profit Salamanca Arts Centre, housed in seven sandstone warehouses east of Salamanca Sq and home to more than 75 arts-related organisations and individuals, including retail outlets, galleries, artists' studios, performing arts venues and public spaces. There are great galleries to explore elsewhere in the city, such as the world-class Moorilla Museum of Antiquities at Moorilla Estate, a vineyard and restaurant 12km north of town. Live theatre can be enjoyed at a number of venues around town, such as historic Theatre Royal, which stages a range of music, ballet, theatre and opera. There are also plenty of places around town where you can see live music (often for free), like the popular Republic Bar & Café, hosting live music every night of the week.
Salamanca Arts Centre:  Salamanca Pl.  Phone:  03 6234 8414  Website:  www.salarts.org.au
Moorilla Museum of Antiquities:  655 Main Rd, Berriedale.  Phone:  03 6277 9999  Website:  www.moorilla.com.au
Theatre Royal:  29 Campbell St, City Centre.  Phone:  03 6233 2299  website:  www.theatreroyal.com.au
Republic Bar & Café:  299 Elizabeth St, North Hobart.  Phone:  03 6234 6954  Website:  www.pubbanc.com.au

Don’t Miss...

Most of Hobart's main sights are in or near the city centre and waterfront area, largely within walking distance of each other. There are also a few must-see historic houses, wineries and a brewery on the outskirts of town, plus the mountain that looms over it all, Mt Wellington. One of the things that makes Hobart exceptional among Australian cities is its abundance of remarkably well-preserved old buildings. There are more than 90 buildings classified by the National Trust and 60 of these, featuring some of Hobart's best Georgian architecture, are on Macquarie and Davey Sts. More information can be obtained from the local office of the National Trust. Following are some city highlights not to be missed:
National Trust:  cnr Brisbane & Campbell Sts.  Phone:  03 6223 5200

Stroll around the city's oldest and prettiest neighbourhood, Battery Point, where you'll find lovingly restored pubs, churches, conjoined houses and narrow winding streets. Don't miss Arthur Circus, a circle of quaint little cottages built around a village green.

Browse through the hundreds of stalls at the fabulous open-air Salamanca Market (8.30am to 3pm Saturday) and be energised by the buzzing atmosphere and free entertainment by buskers and street performers.
Salamanca Market:  Salamanca Pl, City Centre

Take in the views from Mt Wellington before starting your half-day 'pedal 'n' paddle' trip with Island Cycle Tours, that's right, this involves cycling down the mountain, followed by kayaking around the waterfront, a lovely way to sightsee, especially at twilight.
Island Cycle Tours:  Phone:  1300 880 334  Website:  www.islandcycletours.com

Join a tour of Australia's oldest brewery, Cascade, in a lovely building and location on the southwestern edge of the city centre, enjoying free samples of one of Australia's finest beers.
Cascade:  140 Cascade Rd.  Phone:  03 6224 1117

Take a day-trip to Tasmania's premier historic town, Richmond, with its 50+ buildings from the 19th century, much-photographed Richmond Bridge and wineries in all directions.
Richmond:  27km northeast of Hobart.  Website:  www.richmondvillage.com

Eat & Be Merry At...

Hobart's central business district has some excellent spots for brunch and lunch, but evening options are generally better closer to the water or historic precincts. The waterfront streets, docks and piers are the collective epicentre of the city's restaurant scene, and quality seafood is on offer everywhere you look. Salamanca Pl is an excellent choice for cafes and restaurants, especially brunch-time during the Saturday market; it's also home to some fine pubs and bars. For the most diverse selection of eateries, head to Elizabeth St in North Hobart, a cosmopolitan strip of pubs, cafes and restaurants. Following are some favourites you might like to try:

Pop into the neighbourhood bakery-café Jackman & McRoss for an early morning croissant and coffee, quiche or soup for lunch and/or a delicious pastry for afternoon tea.
Jackman & McRoss:  57-59 Hampden Rd, Battery Point.  Phone:  03 6223 3186

Book a table at Annapurna, the restaurant it seems like half of Hobart lists as their favourite eatery; be sure to try the crowd favourite masala dosa (south Indian style of crepe filled with curried potato).
Annapurna:  305 Elizabeth St, North Hobart.  Phone:  03 6236 9500

Take a cruise up the Derwent River for lunch at the fabulous waterfront Moorilla Estate, you can sample and purchase some top-quality wines while you're there.
Moorilla Estate:  655 Main Rd, Berriedale.  Phone:  03 6277 9900  Website:  www.moorilla.com.au

Head to the Hobart institution of Knopwood's Retreat for a Cascade; it's a bit hard to find on a Friday night, though, when it's usually hidden behind a solid mass of drinkers enjoying themselves outside.
Knopwood's Retreat:  39 Salamanca Pl.  Phone:  03 6223 5808

See the best live music in Hobart every Friday year-round from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Salamanca Arts Centre courtyard. You'll hear anything from African beats to rockabilly to folk or gypsy-latino.
Salamanca Arts Centre courtyard:  Salamanca Pl.  Phone:  03 6234 8414  Website:  www.salarts.org.au

Hobart Events

Hobart makes the most of its gorgeous waterfront and river location and interesting heritage, with various festivals held throughout the year. Here's a sample of what you can expect:

Hobart Summer Festival – Hobart's premier festival is centred around the Hobart waterfront and lasts two weeks over December and January. It incorporates numerous festivities, including major New Year's Eve celebrations.
Hobart Summer Festival:  Website:  www.hobartsummerfestival.com.au

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race – The arrival (29 December to 2 January) in Hobart of the yachts competing in this annual race is celebrated with lots of noise and colour. Winning yachts arrive in time for New Year's Eve.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race:  Website:  rolexsydneyhobart.com

Australian Wooden Boat Festival – This biennial event (odd-numbered years) coincides with the Royal Hobart Regatta, a major aquatic carnival held over three days in February. The boat festival showcases Tasmania's boat-building heritage and maritime traditions.
Australian Wooden Boat Festival:  Website:  www.australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au

Ten Days on the Island – This is Tassie's premier cultural festival, a state-wide celebration of local and international 'island culture'. It's also held during odd-numbered years and usually runs from late March to early April.
Ten Days on the Island:  Website:  www.tendaysontheisland.com

Antarctic Midwinter Festival – Celebrate the winter solstice at this new, 10-day Hobart festival, designed to highlight, inform, educate and celebrate Tasmania's connection with the Antarctic.
Antarctic Midwinter Festival:  Website:  wwwtasmania.com/events/australian-antarctic-festival/

Source: studyinaustralia.gov.au