tours in hobart

The Official Sightseeing Tour of Hobart

+61 3 6236 9116.

HOBART HOP-ON HOP-OFF CITY LOOP TOUR

24 HOUR TICKET

Hobart city loop.

48 HOUR TICKET

+ MT WELLINGTON

City loop + kunanyi/mt wellington tour.

+ RICHMOND VILLAGE

City loop + richmond village tour.

THE BIG 3 COMBO!

Combine and save.

Join the official sightseeing tour of Hobart. Choose from 20 different stops featuring the best sights and attractions in and around Hobart. Hop-on and hop-off as many times as you like, or stay on board and do the 90-minute city loop tour.

HOBART ATTRACTIONS AND LANDMARKS

Explore Hobart’s attractions and landmarks, including the spectacular kunanyi/Mt Wellington, the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Cascade Brewery and the UNESCO listed Cascades Female Factory. From history, arts and culture to shopping and dining, there’s more to discover in Hobart onboard the Red Decker.

CASCADE BREWERY / CASCADE BREWERY BAR

Learn more >, kunanyi/mt wellington explorer bus tour.

ROYAL TASMANIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS

CASCADES FEMALE FACTORY

MAWSON’S HUTS REPLICA MUSEUM

NARRYNA HERITAGE MUSEUM

COAL RIVER VALLEY EXPLORER BUS TOUR

This was a wonderful way to get to know a little about Hobart fast, for a reasonable price, red bus drivers were very polite and friendly. Tony took us to Mt Wellington last Saturday, in 2 hours, with a joint Mt Wellington Red Decker combo, the only bus that can go to the top of Mt Wellington, through the locked gate, in most weather conditions. Tony could not have been more informative, friendly and helpful. He has a real passion for Hobart and Mt Wellington loves his job, and gave us a wonderful experience. Tony’s genuine love of the mountain reached us all and made the experience a memorable one, even though we could not see the view due to the weather. The fresh crisp air the snow the ride to the top Tony’s sense of humor amazing! Thank you Tony and to the Red Decker Company

Nice ride round town

Nice and not expensive way to get around the town and out to the brewery. Pleasant staff and some nice sites to see.

Jackie Foristal

Great day, great staff, great organisation. Have used many other hop on and hop off services before, but these guys were by far the best. Everyone so helpful and friendly and personalised commentary great.

Great way to get an overview of Hobart

We only had a limited time t see round Hobart, so we opted fro what was the final bus tour of the day. Good decision it was too. A friendly, warm welcome from the driver followed by a relaxed, and well informed tour round the key sites of Hobart. Made us realise we need to to spend longer in Hobart on our next visit because there is so much to see. Highly recommend this tour,

Great way to see Hobart

Plenty of space on bus, informative information provided by driver, clean spacious bus, great presentation and stop on and off locations. Loved it and a great way to see Hobart.

spatricialee

Happy hoilday.

Great way to see Hobart, good value had fun seeing the sites with very little fuss. Would recommend on & off decker bus.

Hop On Hop off Bus

Very informative great value for money, trip is 90 minutes and explores the city and immediate surrounds. Opportunities to hop off and explore. Bus runs regularly a great way to see the sights of Hobart and inexpensive. Drivers very courteous and the history of Hobart is relayed via recorded audio dialogue telling the history of the buildings we passed. Was recommended by the ladies at the visitors centre well worth 90 minutes. If you are on your first trip to Hobart highly recommend

Jackie Williams

Brilliant, bus drivers were fantastic, giving us an informed and amusing commentary all the way around. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Very informative, cost effective and good way to get first impression of Hobart. Opportunity to get off and rejoin later

Caroline Dan

Friendly, informative and helpful driver. Clean, comfortable bus. Fun trip to New Norfolk for the Saturday market.

Bill and Jane

What a great view and history tour of Hobart. Our trip was made even better than 5 star by the wonderful Matt the bus driver. S helpful gentleman.

