Exploring the World as an Urban Sketcher

Urban sketching is a form of artistic expression where artists create on-location drawings of cities, towns, and other urban environments.

And while many may not initially think of Tasmania being an urban sketching destination, both Launceston and Hobart have friendly Urban Sketching groups.

20 Tasmanian Locations for Urban Sketchers to Explore

In this guide we’ll explore 20 urban and town locations for your to explore with your sketchbooks.

Whether you are bringing your dedicated holiday sketchbook, your everyday sketching journal or that gorgeous fancy journal you found in the art supplies shop with your name written all over it, you’ll love filling it with Tasmanian sketches.

And if you find that you’re in desperate need of a new sketchbook, you’ll be delighted to know that there are lovely art supply shops across Tasmania. Plus, many newsagencies have are supplies too.

Sketching in Tasmania

Just as with cities like Melbourne, the Tasmanian weather can be changable so it is always recommended to be ready to adapt. 

Fortunately, in all of the suggested locations in this guide, you’ll be able to find delightful galleries, cafes, pubs and restuarants to enjoy while a patch of weather passes over.

Do also be sure to pack a hat and sunscreen as it can be quite easy to be sunburnt when out and about.

From Cities to Towns for Urban Sketchers

As many first time visitors start with a brief weekend getaway to Hobart the first series of picture perfect sketching locations in this guide are in Hobart.

For those who start their getaway in the north, we then look at the delightful Launceston.

And for everyone else who is revelling in having a true Tasmanian artistic adventure, we explore 10 charming towns across the state for more inspiration.

Sketching Locations in Hobart

If you are just making a very brief visit to Hobart and want to make sure there’s time for your own creative exploration here are five delightful urban sketching locations and buildings for you to explore with your sketching kit:

1. Salamanca Place

This historic cobblestone street lined with sandstone buildings is a favourite among urban sketchers.

The rows of 19th-century warehouses, now converted into galleries including the inspiring Wooby Lane Gallery, shops, and cafes, provide ample opportunities for capturing architectural details and the lively atmosphere.

2. Battery Point

This charming neighbourhood adjacent to Salamanca Place features well-preserved colonial-era buildings, narrow lanes, and picturesque cottages.

Artists are drawn to its quaint streetscapes and the iconic landmarks such as Arthur Circus, St. George’s Anglican Church, and the historic Kelly’s Steps.

You can walk up the hill from Salamanca Place to Battery Point.

3. Mount Wellington

While not a building or urban location per se, Mount Wellington provides stunning panoramic views of Hobart and its surroundings.

Urban sketchers often venture to viewpoints such as the summit or the Organ Pipes to capture the cityscape nestled between the mountain and the sea.

4. Hobart waterfront

The waterfront area, including Franklin Wharf and Constitution Dock, offers a vibrant mix of maritime activity, historic buildings, and modern developments.

Urban sketchers can capture the distinctive silhouette of the Tasman Bridge, the bustling activity of the fishing boats, and the sleek lines of contemporary architecture like the Brooke Street Pier.

This is also easy walking distance to Salamanca Place, on flat level ground.

5. The Hobart Town Hall

Situated in the heart of the city, the Hobart Town Hall is a striking example of Victorian architecture.

Its grand facade, clock tower, and intricate detailing make it a captivating subject for urban sketching.

Additionally, the surrounding Franklin Square provides a tranquil setting for artists to work.

The Diverse Hobart Urban Landscape

These locations showcase the diverse urban landscape of Hobart, offering a range of architectural styles, historical significance, and scenic vistas for urban sketchers to explore and capture in their artwork.

2. City Park

Located in the heart of Launceston, City Park is a beautifully landscaped green space dotted with mature trees, flowerbeds, and ornamental ponds.

Artists can sketch the park’s landmarks, including the John Hart Conservatory, the Albert Hall, and the elegant fountain, as well as the charming Victorian-era rotunda.

3. Launceston Town Hall

The Launceston Town Hall, situated on St John Street, is a striking example of late 19th-century architecture.

Its imposing facade, clock tower, and decorative elements provide an excellent subject for urban sketching. Additionally, the surrounding Civic Square offers a dynamic urban setting for capturing street scenes and architectural details.

4. The Old Umbrella Shop

This historic building, located on George Street, is one of Launceston’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 1860s, it once housed a shop selling umbrellas and now serves as a museum showcasing the city’s cultural heritage.

The building’s distinctive facade and intricate wrought-iron veranda make it a favourite subject for urban sketchers.

5. Franklin House

Situated in the suburb of Franklin Village, Franklin House is a Georgian-style mansion dating back to the 1830s.

Surrounded by landscaped gardens and period outbuildings, including a coach house and stables, it offers plenty of opportunities for sketching architectural details and capturing the ambiance of a bygone era.

An Urban Sketcher’s Delight

These locations and buildings exemplify the rich history, natural beauty, and architectural diversity of Launceston, providing urban sketchers with a wide range of inspiring subjects to explore and depict in their artwork.

Urban Sketchers Exploring Beyond the City Limits

As with most of life’s adventures, getting beyond the city limits is where the fun really begins.

