by Dawn Teh
posted on 13 January 2025
With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and thriving art and food scene, choosing the best things to do in Hobart can be a delightful challenge.
Nestled between the sparkling Derwent River and the towering Mount Wellington, Australia’s least-populated state capital city offers surprises at every turn. Dive into convict history at World Heritage-listed sites, savour farm-fresh produce at bustling markets, or immerse yourself in some of the world’s most provocative contemporary art. Keep reading to uncover Hobart’s must-see attractions and make planning your itinerary a breeze.
An overview of the 10 best things to do in Hobart
- Experience the Museum of Old and New Art, Art Gallery (Mona)
- Swing by the iconic Salamanca Market
- Venture to the top of Kunanyi (Mount Wellington)
- Take a tour of Cascade Brewery
- Stroll through historic Battery Point
- Explore the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
- Take the short ferry to Bruny Island
- Visit the Port Arthur Historic Site
- Brush up on history at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania
- Grab the best fresh produce at the Farm Gate Market
What you need to know about Hobart (TAS)
- How to get to Hobart: Fly into Hobart International Airport, located 17 km from the city. Direct flights are available from major Australian cities.
- Best time to visit Hobart: Summer (December to February) offers warmer weather that’s perfect for attending festivals, exploring farmers markets, and lazing on its beaches. Autumn and spring have cooler temperatures and stunning natural colours, while winter offers cozy charm and fewer crowds at attractions.
- What you’ll love about Hobart: The mix of historic charm, gorgeous scenery, and modern vibrancy. Stroll the waterfront at Salamanca Place, hike Mount Wellington, or experience cutting-edge art at MONA.
- Driving conditions in Hobart: Roads are well-maintained and traffic is minimal compared to mainland cities. Street parking is ample but can be busy near tourist hotspots like Salamanca Market.
- Best vehicle to hire in Hobart: A compact car is ideal for city exploration, while a mid-sized SUV is better if you’re planning day trips to nearby regions like Bruny Island.
- Accommodation and camping options in Hobart:
- Budget: Hostels like Backpackers Imperial Hotel or The Pickled Frog.
- Mid-Range: Hobart City Apartments (family-friendly accommodation) or further out of town, there’s Waterfront Lodge Motel.
- Luxury: Boutique hotels like MACq 01 or The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel.
- Camping: The Lea Bush Camping, Bruny Island, Huon Valley Caravan Park Tasmania.
The 10 best things to do and sights to see in Hobart
When you’ve got stunning natural beauty, rich historical sites, lively market culture, and a burgeoning art and food scene all rolled up into this small, Southern Tasmania city, it can be a challenge picking out the ideal stops for your itinerary. Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled the 10 best things to see and do in Hobart.
1. Experience the Museum of Old and New Art, Art Gallery (MONA)
- Travel time and distance from Hobart: 15-minute drive or 30-minute ferry ride from the city centre.
- Ideal activity length: 3-4 hours.
- Cost: $39 general entry ticket for adults (without ferry ticket), $67 (with return ferry ticket). Some exhibitions have an added cost.
- Bookings: Yes, you can make bookings through the MONA website.
- Best for: Art enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those seeking a unique experience.
Set on the banks of the Derwent River, this avant-garde gallery offers anything but a typical museum visit. From labyrinthine exhibits to rubble-like installations, MONA—Australia’s largest private museum—is a must-visit for modern art lovers who value the thought-provoking and unconventional. A visit here is all about the experience, so consider taking the ferry and indulging in wine tastings at the on-site vineyard.
2. Swing by the iconic Salamanca Market
- Travel time and distance from Hobart: Located in Hobart CBD.
- Ideal activity length: 2-3 hours.
- Cost: Free to enter; prices vary by vendor.
- Bookings: Not required.
- Best for: Foodies, souvenir hunters, and market enthusiasts.