Super friendly staff – both at ticket sales and driving the bus. We saw lots and learned lots. Our party of 11 all really enjoyed the bus tour. Definitely recommended, there’s lots to see around Hobart.

Karen Cairns

Was a great way to see Hobart and good that the ticket is good for 48hrs. No need for taking the car out and still see everything. The driver was especially friendly, job well done!

debrarendell

One of the best.

Friendly and helpful drivers plus good, clear audio make this one of the best tour bus experiences I have had.

Elizabeth Quinn

Had a brilliant day, best hop on hop off experience I’ve had so far. We did the Mt Wellington tour and was lucky to have Garry as our guide, brilliant commentary and heaps of knowledge

Great Value

Excellent way to see the sites of Hobart. Go early and you can hop on and off. We were on the last bus so had to stay on. Saw all the main sites…informative tour. Get on in the harbour and sit back and enjoy. Plenty of good photo opportunities.

Andrea Palmer

Had a wonderful day today with four local kids. Caught the open top bus from the Royal Botanical Gardens and then continued to do the 90 minute tour, getting back off at the Bot Gardens.

We had a great tour around Hobart this morning. The driver was great and attentive checking in with us crazies that braved the top deck on a rather cold and chilli winter morning. Highly recommend.

LATEST NEWS

Anzac Day Timetable Changes

To our passengers travelling on Anzac Day Monday 25 April, please note that there will be no 9.00am, 10.00am or 11.00am City Loop departures. Tours will resume as normal from 12.00pm with departures every hour on the hour, with the last bus departing at 3.00pm from the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre. Our 90-minute city…

New Zoodoo Zoo Tour

We’re excited to announce our new City Loop + Zoodoo Zoo Tour! It’s a combined ticket for two iconic Hobart tours – Zoodoo Zoo and Red Decker’s Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop Tour. Join our tour to Zoodoo Zoo, one of the best wildlife parks in Tasmania. Get up close and personal with native Tasmanian animals…

New Richmond Village Tour

We’re excited to announce our new City Loop + Richmond Village Tour! It’s a combined ticket for two iconic Hobart tours – a Richmond Village Shuttle and Red Decker’s Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop Tour. Join our tour of the historic village of Richmond, known for its beautifully preserved, Georgian architecture and home to Australia’s oldest…

ULTIMATE TRAVEL SALE 🌎   Book now for   up to 60% off!

Hobart Tours & Trips

29 hobart tour packages with 229 reviews.

Famous 5 - 5 day Tour of Tasmania

"This 5 day tour was a fantastic taster of Tassie and I'm so pleased I booked it." Esme, traveled in February 2024

• €65 deposit on some dates

Explorer Six - 6 Day Tour of Tasmania

"Excellent. Did his best to ensure we all were ok and happy." JoAnne, traveled in February 2024

Walk Bruny Island & Tasmania's South Coast

"The tour met all my expectations and more. The age group of fellow hikers was perfect from a fitness point of view." Glenys, traveled in March 2024

The BIG 3 Tasmania - Launceston to Hobart

"The spot was really nice, told us many things about the area." Nga, traveled in August 2019

• Booking needs min. 2 travelers

Best of Hobart & Southern Tasmania

The BIG 3 Tasmania - Hobart to Launceston

"Wineglass Bay is a breathtaking destination, and the tour was a wonderful experience." Man, traveled in November 2019

Bruny Island Overnight Tour.

• 10% deposit on some dates

Tassie's Parks & Nature (7 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates

Premium Tasmania

5 Day Tasmania private tour.

What people love about hobart tours.

This tour was absolutely fantastic. We were able to squeeze in and see so much of Tasmania’s natural beauty! Our tour guide Hayden was amazing - cool, calm and knowledgeable! I was overjoyed when he helped us spot some platypus in their natural environment. Whilst on the bus itself he shared heaps of information and fun facts to keep us entertained. There is a lot of early starts - which is totally fair enough since it meant we could enjoy so much of what Tasmania has to offer. There is a lot of walking - but there are many choices of walks to do, so you can chose the level of difficulty in most places and all walks are optional. One of my favourite trips in Australia so far ?

