Hobart, Macquarie St

Hobart, Macquarie St

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.7MB ] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.7MB ] This is Macquarie St, the main thoroughfare through Hobart City. Travelling all the way down the street will see you arrive at the Cenotaph of the War Memorial we looked at last week, while turning down Murray St, will take you to Salamanca Markets and the waterfront where we’ve spent a lot of time at this destination. St Davids Cathedral sits on opposite street corner. It was built between 1868 and 1936 taking 68yrs to complete the architects original vision. While across the road is the Tasmanian Treasury Building built in 1841, and used as a police station until 1858. I hope you’ve enjoyed a small look at Hobart, it’s a wonderful city. There is far more to see in and around Hobart, and we’ll be checking out some local places like Port Arther & Russell Falls later. I’ve had a request to look at the Blue Mountains west of Sydney next, so that’s where we’ll start tomorrow. Following the Blue Mountains we’ll be checking out some of my home town… The Gold Coast. Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart,  Salamanca Square

Hobart, Salamanca Square

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.6MB ] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.6MB ] Behind Salamanca Place is Salamanca Square, where you can sit by the cooling fountain with a cup of coffee and a muffin and listen to a guitar or a flute player. You can even use ‘the facilities‘ if you need to go. I found them via our National Toilet Map See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, Constitution Dock II

Hobart, Constitution Dock II

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.3MB ] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.3MB ] We visited Constitution Dock last week, here is another view on the other side of the Dock looking back towards the city. See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, Gas Works

Hobart, Gas Works

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [2.8MB ] Opens In New Window DevalVR [2.8MB ] The Hobart Gasworks, pictured here, was first turned on in 1857. It produced gas made from British coal that brought the town’s street lamps to life & replaced a handful of whale-oil lamps. These days it’s a Rum distillery & Museum, restaurant & a couple of other shops. The huge water tank like structure across the road, is actually an 1100 seat concert hall & convention centre belonging to the, attached, Grand Chancellor Hotel. Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, Mountain Peak

Hobart, Mountain Peak

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.5MB ] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.5MB ] We started Hobart on Mt Wellington, and here is another virtual tour, this time from the peak. It allows you to see a lot more of the region around Hobart. The mountain peak is 1270m (4166ft) high, while the communications tower (the big white one) is 130m high. Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, City

Hobart, City

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.3MB ] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.3MB ] Here on the corner of Collins and Murray St we’re in the heart of the city cbd. Hobart is a quiet and peaceful city, it’s certainly safe to walk around anytime. With heaps of parks, waterfront & a lot of history, Hobart is a wonderful city to visit. (Or live) See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click...
Hobart, Worlds Prettiest Roundabout

Hobart, Worlds Prettiest Roundabout

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [2.5MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [2.5MB] While I’m sure there is a prettier round-a-bout somewhere in the world, this one is ‘pretty’ special. Oh and it’s not really a roundabout. When driving, it looks like one, sounds like one, tastes like one, but it has traffic lights so beware. I almost got into trouble a couple of times going around the ’roundabout’ only to slam on the breaks when I realised I had a red light. [Update] It was pointed out to me that some might think the fountain is the middle of a tiny roundabout. But in this Virtual Tour everything you can see is in the middle of a big roundabout. Have a look at the map below. The monument in this place is to the Mayors of Hobart from memory, again I can’t find any info about it. The water surges through the fountains up the pole for a while, then comes bucketing down the centre opening. You can also see the glass panels in the bottom of the dish, which allow you to see…. the water Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, Bus Mall

Hobart, Bus Mall

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.5MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.5MB] Please forgive the rather lame title, but this beautiful street is the ‘Bus Mall’. With it’s ornate buildings & paved street it’s the prettiest bus mall I’ve ever seen. The mall is on Elizabeth St, just a couple of blocks from the Pier which we featured 4 days ago. The most impressive building in the street is the Post Office which features the Clock Tower. Built in 1905 at a the time when there was strong expenditure constraints imposed by the new Commonwealth Government, the clock and tower of the GPO were funded by the people of Hobart See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, Constitution Dock

Hobart, Constitution Dock

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.6MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.6MB] Constitution Dock is surrounded by some of the biggest tourist attractions in Hobart and is home to the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race, the nearby area is noted for its tantalising cafes and restaurants. Also in this area is Sullivan’s cove which features specialty shops, restaurants and a whisky distillery. The area is on the water and walking along the water front taking in all the historical surroundings, makes for a very pleasant day. I’m also looking for information about the interesting sculptures in the foreground of this pano ’cause I didn’t have time to stop and smell the (proverbial) roses on this shoot. When I find the info, I’ll update this post. Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, War Memorial

Hobart, War Memorial

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.7MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.7MB] The Hobart War Memorial (Cenotaph) was unveiled in 1925 and initially commemorated those Tasmanians who served in the Great War. The site of the Cenotaph was selected for its prominence both to the city and the River Derwent. It is axially aligned with Macquarie Street, the city’s major civic thoroughfare. From the Cenotaph there are commanding views of the city, Mount Wellington and the Derwent Estuary. In this pano we can see the Derwent River & the Tasman Bridge, across Hobart City surrounding suburbs. Unfortunately our view of Mt Wellington (where we started the Hobart Destination) is obscured by a rather large tree. Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, Salamanca Markets

