The Aboriginal name for Mount Wellington is Unghbanyahletta or Poorawetter. It rises 1270 metres above Hobart’s harbour and the wide Derwent River. Mount Wellington provides a wilderness experience within 20 minutes of the city and is much loved by locals. It is frequently snow covered, sometimes even in summer. It is often referred to simply as 'the Mountain' by Hobartians.

The lower slopes are thickly forested, but criss-crossed by many walking tracks and a few fire trails. There is also a sealed but narrow road to the summit, about 22 km from the city. Halfway up this road is a picnic area called "The Springs", near the site of a chalet/health spa that was destroyed by bushfire in 1967. An enclosed lookout near the summit provides spectacular views of the city below and to the east, the Derwent estuary, and also glimpses of the World Heritage Area nearly 100 km to the west.

Picture a new British colony in the new 19th century. The British system of convict transportation sent sailing ships crowded with settlers, soldiers, and convicts to this unknown land. The settlers struggled to live off the land, the military ruled the tiny settlements, convicts in chains labored in quarries and shipyards.

Britain sent convicts to Van Diemen’s Land ( Tasmania) as early as 1804. The first shipment arrived, with soldiers and free settlers, in Sullivans Cove. During the next 30 years convict stations were established at Sarah Island, Maria Island, Port Arthur, and many other places. Today, where you can see buildings and artefacts and hear about convicts’ existence of cold, hunger, hard labour and cruel punishment, they are historic sites. These conditions drove many to escape, either to be recaptured, or die for lack of survival skills or become bushrangers, such as Matthew Brady and Martin Cash.

Old Hobart Town is a model of Hobart in 1820. It is an accurate look at life in Tasmania's capital city during this era, built from original plans. This unique Historical Model Village is a result of three years full time work by John and Andrew Quick who are the owner operators.

The model itself has been largely reconstructed from original plans of the era thus portraying Hobart as it was in the 1820's. The authenticity of this model makes it unique in Australia, there are other model villages but all are English. With a great eye for detail John and Andrew have not only built the sixty odd buildings but have also made some four hundred period figurines which all tell their stories of the cruel times of our forebears.