Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia and even though there is much to see and do, the city has managed to maintain the charm and slow pace of smaller towns in the area. For those who enjoy fishing, yachting, hiking and other outdoor activities, Hobart offers a variety of fun and exciting adventures.

But you don't have to be an outdoor enthusiast to truly enjoy a vacation to this region of Tasmania. Other activities to participate in include shopping, fine dining, sightseeing and taking relaxing walks through the streets or the botanical gardens.

Hobart Attractions

Depending on your interests, you will find plenty of sights and activities to keep you busy throughout your vacation. Sights worth seeing include the following:

• Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts – artwork and other items from the 18th and 19th centuries can be found here. Find furniture, books and other rare items.
• The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – Learn more about plants and flowers that are local to the region. Also on the property is a Japanese garden, museum and artistic water features.
• Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery – includes a variety exhibits that feature specific works of art, scientific discoveries and much more.
• Salamance Market – this open market is the perfect place to meet the locals and to find unique handmade goods. Open every Saturday from 8:30am-3pm, this experience is not to be missed.

Things to Do

To find something fun to do during your vacation, all you have to do is take a walk or sign up for a tour of the city and outlying areas. Popular activities to participate in during your stay include:

• Located just 20 minutes from Hobart is Mount Wellington. Known for its majestic beauty, many tourists visit the mountain for a day of hiking, rock climbing and picnicking. From the observation deck located at the top of the mountain, you will be able to see Hobart and outlying areas.
• Tours of the Cadbury Schweppes Chocolate Factory and Gasworks Shopping Village (includes whiskey distillery) are not only fun, but educational as well. Tours are available during the weekdays and on weekends.
• Sandy Bay is home of the Wrest Point Casino. For those who want a little more excitement during their vacation, this casino has many games, shows, food and other entertainment nightly.

Beaches in Hobart

Though not as renouned for beaches as some of Australia's mainland states, there are many breathtaking beaches to visit during your vacation to Hobart. Popular beaches include Seven Mile Beach, Short Beach, Cornelian Bay Beach, Nutgrove Beach and Lords Beach. In addition to miles and miles of sand, these beaches also feature restaurants, cafes, picnic areas and playgrounds. The beaches of Hobart are the perfect place to go snorkeling, swimming or sunbathing. Because the beaches stretch on for miles, you will always have enough room to relax or participate in outdoor activities without feeling crowded.

Hobart is a charming town that's friendly and fun for tourists - full of history and natural beauty. It is recommended that both Australian and international visitors book Australian travel insurance before traveling to Tasmania.