Capital city of the Australian island state of Tasmania and the second oldest city in the country, the former penal colony of Hobart is a pleasantly bijou place despite the Aussie jokes of it being backward. Strolling around here is great, and the Victorian and Georgian buildings and squares are both fascinating and superbly preserved. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the Maritime Museum of Tasmania are interesting, as is a relaxing cruise around Peppermint Bay.
The proximity of the sea means that the seafood here is something to behold, with the Drunken Admiral and aptly named Ball and Chain serving up some tasty dishes. Complement your food with some Aussie larger, but expect it to be served in a thimble-sized ‘pot’.