Battery Point is one of Tasmania's most historic villages, and the National Trust has recognised this by awarding Battery Point the status of classified historic village. The village, now a suburb of Hobart, was first settled in 1804 and was named for the battery of guns established in 1818 on the site of modern day Battery Point. The area retained a rural charm until the 1830s, when development enveloped it into the expanding city of Hobart.

During the period 1835 - 1850, the row of Georgian warehouses was established in nearby Salamanca Place, and highlighted the importance of the area as a maritime port, especially for the whaling industry which was prevalent during the 1830s and 1840s. By 1850 Battery Point was a mariner's village, littered with tiny colonial cottages.

Today Battery Point retains its historic charm, and along with Salamanca Place offers visitors a myriad of arts and crafts stores, historic houses and fine restaurants to enjoy.

The area is still the finishing point for the great Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race, both of which result in a carnival atmosphere for days at a time!

Museums and Historic Sites

The best way to explore this fabulous historic area is to take a guided tour organised by the Battery Point Group of the National Trust. This tour incorporates the abundance of very fine buildings in Battery Point which have major architectural and historical significance, and departs from the Franklin Square Wishing Well each Saturday at 9.30am.

The many splendid examples of Colonial architecture include the original Customs House, now the Parliament Building, and the John Lee designed St George's Church and Government Buildings on Castray Esplanade. The Colonial cottages, once the residences of the mariners, can be seen in Arthur's Circus, with its miniature village green as its focal point.

"Lenna" was built in 1874 by Alexander McGregor, a wealthy ship-owner and merchant. Today this beautiful residence is the Lenna of Hobart, a splendid hotel offering luxurious accommodation and sumptuous dining in their Alexander's Restaurant - it is well worth a visit to admire both the fabulous architecture and the delicious cuisine.

View the now defunct defence system of cannons and guns at the Point, or climb Kelly's Steps constructed in 1845 for the then Harbourmaster James Kelly to connect Sullivan's Cove with the village of Battery Point.

The Maritime Museum of Tasmania, depicting the history and development of the State's links to the sea, is open to the public daily. A visit to the historic "Narryna" to admire the wonderful Georgian architecture, and to inspect the Van Diemens Land Folk Museum recounting the lives and conditions of the early settlers in Tasmania, is recommended.

Arts and Galleries

Battery Point has a trove of fine art galleries and a wide range of diverse arts and crafts stores to interest any visitor to the city. Antique stores such as Antique Decor welcome visitors who wish to browse through their wide variety of collectables, including glassware and silver.

Hampden Gallery has a great selection of wood crafts, pottery, jewellery and paintings. It is located at 44 Hampden Road, phone (002) 23 8397.

Salamanca Place has a specific arts and crafts area named the Salamanca Alcoves, where visitors may watch the brilliance of the craftsmen as they create items from various media.

Other Attractions

Visit the markets in Salamanca Place on a Saturday and browse through the stalls selling fruit, home baking, crafts and clothes to name but a few of the goods for sale.

Enjoy high class cuisine in one of the many acclaimed restaurants in Battery Point, or indulge in a sumptuous Devonshire Tea in any of the intimate little coffee shops and cafes in the area. All cuisine preferences are catered for from steak and salads at the Ball and Chain to Asian foods at The Tea House in Salamanca Place.

An organisation called Tasmanian Living History Tours run several different tours, taking in industrial archaeological features and military heritage, as well as tours of both Battery Point and Hobart. They are located at 4 De Witt Street in Battery Point, phone (002) 23 7449.

Battery Point is also home to the Tasmanian Wine Centre, a must for any wine enthusiast. Here you will find a wonderful collection of Tasmanian wines from all over the State. There are tours, tutored tastings with food, tasting notes, gift packs and winery maps all available at the centre. It is located at 6 Montpelier, phone (002) 24 0653.

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes