Hobart Holidays

Hobart holidays are your chance to discover the Australia of old. The country's second oldest city brims with charm and laid-back confidence. In the shadows of the wild and rugged Mount Wellington, Hobart is fast becoming the holiday destination of choice for in-the-know tourists who come for the arts festivals, world-class gastronomy and colonial history. Stroll along its narrow streets, past Georgian brick and sand houses, to the picturesque waterfront for a day of lazy adventuring.

There are plenty of things to do in Hobart, so plan your time well to ensure that you make the most of your trip. A good starting point is Saturday's Salamanca Market – set in the warehouses that are dotted along the river, this bustling market is a great place to pick up local produce, arts and crafts. Or, to get your bearings, try out the Peppermint Bay Cruise – a luxury yacht trip around the pretty bay.

Hobart restaurants are fast gaining a reputation as some of the best in all of Australia. Its coastal location ensures that world-class chefs have first-rate seafood to work with. Try out the local deep-sea trevalla at Mures Fish Centre, where there's formal dining upstairs and a bistro underneath. And for something cutting-edge, Ethos Eat Drink offers slow-food Australian tapas in a historic, and beautiful, building.

Hobart accommodation is varied and high quality, ensuring that there should be something to suit all tastes and budgets. You'll find great backpackers' options, such as Adelphi Court YHA and Montgomery's Private Hotel and YHA Backpackers. Or, if you fancy pushing the boat out, Islington Hotel is housed within an 19th Century mansion and offers marble floors, an impressive art collection and first-rate service.

Hobart shopping reflects the city's status as a cultural capital. Wander through the streets of the old town to find a plethora of independent shops selling arty treats for you to take home. At Aspect Design you'll find blown glass, pottery and jewellery. Tasmania Shop and Gallery is the place for specialist crafts from throughout the area. At Handmark Gallery you'll find Art Deco jewellery and sculpture.

Come to Hobart in February for the Royal Hobart Regatta and you can enjoy the sight of boats of all shapes and sizes filling the Derwent River. You can hit the waters in graceful ships or simply watch from afar as crowds gather for the bustling annual event.