February 1, 2024
Abundant in captivating sights and activities, Hobart is an ideal city for a wonderful short getaway. It's also the perfect starting point for an epic Tasmanian adventure. We recommend spending at least a couple of days exploring this charming city before embarking on your journey across the state. Here is our list of things to do in Hobart you just cant miss!
The most enjoyable way to travel from Hobart to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is via ferry. Departing from Brooke Street Pier, the scenic ferry ride is 25-minutes each way. We recommend dedicating at least half a day if not a whole day to explore this fascinating museum.
You don't need to be an art connoisseur to appreciate MONA's offerings. The museum caters to people of all ages and tastes. Prepare to be surprised, shocked and delighted as you venture through its unconventional exhibits.
Within the MONA complex there are impressive dining/bar options such as the Source Restaurant with its fine cuisine and expansive views of the Derwent River. There are cellar door tastings at the Moorilla Bar and classy cocktails at The Void Bar. In the warmer months, you can recline on the lush green lawns while enjoying a glass of wine.
One of the most sought-after day trips and top things to do in Hobart is a visit to Bruny Island. This rugged island is situated off the eastern coast of Tasmania and boasts a diverse array of attractions.
To get to the island, you'll need to make your way to Kettering, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from Hobart. From Kettering, you can board a car ferry to Bruny Island. Alternatively you can join one of the many day tours from Hobart that visit the island.
Upon your arrival, make your way to 'the Neck', where you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of where the northern and southern parts of the island meet.
Bruny Island offers a range of family-friendly activities, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include the Cape Bruny Lighthouse and the Inala Nature Museum.
Bruny Island also holds a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional local produce. A must-do activity in Hobart on Bruny Island is indulging in these gastronomic delights. You can start by sampling the offerings at the Bruny Island Cheese and Chocolate companies.
Many of the day tours from Hobart to Bruny Island cater to specific interests such as food, wine and cruising. The rugged coastline is stunning and on a cruise you'll discover deep sea caves, soaring cliffs and wave-carved sea stacks and come across wildlife such as seals, albatross and dolphins.
With its diverse array of attractions and activities, Bruny Island is a fantastic destination for day trips, ranking among the top things to do in Hobart when it comes to day excursions.
Another rewarding day trip from Hobart is the Port Arthur Historic Site. This is one of Tasmania's most popular attractions – an exceptionally well-preserved penitentiary dating back to the early days of the colony. This early Australian gaol had a reputation of administering stringent punishment to convicts.
Covering an extensive area, the site boasts numerous buildings that you can explore. Some are in ruins and others perfectly preserved, along with homes and museums. Your admission includes a guided walking tour and a 20-minute harbour cruise. There's also a famously spooky and intriguing Port Arthur ghost tour, highly recommended by those who have experienced it.
If you're taking a day trip from Hobart to Port Arthur, make a stop at Eaglehawk Neck. See the popular natural formations of the blowhole and tessellated pavement, both worth a visit.
Hobart boasts a rich historical heritage and proudly retains numerous buildings dating back to the early 1800s. These well-preserved buildings are conveniently situated near the docks in the Salamanca area. They now house an array of fine dining establishments, cozy pubs, captivating art galleries and more.
If you visit the area on a Saturday, you can explore the Salamanca Market. This bustling event transforms the wide streets of Salamanca with a delightful array of locally sourced foods, arts, clothing and crafts. The streets come alive with the melodies of local musicians, drawing in crowds of appreciative onlookers. Nearby parks offer tranquil spots where you can savour your culinary finds under the shade of trees.
Adjacent to Salamanca lies Battery Point, a captivating and historic suburb that ranks among Hobart's oldest and most intriguing. Wander through its charming narrow streets lined with quaint two-story cottages. Don't miss the serene Princess Park and the delightful Arthur Circus.
Just in front of Salamanca lies the docks, featuring Elizabeth Street Pier, Constitution Dock and Victoria Dock. This area offers the perfect vantage point for gazing out at the water with its many yachts and ships. It's also a haven for seafood enthusiasts where you can savour some of Tasmania's finest catch.
Seafood is freshly caught on the very same day and served straight to your plate. Opt for a casually wrapped fish and chips at Fish Frenzy or elevate your dining experience at Mures Upper-Deck.
If you're in the area between Boxing Day and New Year's Day, you're in for a treat as you'll have the chance to witness the thrilling end to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This prestigious event draws enthusiastic crowds and a vibrant atmosphere.
For those seeking alternative adventure, a kayak tour will take you beyond the docks, allowing you to explore Battery Point and even glide by the iconic Tasman Bridge. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of the city.
A trip to Hobart wouldn't be complete without a visit to the summit of Mt Wellington. This iconic mountain is a prominent presence visible from all corners of the city, offering breathtaking views from its peak. Best of all, it's one of the free things to do in Hobart.
Reaching Mt Wellington by car takes about 30 minutes. At the summit you'll find lookout points and various walking trails. It's important to dress warmly, as it's typically chilly up there.
It's best to check if the summit is accessible, especially during winter when snow or weather may restrict vehicle access. If you don't have access to a car, consider taking the Kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus. It ensures access to the summit even when passenger vehicles may face restrictions.
Prepare a picnic basket and enjoy on a delightful outing to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Here you can explore an array of distinctive gardens or spread out a picnic blanket and unwind on the lush lawns.
What truly distinguishes these gardens from those elsewhere is the remarkable Subantarctic Plant House. Hobart is a launching point for expeditions to Antarctica and this attraction allows you to observe many of the plants you'd encounter when passing through the subantarctic islands.
Nestled at the base of the mountain in South Hobart, you'll discover the magnificent Cascade Brewery. The property exudes a timeless elegance and boasts meticulously maintained gardens. Founded in 1824, it proudly holds the distinction of being Australia's oldest continuously operating brewery.
A visit to Cascade Brewery presents an opportunity to enjoy a delightful meal at its restaurant or indulge in a quick tasting session. Daily tours are available for those keen to delve deeper into the brewing process. For the truly enthusiastic, there's the option to enrol in Beer School to gain an in-depth understanding of the craft.
Facing Constitution Dock on Argyle Street, you'll find a small curated museum dedicated to Douglas Mawson's famous Antarctic Expedition of 1911-14. It was from this very location that Mawson's vessel, the SY Aurora, embarked on a journey that spanned more than three years.
During this remarkable expedition, Mawson and his team navigated over 1,800 miles of uncharted coastline. While exploring they collected crucial geological and biological samples and took many oceanographic and meteorological measurements.
The museum offers a fascinating insight into the daily lives of these explorers, shedding light on the inhospitable conditions they faced in the 'windiest place on earth'.
Importantly, all proceeds from the museum contribute to the preservation of the original wooden huts that still stand at Mawson's base in Antarctica.
For those with an appetite for intrigue, the Hobart Convict Penitentiary is a journey into the city's darker history as a convict penal settlement during the early 1830s.
Step back in time on a guided tour and explore the very spaces where approximately 40,000 male convicts endured their sentences in the 1800s. Venture into the tunnels beneath the courtroom, which once led to solitary confinement cells that were deemed inhumane. Witness the gallows where harrowing hangings took place. If you're brave, consider joining a ghost tour held at night to delve even deeper into the eerie and enigmatic past of this historic site.
We hope you're ready for an adventure with all the enjoyable things to do in Hobart. Contact us to book your Tasmanian adventure, we have lots of great packages/tours and can offer you advice on the best accommodation for your needs.
We offer various payment options including Pay Later or Pay with Amex Points. Make your reservation today!