On Taroona’s southern fringe stands the Shot Tower, a 48m-high, circular sandstone turret (1870) built to make lead shot for firearms. Molten lead was once dribbled from the top, forming perfect spheres on its way down to a cooling vat of water at the bottom. The river views from atop the 318 steps are wondrous. You can also devour a Devonshire tea on the stone rampart outside.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Hobart attractions

1. Kingston Beach

1.66 MILES

This relaxed swimming and sailing spot has steep wooded cliffs at each end of a long arc of sand. There’s a picnic area at the northern end, accessed by a…

2. Mt Nelson

2.35 MILES

The Old Signal Station atop Mt Nelson (352m) provides immaculate views over Hobart and the Derwent River estuary. The Mt Nelson semaphore station …

3. Australian Antarctic Division

3.05 MILES

Just south of Kingston is the government HQ responsible for administering Australia’s 42% wedge of the frozen continent. Australia has a long history of…

4. Blackmans Bay Beach

3.19 MILES

About 3km from Kingston, Blackmans Bay has a safe-swimming beach and a blowhole. The water is usually quite cold, and there’s rarely any surf…but it sure…

5. Lower Sandy Bay Beach

3.27 MILES

This sweet little beach is a decent spot for a stroll or a dip on a hot afternoon: swim out to the pontoon and warm up in the sun before re-entering the…

6. St George's Anglican Church

4.61 MILES

Designed by colonial architect John Lee Archer (with a tower designed by convict James Blackburn), this landmark 1838 church sits atop the highest bit of…

7. Narryna Heritage Museum

4.75 MILES

Fronted by a babbling fountain, this stately Greek-Revival sandstone mansion (pronounced ‘Narinna’) was built in 1837 by trader Captain Andrew Haig. Set…

8. Battery Point

4.76 MILES

Tucked in behind Salamanca Pl, the old maritime village of Battery Point is a tight nest of lanes and 19th-century cottages. Spend an afternoon exploring:…