Hobart is the capital and largest city of Tasmania, Australia’s island state. It is a charming and vibrant city that boasts a rich history, a stunning waterfront, and a thriving cultural scene. Hobart is also a great city to explore witout a car on foot, as it has many attractions and landmarks that are within walking distance or a short bus ride away.
In this blog post, I will share with you how to have a fun walking tour in Hobart, and what to see and do along the way. You will discover the city’s heritage, art, and nature, and learn some interesting facts and stories about Hobart and Tasmania.
What you need for a walking tour in Hobart
To have a fun walking tour in Hobart, you will need the following:
- A comfortable pair of shoes, as you will be walking for about 3 hours, covering about 5 kilometres. You will also encounter some hills and stairs, so be prepared for some moderate exercise.
- A bottle of water, a hat, and sunscreen, as Hobart can get quite sunny and warm, especially in summer. You will also find some water fountains and public toilets along the way, so you can refill and refresh yourself.
- A camera or a smartphone, as you will see many beautiful and photogenic sights, such as historic buildings, street art, and scenic views. You will also want to capture some memories of your walking tour.
- A map or a guide, as Hobart has many streets and lanes that can be confusing for first-time visitors. You can either use a printed map, an online map, or a guided tour app, such as the Hobart Walking Tours app, which offers audio commentary, GPS navigation, and offline access. You can also join a guided tour, such as the Hobart History People and Places tour, which runs daily at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, and lasts for about 90 minutes.
Where to start and end your walking tour in Hobart
The best place to start and end your walking tour in Hobart is the Brooke Street Pier, which is located on the Hobart waterfront near Salamanca Place. The pier is a modern and iconic building that houses a ferry terminal, a visitor centre, a restaurant, and a cafe. You can easily access the pier by public transport, car, bike, or foot, as it is close to the city center and the Salamanca Market.
The pier is also a convenient and scenic spot to start and end your walking tour, as it offers a panoramic view of the Derwent River, Mount Wellington, and the Hobart skyline. You can also catch a ferry from the pier to other attractions, such as the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Bruny Island, and Peppermint Bay.
What to see and do on your walking tour in Hobart
From the Brooke Street Pier, you can follow this suggested route for your walking tour in Hobart, which will take you to some of the most interesting and enjoyable places in the city.
You can also modify the route according to your preferences and time, as there are many other attractions and activities that you can explore along the way.
1. Hunter Street:
From the pier, walk along the waterfront towards the Hunter Street, which is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Hobart. Here you will see some of the city’s heritage buildings, such as the Henry Jones Art Hotel, the IXL Jam Factory, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
You will also learn about the city’s colonial and maritime history, and see some of the artworks and sculptures that adorn the street.
2. Franklin Square:
From Hunter Street, cross Davey Street and enter Franklin Square, which is a public park and a civic space in the heart of Hobart. Here you will see a statue of Sir John Franklin, the former governor of Tasmania and a famous explorer.
You will also see some of the city’s landmarks, such as the Town Hall, the Treasury Building, and the St. David’s Cathedral. You can also relax and enjoy the greenery and the fountain in the square.
3. Elizabeth Street Mall:
From the Franklin Square, walk along the Elizabeth Street and enter the Elizabeth Street Mall, which is a pedestrianised shopping and entertainment area in the city centre.
Here you will see some of the city’s shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as some of the city’s street art, such as the mural of the Tasmanian tiger and the sculpture of the Tasmanian devil. You can also join the locals and enjoy some of the events and performances that take place in the mall.
4. The Cat and Fiddle Arcade:
From the Elizabeth Street Mall, turn right into the Murray Street and enter the Cat and Fiddle Arcade, which is a historic and charming shopping arcade that dates back to 1937.
Here you will see some of the arcade’s original features, such as the tiled floor, the glass ceiling, and the clock tower. You will also see some of the arcade’s shops, such as the Dymocks bookstore, the Nutpatch chocolate shop, and the Cat and Fiddle Deli. You can also watch the clock tower play the tune of the Cat and Fiddle nursery rhyme every hour.
5. The Royal Botanical Gardens:
From the Cat and Fiddle Arcade, walk along the Murray Street and cross the Brooker Highway and enter the Royal Botanical Gardens, which are the second-oldest botanical gardens in Australia. Here you will see some of the gardens’ collections and displays, such as the Subantarctic Plant House, the Tasmanian Collection, the Conservatory, and the Japanese Garden.
You will also see some of the gardens’ plants and animals, such as the leatherwood, the manuka, the echidna, and the wedge-tailed eagle. You can also relax and enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere in the gardens.
These are just some of the places that you can see and do on your walking tour in Hobart. You can also visit other places, such as the Salamanca Place, the Battery Point, the Cascade Brewery, and the Mount Wellington, depending on your interests and time.
Why you should have a walking tour in Hobart
A walking tour in Hobart is a fun and easy way to discover the city and its attractions. You will not only see the sights, but also learn about the history, culture, and nature of Hobart and Tasmania. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the locals and the visitors, and experience the city’s vibe and charm. A walking tour in Hobart is more than just a tour, it is an adventure.
I hope this blog post has given you an idea of how to have a fun walking tour in Hobart, and what to see and do along the way. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in Hobart.