Entertainment

City dwellers love to have fun, and have been doing so in Hobart since the very earliest days. Wapping was once a notorious area close to the docks, and if the walls of the Theatre Royal could speak, there would be tales of bawdy music halls with sailors, whalers, pimps and prostitutes in the audience. More refined evenings would have seen the gentry enjoying performances of famous actors, and over the years the theatre has become a well-loved venue on the international circuit. Today, Wapping has been reclaimed as a desirable address, and the theatre still stands proud, the oldest in Australia. The theatrical tradition remains strong, but whether your taste runs to theatre, orchestral music, bands, cinema or clubbing there will be an activity to suit. Each Thursday, the Mercury newspaper publishes an entertainment section with a live music guide and a diary listing of forthcoming events. Free entertainment guides are also available from central venues, such as the Salamanca Arts Centre. The Visitor Information Centre is also a very helpful source.

Pubs & Bars Whether seeking a casual drink or a sophisticated night out, you will not be disappointed. A pub crawl will likely includeKnopwood's, a cosy, popular pub, Irish Murphy's for some blarney, and the Customs House Hotel, awash with visiting sailors. The Atrium at the Hotel Grand Chancellor offers a relaxed meeting spot overlooking Victoria Dock. In Battery Point, the Shipwright's Arms has been serving sailors and locals since the early 1800s. An authentic theme pub, this is always a great place to call in for a drink. Also, the numerous bars of Wrest Point Casino offer everything from tinkling piano to day and night sport.

Live Music Tasmania, being a creative state, has many singer-songwriters, artists and bands who prefer to stay and work here rather than head for the bright lights of bigger cities. Pubs and clubs give them a good hearing. The New Sydney is one supporter of local talent. The Republic in North Hobart has poetry readings and other literary events, as well as live music. Nearby, the Queen's Head and Trout Bar have music gigs, sometimes featuring interstate artists. For some of the best free music in town, wander the length of Salamanca Market. Enjoy buskers, a lively Chilean band or tinkling harp and Irish pipes. Those on a small budget wanting to catch a star, should watch out for gigs at the University of Tasmania. For really big names, the Derwent Entertainment Centre is home to extravaganzas and the Wrest Point Casino's entertainment complex offers great entertainment.

Nightlife Those who love the wee small hours will find plenty of action. Around midnight Syrup starts pumping techno and house music until late. If visiting Wrest Point, play the tables, dance the night away or have a drink at the Boardwalk or Birdcage bars until very late.

Gay & Lesbian Tasmanian attitudes have changed markedly in recent years and lack of gay tolerance is no longer the issue it once was. Hobart is now able to boast a proud gay and lesbian community. A Gay and Lesbian Visitor Guide is available at the Visitor Information Centre. The rainbow symbol will flag a welcome, but not all gay-friendly cafes or bars will display this. A few eating places include Cumquat, Rockerfellers and Lebrina. Enjoy a night out at Syrup or T42.

Theatres & Cinemas The Theatre Royal Subscription Programme includes drama, dance and opera. The amateur theatre scene is strong, with the Playhouse and Backspace Theatres offering challenging programmes, and the Peacock Theatre is wonderfully intimate. Also, the Terrapin Puppet Theatre has a reputation as one of the country's finest, and tours internationally.

Cinema-goers enjoy the same selection as in the bigger cities. The Village Seven city complex offers seven screens of mainstream releases, and has multiplexes in suburban Glenorchy and Rosny. Lovers of art house films head to the State Cinema where they can sip wine or coffee as they watch. Seasons can be short, however, so it is wise to catch any film early in its run, lest it be lost to video forever!

Concerts & Events Cooler climates tend to foster creativity. Hobartians are fiercely proud of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Seasons are well attended and the move to the Federation Concert Hall has enhanced its reputation. The free programme includes Symphony under the Stars each February and other free concerts are held during the year. The Conservatorium of Music also has occasional free lunchtime concerts.

The arrival of the yachts in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in late December, heralds the Hobart Summer Festival. A Taste of Tasmania is an important part of this two month festival, which concludes with the Hobart Regatta. Autumn sees the cars of Targa Tasmania rallying around the State, and in spring, gardens come into their own with the Tulip Festival and Blooming Tasmania. An Arts Festival, Ten Days on the Island, is held every two years, and the Readers' and Writers' Festival sees the award of Oceania's richest literary prize. Cultural life is richly served by many activities. Collect an events guide from the Visitor Information Centre. Hobart Australia's other harbor city may be small in size, but visitors will be delighted by all there is to offer.