Cities of Tasmania

^{Hobart
Launceston
Devonport
Westbury}

View of Hobart Harbour

Hobart is Tasmania's capital and with about 180,000 inhabitants it is also the state's largest city. It is situated at the foot of Mt. Wellington (1270 m), to both sides of the mouth of the River Dervent. The City is Australia's second oldest and also most southerly city.

Hobart has retained a large number of Victorian and Georgian buildings and most of these are recorded well in historical accounts available in the museums and galleries which have an outstanding collection of Colonial artworks. Salamanca Place, the Saturday market venue is a hub of interest because it fringes the waterfront where life in Hobart has been centred since early whaling days. The old Georgian warehouses are a picturesque backdrop and have been lovingly preserved. From Salamanca Place you can walk up the steps to Battery Point. This is the oldest military establishment in Australia. From here your can explore the winding lanes and quaint buildings of the area including Arthur Circus, a charming development of Georgian cottages built in 1847.

Since 1949 the Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been the leading event of it's kind in the world. A carnival atmosphere manifests in the city at this time, which occurs between Christmas and New Year. When celebrating in Hobart it generates a special magic. The Cathedral bells chiming in the New Year are guaranteed to make it a memorable time for everyone present.

Parliament House was built by convicts in 1835 and was the original customs house but when self-governing came in during 1856 it was taken over for government. The lower ground level was transformed from bond store to historical archive museum offering interesting historical records, open for viewing. The beautiful oak plantation in the gardens on the approach to the building is of a similar age majestic and elegance. Hobart was well established long before 1856 though as it became the colonial capital of Van Diemen's Land in 1825 and had supported a thriving town since an early encampment was established here in 1804.

The Tamar River and Royal Park

Launceston (population ca 67,000) is located on the Tamar River where the North and South Esk Rivers converge. It is Tasmania's second largest population centre, and is an attractive city due to its many parks and gardens, which incorporate European trees such as oaks and elms.
One of the best parks is the Cataract Gorge Reserve. The chairlift crossing the Gorge is the longest single span one in the world at 308m (924 ft). If chairlifts aren't your style, you can opt for the suspension bridge, pausing in the middle to watch the rapids far below. Activities undertaken in the Reserve include walking trails, fishing, abseiling, rockclimbing and whitewater rafting. There is a swimming pool in the Reserve. Further downstream you can cruise the Gorge in the paddlesteamer MV Lady Stelfox.
Close to the Gorge is the Penny Royal World. The Penny Royal Watermill has a working cornmill, and is connected to the Penny Royal Gunpowder Mill by a restored tramline. The canon foundry can be viewed and the canons are fired on each cruise.
City Park, established in the 1920's, has a monkey island and the John Hart Conservatory. Royal Park includes the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, whose exhibitions include colonial & modern art; Aboriginal and convict artefacts; china and glassware; and flora & fauna exhibits including hands-on areas for children. Royal Park also incorporates the Launceston Planetarium.
The National Automobile Museum of Tasmania has over 40 fully restored classic cars, including some rare ones on loan from overseas. The Waverley Woollen Mills in Launceston are Australia's oldest, and still turn out fine quality garments from Merino wool. The Mills are open to the public. Boags Brewery also has guided tours of its operations.
Self-guided walking tours present an excellent opportunity to see not only parks & gardens, but also Launceston's historic buildings. Macquarie House (1830) and the Old Umbrella Shop (1860's) are two examples. The latter, lined with Tasmanian Blackwood, is classified by the National Trust. Buildings surrounding Prince's Square and its baroque fountain are worth a stop.
One of the more relaxing activities in Launceston would be a visit to the Aquarius Roman Baths, with their marble facades and statues. In addition to the Tepidarium (warm bath), the Caldarium (hot bath) and Spa Alveus (therapeutic spa), the baths offer massages and a beauty clinic.
A short drive from Launceston are more historic buildings such as Entally House. Built in 1819, Entally house has fine silverware, Regency furniture, greenhouse, chapel, coach house and stables. It is regarded as the most historic of National Trust houses. Franklin House, south of Launceston, is a Georgian style home built in 1838 and named for Sir John Franklin, Governor of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). During its life it served as a boy's school, and like Entally House, is now classified by the National Trust.
It is hardly surprising to find this amount of history in Launceston, Australia's third oldest city. John Batman planned the city of Melbourne from his residence in Launceston.
Somewhat newer is the village of Grindelwald. It is modelled on a Swiss village, houses being built in traditional alpine style. Accommodation and facilities such as a nine-hole golf course are provided.
The Launceston Country Club Casino, Tasmania's second casino, is located just out of the city. Other towns of note a short drive from Launceston include Longford (0:20) and Evandale (0:30). Fine accommodation facilities in Launceston are numerous, with seven 4 1/2-star, thirteen 4-star and twenty 3 1/2-star options (RACT rated). There are two backpacker-style operations.

Arial view of Devonport

Devonport, the state's third biggest city (population ~25,000) also known as the 'Gate to Tasmania', is the perfect base for exploring the island from the north. The visitors who arrive by ferry from the mainland have their first look at Tasmania on landing here. They are always pleasantly impressed by the peaceful and well-kept appearance of such a busy town. Hedgerows frame the narrow roads and the colour of the surrounding countryside after rain is moss green against the chocolate coloured landscape.
Devonport is situated at the mouth of the River Mersey and originally consisted of two separate towns: Formby on the eastern bank and Torquay, today's East Devonport, on the western bank of the river. The first European settlements in this area took place in the 1840s. Formby and Torquay were settled in 1853 and 1851. In 1890 both towns united. There are multiple industries nestled into the surrounding hillsides. However, Devonport also offers cultural and leisure activities with beautiful beaches close by.
There are several sights worth a visit including a maritime museum, Early Motoring and Folk museum, the Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural and Art Centre. The Don River tourist railway is the original railway installed to haul limestone, now modified for tourists.

Note: Some of the above is taken from the Tour of Tasmania web site.