On the hunt for some unique wares, local flavours, or gifts? Every Saturday, Salamanca Place comes alive with over 300 stalls offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisan goods. This vibrant open-air market is the perfect place to taste Tasmania’s flavours, from fresh oysters to locally made cheeses. Don’t miss the live music performances and the chance to chat with local artisans about their creations.
3. Venture to the top of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington
- Travel time and distance from Hobart: 30-minute drive from the city centre.
- Ideal activity length: 2-3 hours.
- Cost: Free.
- Bookings: Not required.
- Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, cyclists, and photography enthusiasts.
Standing 1,271 meters above sea level, Kunanyi/Mount Wellington offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hobart and beyond. There are many activities for all here. Admire the panoramic views from the boardwalks and lookout platforms scattered around the mountains, and if you’re up for an adventure, hike (or cycle through) one of the many trails as you enjoy the fresh alpine air.
4. Take a tour of Cascade Brewery
- Travel time and distance from Hobart: 10-minute drive from the city centre.
- Ideal activity length: 1-2 hours.
- Cost: $30-$50 for tours.
- Bookings: Highly recommended.
- Best for: Beer enthusiasts and history buffs.
Step into a world of heritage and beer-brewing traditions at Australia’s oldest operating brewery. Take a guided tour to learn all about its brewing process, get a behind-the-scenes look at the machinery at work, and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the brewery since its establishment in 1824. End your visit with a tasting session featuring a variety of Cascade’s renowned brews.
5. Stroll through historic Battery Point
- Travel time and distance from Hobart: 5-minute walk from the city centre.
- Ideal activity length: 1-2 hours.
- Cost: Free.
- Bookings: Not required.
- Best for: History enthusiasts and leisurely walkers.
Immerse yourself in Hobart’s rich history at Battery Point, one of Australia’s most well-preserved colonial-era suburbs. Take a self-guided walking tour to explore heritage landmarks like grand merchant mansions (including Narryna – The Merchant’s House) and Arthur Circus, where you’ll find old workman’s cottages. For a truly unique experience, consider a horse-drawn carriage tour to relive the area’s old-world charm in style. This suburb has also attracted many quaint cafes, pubs, and boutique shops which adds to its modern-day appeal.
6. Explore the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
- Travel time and distance from Hobart: 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the city centre, near North Hobart.
- Ideal activity length: 1-2 hours.
- Cost: Free.
- Bookings: Not required.
- Best for: Garden enthusiasts and families.
This serene nature escape located just outside the city centre is the perfect setting for a picnic, stroll, or exploration of the many specially curated botanical spaces. Highlights include the Subantarctic Plant House and the Japanese Garden.
7. Take the short ferry to Bruny Island
- Travel time and distance from Hobart: 30-minute drive to Kettering, then a 20-minute ferry ride.
- Ideal activity length: Full day.
- Cost: From $38.20 per vehicle for the ferry (round trip).
- Bookings: Bookings are recommended through the website.
- Best for: Adventure seekers and food lovers.
Think you can’t combine rugged natural beauty and adventure with gourmet indulgence and relaxation? Bruny Island is here to prove you wrong. Take in sweeping water views from Truganini Lookout at the point connecting North and South Bruny, visit one of Australia’s oldest lighthouses, and embark on a Bruny Island Cruise for an unforgettable experience exploring dramatic cliffs and spotting wildlife like seals and dolphins. Wrap up your day by savouring local delicacies, including Bruny Island Cheese and freshly shucked oysters.
8. Visit the Port Arthur Historic Site
- Travel time and distance from Hobart: 90-minute drive from the city centre.
- Ideal activity length: Half a day.
- Cost: General entry is $48 for adults and $23 for children. Additional fees apply for tours.
- Bookings: Bookings are recommended through website.
- Best for: History buffs and families.
Walking through the Port Arthur Historic Site convict settlement evokes a mixture of feelings—sobering, ghastly, terrifying, and intriguing all at once. The UNESCO World Heritage site features over 30 historic buildings and beautifully maintained gardens. To maximise your experience, we recommend the tours, where knowledgeable guides bring the past to life through the stories of the characters who once walked these halls.
