Nestled at the foot of Mount Wellington, the pretty city of Hobart is in an idyllic setting on a peaceful estuary of the Derwent River. Our southern most state has much to offer and as a result, supports a huge tourist industry. Being the second oldest capital city after Sydney, many visitors come to explore its historic inner suburbs whilst others come for the vibrant music and nightlife culture as well as its nationally acclaimed restaurants and cafes. The alpine freshness and pristine wilderness of ancient rainforests is also a great drawcard. Whatever your purpose for being here, you are bound to experience some of these delights during your stay. Hotels and conference centres in Hobart are committed to helping you maximise your corporate event by assisting you with the planning of a unique and exciting itinerary, and there is a surprisingly good range to choose from. Predominantly 4 – 5 star accommodation and conferencing is offered in the CBD, with some great independent brands not seen anywhere else in the country. The CBD venues range in size – from the smaller heritage listed properties to the modern and expansive venues that can accommodate in excess of 1600 people for a cocktail function.
There is much to see in and around the Hobart CBD. Established in 1803 as a penal colony, the city boasts quite a feast of historical sites. Hobart is home to Australia’s oldest theatre, the Theatre Royal (with its own resident ghost) and Hobart Synagogue which is the oldest synagogue in Australia and a rare surviving example of an Egyptian Revival synagogue .The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the second-oldest Botanic Gardens in Australia is a popular recreation area and only a short distance from the City centre. The many stately heritage listed buildings, are themselves, a salute to the past. If culture is your focus, be sure to take in the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Thought to be one of the finest small orchestras in the world, it is situated at the Federation Concert Hall on the city’s sparkling waterfront .If your tastes are more those of the common man, you will be interested in the large breweries such as Cascade who export its premium and boutique beers to Europe as well as smaller breweries around the city. Of course, an adventure you mustn’t miss is the popular Cadbury chocolate factory which manufactures most of the Cadbury’s chocolate for the Southern Hemisphere.
There is mainly 31/2 star accommodation (and 1 notable 41/2 star accommodation and conferencing facility) available in North Hobart. These are spaced sporadically around The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens parkland which is just on a little from Elizabeth Street, a nightlife hotspot of the city. Hobart has long been home to a thriving classical, jazz, folk, punk, hip-hop, electro, metal and rock music scene and Elizabeth Street bears witness to this diversity. Expect to find internationally recognised musicians performing alongside local poets and comics. Add to that, award winning food, a large wine selection and an assorted crowd and this funky location comes alive. The Hobart conference centres have a comprehensive listing of all entertainment venues in and around Hobart.
Salamanca Place is an icon among Tasmania’s landmarks. Built early in the 19th century during a waling industry boom, it consists of rows of sandstone buildings, formerly warehouses built to service the port of Hobart. These have since been converted into an exciting complex of restaurants, craft shops and galleries for the thriving artistic presence in the state. Salamanca Place is also the foremost entertainment zone in Tasmania. It boasts a great nightlife with funky pubs and clubs and an eclectic mix of both locals and visitors enjoying the many bars and eateries located both there and the nearby wharves. Adjoining the colourful waterfront precinct of Hobart and surrounded by a host of sidewalk cafes, craft, antique, furniture shops and galleries is the one of the best known of those pubs, Salamanca Inn. Perfectly situated, it is on the door step of the famous Salamanca Markets which are held every Saturday. This area is mainly home to boutique style accommodation, inns, and small retreats – it also has a mid-sized apartment suitable for group accommodation. No visit to Tasmania would be complete without experiencing Salamanca Place.
Just a stone’s throw from fashionable Salamanca Place and the city centre is historic Battery Point. Be sure to include a visit to Battery Point Historic Village. You will find stylish, historic hotels, well-equipped conference and function space as well as award-winning fine dining restaurants, again – the venues are well matched to small to mid-sized requirements.
Australia’s first legal casino can be found in a 17-storey 5 star hotel located in the beautiful Sandy Bay. Apart from the Derwent Entertainment Centre, the casino is most likely to play host to the major national and international music events that come to Hobart. This venue is part of a precinct which is also home to a large conferencing facility which houses a 600 seat tiered theatre, and 15 different conferencing rooms. This picturesque location has 3 1/2, and 4 and 41/2 star accommodation available as well in some of the surrounding hotels.
The Tasman Bridge is a five-lane bridge crossing the Derwent River, near the CBD of Hobart, it provides the main traffic route from the CBD (on the western shore) to the eastern shore – particularly Hobart International Airport. Accommodation near the airport has been limited until recently. The new purpose built property has lovely 4 star accommodation and a great mid-sized conferencing facility.
Winery & Vineyard Tours, majestic Mount Wellington, Port Arthur, Harbour cruises, the list goes on. Be sure to speak to a conference venue in Hobart today to arrange your next corporate event.
