Hobart - Economy

Economy

Hobart is a busy seaport, notably serving as the home port for the Antarctic activities of Australia and France. The port loads around 2,000 tonnes of Antarctic cargo a year for the Australian research vessel Aurora Australis. The Antarctic industry was worth more than AU$180 million to the Tasmanian Economy in 2009/10. The city is also a hub for Cruise ships during the summer months with up to 40 Cruise ships docking during the course of the season.

The city also supports many other industries, shipbuilding, including high-speed catamaran factories such as the world renowned Incat and ore refinement zinc smelters operated by Nyrstar, large breweries such as Cascade manufactures many different beers exported nationally with its premium and boutique beers being found in Europe, as well as smaller breweries around the city. One notable business in the city is the Cadbury chocolate factory which manufactures most of the Cadbury's chocolate for the Southern Hemisphere. The city also supports a host of light industry manufacturers.

Hobart also supports a huge tourist industry. Visitors come to the city to explore its historic inner suburbs and nationally acclaimed restaurants and cafes, as well as its vibrant music and nightlife culture. Tourists also come to visit the massive weekly market in Salamanca Place, as well as to use the city as a base from which to explore the rest of Tasmania.

The last 15–20 years has also seen Hobart's wine industry thrive as many vineyards have developed in countryside areas outside of the city in the Coal River Wine Region and D'Entrecasteaux Channel, including Moorilla Estate at Berriedale one of the most awarded vineyards in Australia.