City Information

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, the southern-most state of Australia. It is located in southern Tasmania, in the foothills of Mount Wellington, and along the shores of the Derwent River. Tasmania enjoys a temperate, maritime climate. The conference will be held during winter (there will be snow on Mount Wellington), so warm clothing is highly recommended. The average winter temperature is 12 degrees Celcius (52 degrees Farenheit). Hobart has the nation's second-lowest rainfall (626 mm or 24") of all Australian capital cities.

The population of Tasmania is approximately 485,000. Hobart has a population of approximately 200,000.

The conference venue and accommodation houses are located approximately 18km from Hobart Airport (a taxi fare of approximately $AUD30.00). Rental cars, taxis and shuttle-buses are available from the airport.

The local currency is the Australian dollar ($AUD). Most major hotels will cash traveller's cheques, and banks are located in the city centre. Banks are open from 9:30am to 4:00pm. ATM and EFTPOS facilities are widely available. Accepted credit cards include American Express, Bankcard, Diner's Club, Mastercard and Visa. In Australia, a GST (goods and services tax) of 10% will apply to most purchases. Tipping is optional, not compulsory, in Tasmania.

Electricity in Australia is 220-240V AC, 50 Hz. Plugs have three flat pins, so many overseas visitors will need a socket converter. These may be bought locally from camping shops or electrical stores for approximately AUD$10.00. For digital cameras, laptop computers or other electrical equipment that runs off a battery charger, you will need to check the back of the charger to determine the input range. As long as it is within the 220-240V range, a socket converter is all you will need. For anything outside this range, you will require a transformer to increase or decrease the Australian voltage as necessary.

Shopping outlets a short distance from the conference venue and accommodation locations. Retail opening hours are not restricted in Tasmania; larger supermarkets are typically open from 7:00am to 9:00pm, while smaller convenience stores may be open longer.

Hobart has many fine restaurants, markets, historic sites, entertainment and shopping areas within walking distance of the School of Art. Hobart also offers easy half- or full-day tours (including Port Arthur, the Tahune Airwalk in the beautiful Huon Valley, Mount Field National Park or the Derwent Valley). Many high-quality locally crafted timber items, glass, pottery, leather and woollen goods are available. Hobart's famed Salamanca Market is not to be missed each Saturday from 9.00am-2.00pm. Duty free shopping is also available.

This information is kindly provided by discovertasmania.com.au. If you choose to stay longer in Hobart, you can find more local information here and driving information here.

The most central visitor information centre is located at 20 Davey Street (local phone 6230 8233).