Capital of the Australian island of Tasmania, Hobart is an attractive river city, set in the shadows of the 1,270m-high Mount Wellington. Small, yet diverse, it’s easy to cross on foot, with much to see and quick access to the outlying countryside. Visit Salamanca Place, with its old sandstone warehouses, galleries and cafes; Battery Point, for the historic narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages; Long Beach and Nutgrove East and West for swimming; the Royal Botanical Gardens; MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art); and take a day trip to neighbouring Bruny Island.
Hobart, Tasmania
Islington Hotel
(5 stars) Hobart is the island’s capital and home to the Islington Hotel. A little out of the city, the 19th century, Regency-style boutique establishment affords guests tranquillity, with its own garden. Inside are antique furnishings and fine art works in what resembles an urban lodge. There are 11 characterful bedrooms with iPads, Islington Dream beds, a mini-bar and daily house-made treats; also a restaurant – the Islington kitchen – serving seasonal, organic food, a wine cellar, meeting rooms and excellent views of Mount Wellington. The Islington Hotel caters exclusively to adult guests.