Hobart's history began in 1803 when the first European settlement was established as a military camp at Risdon Cove, situated on the eastern shores of the River Derwent. The British were concerned about the presence of French explorers in the region, leading to the establishment of the camp. Tragically, this settlement was the site of the Risdon Cove massacre in 1804, a dark chapter in the city’s early history. Later that year, Captain David Collins relocated the settlement to a more favorable location at Sullivans Cove, the current site of Hobart.

Before European settlement, the area was home to the Indigenous Mouheneener tribe, part of the larger group of Aboriginal Tasmanians. The arrival of Europeans brought violence, disease, and displacement, significantly reducing the Aboriginal population. In 1832, a group of Aboriginal people from the Big River and Oyster Bay nations were forced into a truce negotiation, only to be exiled to Flinders Island shortly afterward.

In 1836, renowned naturalist Charles Darwin visited Hobart as part of the Beagle expedition. He noted the beauty of the region, comparing it to Sydney and praising its fertile lands. By this time, the Indigenous population had been forced out following the Black War, a brutal period of conflict between the settlers and the Aboriginal people.

Hobart rapidly developed as a port town, leveraging the natural advantages of the River Derwent, one of Australia's finest deepwater ports. Whaling and sealing industries flourished, alongside shipbuilding and other port-related industries. In 1842, Hobart Town was granted city status, and in 1881, it was officially renamed Hobart.

Over the years, Hobart faced periods of economic uncertainty, particularly in the 1860s and 1890s, yet it remained a city of cultural significance. In the late 19th century, Hobart became more connected to mainland Australia, and tourism began to grow, furthering the city’s reputation. Cultural institutions, such as the University of Tasmania, were established, while the opening of the Town Hall in 1866 symbolized hope for the city's future prosperity.

In the early 20th century, Hobart continued to gain international attention, with Russian naval visits and recognition from travelers like Mark Twain, who famously praised the city for its cleanliness and neatness during his visit in 1895. Today, Hobart remains a city of rich history, blending its convict past, Indigenous heritage, and cultural evolution into a modern, vibrant destination.