Hobart
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Hobart

City guide · Tasmania · Australia

Verified Aug 14, 2026

kunanyi / Mount Wellington · Salamanca Market

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About Hobart

Hobart is the capital and most populous city of the island state of Tasmania, Australia. Located in Tasmania's south-east on the estuary of the River Derwent, it is the southernmost capital city in Australia. Despite containing nearly half of Tasmania's population, Hobart is the least-populated Australian state capital city, and second-smallest by population and area after Darwin if territories are taken into account. Its skyline is dominated by the 1,271-metre kunanyi / Mount Wellington, and its harbour forms the second-deepest natural port in the world. Founded in 1804 as a British penal colony, Hobart is Australia's second-oldest capital city after Sydney. Today, it serves as the financial and administrative hub of Tasmania, the home port for both Australian and French Antarctic operations, and a tourist destination. Well-known drawcards include its convict-era architecture, Salamanca Market, and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), the Southern Hemisphere's largest private museum.

Who this destination fits

Travelers interested in Australian history and convict-era heritageArt and culture enthusiasts, particularly those interested in MONANature lovers seeking access to wilderness and mountain sceneryFood and market lovers interested in local produce and Salamanca MarketTravelers seeking a less crowded, smaller Australian capital city experience

Highlights worth planning around

kunanyi / Mount Wellington (1,271 m)
Salamanca Market
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Convict-era architecture
River Derwent estuary

Strong fit

  • Southernmost capital city in Australia with a mild maritime climate
  • Rich convict-era history and architecture as Australia's second-oldest capital
  • Home to MONA, the Southern Hemisphere's largest private museum
  • Harbour is the second-deepest natural port in the world
  • Financial and administrative hub of Tasmania, serving as home port for Antarctic operations

Tradeoffs

  • Least-populated Australian state capital city, which may mean fewer urban amenities
  • Second-smallest Australian state capital by population and area after Darwin
  • Population is predominantly ethnically Anglo-Celtic with the highest percentage of Australian-born residents among capital cities

Plan the trip

Best time to visit

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Planning lead time

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Decision factors

Safety

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Getting around

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Experiences