Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour

The Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour takes visitors on an engaging 1.5-hour journey through the historic pubs of Tasmania’s capital city. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour delves into Hobart’s colorful and seedy past, uncovering the stories of smugglers, convicts, and other intriguing characters that once roamed the city’s streets. Participants can enjoy the alcohol-fueled history and folklore of the area, culminating at the vibrant Salamanca Place. With accommodations for up to 12 travelers, this customized experience offers a unique glimpse into Hobart’s seamier side, leaving one to wonder what other secrets these historic pubs might still hold.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Walking Tours In Hobart.

Key Points

• Explore the historic pubs of Hobart on a 1.5-hour walking tour and learn about the city’s colorful past, including smugglers, convicts, and other fascinating characters.
• Experience the seamier side of Hobart’s history and uncover over 200 years of booze-soaked folklore during the customized tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
• Opportunity to purchase drinks along the way and learn about the alcohol-fueled history of the city’s pubs.
• Tour begins at the Hobart Travel & Information Centre and concludes at the vibrant Salamanca Place, with convenient access to public transportation.
• Personalized experience limited to 12 participants, suitable for adults aged 18 and above, though the route is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

This 1.5-hour walking tour of Hobart’s historic pubs uncovers the seamier side of the city’s past, providing travelers with a customized experience limited to 12 participants.

You’ll hear entertaining stories of smugglers, convicts, and other colorful characters who’ve frequented these establishments over the past 200+ years.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to purchase a drink and learn about the alcohol-fueled history and legends of Hobart.

The tour begins at the Hobart Travel & Information Centre and ends at the vibrant Salamanca Place.

Guided by a knowledgeable local, this tour offers an engaging and insider’s look at the underbelly of Hobart’s past.

Highlights of the Tour

Participants can expect to hear entertaining stories of smugglers, convicts, and other colorful characters who’ve frequented these historic Hobart pubs over the past 200+ years.

Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to purchase a drink and enjoy the alcohol-fueled history and legends of the city.

The tour highlights include:

• Uncovering the seamier side of Hobart’s past through captivating tales of its less-savory inhabitants
• Discovering more than two centuries worth of booze-soaked history and folklore
• Enjoying a customized experience with a knowledgeable local guide and a small group of no more than 12 travelers

This unique walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Hobart’s vibrant and sometimes notorious past.

Meeting and Ending Points

The tour begins at the Hobart Travel & Information Centre and concludes at the lively Salamanca Place, allowing participants to conveniently access public transportation throughout the experience.

Salamanca Place is a hub of activity, home to galleries, restaurants, and outdoor markets. After exploring the historic pubs and learning about Hobart’s colorful past, guests can continue their adventure in this vibrant area.

The meeting point at the Hobart Travel & Information Centre provides a central and accessible location to start the tour. With the ending point at Salamanca Place, the walking tour seamlessly integrates into the wider exploration of Hobart’s historic charm and modern attractions.

What’s Included

A local guide accompanies participants throughout the 1.5-hour walking tour, providing entertaining stories and insights into Hobart’s historic pubs and their colorful past.

Guests can purchase drinks along the way as they uncover more than 200 years of alcohol-fueled history and legend.

The tour’s inclusions offer a comprehensive experience:

• The knowledgeable local guide who brings the city’s seedy underbelly to life
• The opportunity to enjoy a drink or two while exploring Hobart’s storied pubs
• Exploration of the area’s rich history, from convicts to smugglers and beyond

With these elements, the Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour promises an immersive journey into the city’s captivating past.

Additional Details

Besides the tour’s core offerings, there are a few additional details to be aware of. The walking tour is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and customized experience for guests. Travelers must be at least 18 years old to participate, and the route isn’t wheelchair accessible.

However, the meeting and ending points are conveniently located near public transportation options. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and most travelers can easily participate in the tour.

With its focus on Hobart’s seamier past, the 1.5-hour walking tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s alcohol-fueled history and legends, all while enjoying a drink along the way.

Hobart’s Seamier Past

Hobart’s past is rife with tales of seedy characters and illicit activities, from convict escapades to raucous pub brawls. Travelers on the Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour will uncover the city’s seamier history, learning about infamous smugglers, hardened criminals, and other colorful personalities who once roamed its streets.

The tour delves into Hobart’s alcohol-fueled underbelly, revealing:

• The notorious Mount Nelson Signal Station, once a hub for illicit liquor trade and convict escapees

Lurid stories of the Cascades Female Factory, where female prisoners were subjected to harsh conditions and punishment

The Macquarie Arms Hotel, a notorious watering hole that hosted brawls, gambling, and other unsavory activities in the early 19th century

Alcohol-Fueled History

Over two centuries of Hobart’s history have been shaped by an alcohol-fueled culture, with pubs serving as hubs for illicit trade, rowdy celebrations, and criminal activities.

From the convict era to the present day, the city’s pubs have been the backdrop for countless tales of smugglers, bootleggers, and other colorful characters.

On the Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour, visitors can uncover the seamier side of the city’s past, hearing entertaining stories of Hobart’s alcohol-soaked history.

Whether it’s tales of illicit liquor trade or raucous pub brawls, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the dark and fascinating underbelly of Hobart’s past, brought to life through the lens of the city’s legendary drinking establishments.

Customized Experience

The Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour offers a customized experience, as it limits the group size to only 12 travelers, allowing for a more intimate and personalized exploration of the city’s historic drinking establishments.

This smaller group size enables the guide to tailor the tour to the specific interests and needs of the participants, ensuring a truly unique and engaging adventure.

The limited group size allows for more one-on-one interaction with the guide, who can provide personalized insights and answer questions in depth.

The customized experience allows the tour to move at a pace that suits the group, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable exploration of Hobart’s rich pub history.

The small group setting fosters a sense of camaraderie, allowing travelers to connect with one another and share in the discovery of Hobart’s seamier past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Children?

No, this tour is not suitable for families with children. The tour focuses on the seamier side of Hobart’s history, including stories about smugglers and convicts, and requires participants to be at least 18 years old.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour operator offers a personalized experience with a small group size, allowing them to tailor the content and pace to meet the specific needs and interests of the group.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific dress code requirements for the tour. Participants can wear comfortable, casual attire that allows them to walk and explore the historic pubs. The focus is on the tour experience, not formal dress.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation and refund policy typically allows customers to cancel their booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s start time. Closer to the tour, partial or no refunds may apply.

Are There Any Special Dietary Accommodations Available?

The tour does not provide any special dietary accommodations. It is focused on the historic pubs and alcohol-related experiences, so the inclusions are limited to a local guide and the option to purchase drinks during the tour.

Recap

The Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour offers an immersive journey into the city’s captivating past. Travelers embark on an entertaining exploration of Hobart’s seedy underbelly, uncovering the tales of smugglers, convicts, and other intriguing characters.

The tour culminates at the vibrant Salamanca Place, providing easy access to the city’s modern attractions and public transportation.