Excellent Larry our guide took very good care of us. Did his best to ensure we all were ok and happy

The tour met all my expectations and more. The age group of fellow hikers was perfect from a fitness point of view and the guides Jay and Stacey went above and beyond their job roles to make our experiences wonderfully enjoyable and memorable.

Contact our Hobart travel experts

Expert in Hobart at TourRadar

Vivien is one of our seasoned Hobart Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Hobart tours answered!

• Choose from 29+ Hobart tours
• 229 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
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Bruny Island Tours only $159 per person

Roaming tasmania for 8 days, port arthur shuttle & tasman sights only $95 per person, hobart highlights tour only $100 per person, tasmania's most iconic in 11 days, multi day tours hobart | bruny island | port arthur, nipaluna (hobart) highlights tour only $85 per person, two of tasmania's best only $222 per person, cradle mountain tours only $250 per person, partnered tours and activities, tailored tours, cruise ship shore excursions only $88 per person, thrillmania over 7 days.

Port Arthur Shuttle & Tasman Sights only $95 per person

Hobart highlights tour $100 per person, nipaluna (hobart) highlights, two of tasmania's best only $222 per person, shore excursions from $88 per person, partner tours, multi day tours from $190 per person, private tours only $120 per person -->, student travel club, join us on: overnight group trips, hiking tours, foodie tours, exclusive student discounts and more, explore tasmania, jump on to one of our tasmania tours packages today.

Why choose a Tasmania local tour by Tassie Tours?

• Most of our Tasmania tours are small, between 10 & 20 travellers.
• At Tassie Tours we are young, well travelled folk who love doing exactly what you're doing.
• Tasmania Local Tour Knowledge - have comfort in the knowlegde that our guides are Tasmanian's who know the sites better than anyone.
• We are a relaxed, fun bunch so don't be afraid to make suggestions. We'll likely accommodate special requests.

CONNECT USING #tassietours

11 Best Things to Do in Hobart, Tasmania (+ Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Days)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 29, 2024

Planning to visit Hobart, Tasmania, and wondering what to see and do or how to plan your trip? In this guide, we share top things to do in Hobart and planning tips for your visit . Find out!

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, a beautiful Australian island that has some of the most stunning nature and wildlife on our planet. Even though Hobart is not a large city, what it lacks in size it makes up for in diversity. In this article, we cover some of the very best things to do in Hobart.

In order to give you a more complete picture of what there is to do in Hobart, this selection also contains some of the very best day trips nearby. After all, there is so much more to Tasmania than just its capital city. So with that in mind, we also share suggestions for how to see the best of Hobart in one day , as well as tips for how to spend two or three days in Hobart.

There are many ways to spend your time in Hobart. From exploring the art scene, taking in incredible views, or getting in touch with nature – there is something here for everyone. In this article, you can find a nice mix of the very best places to see in Hobart and its surroundings. So no matter what your interests are, there’s always something that’s right for you.

Good to know: This article is written in collaboration with Australian travel writer Sharee from Inspire Family Travel who recently visited Tasmania with kids . With her help and tips, as well as our personal experience when visiting Hobart and road-tripping in Tasmania, we put together this guide to Hobart that should help you make the most of your trip. Take a look!

What to do in Hobart – OVERVIEW:

• Best things to do in Hobart
• How much time do you need?
• 1 day itinerary
• 2-3 days in Hobart
• Where to eat
• Where to stay

Here are the best things to do in Hobart:

1. Hobart’s Historic Waterfront Area

Hobart Waterfront is not to be missed when visiting the city. It’s the place to be for locals and tourists alike. No trip to Hobart would be complete without a visit here. Grab some fish and chips and watch the hustle and the bustle of the harbor around you. It’s the ultimate Hobart experience!

Take a stroll along Hobart’s Constitution Dock which is famously known as the finish line for the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. It is also one of the best places in town to taste Tasmanian seafood. You’ll find a big choice of popular restaurants, or you can pick up some fresh catch from the local fishermen.

