Campervanning in Hobart

  Campervan in Hobart is best for budget traveler.


Situated on the banks of the Derwent River, Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania and the State government administration centre. The city was first settled in 1803 and much of its colonial history has been preserved in its old homes and folk museums, which add a picturesque charm to the city’s skyline and modem buildings.

The historic buildings set it apart from any other Australian capital. Many of these are constructed of sandstone or brick, and they can be found in the heart of the old city at the intersection of Macquarie and Murray Streets. This area has been labelled the finest townscape in Australia.

Hobert’s oldest building is the Commissariat Store, situated at 40 Macquarie Street. The building w as constructed between 1808 and 1810. and now houses the Tasmanian Museum’s administration offices. Nearby is Legacy House, a delightful colonial building built in 1850.

Another sandstone building found in the Macquarie Street complex is the old court house which faces Macquarie Street and Franklin Square. The Supreme Court building was erected in 1823—24 and was later reconstructed in 1859—64 to serve as a post
office. Today, it quarters the govern ment treasury offices. The most notable colonial building on Murray Street is Parliament House, erected in 1840. Visitors can view parliamentary sessions from a gallery after contacting the clerk of the court.

Situated on Argyle Street, a short distance from the GPO is the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, which has been on its present site since 1863. The main exhibits consists of Australian and European line and applied art and Tasmanian Aboriginal art. Other exhibits include Australian and southwest Pacific artefacts, Tasmanian fauna, fossils, rocks, minerals, plants and early Australian and European coins. One of the main features of the museum is a room overlooking the docks and river and displaying whaling and shipping relics of early Hobart Town.

Australia's oldest military barracks still in use are located on Davey Street. Anglesea Barracks were established in 1811 and are now occupied by the Australian Army. The barracks include a hospital, a gaol, a guardhouse and various living quarters. Visitors are not permitted to enter the buildings except on a guided tour conducted each W ednesday.

Within easy walking distance from the city centre are the post office building and Salamanka Place on Cas-tray Esplanade. The former has displays showing the history of post and telegraph in Tasmania; the latter is a
row of warehouses which were used as dockside stores during the whaling years. Built in 1835—60, they are now an attractive, vibrant centre for all types of craft and entertainment. Their sandstone construction and surrounding trees give them an old English appearance.

The inner city suburb of Battery Point, situated 1.5 kilometres from the city centre, is also noted for its quaint colonial cottages and homes. Of special interest is the Van Diemens Land Memorial Folk Museum. Built in 1836, it was originally named ‘Narryna’ and one of Hobart’s earliest colonial homes. Today, this attractive house has been restored as a museum and contains a collection of furniture, china, glass, silver, paintings and delightful examples of fine art.

Another splendid colonial building at Battery Point is the Tasmanian Maritime Museum, situated on Cromwell Street at the rear of Saint George’s Church. The museum contains many relics of Tasmania’s seafaring history.

Other historic buildings in Old Hobart Town include the old Theatre Royal, situated in Campbell Street, and the town hall. The former dates from 1837, and the Regency Theatre inside becomes a spectacular sight when the stage and house lights are switched on. The town hall was constructed in 1864 and occupies a part of the old Government House. Among the highlights of the building are a bronze replica in the front facade of Captain Cook's Etideai'our and the ceiling of the ballroom on the first floor.

Information on historic features, books, gifts and souvenirs of Hobart can be obtained from the National Trust Information Centre located at 25 Kirkway Place.

The city centre also has many attractive parks and gardens. Ibe most notable is Franklin Square on Elizabeth Street, the site of Tasmania’s first Government House. Today, a statue of Franklin stands in the park centre. Other attractive city parks include Parliament Square and St Davids Park.