JUstDreamInparadise: Day 13 Hobart, Tasmania

Monday, December 29, 2025

Day 13 Hobart, Tasmania

Condensed Version of today's blog post.

It was a cool but sunny day in Hobart for our easy walking tour of the harbour precinct. We met our guide, Andy, at the cruise terminal and enjoyed his relaxed, informative style without unnecessary detail.

We started at Constitution Dock, the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, where preparations were underway and the “Taste of Summer” festival added to the buzz. From there we crossed to heritage-listed St David’s Park, once a burial ground, now a peaceful space lined with English oaks.

Our walk continued to Salamanca, a lovely area known for its famous Saturday markets. We enjoyed the quieter Salamanca Square, with its cafés and unique shops, before finishing at historic Kelly’s Steps, built in 1839 and linking Salamanca Place with Battery Point.

The walk was only about two kilometres and very manageable — even for my knee. We were back on board in time for pizza at Spacanopoli on Deck 11, watching people enjoy the sunshine by the pool.

Although we missed seeing the first yacht cross the line before departure, we were treated to an incredible sight as Master Lock Comanche sailed past our starboard side, followed by Law Connect and SHK Scallywag. A spectacular finish to our Hobart visit.

Full Version

It is still quite cool in Hobart but the sun is shining brightly for our walking tour around Hobarts harbour precinct. We meet our tour guide, Andy, inside the cruise ship terminal and begin the slow easy walk. Andy is an interesting tour guide that doesn't get bogged down in a whole lot of useless information as we have had on many other walking tours.

We begin our walk where the Sydney to Hobart yacht race ends at Constitution Dock where there are some interesting sculptures around the waters edge. Constitution Dock is abuzz with activity as they prepare for the leader of the race to arrive later that afternoon. There "Taste of Summer" festival is being held in conjunction with the yacht race and there are lots of eateries set up around Constitution Dock. There is also a big screen where people can watch the leader cross the line, that incidentally is right where our ship is docked.

Andy now leads us across the road to St Davids Park. The pathway is lined with some beautiful English Oak trees and we are told that this park is heritage listed. It was formerly a burial ground. Remains have been moved to another site and the burial plaques are now installed in a memorial wall for all to read.

Next we head to Salamanca. This is a beautiful area that comes alive each Saturday for the historical Salamanca Markets. Andy takes us into Salamanca Square that is a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle. Many coffee shops line the square as well as shops selling quite unusual products.

We end our walk at Kelly's Steps, named after early Australian explorer and whaler, James Kelly. The steps, built in 1839, are of historical significance that take you from Salamanca Place to the suburb of Battery Point.

The walk is only around two kilometres but it is a nice easy walk that my knee appreciated. We are back on board the ship in time for a pizza at Spacanopoli Restaurant that is on Deck 11 where we look down at everyone enjoying the sun around the pool.

All day we have been waiting for the first yacht to cross the line for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. First we heard midday, then 4pm. Our ship is in the absolute box seat for watching the finish but, alas, our ship has to set sail at 5.00p.m. We were only about 15minutes into our departure from Hobart when the captain announced the leading yacht, Master Lock Commanche was coming up on our starboard side. What a site! These maxi yachts are really something to behold, particularly when they are under full sail. The yacht had a flotilla with hundreds of small boats surrounding it. We also passed Law Connect that came in second followed by SHK Scallywag.