Hobart

Shadowed by Mount Wellington and situated along the scenic Derwent River, Tasmania’s quaint capital city is the gateway to Antarctic expeditions and a buzzing port town welcoming more than 1 million annual visitors. From heart-pumping outdoor pursuits to fascinating historical sites and a thriving food scene, there’s plenty of reason to linger in this city for all seasons.

The Central Business District and waterfront are the heart of laid-back Hobart. Packed with artisitc boutiques, cute cafés, and handsome colonial structures, these walkable areas are pleasant places to stroll and snack, while on Saturdays famous Salamanca Market is the place to be for locals and tourists alike. Lively bars pour locally brewed beers, boutique batches of spirits and wines produced in the nearby valleys; there’s even an award-winning Tasmanian whiskey distillery here.

That’s just downtown: Beaches, mountain trails, caves, and national parks are all within day trip distance of Hobart, too.