The area holds a significant amount of history for the city of Hobart. It is here that many of the first migrant forefathers came to shore to begin their new lives.

What becomes evident as you continue towards Salamanca Place is how this area blends old-world charm with modern-day. The Georgian sandstone warehouses that were once used to store food and materials to trade are now home to galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.

2. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

One of the best things about Hobart is there are so many child-friendly activities around every corner. For those who love to experience a touch of history and art on their trips, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is an engaging experience for all ages.

TMAG, as it has been affectionally named, is the second oldest museum in Australia. It’s ideally located on the Hobart waterfront, in a beautiful historic building. Admission is free, and you can choose to join a free guided tour or browse the rare and unique collections at your own pace. The museum also offers a range of hands-on programs and interactive zones for kids to encourage their interest in art, history, and science.

A visit to the museum is really nice at any time of the year. But if the weather turns bad, this is one of the best things to do in Hobart when it rains.

Tip: You could easily spend 2 hours at TMAG. But if your travel schedule is tight and you only have one day in Hobart, you can always pop-in for a short visit.

Practical info: The museum is open daily, except on Mondays. For more information, please check the official website of TMAG .

3. Salamanca Markets

On Saturday mornings, Salamanca Place is transformed into one of Australia’s largest outdoor markets. This tradition started back in 1973 and continued ever since.

There are over 300 stalls lining the streets. You can buy everything from antiques, crafts, clothing, jewelry, flowers, woodwork, and more. There is usually live music as well. It is not surprising that these markets attract thousands of visitors and locals.

This market is the reason why many travelers plan their trip to Hobart over a Saturday.

You can easily spend a good part of the day wandering the rows, relaxing on the lawns listening to buskers and sampling the incredible Tasmanian food. The markets are a brilliant place to stock up on extra snacks for the day ahead.

Practical information: Salamanca Markets take place on Saturday, from 8.30 AM to 2-3 PM.

4. Battery Point

Battery Point is a historic area in Hobart, just a stone’s throw from Salamanca Markets and the Hobart Waterfront. A visit here gives you a sense of stepping back in time. It’s well worth coming here!

Climb the colonial era Kelly’s Steps to explore this historic neighborhood. Walking through the laneways and quaint streets enables you to imagine what this area was like 100 hundred years ago. The streetscape has mostly been untouched since then!

Battery Point was once a military outpost in the early 19 th century. It is now a fashionable suburb where cottages have been converted into guest houses and sandstone buildings transformed into a popular café scene.

If you don’t want to walk, you can also take a hop-on hop-off bus to quicker visit this and many other parts of Hobart. And on the contrary, if you want to explore deeper and learn more, you may want to visit this part of town with this highly-rated walking tour with a local guide .

TIP: If you’re visiting Hobart with kids and need a change of pace from the historical walking tour, check out the Princes Park. This green oasis in the heart of Battery Point is also known as the “boat playground”. There is lots of green leafy space and a nautical-themed playground to keep the kids entertained.

5. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Another popular place to see in Hobart is the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens , just a short drive or walk from the city center. The second oldest botanical gardens in Australia cover 14 hectares, which is equivalent to approximately 26 football fields.

The grounds contain many different displays and one-of-a-kind exhibits, such as the Subantarctic Plant House. A world-first, the plant house was built to mimic the environment and grow the flora within subantarctic islands. It is well worth visiting, but best to pack something warmer if you want to linger. Even in the summer months, the blast of the misty air inside the plant house is very cold.

Some of the other living collections that are highly recommended are the Japanese gardens and the flower display in the Conservatory.

Practical information: The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are open seven days a week from 8 am to 5 pm. There is a restaurant and café onsite that offers lunch, light snacks, and coffee. For more practical information, please check the official website of the botanical garden .

TIP: The botanical gardens are on the Hobart hop-on hop-off bus route.

6. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

MONA is the quirky and somewhat controversial playground of its creator David Walsh. This is the largest privately funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere. It was opened in 2011 and is now one of Hobart’s most popular tourist attractions.

