You know all of the popular Australian cities, right? Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart. Wait, Hobart? Located on the island of Tasmania, Hobart was actually the second city established by British colonists after Sydney. The travel guide publisher Lonely Planet recently named Hobart one of the world’s 10 best cities, and during your cruise vacation, you’ll quickly figure out why.
Here are some of the top places to visit in Hobart, Australia, from the staff at CruiseExperts.com:
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is definitely the place to go if you are looking for a cultural experience that’s a bit off of the beaten path. The museum’s owner, David Walsh, describes it as “a subversive adult Disneyland,” but rest assured that it’s a family-friendly facility. Here, ancient carvings and antique furniture are exhibited alongside contemporary works from artists like Damien Hirst and Sir Sidney Nolan.
Visitors to Hobart are often surprised to see this snow-capped peak towering over the city. At the top of the mountain, you’ll be treated to an unbelievable view of Hobart and the surrounding areas. It’s a long trip to the top, and if you don’t have the time for a full day hike, there are shuttle busses that run from the center of town to the peak all day. If you’re interested in pursuing a more adventurous descent, you can rent a bicycle and depart on a downhill tour with Mountain Bike Tasmania.
Photo courtesy of Mountain Bike Tasmania
Photo courtesy of Mountain Bike Tasmania
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Built in 1818, the garden showcases more than 6000 exotic and native plant species. Here, you’ll find trees, shrubs and flowers that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Photo courtesy of Royal Tasmanian Botanical Garden
At the Botanical Discovery center you can also read through educational materials that offer more information about Australian plants. Admission to the garden is free, although guided tours are available for $5.
Photo courtesy of Royal Tasmanian Botanical Garden
Salamanca Place
In the 1830s, Salamanca Place was the center of Hobart’s trade and commerce. But by the mid-20th century, however, the area had fallen into ruin. Today though, Salamanca Place has been restored and is one of Australia’s best preserved urban historic districts. Here, you will visit a vibrant cultural scene that is home to galleries, studios and many performing arts venues.
Photo of the Salamanca Market courtesy of Sean Fennessy
Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery
The museum, which is housed in Hobart’s oldest building, features relics from the colonial era and Aboriginal art and artifacts. Admission and a guided tour of the facility are free.
Photo courtesy of Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Make sure to visit their shop featuring jewelry made by local artists. Photo courtesy of Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Australia, there’s no need to wait any longer! The agents at CruiseExperts.com are here to help. Contact us by calling 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visiting our website www.CruiseExperts.com.
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