Battery Point
Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania, 7004
Along the banks of the River Derwent, just south of downtown Hobart, Battery Point is one of the city’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods. Named after the battery of guns that once guarded its coastline; Battery Point still feels like a 19th-century fishing village, lined with weatherboard houses, cute cottages, and cozy cafés.
The basics
Battery Point is a district made for strolling; wander the narrow lanes, stopping to snap photos of the pretty cottages, or enjoy morning tea at a local bakery. Highlights include the landmark Kelly’s Steps, which link Battery Point to Salamanca Place, home of the famous Salamanca Markets; Princes Park, where the district’s namesake gun battery once stood; and the 19th-century St George's Anglican Church. To explore further, visit Battery Point as part of a walking tour of Hobart’s neighborhoods, or stop off as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Things to know before you go
- Battery Point is a popular spot for photographers; leave yourself plenty of time to explore the backstreets and capture that Instagram-worthy shot.
- Battery Point has many guesthouses, restaurants, and cafés, most of which are located on or around Hampden Road.
- It’s easy to clock up some miles wandering around Battery Point, so comfy shoes are recommended; however, the area is largely flat, making it easy to get around and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
Battery Point is located just south of downtown Hobart; about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride. Numerous buses stop on Sandy Bay Road along the neighborhood’s western border.
When to get there
The district is liveliest on a Saturday, when huge crowds flock to the Salamanca Markets, spilling over into neighboring Battery Point for lunch or a post-shopping stroll. In the summer months, head down to the Marieville Esplanade, where the small beach offers kayaking excursions and boat cruises.
Exploring Salamanca
A walking tour of Battery Point is often combined with a visit to neighboring Salamanca. The small waterfront district is home to the Princes Wharf event venue, the Salamanca Arts Centre, and Hobart’s Parliament House and Gardens, but it’s most famous for its weekly markets. Held every Saturday on Salamanca Place, the Salamanca Markets feature more than 300 stalls selling everything from clothes, handicrafts, and homeware, to artisan foods and wines. The quarter is also a lively spot in the evening hours, with a cluster of bars, restaurants, and cafés located around Salamanca Place.
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