Top Things to do in Hobart
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9 Historic Sites in Hobart That You Shouldn't Miss
Perched on Tasmania’s southeastern coast, the lively city of Hobart is a unique mash-up of the 19th and 21st centuries. The waterfront cafes, restaurants and studios of the largest city in Tasmania are housed in centuries-old converted warehouses that overlook a harbor bustling with yachts and fishing boats. An active arts scene, vibrant nightlife and leisurely daytime pace add to the city’s charm.
Restaurants in Hobart
1. Runnymede
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
This beautifully preserved 19th-century whaling captain's elegant homestead is just 8 minutes' drive from the Hobart CBD (en route to MONA). Now dedicated to marine conservation, the house has a rich collection of artefacts related to the maritime interests of Captain Charles Bayley and his family, who made it their home for over 100 years. There are also historic artworks and possessions of the previous owner Bishop Francis Nixon, Tasmania's first Anglican bishop. The house was built around 1840 for Robert Pitcairn, one of the first lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court in Van Diemen's Land colony and a leading campaigner against the transportation of convicts from Britain. Closed July and August for House cleaning and Maintenance.
Reviewed By JT-PC-2014 - Sydney, Australia
Runnymede is a fascinating old "marine villa" in the greater Hobart area with an intriguing past, involving the three families who lived there. We had an excellent guided tour run by Robert (Bob) in early November 2019. Originally on 5 acres sloping down to New Town Bay, it is set within a well-maintained, old garden that includes some magnificent trees. A visit to Runnymede helps you understand a slice of Tasmanian history, via the lawyer who had the villa built in the 1840s, the controversial Bishop of Tasmania and his family, and a mariner family with whaling links. The interweaving of the story of the house and its three families certainly brings the house to life and causes you to reflect on the other old houses you see around Hobart, which has retained many more than other capital cities in Australia. (We also visited Narryna in Hobart.) Just check the opening days and times on their respective websites, since these delightful old houses are closed in the colder months of the year.
2. Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,905 reviews
Australia's most significant site associated with female convicts sits in the shadow of Mount Wellington, a short distance from the Hobart CBD. Women were incarcerated here as punishment or while waiting to be assigned. With guards, nurses and babies, up to 1000 people lived here at any one time. Discover the stories of female convicts and their children on a guided tour that operate regularly throughout the day. You can purchase a basic self-guided site entry or choose to join a Heritage Tour or our dramatised performance tours 'The Proud and the Punished.'
Reviewed By 927suerev
We visited this place having been to Port Arthur and found the whole thing thought provoking and interesting, thanks to Shelley for her amazing knowledge and enthusiasm about this place which deserves to be preserved and it’s memories recorded.
3. Hobart Convict Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,235 reviews
Hear incredible tales of crime and punishment as you are led through the courts and tunnels to the chapel, cells and gallows of this internationally-significant convict site, owned and operated by the National Trust. Join us for Pandemonium - The Convict Experience 7 days a week, and for our Ghost Tours Thursday - Saturday. Please note that access to the site is by guided entry only. Please check our booking website for up to date information.
Reviewed By 689robynm
Fantastic, informative, intriguing ghost tour of Hobart’s convict penitentiary. Mark, our guide, and his assistant Stacy, took us on a two hour tour of this fascinating piece of Tasmania’s history. Highly recommended
4. Constitution Dock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
Reviewed By 801neilp - St Kilda, Australia
It doesn't matter what time of day, sunny or inclement weather - Constitution Dock is part of the fabric of the city and draws locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by some wonderful bars, restaurants and the legendary fish & chip floating serveries and fabulous history, it is a must visit to soak in the ambience of the waterfront and dock area. It may be 2019, but very easy to step back 100 years and see it all before your eyes.
5. Government House
6. May Queen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
7. Kelly's Steps
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By donbR1455LB - Dieppe, Canada
Walking from Battery Point to Salamanca Place, the easiest and coolest way is Kelly’s Steps. Built in 1839 they offer a shortcut plus a beautiful view of the waterfront.
8. Powder Magazine
9. Eagleneck Point Semaphore
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
