Hobart is fast becoming one of Australia’s coolest destinations (literally and figuratively), thanks to a thriving restaurant and bar scene, plenty of natural wonders to explore and blend of history and modernity that gives a really cool energy.
MONA has long been the drawcard for travellers visiting Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city. It’s definitely worth the trip — a quirky, unique art museum filled with permanent exhibitions, installations, and visiting artists. If you haven’t explored its hallowed halls, don’t skip it.
However, if Hobart is synonymous with MONA to you, you’re missing out. There are plenty of other bucket list experiences in and around the waterfront city worth ticking off, ASAP. Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Hobart, beyond the art scene.
Maria Island
Just one hour’s drive from Hobart is the Triabunna ferry terminal, where a short, 30-minute ferry ride will have you landing on the shores of Maria Island. This small, walkable national park is famous for wombat spotting — visit in the late afternoon, and you can’t miss them as they emerge from their burrows to feed. Can’t make it over to the island at that time? The walks are worth the trip regardless, and you’ll still have luck spotting pademelons, potoroos, Forester kangaroos and plenty of birdlife.
Port Arthur
One of Tasmania’s most famous historic sites and top on our list of things to do when in Hobart is Port Arthur, a former convict penal settlement. About 1.5 hours drive from the city, spend the day walking through crumbling sandstone buildings and learning about convict life in the 1800s, or (if you’re brave) head across at nightfall for one of the sites infamous ghost tours — the area is said to be very haunted, so be prepared for possible paranormal events.
Gin Tales
Down on Hobart’s waterfront you’ll find the luxury hotel Macq01, a unique accommodation concept that ties the stories of Tasmania’s most interesting residents of history to its rooms and offerings. One of these is Gin Tales, an immersive tasting experience of five bespoke gins created in collaboration with McHenry Distillery. Each gin is tied to a local legend, and as you sip and savour, a Macq01 storyteller will spin you fascinating tales of intrigue, bravery and chaos.
Salamanca and Farm Gate Markets
The Salamanca markets are Hobart’s most famous, and well worth a visit if you happen to be in town on a Saturday. Wander the 300 outdoor stalls and sample local produce, pick up some handmade gifts or just immerse yourself in the frenetic market energy. Foodies will love Salamanca, but don’t sleep on the smaller, more locally frequented Farm Gate Markets.
Held every Sunday, locals come here to pick up fresh produce and to enjoy breakfast or lunch from one of the many stalls. Grab a cappuccino and cruise the food vendors — on our recent visit, the queue for Get Toasted, a gourmet toastie vendor, was 20 people deep and with good reason — the gooey, crispy cheese toastie was the best we’ve ever sampled.
Kunanyi/Mount Wellington
Looming over Hobart, kunyanyi (also known as Mount Wellington) is a stunning sight, particularly during the cooler months when its peaks are covered in snow. You can take a summit road to the top, plus there are walking and bike riding tracks to explore its terrain, which will often see you spotting wildlife and capturing some incredible views of Hobart. Just be prepared for the elements — temperatures can plunge at the peak, even if it’s a mild day in Hobart. Pack sensible walking shoes and warm clothing so you can brave the elements.
Bruny Island
Only a thirty-minute drive from Hobart, a day trip to Bruny Island — known for its local produce, rugged landscape and native wildlife — should be on your list of things to do in Hobart. Buy a vehicle ticket for the ferry, which crosses from Kettering on the mainland every 20 minutes, 365 days a year.
The trip only takes 20 minutes, so you’ll get to explore this beautiful island before lunch even hits. Most attractions are situated along the main road that runs through the island, but be sure to look out for Get Shucked, a popular oyster vendor, Bruny Island Cheese Co., where you can select several gourmet cheeses, pair with sides, and relax on the venue’s sunny deck, and Bruny Baker, a quirky bakery stocking its wares inside a vintage fridge on the side of the road.
Want to make life a little easier? You can tour the island with Pennicott Journeys, who will take you to all the best gourmet pit stops. Wildlife enthusiasts can also take their boat tour around the island, checking out its jagged cliffs and abundant bird life.
Cascade Brewery
One of Hobart’s most imposing relics of the past, Cascade Brewery’s building is one you won’t be able to miss if you’re travelling down to South Hobart. Established in 1824, it’s the oldest continually operating brewery in Australia, but if beer isn’t your thing, it’s still worth a visit. The on-site bar boasts an extensive, pub-style menu, manicured gardens and sun-drenched outdoor seating, and is well worth wiling away a sunny afternoon at.
Winery Tours
Cool-climate wineries are a Tasmanian specialty, and many of the best are situated a short drive outside of Hobart. Frogmore Creek is a great spot to grab lunch at after sampling their range in their tasting room, and fans of heritage architecture will love Derwent Estate, set inside a sweet 1820s cottage. Stefano Lubiana was Tasmania’s first certified biodynamic winery, and Moorilla is worth a visit if you’re an art fan, given it was founded by the same person behind MONA.
Where To Stay
Discover Tasmania’s site has road trip ideas and other activities worth checking out when in Hobart. If you’re still figuring out where to stay in Hobart, pick accommodation that’ll have you a stone’s throw from the city’s best restaurants and bars. While there are plenty of central options that fit the bill, one worth considering is DoubleTree By Hilton.
Located in the CBD near Salamanca Place, it’ll have you within walking distance of plenty of the above attractions, with cosy, modern rooms to rest your head at as night falls. One lesser-known plus side? The chewy, decadent cookie you’ll receive on arrival – DoubleTree is famous for them worldwide.
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