About Hobart Historic Tours

Join us for an unforgettable experience on our walking tours and discover the stories of Hobart from the perspective of the locals. Hobart Historic Tours has been proudly operating since 1996, offering visitors a unique and enjoyable way to learn about the city’s history and transformation.

Our primary goal is to provide a fun and informative experience for our guests. We want to share the fascinating stories of how Hobart has evolved into the vibrant city it is today. Our guides are passionate locals who take great pleasure in sharing their knowledge and love for Hobart with our visitors.

Whether you are interested in the convict history, the colonial era, or the modern developments of Hobart, our walking tours offer a comprehensive insight into the city’s past and present. We believe that hearing these stories from those who call Hobart home adds a special and authentic touch to the experience.

We invite you to join our walking tours and explore the hidden gems and iconic landmarks of Hobart while immersing yourself in the captivating tales that shaped this remarkable city.

Meet Our Team!

Sky B – Operations and Reservations Manager

Sky was born in Tasmania and started her tourism career in 2018, studying her Certificate III in Tourism and then gaining her Advanced Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management in 2019 at TasTAFE, Drysdale. In 2020, Sky began working at the Hobart Convict Penitentiary Historic Site, where she was appointed to manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the site. Sky has developed a strong passion for Nineteenth Century colonial history and architecture in Tasmania and enjoys sharing her knowledge with people from all over the world. When she’s not at work, you’ll find Sky volunteering within her local community.

Jennifer C – Guide

Travelling to Tasmania in 2015, Jennifer felt she had finally arrived home. Those first impressions of rural landscapes of natural beauty, combined with a deep sense of peace and tranquility provided the impetus to take a new and exciting path, to train in Tour Guiding. Jennifer has a keen interest in genealogy, heritage, Australian early history and architecture, and a fascination with the evolving culture of Tasmania. Of particular interest is the vibrant and colourful history of the port of Hobart. Jennifer is a direct descendant of Jacob Bellette who arrived in Hobarton in 1808 and features in St. David’s Park. Jennifer is happy to relate his history as part of the Hobart Historic Walks.

John H – Guide

John was born in Tasmania and has spent most of his life here. He has travelled extensively to many international destinations, his interests include history, art, architecture, bushwalking and sailing. His early Tasmanian ancestors have owned some of the heritage buildings in Hobart, including houses, commercial buildings, and a warehouse in Salamanca Place. The oldest synagogue in Australia was established by one of his ancestors. His roots go deep into the history of Hobart.
As a registered Architect, professional photographer, and painter, John has degrees in environmental design and architecture. As an artist, he has exhibited paintings and photography in numerous exhibitions in Tasmania and interstate, including the Glover Prize for Tasmanian landscape painting.
John has a passion for cultural heritage and maritime history and enjoys telling the story of Hobart and Tasmania.

Maggie N – Guide

Maggie’s descendants arrived with the First Fleet 1788, and in Hobart 1838. Tracing their stories has given her an insight into the struggles and fortitude of Tasmania’s early settlers and indigenous people. Maggie has worked with Tourism Commissions at state and national level, specialising in growth sectors including cultural tourism. She has since qualified as a small business trainer and tourism guide, and has always been actively involved in historical and arts activities. Guiding gives her a wonderful opportunity to share with visitors her love of history, particularly how the colony grew and how its spirit is still to be seen in Hobart today.

Barry S – Guide

Barry is a retired teacher with a keen interest in Australian History. He co-authored a book called “Down Wapping”, which pieces together the stories of people who once lived in the area now known as Hunter Street and along the banks of the Hobart Rivulet. He enjoys that guiding enables him to meet people from all around the world and share his love of Hobart with them. Hobart is home to many beautiful old buildings, and Barry loves that the Hobart Historic Walk gives him the opportunity to show these to Hobart’s visitors and share the stories that accompany them. One of his hobbies is seeking out new coffee spots and restaurants around Hobart. He also has a real passion for travel and loves exchanging his stories with others.

Jennifer H – Guide

Born in Canberra. Jennifer completed 3 Tourism Courses prior to arriving in Tasmania in 2003, and worked as a tour guide in Hobart, since her arrival. Her main interests are history (medieval to mid-19th Century) cartography, literature, nautical history, and art. Having travelled extensively overseas, including living in England for a number of years, and possessing a deep interest in history, on arriving in Tasmania, the latter unfurled Jennifer’s enthusiasm further, with the interesting layered history of the beautiful city of Hobart and she is still discovering more pieces of the historic jigsaw. The Grand Hobart Walk is her favourite, brimming with unfolding stories, taking one back in time, from 1804 and recreating the early settlement of Hobartown, including historic Battery Point. Jennifer says:” On climbing Kellys Steps, from Salamanca Place, one enters a different world, of quiet and tranquillity, where visitors are taken on a visual journey, embracing a plenitude of 200 years of architectural delights, accompanied by the many stories that bring the historic significance of this village area alive. A gem. Imparting Hobarts’ historic narrative to visitors is a joy.

Gemma Webberley – Guide

Gemma was born in Tasmania and has lived and worked on the North West Coast, West Coast, and Hobart. Working for 25 years in Cultural Heritage Tourism and the Management of a Historic Site has given her an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Tasmania’s early buildings, and the people who lived and worked in them. She has a passionate interest in their stories. As a Tasmanian Churchill Fellow, she has spent time in the United Kingdom with heritage organisations involved with maintaining and interpreting heritage buildings, interiors, collections, and landscapes. She enjoys blending her knowledge of history with how people lived, worked, and survived in early Hobart.

Matthew R – Guide

Matthew moved to Tasmania in 2001 and has a keen interest in photography, walking, and history. In his previous employment, he headed an archive and digitisation firm that worked closely with Tasmanian Archives and other government departments dealing with historical records dating back to convict colonial times. Matthew has combined these passions and experience into his tour guiding and loves to help guests discover the history of Hobart Town and its many colourful characters of the past. The Grand Hobart Walk is his favourite tour which allows stories to gradually unfold and interweave as you casually stroll around 200-year-old buildings, pubs, lanes, streets, parks, residences, and the waterfront.

About Hobart

Hobart is Tasmania’s capital city and the second oldest capital in Australia, after Sydney. Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart combines heritage charm with a modern lifestyle in a setting of exceptional beauty. It’s no wonder Lonely Planet has called Hobart one of the top ten spots to visit in the world. Enjoy the contrast of elegant heritage sandstone alongside modern architecture. Explore Salamanca Place, a short walk from the waterfront, with its galleries, theatres, craft shops, and restaurants in 1830s Georgian warehouses, and on Saturdays enjoy the food and entertainment of Salamanca market, one of Australia’s largest and most vibrant outdoor markets.

Many guides can recite facts and figures about places, however, our local guides can provide interpretation in a way that has meaning, that connects you to the story and that leaves you richer for the knowledge you’ve gained.

We look forward to hosting you for a guided walk in Hobart.