Hobart Attractions

At the most important crossing of the Derwent River is Bridgewater (pop. 8700), once a considerable market town but in recent years a residential suburb of Hobart, with a rapidly increasing population.

The 1.3km long causeway over the Derwent was built in the early 1830s by 200 convicts. The first bridge was opened in 1849; the present one dates from 1946.

The Elizabeth Street Mall is a street full of temptations for shoppers.

St Andrew's Church (1836) is architecturally interesting. The adjoining Scots Church Hall, built 13 years earlier, is one of the oldest religious buildings in Tasmania.

The State Library, with the Allport Library and Museum features a collection (art, furniture, silver, books and writings on Asia) which was presented to the state by Henry Allport, whose ancestors had come to Tasmania in 1831. The State Library also contains the State Archives.

The oriental-style synagogue, built in 1843, is Australia's oldest synagogue.

The Theatre Royal, designed by John Lee Archer, is an architectural jewel. The foundation stone was laid in 1834, making it the earliest theater in Australia. It has an impressive neoclassical façade and a charming interior (rebuilt after its destruction by fire in 1984). Many international stars have appeared in the Theatre Royal, which Lawrence Olivier rated 'the best little theater in the world'.