Hobart is the capital city of Australia’s southernmost state of Tasmania and is one of the country’s most unique places. To get you excited about moving to Hobart, or taking a holiday there, here are seven cool facts to know about the city.
Hobart is closer to Antarctica than to Darwin
Most people know Australia is a big country, but you might not realise just how big! Hobart is approximately 3,800km from Darwin, Australia’s northernmost capital city, and to the south, Hobart is only 2,600km from the Antarctic coastline.
This proximity means Hobart serves as an essential base for many Antarctic expeditions. The city is home to the headquarters of the Australian Antarctic Division, which coordinates scientific missions focused on climate research, biodiversity and environmental monitoring.
The harbour is also a launch point for icebreaker vessels that carry researchers, equipment and supplies across the Southern Ocean to various Antarctic stations.
Plus, Hobart is a hub for international collaboration, with research partnerships involving other Antarctic programs from countries like France, China and the United States.
It’s Australia’s second-oldest capital city
While Canberra is the nation’s capital, Hobart is actually the second-oldest capital city in Australia after Sydney. It was founded in 1804, with many parts of the city displaying Hobart’s colonial feel and architecture.
Suburbs like Battery Point, with its cottages and narrow lanes, offer a glimpse into colonial life. Similarly, Salamanca Place, once a bustling port area, has preserved its sandstone architecture and is now known for its lively market and arts scene.
For a real taste of the city’s unique history, you can visit Port Arthur Historic Site – a convict settlement and reform institution from the days of the settlers, or the Cascades Female Factory, a former gaol that tells the story of the displacement, mistreatment and forced migration of convict women and girls.
Hobart hosts the annual Dark Mofo festival
Hobart is home to the famous Dark Mofo festival, held annually during winter. The festival is a celebration of art, music and culture focusing on themes of darkness and the human experience.
It was created by the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) and includes events like the Winter Feast, light installations, concerts and the iconic Nude Solstice Swim, where participants take a dip in the chilly River Derwent at sunrise.
This immersive festival attracts thousands of tourists, celebrating Hobart’s winter with both eerie and playful interpretations of ancient solstice rituals.
Mona is also well worth visiting. It’s renowned for its provocative and unconventional exhibits, which range from ancient artefacts to contemporary and controversial art installations.
Hobart is famous for its food and wine
Hobart is renowned for its exceptional local food and wine. Specialties of the region include world-class seafood, cheeses, wines and fruits.
Across Tasmania, salmon, honey and whisky are internationally acclaimed, with the island’s distilleries and vineyards bringing tourists from all over the world.
Farm-to-table dining is popular too, with many restaurants sourcing ingredients locally, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh, high-quality flavours unique to the region’s natural bounty.
Some great places to wine and dine in the city include Barilla Bay Oyster Farm and Moorilla Winery, while notable events include the Taste of Summer food festival and Hobart Gin Festival.
Hobart is a hikers paradise
Hobart’s cool climate and stunning natural beauty make it perfect for year-round hiking. Enthusiasts come from all over the world to take on trails around the city and state, ranging from casual walks to harder treks completed over several days.
Some famous hikes around Hobart include:
- Mount Wellington (kunanyi): Offers trails like the Summit Track with panoramic views of Hobart from the top
- Tarn Shelf in Mount Field National Park: A stunning alpine walk with lakes, tarns and wildflowers in season
- Cape Hauy track: Part of the Tasman Peninsula, with dramatic coastal views and sea cliffs
- South Cape Bay track: Located in the Southwest National Park, a coastal hike with stunning ocean views.
Hobart is the finishing point of one of the world’s most famous yacht races
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is an iconic annual event that draws competitors and spectators from across the globe. Starting on Boxing Day in Sydney, the race covers over 1,100 km, concluding in Hobart’s River Derwent.
The city comes alive with festivities to celebrate the arrival of the yachts, marking one of the world’s most challenging open ocean races.
Hobart’s Constitution Dock becomes the heart of the action, where locals and visitors alike gather to welcome the sailors and enjoy waterfront celebrations.
The Queen of Denmark is from Hobart
Mary Donaldson, now the Queen of Denmark, grew up in Hobart before meeting King Frederik of Denmark during the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Their 2004 marriage brought international attention to Hobart and Tasmania in general.
She is known for her philanthropic work and has become a modern symbol of Tasmania’s global reach, bridging cultures as a beloved member of Danish royalty.
