On the image above, taken from Mount Wellington, it becomes clear why Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, has been founded on the south shore of Tasmania, far away from the rest of Australia. The Derwent River simply forms an excellent natural deep-water harbour. Founded in 1803/04, the city has the finest collection of historic buildings all over Australia. With a population of more than 200'000 for the greater Hobart area, it is the major cultural and economic centre of Tasmania.