Hobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Founded in 1803 as a penal colony, it is Australia's second oldest and eleventh largest city, two thirds of Tasmania's population (approx. 450 000 in total) live in its capital Hobart. The city is the financial and administrative heart of Tasmania, and also serves as the home port for both Australian and French Antarctic operations.
The city lies in the south-east of the island, near the mouth of the Derwent River at the foot of Mount Wellington. From the summit of Mt Wellington visitors can get a good view of Hobart's suburbs hugging the Derwent River, city buildings clustering around the docks and the estuary broadening into Storm Bay and the distant sea.
Hobart is an intriguing blend of heritage and lifestyle, scenery and vibrant culture.The 19th century waterfront warehouses for which the city is famous once bustled with whalers, soldiers, petty bureaucrats and opportunist businessmen. Now they house cafes, restaurants and studios bustling with shoppers and visitors. Hobart's busy arts scene takes in art, craft, music and theater. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a popular recreation area a short distance from the City center. It is the second-oldest Botanic Gardens in Australia and holds extensive significant plant collections as well as built heritage. Hobart is also an ideal base to explore southern Tasmania. |
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| Hobart: Tasmania's Capital |
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