Located on the mouth of the Derwent River, Hobart boasts an abundance of historical, cultural and culinary delights. Beyond the city centre, there is much to see and do, from walks alongside the River Derwent, climbing Mt Wellington or visiting the many museums and galleries in suburban Hobart, to going further afield and discovering the many historic villages dotted throughout the countryside.
Bushy Park
You can walk across Australia's oldest bridge and stand in the cell of its oldest jail in picturesque Richmond, a 30-minute drive north-east from Hobart. Explore the cobblestone streets by the lantern light of a ghost tour or picnic on the banks of the Coal River. Check out local art and craft in the galleries and cafes. Then savour classic cool-climate wines at the cellar doors and wineries of the Coal River Valley.
To Hobart's north west, the Derwent Valley is nestled in the heart of Tasmiania's magnificent mountains and wilderness. The Valley boasts rolling fruit orchards and quaint villages, and hop fields and oast houses can be seen dotted throughout the landscape. Decades ago explorers, bushmen, farmers and dam-builders carved a living in this wild and rugged country.
Frederick Henry Bay and Ralphs Bay are two large bays to the south east of Hobart. To their west, separating them from the Derwent Estuary, is the South Arm, thin Isthmus that connects the South Arm peninsula to the mainland. The peninsula boasts the best surfing beaches around Hobart, its numerous settlements having become dormitory suburbs of Hobart in recent times.
Colebrook Church
How To Get There
Margate train
By car, from Devonport, follow Bass Highway west. At Somerset, take
Murchison Highway. This highway approaches the region from the north.
From Hobart, take Brooker Highway almost to Bridgewater. At Granton,
take Lyell Highway or approach the region from the south via New
Norfolk, Ouse and Derwent Bridge.
By coach, Tassielink Coaches services all major centres throughout
Tasmania. A bus service operates to and from Strahan from most major
Tasmanian centres, flights can also be charted as an all weather
airstrip is located only 2 km from the town centre.
Best Time To Go
Ki8ngston Beach
One of the best times to visit the region is from April to June when
the days are fine and still. This is possibly the best time of the year
to see the magnificent mirror image reflections of the Gordon River,
also at this time many activities and accommodation places offer
special standby rates.
Most of the activities in places like Strahan operate for the whole
year although, there are more in summer. Peak season is from November
to late April and during this time it is essential to book everything
ahead as for the majority of this time all accommodation, cruises etc
are fully booked for weeks in advance.
Summer time in Strahan sees mild to warm days with an average of 22
degrees, in winter the days are cold with snow often restricting travel
throughout Tasmania during July and August.
