Founded in 1804 by Colonel David Collins, Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia. It grew out of the penal settlement on the island at Risdon Cove, eight kilometres up river, which was founded in 1803 and abandoned five months later for the present site of Hobart. The city has many beautiful historic buildings and precincts, especially in the area around the river. There are many fine examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture, such as Salamanca Place, which has a terrace of warehouses dating back to the whaling days of the 1830s. Nearby Battery Point, the original seamen's quarters of the city and Macquarie and Davey Street offer more than 60 buildings classified by the National Trust.
museums and art galleries
the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (http://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/) - donate some money so they can tart up their act. Has one of the best coin collections in any museum. It also houses stuffed versions of unique Tasmanian animals including Tasmanian Devils and the extinct Tasmanian Tiger. Currently hosting an excellent exhibition about Australia's antarctic history.
the Maritime Museum of Tasmania (http://www.maritimetas.org/), Carnegie Building, cnr Argyle and Davey Streets
Salamanca - there are many small art galleries located around Salamanca Square
MONA Museum of Old and New Art (http://mona.net.au/) - Built by David Walsh of Moorilla fame this newly opened museum features alternative and some confronting art to make you think.