History of Wapping

In the 1800s, the area of Hobart Town known unofficially as Wapping stretched from Sackville Street, behind the Theatre Royal, to the warehouses along Hunter Street.

Wapping was established on the marshy land that lay alongside the Hobart Rivulet and was named in reference to the area of London located on the Thames that shared similar characteristics—low lying, flood prone and dominated by docks and waterfront trade.

The Depression of the 1840s, and construction of New Wharf on the southern side of Sullivan’s Cove, diminished Wapping’s importance as a commercial district. The area fell into decline and became known as a dark place of poverty, disease and nefarious activities.

For a time it was also the home of Ikey Solomon – the real life inspiration for Charles Dickens’ Fagin.  By the 1960s the last of Wapping’s original cottages had been demolished.

On your doorstep

• Take in a live show, or perhaps a history tour, at Australia’s oldest working theatre, Hobart’s Theatre Royal
• Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery’s latest exhibit, or wander a little further around the waterfront and catch the ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) – owner David Walsh’s ‘playground’ and Australia’s largest private museum.
• Discover the University Rose Gardens and wander the Soldier’s Memorial Avenue as you make your way to the expansive Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
• Take the plunge at Hobart’s aquatic centre and swim laps with the locals or enjoy a family play in the refurbished Kids Water & Play zone
• After working up an appetite, explore the eateries at nearby Hunter Street or venture further around the waterfront precinct and towards Salamanca Place – you’ll be greeted with a myriad of bars and dining options along the way.