Hobart, the capital of the island of Tasmania, is one of the oldest cities in Australia, second to Sydney. Located between the Derwent River and the craggy mountains, it makes for an excellent family getaway over the weekend. Walk into a car rental in Wellington and make your way to the picturesque city of Hobart, where there’s something for everyone.
For those looking for some peace and quiet, there’s Mount Wellington, or as the locals call it, The Mountain. Casting a colossal shadow over the rest of Hobart, the summit is just over 1200 metres tall and can be reached by a short hike or a brisk bike ride. Prepare yourself for the unparalleled view of the capital city from the peak. In the winters, the snowcapped peak serves as an ideal site to rejoice with your kids!
If you aren’t in the mood to make the trek to the top of Mt. Wellington, you could visit the Museum of Old and New Art, or MONA. This privately owned museum is renowned for its unusual yet riveting display of artwork. With an extensive variety of installations and exhibits, the museum is a must-not-miss for all art lovers. Impressively enough, it has something that interests every age group, from adults to kids. All you need to do to get there is hop onto a ferry from Hobart’s wharf area.
Hobart, like many other cities, has a rich heritage, famous for its beautiful sandstone buildings.Another town worth visiting, about twenty-five kilometers from Hobart is the town Richmond. The Richmond Maze, a timber installation with pathways and multiple dead ends is a popular tourist attraction in the town. There are two mazes, one easy and the other, slightly more challenging. Let the tiny tots explore the maze, after which you can relax with some tea at the local tea rooms. The maze is however currently closed for renovation, and will reopen in November 2016.
Another one of Tasmania’s biggest attractions is the Salamanca Market, which is open every Saturday in the mornings. With over 30,000 people visiting every weekend, the market is a perfect spot for a nice day out with your family. With plenty of open spaces for children to run about, the market is large and spacious, hosting over 300 stalls. Pick up a trinket or two, or savor some of Tasmania’s finest food and wine, while taking in the vibrant atmosphere.