Hobart, Salamanca Markets

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.9MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.9MB] Salamanca Markets began in 1972 with just 10 stalls. Today it is almost a state institution, and a must visit for anyone visiting Tasmania. The Markets operate every Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm, rain, hail or shine. Salamanca Place itself consists of rows of sandstone buildings, formerly warehouses for the port of Hobart Town that have since been converted into restaurants, galleries, craft shops and offices. It was named after the victory in 1812 of the Duke of Wellington in the Battle of Salamanca in the Spanish province of Salamanca. This panorama was shot late in the day, just before closing time, so all the stalls are looking a bit empty. Earlier in the day this place is really packed and buzzing, but getting good Virtual Tours at that time would be almost impossible. See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, Parliament House

Hobart, Parliament House

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [2.4MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [2.4MB] Tasmania’s Parliament House was designed in 1830 as the Customs House. It was completed in 1840 and soon became home to the Tasmanian Parliament. The House looks over Parliament Square park, and across the road to the water. The House is bordered by Salamanca Place where the famous ‘Salamanca Markets’ run each Saturday. Being a foreigner (not from Tasmania) I didn’t realise this was the most important government building in Tassie, so was walking around taking pictures on the property before being asked by security to move on. I was told I could shoot from the park as it is public property. This was a fortunate incident, as I wouldn’t have this beautiful virtual tour otherwise. See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, Elizabeth St Pier

Hobart, Elizabeth St Pier

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.3MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.3MB] Elizabeth is one of the main streets in Hobart. Running from NewTown in the north, as the street travels south, it encompasses the Elizabeth St Mall, Hobart Bus Mall, Elizabeth College and terminates here at the Pier. Elizabeth Street Pier was first constructed in 1866 to provide steamship accommodation. Between 1931 and 1934, the original pier was demolished and the new pier was built with the addition of a rail connection. The latest redevelopment project, completed in the late ’90s, was to maintain the presence of the existing shed form and maintain maritime usage and full public access around the perimeter, while converting the building to a new use, which included the housing of serviced apartments and restaurants. Some years ago I shot virtual tours of the serviced apartments (then called Oakford) here on the Pier. I won’t show them here though, as they were done with old technology & not available in FullScreen resolution. See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Hobart, View From The Top

Hobart, View From The Top

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.6MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.6MB] Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, a gorgeous island state 350 km (220 miles) off the south east coast of Australia. Compared to most Australian States Tasmania is tiny. Sydney to Broken Hill which I did for the previous destination takes about 14hrs to drive, and yet both cities are in the same state (New South Wales – NSW). In the same time I think I could have driven through every major town in Tasmania while circumnavigating the state. Of course size is relative, Tasmania won’t be so small to Europeans seeing that it’s about twice the size of Holland. Even though it’s a ‘relatively’ small island, there is so much diversity, so much to see, and we’ll be seeing some of it, over the coming months. Where possible, I like to show an overview of a place on the first day, so here is Hobart from the top of Mt Wellington. In this pano we’re at a height of 1261m (4136ft) and as you can see not far from Hobart City. If you’re interested in other places in Tasmania we’ll be covering Stanley, Smithon, Burnie, Arthur River, Devonport, Deloraine, Sheffield, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Ross, Launceston, Bridport, Scottsdate, Bicheno, St Marys, Swansea & Port Arthur over the coming months. See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
Port Arthur Virtual Tours – Tasmania

Port Arthur Virtual Tours – Tasmania

Quite some time ago I was in Tasmania shooting hundreds of virtual tours.  One morning while staying in Hobart (capital city) I got up at 4am to drive out to Port Arthur (1.5hrs away) to shoot virtual tours at sunrise. Driving 1.5hrs for a sunrise shoot is always a little risky.  It’s still dark when you leave, so all you have to go on are the weather reports from the night before & what clouds you can see locally in the dark.  Fortunately this morning was beautiful. The Port Arthur ruins are some of the oldest in Australia and sit on a beautiful waterway.  If it wasn’t for the cruel & severe life convicts endured here… I’m sure it would have been quite lovely. Port Arthur Ruins at Sunrise Port Arthur is the most popular attraction in Tasmania, the heritage listed park is wonderfully maintained, with a large and informative visitors centre. Port Arthur Ruins of the church. Port Arthur map containing virtual tours. Port Arthur FullScreen Map Link Official Port Arthur Website...
Welcome Google Maps Mania Readers.

Welcome Google Maps Mania Readers.

Skip to the latest Destination. This blog is about showing Virtual Tours from various destinations. But in honour of being featured on the illustrious Google Maps Mania Blog (which I read religiously) I’ve done a quick ‘Best Of’ so passers by have an instant overview. BTW, I’ll be in San Francisco from the 12th to the 24th of June to attend the IVRPA International Virtual Tour Conference (this year hosted at UC Berkeley, by the legendary lads that run the World Wide Panorama events) so if anyone wants to invite me to lunch (hint – Google employees), to hang out, or do some ‘photo walking’ (hint – Thomas Hawk) drop me a line, I’d love to meet up & shoot some Hi rez, georeferenced virtual tours with audio Enough talk already, onto the BEST OF according to me. (Click an image to view the blog entry & virtual tour, & not all panos have audio.) Broken Hill, New South Wales. Hobart, Tasmania. Gold Coast, Queensland. (My Home Town) Bicheno, Tasmania. Sons Of Korah, AGMF (Australian Gospel Music Festival). Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria. Stanley,...
Bicheno, Town

Bicheno, Town

See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. Opens In New Window + Audio FullScreen Virtual Tour [1.8MB] This virtual tour shows the town of Bicheno & the Tasman Highway. The highway is the main (and only) road through town and runs from Hobart to Launceston via the east coast of Tasmania. Bicheno has a population of around 700 so it’s a lovely small town. See Full Size Google Map with all Bicheno Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Bicheno Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
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