HOBART Hobart is Tasmania's capital city. It is unique amongst the state capitals in that it has a strong sense of its colonial, nineteenth century heritage and still happily enjoys the notion that it is nothing more than a big country town. Hobart is smaller than Newcastle or Geelong. Named after Robert Hobart, Secretary of State for War and the Colonies at the time of its settlement, it is Tasmania's chief port. Hobart is a very picturesque city, and to get the best out of the place fine weather is essential. When visiting Tassie time your visit to the best forecast. Hobart had the most inauspicious of beginnings. Its sole raison d'etre was to keep the French out of Australia. Fearful that the French might try to establish a colony on the island Governor Philip Gidley King sent Lieutenant John Bowen, with a party of 49 including 35 convicts, to establish a settlement on the Derwent River. The town's economic raison d'etre was as a port. In its early days it must have been a wild and unruly place. One historian has written on the population of early Hobart: It is widely accepted that the highlights of the city include the magnificent Botanical Gardens, the untouched historic charm of Battery Point, the mixture of history and modern charm to be found around the docks and Salamanca Place, and the density of historic building in the city's central business district. Heritage is everywhere. There is a significant number heritage churches in the cbd. Here are the best of the Cathedrals; the Catholic, the Anglican, the United and the Greek. The Hobart Hotels and Pubs are a delight. Some very old institutions in this city. The Hobart Museums  are a must visit. The War Memorial has outstanding presence. There are parks and statues everywhere Plus the shot tower, bridge, mountain the parliamentand of course Australia’s first Casino Delight in your visit. Heritage diary