Hobart is the capital of Tasmania the most southern State in Australia. It is on the harbour and absolutely comes alive at the end of December every year because it is the destination for the yacht race Sydney to Hobart race.

Hobart is a really easy city to navigate, it is very simply laid out and has lots of old sandstone buildings. Visit Salamanca Place and the markets they have on there.

I was in Hobart for the Midwinter Festival, a celebration of Antarctic exploration and the cold climes of Tasmania. The thing that struck me most about Hobart was the quality of the light there - lacking the pollution of larger Australian cities, and located so far south, the sun shines with a brilliance unmatched in the rest of the country! Salamanca Market was alive with smiling faces, stalls selling food and crafts, and a crowd that swelled and dissipated around an ice sculpter, who carved a swan out of a block of ice throughout the day. As we left the market in the afternoon, I turned back for one last look at the ice swan, and the brilliant low sun shining through it like a scene from the Dark Crystal.

If only all capital cities were this friendly. A beautiful spot. Truly is a large country town that has everything you could ask for. Great seafood and a lovely place to walk around and enjoy the history that it oozes in a tasteul manner.

What a beautiful, quiet city. Although cold at most times of the year. Hobart is well worth it. Salamanca market is a great start to the weekend & the sorth drive up to Mount Wellington will provide you with unbelievable views of the coast & the city. Chocolate lovers will adore the Cadbury factory tour.

Fab spot. A world away from other Aussie capital cities. A must to visit!