Tours

History, wilderness, fine food, wine and excitement meet in Hobart and its environs. Finding your way in the city is relatively easy with noted landmarks such as Mt Wellington, the harbour and Derwent River. Walking is an ideal way to take in the unique atmosphere.

On Your Own Two Feet Just wandering the streets is a treat, particularly through older areas such as Battery Point and the waterfront. It is possible to take the Busy Bee Bus from the Hobart Visitors Centre on Elizabeth Street and make a circuit of the city with stops at some of the major areas of interest including Anglesea Barracks, Battery Point and Wrest Point Casino. Several walking tours offer an excellent introduction to "Old Hobart." Try the self-guided Sullivans Cove and Salamanca Place Walk with a map, which can be kept as a souvenir, or Battery Point Walking Tours conducted by the National Trust with knowledgeable guides and vivid tales of historic buildings. For something different try a subterranean adventure through the tunnels under the city on the Hobart Rivulet Tour.

Tasmania offers some of Australia's finest food and drink and an informative guided tour of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, Lark Distillery, Cascade Brewery, Island Produce or the Tasmanian Distillery & Museum are a delicious treat and will not disappoint. If you have a fondness for ghosts and specters of the past then join the eerie fun on an evening lamp-lit Port Arthur Ghost Tour or the Penitentiary Ghost Tour at Richmond Gaol. To conclude a perfect day, take a Hobart Historic Pub Tour and relax with a drink and a colorful tale or two of colonial days.

Face to Face with the Past Take a look into Australia's convict history at Port Arthur with carefully preserved ruins in a beautiful setting. This is an experience not to be missed. Most tour companies offer half-day and full-day trips to the site, but whether on a tour or visiting alone, a Port Arthur Walking Tour over the peaceful lawns, through the museums and the sandstone ruins is a must.

On The Road If you are pressed for time and want a one-stop smorgasbord of tours try Experience Tasmania. A comprehensive range of half-day and full-day tours is available covering single attractions or combinations. Highlights include Mt Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife Park,Port Arthur Historic Site, Mt Wellington, Richmond Village, Salamanca Market, and the Tasmanian Devil Park.

The backdrop of Mt Wellington entices the visitor to the summit to take in the magnificent view over the city and river. Brake Out Cycling Tours provide an entertaining and different way to experience the mountain with transport to the summit and then a bicycle ride down the slopes. The descent is relatively easy and views are stunning.

Many self-drive tours are available and combine with forest walks, lookout points, views, natural history, rivers and picnic points. The beautiful Arve River Forest Drive and the spectacular and informative two-hour Hastings Forest Tour begin at the Heritage Centre at Geeveston. Alternatively, take the Weilangata Forest Drive along the east coast, from Hobart to Port Arthur, and enjoy wonderful coastal vistas. An exciting road tour by Harley Davidson can be arranged by Scenic Sidecar Tours to suit time, budget and inclination. A dawn, sunset or night ride up Mt Wellington is an experience to remember.

The Derwent River provides an aquatic highway to view the city. The Cruise Company offers single attraction and combination tours along the Derwent including the very popular Cadbury Cruise. The rugged coastline of the Tasman Peninsula is truly spectacular. Tasmanian Seaplanes offers short tours over the coast from Port Arthur Historic Site. Par Avion Wilderness Tours with short, half-day and full-day tours offers a more varied aerial adventure over the world heritage wilderness, with possible combinations of camping, walking and boat trips to Sarah Island convict settlement.

A Drop Of Nectar From The Grape Wineries cling to the rivers around the city and, when enjoyed with fine wines, liqueurs, ports and cheeses, the countryside is simply beautiful. Self-drive tours with suggested itineraries are available from the Hobart Visitors Centre or the Tasmanian Wine Centre, who also conduct guided tours for the connoisseur. The excellent Coal River Wine Tours provide a day of wine, history and unique shopping.

Over one-third of Tasmania is devoted to parks, with spectacular, peaceful and stunning natural wonders, and an abundance of wildlife. Mt Field National Park is just one hour from the city. Inala Nature Tours offer something unique for lovers of nature with tours conducted by a biologist with boundless knowledge of the local wildlife. For horse riders the Horseback Wilderness Tours along the Huon River and into the magnificent forests are another highlight.

With some of the world's best waters for trout fishing, it is no surprise that Tasmania attracts many visitors specifically to fish. Suitable for all levels of experience, Alistair's Fishing and Adventure Tours invite visitors to try their luck at prized fishing spots in beautiful country. If you do not have the time for a day trip, drop a line into the water at the Snowy Range Trout Fishery.

For a fine tour and a unique experience check out Worldwide Shopping Tours (http://www.worldwideshoppingtours.com.au). They offer an insiders guide to some of the best products in the region. Email them at: sales@worldwideshoppingtours.com.au.

Hobart offers the visitor tours of every kind, but no matter how you choose to see the city and the surrounding countryside, the unique experience will stay with you long after you leave.