Urban sketching in Tasmania offers a fascinating journey through a tapestry of charming towns, each with its unique architectural heritage and character.

From the convict-built structures of Richmond to the rugged coastal vistas of Stanley, these Tasmanian towns provide a wealth of inspiration for artists seeking to capture the essence of their built environments.

Here are 10 delightful towns across the state to explore:

St Helens

Perched on the pristine east coast of Tasmania, St Helens is a coastal town renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged coastline. Urban sketchers are drawn to the town’s vibrant waterfront, where colourful fishing boats bob in the harbour against a backdrop of towering mountains. 

The St Helens History Room, housed in the historic School of Arts building, provides insight into the town’s maritime heritage and serves as a focal point for sketching.

The Jane Seychell Gallery is one of the exhibition venues for the 5th Annual Art Trails Tasmania Art Exhibition.

Poatina

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Central Highlands, Poatina is a unique town known for its distinctive Brutalist architecture and stunning alpine landscapes. 

The Poatina Power Station, with its imposing concrete facade and geometric design, stands as a testament to the town’s industrial past and provides a striking subject for urban sketchers. The surrounding wilderness offers further inspiration, with its pristine lakes, rugged mountains, and towering forests providing a dramatic backdrop for sketching.

The Poatina Tree Art Gallery is one of the exhibition venues for the 5th Annual Art Trails Tasmania Art Exhibition.

Sheffield

Tucked away beneath the towering peaks of Mount Roland, Sheffield is a vibrant rural town affectionately known as the “Town of Murals.”

Urban sketchers flock to Sheffield to capture the colourful murals adorning the town’s buildings, each telling a story of the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

In addition to the murals, Sheffield boasts historic buildings such as the Sheffield Town Hall and the Kentish Council Chambers, adding to its unique charm.

Sheffield is on the road to Cradle Mountain.

The Sheffield Art Gallery is one of the exhibition venues for the 5th Annual Art Trails Tasmania Art Exhibition.

Westbury

Known for its historic village green and beautifully preserved Georgian architecture, Westbury is a charming town steeped in colonial history.

The town’s centrepiece is the Westbury Village Green, surrounded by elegant buildings dating back to the early 19th century. 

Urban sketchers can capture the timeless beauty of the green, with its graceful rotunda and historic oak trees, as well as landmarks such as the Westbury Court House and the White House Bakery.

While the history 1830’s Fitzpatrick’s Inn on the edge of town has a fascinating history and the name for the inn stems from a time when the three Fitzpatrick’s sisters owned and operated the property during much of the 20th century.

The Kitchen Collective at the Fitzpatrick’s Inn is one of the exhibition venues for the 5th Annual Art Trails Tasmania Art Exhibition.

Lilydale

Surrounded by rolling hills and lush farmland, Lilydale is a tranquil rural town with a rich agricultural heritage.

The town’s main street is lined with historic buildings dating back to the 19th century, including the Courthouse, Lilydale Hotel and the Lilydale War Memorial Hall.

Urban sketchers are drawn to Lilydale’s timeless charm and picturesque landscapes, capturing the quaint streetscapes and rural vistas that define the town’s character.

The Makers @ the Courthouse is one of the exhibition venues for the 5th Annual Art Trails Tasmania Art Exhibition.

Bothwell

Nestled amidst the tranquil countryside of the Southern Midlands, Bothwell is a quaint rural town known for its historic buildings and scenic beauty.

Urban sketchers can explore the Bothwell Historic Walk, which leads past notable sites such as the Bothwell Town Hall and the Bothwell Bridge.

The nearby Nant Distillery, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mill, offers further inspiration for capturing the town’s timeless charm.

Richmond

Steeped in history and nestled in the heart of Tasmania’s wine country, Richmond is a picturesque town renowned for its well-preserved Georgian architecture and colonial-era charm.

At the centre of town stands the iconic Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest stone arch bridge, with its elegant sandstone arches and historic significance.

Other notable buildings include St. John’s Catholic Church, the Richmond Gaol, and the charming cottages lining the streets.

Richmond is in easy striking distance from Hobart.

Port Arthur

Located on the Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur is a historic site that was once a penal settlement during the 19th century.

Urban sketchers visiting Port Arthur can capture the haunting beauty of the historic buildings, including the Penitentiary, the Separate Prison, and the Guard Tower.

The picturesque landscape of the Tasman Peninsula, with its rugged cliffs and sweeping views of the sea, provides a dramatic backdrop for sketching the town’s historic architecture.

Getting Around Tasmania

For many of us, it is a joy to drive around Tasmania but there are few cautionery notes to consider.

Do NOT trust any of the navigation tools such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, Badger Maps, CoPilot GPS etc as  they are all unreliable, particularly once your are about 10 km out of Hobart.

They will lead you down narrow dirt roads that are used by logging trucks and have pot holes that will damage your hire car and make your insurance invalid. I am not joking.

Happily, the joy is in having a lovely old school style paper map of Tasmania (that are about $5 from Service Tasmania or on the Spirit of Tasmania) and you’ll discover how interconnected the state really is. Plus, the legend will show you whether a road is sealed or not.

Read more about getting around Tasmania here.

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