Hobart, Australia

Amazingly diverse and stunningly beautiful, Hobart sits at the foot of Mount Wellington and on the banks of the Derwent River. A city of contrasts, and Australia's smallest and most southerly city, Hobart offers sophisticated nightlife and World Heritage wilderness within a geographically compact area. Settled by the British in 1803, Hobart's convict heritage remains evident in the architecture, with many unspoiled Georgian and Victorian buildings. An increased demand for inner-city living has seen recent growth of townhouse and apartment-style developments.

Central Hobart & The Queen's Domain Here, the ambience of yesteryear blends with today's conveniences. Stroll around the business district and enjoy the charms of the Cat and Fiddle Arcade's animated clock, or visit the oldest theatre (Theatre Royal) in Australia. To the north lie the Botanical Gardens and Government House. In close proximity is the sporting centre of Hobart, the Queen's Domain, home of the aquatic, tennis and athletics centres.

The Waterfront & Salamanca Dominant in early days, the waterfront has recently enjoyed a resurgence of popularity. Many sandstone buildings, such as Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and Parliament House, reflect the area's historical roots. This is a popular dining and nightlife area with sidewalk cafes and restaurants intermingled with galleries, craft and gift shops. The fun Socrates for Curious Minds is located here as well as many cafes. On Saturday, Salamanca Place transforms into the legendary Market. Constitution Dock is the finishing point for sailors in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Gasworks Village features Australia's best commercial whiskey distillery.

Battery Point A short walk from Salamanca is the historic suburb of Battery Point, originally home to the whalers and mariners of Hobart Town. Original charm remains as tiny cottages and grand mansions interweave into one enchanting suburb. Many of the houses in this slice of history are National Trust listed and are fine examples of sandstone building. Whilst largely residential, the area also offers a myriad of antique shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs, and some exquisitely restored accommodation.

Mount Wellington Bushwalkers and photographers are rewarded by the views from the summit of Hobart's famous backdrop. A great way to explore the mountain is by foot on one of its many tracks. Snow is commonplace in winter, and possible in summer. To warm up, call in for a drink at Australia's oldest brewery, Cascade, where the beer is made using water from the mountain. Nearby are the magnificent Woodstock Gardens blooming with color and fragrance.

Southern Suburbs The Kingborough area includes towns such as Kingston, Margate, and Snug. At Woodbridge discover all the undersea world has to offer at the Marine Discovery Centre. A ferry from Kettering across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel will take you to beautiful Bruny Island, where you will encounter rainforest and wetland areas, sandy beaches and native wildlife. This is a favorite holiday destination for Tasmanians keen to take advantage of pursuits such as fishing, diving, swimming and even camel riding.

Huon Valley Waterways, wilderness, arts and crafts feature prominently in the Huon. The majority of Tasmania's fruit is produced here and roadside stalls offer bargains. Access to the Hartz Mountains National Park with its Alpine heathlands, dolerite ranges and glacier-carved lakes is through this valley. The Park has the distinction of being the closest World Heritage Area to any capital city in Australia. Hastings Caves, with their magnificent limestone formations, are also located nearby.

Northern Suburbs Once a working class area, North Hobart has been transformed into a gastronomic delight with its restaurant strip offering a diverse selection of cuisines. Further north, Glenorchy is home to venues such as the Entertainment Centre and the Showgrounds. Elwick Racecourse hosts The Hobart Cup, Tasmania's premier horse race. Chocoholics beware—the Cadbury Chocolate Factory is near, as is the miniature Swiss Village of Alpenrail.

Eastern Shore Journey across the Tasman Bridge to the Eastern Shore and Bellerive Oval, home of international cricket matches. Bellerive is another riverside suburb, and meandering around Bellerive Village is a boardwalk that provides an idyllic scene for a Summer Jazz Festival. This side of the Derwent features some of Hobart's best beaches including Seven Mile, <Clifton and Carlton. It is also the gateway to the beautiful Tasman Peninsula, and the Port Arthur Historic Site. East Coast & Richmond Spectacular coastlines and pristine beaches are commonplace on this coast where pursuits such as swimming, fishing, surfing, diving, sailing, walking and horse-riding are popular. Tasmania's cool climate is ideal for wine-making and both the East Coast and Richmond are premier locations for vineyards which welcome cellar door sales and tastings. Richmond is a truly historic village with Australia's oldest bridge, oldest Catholic Church and oldest postal building. It has retained the charm of a bygone era with slate and sandstone buildings, and there are many craft shops and galleries.

Derwent Valley North lie the golden hopfields. Vineyards, trout fishing and nature reserves are all on offer. You can even feed the fish at the oldest southern hemisphere hatchery at Salmon Ponds. Tasmania is one of the last temperate wilderness areas in the world and there is no better illustration than at scenic Mt Field National Park with its breathtaking waterfalls, ski fields and excellent walking tracks through rainforests, many ideal for the novice bushwalker. The South West World Heritage area lies further to the west.

The grand old city of Hobart offers both locals and visitors a unique combination of a leisurely and laid-back lifestyle with striking landscapes, unspoiled wilderness and clean waterways. This city will charm with its beauty and delight with the warmth of its welcome.