The Shot Tower is eleven kilometres from Hobart along the road towards Kettering. The 48 metre-high tower was built in 1870 by Scottish immigrant Joseph Moir to produce lead shot. Molten lead was dropped from the top and it formed perfect spheres as it fell. The tower is now owned by his heirs.

Visitors can climb the 300 steps to the top and be rewarded by spectacular, but vertigo-inducing views of the Derwent River estuary. Parents need to take some care with children.

At the bottom, there is a small museum which gives the history of the family and information on the process of making shot. There is also a craft shop and a tearoom. It is worth spending some time in the surrounding garden.

Bus Number 60, from central Hobart, stops close by (stop 45).