Salamanca Place dates back to the whaling days of the 1830s, when the warehouses that line this street were the centre of Hobart Town’s trade and commerce. The buildings are a fine example of colonial architecture. Today they have been attractively developed to house galleries, restaurants, theatres and nightspots. The area is a prime attraction for visitors.
The best way of seeing everything is to devote a half day and walk. Start at princes Park and walk west. Things to look out for include Kelly’s Steps leading to Battery point, the salamanca Arts Centre where there are theatres, pubs and shops, and Salamanca Square. The Arts Centre has a hugely popular Friday afternoon drinking session in the courtyard with bands playing and everyone enjoying themselves. Stop and enter the fun. Salamanca Square houses some trendy apartments, restaurants and the Antartic Adventure attraction. This opens from 10am to 5pm daily and offers 50 fun interactive exhibits, rides and other experiences.
Further west there are more restaurants, several historic pubs and Parliament Square. Walk across the square for an excellent view of Tasmania’s Parliament House. Now walk north along the waterfront exploring the docks and piers, and the shops and restaurants in Morrison Street. Eventually you will reach Constitution Dock and perhaps decide to visit the excellent Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or the fascinating Maritime Museum of Tasmania.