Battery Point is the historic suburb that rises from Salamanca Place onto the headland above the Derwent, and it is often described as the best-preserved colonial-era suburb in Australia. It was named in 1818 after the Mulgrave Battery, a defence station that guarded the port, and it grew into a village of sea captains, shipwrights, merchants and workers. Today its narrow lanes are lined with sandstone and timber cottages, small gardens, churches and corner pubs, and it feels like a village within the city. There is nothing to buy and no gate to pass, which makes it one of the best free things to do in Hobart. It rewards slow, aimless wandering as much as a planned route, and it suits visitors of nearly every age.
What to do
Begin at Salamanca Place and climb Kelly's Steps, the cliff-side shortcut built in 1839 by a whaling captain, James Kelly, to link the waterfront with the suburb above. From the top, walk along Hampden Road and Runnymede Street, looking for the Georgian townhouses and the sea captains' homes. Narryna, a museum in a townhouse built in the 1830s on Hampden Road, tells the story of the merchants who lived here, and opening days should be checked before you go.
Arthur Circus is the highlight for many walkers, a ring of small workers' cottages around a central green, laid out in the 1840s. Pause at a bakery on Hampden Road, known for scallop pies and croissants, and finish with a drink in an old waterside pub, such as the Shipwrights Arms, which has served drinkers since the 1840s.
Planning
Battery Point has no fixed hours, entry is free and the streets are open at all times, so the main decision is when to go. Morning is quiet and bright, and late afternoon gives soft light on the sandstone. The tourism board's page on the suburb is a good place for route ideas, and horse-drawn carriage tours of the area operate seasonally.
Streets are steep in places and some footpaths are narrow or uneven, so wear comfortable shoes. Parking is limited because many houses lack garages, so walk from the city or Salamanca Place if you can, and respect residents by keeping noise low in the evening.
Fitting it in
Allow one to two hours for a loop, or half a day with a museum stop, a long lunch and a drink. It fits neatly after the Saturday market, which is at the foot of the hill, and it is also a gentle activity on a day when rain keeps you off the mountain, since cafes and pubs are close by. Several hotels sit in the suburb, including Lenna of Hobart and Salamanca Inn, so you may be staying on its streets already.
Photographers should aim for early light, and families can turn the walk into a game of spotting plaques, chimney pots and old stone steps. Combine it with the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for a full day of history, or with the Derwent harbour cruise for a view of the headland from the water. It pairs well with a visit to Mona the following day.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided stroll through a colonial suburb of cottages, steps, lanes, bakeries and pubs, with optional museum visits.
Best time
Morning for quiet streets, or late afternoon for soft light. Pair it with Saturday market day for a lively start.
How long
One to two hours for a loop, or half a day with stops.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the steps and uneven footpaths, and check museum opening days before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone who enjoys wandering a beautiful neighbourhood at no cost.
- Families
- Easy to do at a child's pace, with steps to climb and a bakery and green space along the way.
- Couples
- A romantic loop of lanes and views, ending with a drink in a historic pub.
- Pair with
- Pair it with Salamanca Market, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or the harbour cruise.
- Time needed
- One to two hours, or half a day with museum and meal stops.
Good questions
Is Battery Point free to visit?+
Yes, the streets are open at all times and walking them costs nothing. Some museums and tours inside the suburb charge their own entry.
Where does the walk start?+
Most walkers start at Salamanca Place and climb Kelly's Steps into the suburb. From there, loop along Hampden Road and Runnymede Street.
What is Arthur Circus?+
It is a ring of small workers' cottages around a central green, laid out in the 1840s. It is one of the best-known corners of the suburb.
How long should I allow?+
Allow one to two hours for a loop, and longer if you visit a museum or stop for lunch.
Is it suitable for wheelchairs or prams?+
Parts are steep and some paths are narrow or uneven, and Kelly's Steps are stairs. Approach from the street side if mobility is limited.
