From laid-back cafes to gourmet restaurants to intriguing museums to fun markets, there’s a lot going on in Hobart.
Planning your trip to Tassie? Well, Hobart should be your first stop. This little town that could is cementing its reputation as a seriously cool city, and best of all, natural beauty and an outdoor adventure is never far away. These are the best things to do in Hobart.
Hobart top 5 landmarks
With so much natural beauty surrounding the city, it’s no wonder Hobart is home to incredible food, art and architecture. These are the top Hobart attractions.
Museum of Old and New Art
Catch the ferry to this quirky museum.
If there’s just one thing you do in Hobart, take a ferry and visit Mona. This museum is the brainchild of David Walsh, gambler-turned-art-collector. Within its walls, you’ll find an array of art exhibits. Some are serious and some are strange; none are stuffy. For drinks, head 17 metres underground to Void Bar and get lost in time. For food, book a table at the Source, where plates are served on moss-covered tables.
Hobart Convict Penitentiary
This Hobart attraction was once a first stop for arriving convicts.
Over 50,000 convicts (ram stealers, mostly) were once imprisoned at the Hobart Convict Penitentiary. Built in the 1830s, it’s one of the city’s oldest landmarks. A few decades after its construction, it became the Hobart Gaol, chapel, and Supreme Court. Today, you can take a tour and learn about Tasmania’s convict years. For those in search of something spooky, go on a nighttime ghost tour or walk around the property with paranormal investigators.
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Admire art and learn about Tasmania’s history in Australia’s second-oldest museum.
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is one of the best things to see in Hobart to get a glimpse of the city in-depth. Hosting over 80,000 objects within its walls, come to see everything from fine art to fossils. The architecture alone makes its worth a stop! The museum’s permanent collections touch on Australian Aboriginal culture, Tasmania’s unique geology, Australia’s convict past and more. There are plenty of activities to do with kids, too!
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Find serenity at Hobart’s beautifully manicured gardens.
Hobart’s Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a cool climate botanical garden spread across 14 hectares. Go on a buggy tour with a naturalist guide to learn about Tasmanian plants and flowers. Lounge near the lily pond, shop for souvenirs at the botanical shop, and grab a bite to eat at the garden restaurant.
Kunanyi/Mount Wellington
Venture to the top of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington for panoramic views of the Hobart skyline.
Kunanyi/Mount Wellington is the heart of Hobart. With the city sprawled amongst its foothills, it’s almost always within view. Walking to the top of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington is one of the best things to do in Hobart if you enjoy great views and a bit of adventure. Pack your hiking shoes and hike through the trails of Wellington Park reserve, watch the sunset over Hobart at 1,271 metres above sea level, or go for a mountain bike ride.
The top things to do in Hobart
Here’s how to hang out in Hobart like a local.
Grab a drink at Australia’s oldest brewery
This brewery has been in operation for two centuries.
Built in 1824, Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest. There are a range of beers and ciders to choose from, each brewed with crisp mountain water and Tasmanian grown barley and hops. In between drinks, go for a walk around the ground’s gardens–they’re some of the prettiest in Hobart.
Shop at the Salamanca Market
Spend your Saturday wandering around this vibrant market.
Every Saturday, over 300 stalls set up shop along Salamanca Place. Start your morning with a cup of coffee and take your pick of stalls selling fresh produce, snacks, handmade crafts, clothing and more. Save room in your suitcase for souvenirs. It’s one of the best Hobart attractions for families with live entertainment and stalls set up for kids.
Hobart has four seasons. Visit from October to April for your best chance of sunny skies and pleasant weather.
Hobart is Australia’s second-oldest capital city.
Hobart is one of the few places where you have a chance to see the southern lights, australis borealis, all year round (though it’s never guaranteed).
Dive into Hobart’s food scene
Dine on delicacies made from the island’s meat and produce.
Tasmania’s fertile soil and seasonal weather has made it a prime place to grow flavourful vegetables and juicy fruits. You won’t find better cherries, raspberries, or blueberries! The apples, pears, and apricots are also worth buying by the heap. With so many locally-grown ingredients to choose from, chefs craft creative menus in Hobart. Embrace all day brunch culture at one of the cafes along the wharf. Or, for fine dining, check out Fico, a fine dining venue with a weekly set menu based on seasonal ingredients.
Splash out at Wrest Point
There’s always something happening here.
Watch sailboats cruise into port from the Wrest Point. It’s where locals come to enjoy a drink or two, try their luck at the hotel’s casino, and watch sailboats cruise into port. Book at table at The Point, a revolving restaurant found on the seventeenth floor. A blend of French and Tasmanian cuisine, dinner here is one of the most romantic activities to do in Hobart. If there’s a sports match on, watch it at the Wrest Point bar to celebrate or commiserate with a fun-loving crowd.
Cruise along the Derwent
Watch for wildlife and spot iconic Tasmanian landmarks on a cruise down the Derwent.
Admire Hobart’s beauty from the waterfront by embarking on a River Derwent cruise. Departing from Constitution Dock, trips veer north along the River Derwent passing sights like Battery Point, Shot Tower, and Australia’s oldest lighthouse, Iron Pot. If you’re on a wildlife cruise, you might be lucky enough to spot little penguins, swans, seals, and sea birds. Pack a pair of binoculars.
Stroll along Battery Point
Wander around one of Hobart’s most interesting neighbourhoods.
Battery Point is one of the best places to hang out in Hobart’s for a day. Its architecture reflects the city’s intriguing history of convicts-turned-everyday-citizens. You’ll find tired cottages tucked in between 19th-century mansions. Stroll at the Montpelier Retreat waterfront, go shopping at the boutiques along Hampden Road, check out the 1840s homes of South Street, and then see the defence batteries at Princes Park.
Hobart costs
When you’re in Hobart, expect to pay:
Accommodation: Budget hotels can cost around $100 per night, while luxury hotels can start from $250.
Food: A meal at a local restaurant may cost around $30 per person.
Drink: A local beer usually costs about $10.
Transport: An average 10-minute taxi journey costs around $15-20.
Flight time: Flights from Sydney to Hobart are 2 hours, flights from Melbourne are 1 hour and 15 minutes. Flights from Perth are 5 hours.
Thinking of travelling to Hobart? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
