Princes Park occupies the headland between Salamanca and Battery Point. Today it is a green neighbourhood park with the well-known boat playground, but the earthworks and tunnels beneath it explain why this part of Hobart became known as Battery Point.
A park built over harbour defences
Colonial authorities established artillery batteries on the point when Hobart’s harbour was considered vulnerable to attack. The City of Hobart’s Battery Point Sculpture Trail interprets this defensive landscape, including the underground magazine and tunnels extending beneath the park.
The tunnels are not ordinarily open for unsupervised access. View visible features from public paths and use council or organised-event information for any special opening.
The boat park
The fenced, boat-themed playground makes Princes Park useful for families, while lawns, seating, shade, toilets and drinking water support a short stop. The park drops towards the working waterfront, so supervise children closely around roads and edges outside the play area.
Walk from Salamanca
The park is a short uphill walk from Salamanca Place and connects naturally with the Battery Point heritage walk. Street parking is limited and the surrounding lanes serve residents, so walking from central Hobart is usually simpler.
Dog access changes by time of day and dogs are prohibited within ten metres of the playground. Check the current City of Hobart listing rather than relying on an old sign or guide. Continue through Battery Point for cottages, Arthur Circus and the neighbourhood’s maritime setting.