The city is the financial and administrative heart of Tasmania, and also serves as the home port for both Australian and French Antarctic operations.

Hobart was named Australia's 6th most sustainable city, by the Australian Conservation Foundation in 2010. For economic and social innovation, Hobart was the 11th placed in Australia in 2009, and listed as an innovation influencer city in the Innovation Cities Global Index scoring equal with Reykjavik, Katowice and Casablanca.

Founded in 1804 by Colonel David Collins, Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia. It grew out of the penal settlement on the island at Risdon Cove, eight kilometres up river, which was founded in 1803 and abandoned five months later for the present site of Hobart. The city has many beautiful historic buildings and precincts, especially in the area around the river. There are many fine examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture, such as Salamanca Place, which has a terrace of warehouses dating back to the whaling days of the 1830s. Nearby Battery Point, the original seamen's quarters of the city and Macquarie and Davey Street offer more than 60 buildings classified by the National Trust.

Salamanca Market - a major Saturday morning attraction, for locals and visitors alike. Situated in front of large sandstone warehouses which have been converted into a maze of craftsmen's workshops, giftshops, restaurants and other 'artsy-crafty' shops. These warehouses were mostly built to service 19th century whaling. Market stalls are one of the cheapest places to buy Tasmanian timber products.

Battery Point, behind Salamanca Market. This area is very old and full of interesting architecture. Many of these buildings are built in the area's golden sandstone, giving the older parts of the city a warm golden glow.

Botanical Gardens - Beautiful location about fifteen minutes walk from the city centre. A must see attraction is the sub Antarctic garden. Its like walking into a freezer full of plants!

Mount Wellington offers fantastic view to the Hobart from the top. Take a bus to "Fern Tree" and then walk a steep zig-zag track to the top or enjoy a scenic drive to the summit. There are walks for all fitness levels. Be sure to bring warm clothes as even in summer the summit is around 4C. Be wary of long, sharp icicles falling off the mobile phone tower. Take care when driving especially at night due to the abundant wildlife on the mountain.