Battery Point is the historic "heart" of Hobart, a neighbourhood of opulent mansions, quaint sailors' cottages and dockyards. The neighbourhood takes its name from a battery of of guns erected here in 1818 for the city's coastal defence. There's still you can still feel the spirit of a turn-of-the-century fishing village and savour the atmosphere of colonial Hobart.
Battersea Point was once a residential neighbourhood inhabited by sailors, and it is still inhabited by people today. It's easy to get here - the famous Kelly Steps lead up directly from the Salamanca neighbourhood.
One of the main attractions of Battersea Point is the so-called Arthur's Circle, a row of old houses surrounding a villa in the heart of the neighbourhood. Today it is home to many tea rooms and restaurants, pubs and cafes, souvenir shops and small private galleries.
Battersea Point is also home to excellent museums - the Tasmanian Maritime Museum and the Colonial Museum. In the latter you can see objects of everyday life of the local inhabitants of the 19th century dresses, parasols, crockery. Of particular interest is the Museum of the People of the Earth Van Diemen's Museum is a Georgian-style building in the midst of marvellous gardens.
The Anglesey Barracks, Australia's oldest military installation, is also located at Battery Point. They were built in 1811 and until recently were used for their intended purpose. Today, the barracks are home to the Australian War Museum. And not far from them stands the handsome St George's Anglican Church, built in 1836.
