You don't have to be Dr Who to step back in time. Leave your TARDIS at home and journey over 170 years into Tasmania's colonial past at Hobart's Knocklofty Reserve.

Visitors to 21st century Hobart can stand on the very spot where celebrated landscape painter John Glover stood in 1831 to paint the scene before him. The magnificent view of Hobart Town that Glover captured is still there today – with few concessions to modern living.

Regarded as the father of Australian landscape painting, John Glover set out from England's Lake District, at the age of 63, to postpone retirement and settle in Van Diemen's Land. He was the first painter to really capture the colour, light and contours of the Australian bush. A contemporary of Turner and Constable, Glover's move to Tasmania inspired a new artistic expression and worldwide recognition.

He completed Hobart Town and the River Derwent soon after arriving. The painting depicts the view from what is now the Knocklofty Reserve. Along with some of his other works, it is on permanent display at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG).

The Glover Walk threads its way up from the city's edge to Knocklofty. It is this trail that Glover climbed, carrying his easel and painting equipment to paint the scene in situ.

Glover would no doubt be equally impressed with the view as it can be seen today. He would also be pleased to know his work is still admired the world over – in 2001 the TMAG and the National Gallery bought Glover's Mount Wellington and Hobart Town from Kangaroo Point for AUD1.76 million.

The Glover Walk can be easily reached from the centre of Hobart. Head west to Lansdowne Crescent and take Poets Road up the hill to the start of the short walk.

For map of Knocklofty Reserve, see our downloadable map of Hobart.
John Glover's paintings can be seen at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston. Admission to the museums is free.