9. Brush up on history at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania
- Travel time and distance from Hobart: Located in the city centre.
- Ideal activity length: 1-2 hours.
- Cost: $16 for adults and $6 for students (free for children 12 and under).
- Bookings: Not required.
- Best for: History enthusiasts and maritime lovers.
Wander through the galleries of the Maritime Museum of Tasmania to learn about the island’s connection to the sea. Exhibits include a fascinating mix of collections. You’ll find fascinating stories about lost vessels, model ships, maritime artifacts, stories of early explorers, and even dinosaur remains from Antarctica. Exploring the museum is like having a history lesson that truly brings Tasmania’s maritime heritage to life.
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10. Grab the best fresh produce at the Farm Gate Market
- Travel time and distance from Hobart: Bathurst Street (Between Elizabeth and Murray Streets) in the city centre.
- Ideal activity length: 1-2 hours. (Held every Sunday from 8:30 am-1 pm)
- Cost: Free to enter; prices vary by vendor.
- Bookings: Not required.
- Best for: Foodies and those seeking local produce.
From seasonal fruits to artisanal baked goods, Farm Gate Market is the perfect spot to find fresh local produce, stock up on snacks, enjoy a hearty breakfast, or soak in the bustling local atmosphere. The market is held every Sunday in the city centre, and be sure to check out the Farm Gate Market website to see what’s currently in season.
Exploring Hobart: Your complete guide to what to do in Hobart
We’re not finished with Hobart yet! Keep reading to discover even more unique and fun things to do in this bustling town.
Unique things to do in Hobart
If you’re looking for unique experiences in Hobart, you’re in for a treat. Check out these distinctive attractions that showcase the city’s character and charm.
- Brave the chilly waters of Nutgrove Beach: Take a refreshing dip at Nutgrove Beach, a serene spot with calm, crystal-clear surrounded by stunning views of the Derwent River. Bonus: It’s close to the city.
- Visit the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site (South Hobart): Uncover the often-overlooked stories of convict women and their children who lived through Australia’s colonial era through guided tours.
- Explore Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum: Channel your inner adventurer at this detailed reconstruction of the iconic huts from Douglas Mawson’s legendary Antarctic expedition.
Things to do in Hobart for families
Need some kid-friendly activities in Hobart to keep the little ones busy? Here are some great attractions for all ages:
- Day trip to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: Get up close with some of Tasmania’s most iconic animals (like the adorable Tasmanian devil) at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Your kids will especially love the up-close encounters.
- Wander around the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery: With interactive exhibits and a dedicated kid’s space, this is the perfect place for young minds to soak up Tasmania’s history, art, and culture all under one roof.
- See Australia’s oldest lighthouse: Join Iron Pot Cruises and explore Hobart’s waterways and pass by Australia’s oldest lighthouse (Iron Pot Lighthouse).
Free things to do in Hobart
On a budget? Hobart offers plenty of free activities to enjoy the city without spending a cent!
- Hike to the Organ Pipes: Lace up your hiking boots and tackle the trail to the Organ Pipes, a dramatic dolerite rock formation on Mount Wellington.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at St David’s Park: Unwind at St David’s Park with its shady trees, manicured gardens, and historical spaces like the beautiful rotunda.
- Enjoy the Hobart waterfront: Stroll along Hobart’s picturesque waterfront, where you can see the boats at the historic Constitution Dock, explore historic docks, and take in the lively event atmosphere at the Hobart Twilight Market located on Brooke Street Pier.
Explore Hobart by car
From compact cars to zip through Hobart’s city streets to comfy SUVs for a mountain adventure, Turo has the perfect ride for you to explore the town on your own terms.
Ready to hit the road? Rent a car on Turo today.
Dawn Teh
Dawn, an ex-psychologist and avid travel writer, blends her expertise in human behaviour with her passion for adventure. Her writing reflects a unique perspective on personal growth, wanderlust and what it is that helps humans thrive. Her current mission is to live the van life and tour the Australian outback with her family.
