Destination Hobart: Tips needed

[aim54x]

Hey everyone,

I am headed to Hobart at the end of November with my younger sister for a few days just to unwind (she finishes her HSC and it is abit of treat for her as well) tickets have been booked, now I have the job of finding accomodation (most likely in or close to Hobart CBD) and looking for things to see and do. HOWEVER, neither of us drive so it will be an interesting experience. Does anyone have any suggestions for places to see and things to do? Any suggestions for the best way to get around?

Cheers
Cameron

[chasem]

check out the http://www.salamanca.com.au Markets there was some cool stuff there.
Also head to a resturant called the astor grill, awsome food! if its still around http://www.astorgrill.com.au/

[DaveB]

There are buses, taxis, and your feet. Seriously, Hobart itself isn't that large. Mind you I do usually have a car there, as it does make access to the surrounding countryside (including Mt. Wellington) simpler at "photographically pleasing" times.

It's been a few years now, but the last few times I've visited Hobart we've stayed in a nice motel in West Hobart. It's just around the corner from my gran's old house, and it's walking distance from the centre of town. However, be aware that Hobart is not particularly flat (at all!).

[biggerry]

Mt Wellington would be a must, I am not sure about transport up there, there is heaps to do up there, from visting the lookouts to doing bushwalks.

have a look under 'Hobart' here here for some images from Mt wellington that I took earlier this year.

http://www.salamanca.com.au Markets

Agreed, also a must and also easy to get to...

Richmond would be another nice place to get to, but transport might be an issue, there are lots of winerys and quaint bakeries etc out there...

Make sure you try some the local brews down there too, they have some crackers, eg, Hazzards Beer and Moo Brew, I considered getting a couple of cartons shipped up after trying them

Maybe also PM Tasdam, he is from down that way...

[Killakoala]

Forget Hobart. Spend one day walking around the wharf precinct and then head south-West via Huonville and further. Dover, Geeveston and Cygnet are great to visit and head down to the Hartz mountains. The views are fantastic. Also consider the Tasman Peninsula (South-East) where you will find awe inspiring rock formations and of course, Port Arthur. (Remember, Tasmania is a small state and pretty much everything is within an easy days drive.)

Both of those areas are possible to see in a day's drive from and back to Hobart, but it's more leisurely and you will see so much more if you take two days each. The summertime in Tassie is a great time to visit the many festivals and markets the state has to offer at this time of year. (If you visit Salamanca market, keep your wallet in your pocket. The markets at Margate have pretty much the same stuff, but cheaper and not aimed at the tourist dollar. As much)

The seafood in Tassie is the best in Australia. The Dover Hotel serves the tastiest Tasmanian scallops in Tasmania. (And by default, Australia.) Much better then you will find in Hobart, unless you pay lots of AUD. They go down very nicely with a Cascade Green.

Tasmanians are the nicest, friendliest and best looking people in Australia. Tasmanian scenery is better than the rest of the country combined and the food, beverages and hospitality is a world-beater. You would have to visit Yorkshire to equal it.

Then again, I am biased. I don't doubt that you will enjoy your visit.

HINT: Ignore the NORTH of Tasmania

[aim54x]

Thanks for the tips guys...I will seriously have to look into going down to Huonville and Mt Wellington...looks like lots of research for me. I guess this is one of the times that NOT driving is going to make my life difficult!

[surenj]

NOT driving is going to make my life difficult!

You could get a hire car for a few days. Surely the above mentioned locations will not be accessible by public transport at the crack of dawn, late evening etc... ?

[aim54x]

NOT driving is going to make my life difficult!

You could get a hire car for a few days. Surely the above mentioned locations will not be accessible by public transport at the crack of dawn, late evening etc... ?

I dont drive...I am still on my L's (cringes) and have not actually clocked a single hour.....so hiring a car is not really an option

[Greg B]

My tip is - take warm clothing, whenever you are visiting. And an umbrella.

[Bluebell]

The Visitor Information centre in Hobart is one of the best I've seen and will have heaps of information for you.
There are plenty of bus tours to Mt Wellington and Port Arthur from Hobart.
Also consider the boat trips from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsular.
As others have said, don't miss the Salamanca Markets.
I think you'll find plenty to do and see without driving a car.

[biggerry]

bus tours to Mt Wellington and Port Arthur from Hobart.

that will be the ticket, once your at port arthur there is heaps to do!

[who]

Hi!

The Old Woolstore is a decent place to stay, in a very convenient spot - stay there when work has me down in Hobart and for a conference or 2 as well. www.oldwoolstore.com.au Not always the cheapest though......

I often just search the sites like www.wotif.com to see what is available for leisure travel though.
You will be able to do quite a bit by bus tours and the like - you'll just merge into the backpacker travel scene a bit....

At the airports you will see a couple of different tourist newspapers/guides that come out every month or so - grab them and spend a bit of time reading them.

Mt Wellington is worth a look, esp on a clear day, Salamanca market is nice for a wander on a Saturday morning, Ball & Chain grill is good for a meal - off Salamanca - but is popular, so be early or be prepared to wait.

Port Arthur is great - the Coal Mines Historic Site on the other end of the Tasman Peninsula is great but you'll probably fiund it impossible to get there without a car.

So much to do.....

I am headed to Hobart at the end of November with my younger sister for a few days just to unwind

Can we make some jokes here? I hear there is a quick way to become a local

Cheers

[mozzie]

Can we make some jokes here? I hear there is a quick way to become a local

Cheers

[Killakoala]

Can we make some jokes here? I hear there is a quick way to become a local

That's how you maintain quality in a quality paternal system.