When we look at Battery Point today, it’s hard for people to imagine the scene that the first European settlers saw when they wandered over the low hill behind the waterfront of Sullivan’s Cove. Over the past 200 years everything has changed – the shoreline has been filled in and straightened, wharves have covered the little sandy beach, streets have been laid and sandstone warehouses have replaced the trees. Birds and wildlife are almost invisible. The two little streams, tributaries of the Rivulet from Mount Wellington have done into hiding.
On your walking tour of Battery Point, your guide will bring this area to life and will recreate for you the elegance, beauty and history of this quiet and exclusive area that was once farmland known as Cottage Green.
Battery Point is best appreciated at a leisurely pace on foot with a guide who can bring to life how wealth flowed into Battery Point from the influx of trade and the British Royal Navy shipping timber, wool and rum from the Salamanca docks and warehouses.
The name Battery Point comes from the gun emplacement – Mulgrave Battery - installed by Governor William Sorell in 1818, below which a signal station was also installed. A shot and powder magazine was tunneled under the Battery, and is believed to have an underground connection with the Ordnance Stores down the hill on the waterfront. This initial Battery was named after the Earl of Mulgrave, Master-General of the King’s Ordnance in England.
As we stroll through the winding, narrow streets, you’ll notice so many of the street names are named after famous English heroes: Wellington, Trafalgar, Nelson, or famous events in British military history – such as Napoleon Street and Salamanca Place. This is an excellent example of the British settlers leaving their indelible mark on a new colony as well as bringing the fame of British naval success to this far flung portion of the British Empire.
This tour includes Arthurs Circus and is full of stories including dubious property dealings by Governor Arthur, the fall of the carousing Reverend Knopwood and the ship building tycoon Alexander MacGregor whose finest of grand Georgian homes still stands today.
This easy walking tour starts at Parliament House and ends in Salamanca Place.
Scheduled tours at a range of times through the week, or at other times on request. Enjoy a relaxing, informative guided tour among the most quiet, conservative and class conscious area of Tasmania which adjoins waterfront Salamanca and prestigious Sandy bay. See the elegant Georgian homes of the colonial gentry, picturesque accommodation for officers and quaint workers cottages. Walk through this very fashionable suburb, containing some of Tasmania’s oldest homes, gardens and iconic sights.
| Duration: | 2 hours, approx' |
| Distance: | 3km |
| Difficulty: | Along city streets, parks and pavements - steps can be avoided if desired |
| Start: | Meet at the steps leading to the grass area in front of Parliament House in Salamanca |
| End: | The tour concludes at Salamanca Place |
| Cost: | $38 Adults, $25 under 16 years old Minimum of two people to run the tour |
| When: |
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Bookings Essential – Other Tour Days and Times are Available on Request
P: 0413 383 207
Meet your guide at the steps leading to the grass area in front of Parliament House in Salamanca - Your guide will be wearing a bright blue hat and carrying a bright blue folder with Hobart Walking Tours printed on it - you can't miss us, we really stand out!
We finish the tour at Salamanca Place, where your guide will be able to recommend some of our favourite eating & drinking spots.
You only need to bring things for your own comfort while outdoors for 2-3 hours. Hobart is well known for it’s glorious range of weather conditions – often on the same day – so check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Sunshine
For hot sunny days: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle are recommended.
Rain
Rain is not usually an issue as we are the second driest city in Australia. When it does rain, it’s often in short showers which we can manage with undercover stops. A rain jacket or umbrella is a good option just in case. Our tours go ahead regardless of the weather. We do not cancel tours just because the weather looks interesting.
Stay Warm
Particularly with the afternoon tours, the temperature can drop toward evening so a jumper or jacket is recommended even if it’s quite warm to begin with. Generally a nice southerly breeze springs up to surprise the unwary – so a light windproof is useful.
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. While there are a number of stops where you can sit down, you will still be on your feet for most of the time.
Your friendly, knowledgeable guide with lots of stories accompanied with old images, maps and photographs to enhance the story telling.
In order to keep the cost of your tour as low as possible we don't do hotel pickup or drop off. Food and beverages are not included but we are very happy to recommend places you can go after the tour to buy all the souvenirs, food and beverages your heart desires.
Parking - 3 hour parking is available outside TMAG - Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, in Dunn Place. This is just a short walk from the start of the tour.
Please note that all tours will go ahead regardless of the weather. Please dress for the conditions.
Cancellations made within 7 days of booking arrival date incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Cancellations made with more than 7 days’ notice incur an administration charge of 30% of total booking fee.
We encourage our customers to purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.