Archive for the ‘Hobart’ Category

Hobart

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Hobart is the capital city of Australia’s southernmost state of Tasmania. It is also Tasmania’s most populous city and Australia’s second oldest city. Hobart has a small town charm but it also possesses the ingredients that make up a thriving city. This means that you can enjoy casinos, theaters, restaurants, and the works while still enjoying a laid back atmosphere and just joke around with the locals. It is home to over 200 thousand people.

Just as Hobart is able to combine the relaxed attitude of a small town with the modernized look of a city, some of the city’s attractions are known for their old-world charm. It is home to the second oldest botanical gardens in Australia, The Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens. Hobart is also a popular stop for the yacht-sailing crowd. Locals and tourists can mingle at the port during the festival appropriately named “Taste of Tasmania” because of the variety of International dishes available.

To visit Tasmania, you need to book a flight to another Australian state. From there you can fly via Qantas airlines to the southernmost state. Other airline options are Jetstar and Virgin Blue. Within Hobart, you can get around by bus, tram, or taxi. Taxis have metered fares and are highly available along busy tourist areas. If you want to drive yourself around, you can rent a car or even a motorcycle. When you rent a vehicle, you can already ask about parking rates within areas you are interested in. Hobart experiences extreme temperatures. So, choose whether you want to experience the hot or the cold side of the city. Very hot days can mean a temperature as high as 104 degree Fahrenheit and cold days can mean a below zero temperature.

You need a valid passport for the duration of your stay in Hobart, Tasmania. Instead of a visa, you will be given an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is an electronically verified visa. An ETA allows the holder to stay in Australia for three months.