Australian Antarctic Division

Hobart


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 exploration and scientific study of Antarctica: it’s one of the original 12 nations that ratified the Antarctic Treaty in 1961. Visitors can check out the displays here, which feature Antarctic equipment, clothing and scientific vehicles, plus ecological info and some brilliant photographs. There's an on-site cafe.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Hobart attractions

1. Kingston Beach

1.8 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. Blackmans Bay Beach

2.05 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…

3. Inverawe Native Gardens

2.41 MILES

Behind the Margate Train is Inverawe Native Gardens, a private, 9.5-hectare property with landscaped native gardens, trails, water views and 80 species of…

4. Margate Train

2.44 MILES

Margate Train is a chance for train geeks to gawk at Tasmania's last passenger train, the good ol' Tasman Ltd, which stopped chugging in 1978. It stands…

5. Shot Tower

3.05 MILES

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…

6. Channel Heritage Centre

3.3 MILES

This fabulous community-owned museum on the roadside just south of central Margate is well worth a stop. A series of intimate, passionately curated…

7. Mt Nelson

5.05 MILES

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

8. Tinderbox Marine Reserve

5.33 MILES

Tinderbox Marine Reserve borders a small beach in the delightfully named Tinderbox, near Blackmans Bay about 23km south of Hobart. Strap on a snorkel and…