You won’t find any wall texts explaining the artwork here. Instead, each person is given a handheld device called “The O” which offers visitors a cutting-edge electronic guide to MONA. It is important to note that the museum includes a lot of adult content that may not be to everyone’s liking. If you are traveling with young children, you may want to ask the staff which rooms are family-friendly and which can better be avoided.

Getting there: MONA is located up the river, 11 kilometers north of Hobart. You can get there by car or by bus – it’s a 15-20 minute drive from the CBD. But the more popular way to get to MONA is by ferry from Brooke Street Pier. The MR-1 fast ferries take approximately 25 minutes and also give you a nice opportunity to see Hobart and the surroundings from the water.

Practical information: Admission is free for Tasmanian residents and kids under 12 years of age. For more practical information and opening times, check the website of MONA .

7. Mount Wellington

While strolling Salamanca Place you will have noticed the impressive Mount Wellington in the background, towering over the city of Hobart as a commanding presence. A short 30-minute drive from the city will have you standing atop of the 1.270-meter summit gazing at the beauty below.

Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, as it’s officially called, is a must when visiting Hobart. On a crystal-clear day, there is no better place in the area to experience these magnificent sweeping views over Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula, and Bruny Island! Sunrise and sunset are particularly special times to visit as you watch the colors in the sky dance over the city.

Located in Wellington Park, the summit is free to visit and is mostly always open. The only exception is when the park may be forced to close for safety concerns. Take advantage of the walking tracks on the summit and the Pinnacle observation shelter if you are experiencing challenging weather conditions.

TIP: Take some extra layers up the mountain as the weather can change very quickly. It’s usually several degrees cooler (and windier) here than in the city.

8. Mount Nelson

Mount Nelson is a great alternative to Mount Wellington’s summit. The lookout at the Mount Nelson Signal Station is only a 10-minute drive south of Hobart and offers a great aerial perspective of the city and its surroundings.

As the signal station holds a prime position in the hills, you can enjoy panoramic views over Hobart city and the River Derwent. When the skies are clear, you can see as far as Bruny Island in the south and out to Storm Bay.

The colonial-built signal station was constructed in 1811 in order to send messages to the Port Arthur convict site (more info further below). Nowadays, this place is a popular recreational area. With a picnic area located close by, along with cafes offering light breakfast and lunch, Mount Nelson is popular among locals and tourists alike.

You can also explore this area on foot along several walking trails. There is a 4.2 km return walk from the signal station down through the beautiful Truganini Reserve. So even this close to the city, you can meander through bushland and admire the stunning Tasmanian flora while listening to native birds.

9. Farm Gate Markets

Weekly Farm Gate Markets located in the heart of Hobart is another popular market that visitors and locals flock to every Sunday. It is here in Bathurst Street that you’ll find local farmers selling fresh Tasmanian produce.

From its modest beginnings, Farm Gate started with the philosophy that if you can drink it, eat it, or grow it, then you’ll find it at this market. Many years later, this award-winning market has grown to one of the top five in the country, and the ethos still applies.

When traveling to a new destination, you always know you have hit the jackpot when locals are visiting a market to fill their pantries and fridges with the food offered. The Farm Gate Markets are a family-friendly outing with the ringing of a farm bell signaling the start of trading. They then come alive with street performers, buskers, face painters, and musicians, creating a fun atmosphere while you wander the stalls.

Practical information: The Farm Gate Markets are open from 8.30 AM – 1 PM every Sunday. Parking is available for a small fee at Central Car Park which opens to coincide with the market’s opening hours.

10. Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a significant heritage area and one of the top tourist attractions in Tasmania. Visitors flock to Port Arthur to learn about Australian history and how this site was once a place of sadness, hardship, and brutality. While it’s not in the city, no guide to Hobart would be complete without mentioning this important site.

Port Harbor is located on the Tasman Peninsula approximately 90 minutes’ drive from Hobart. This town was a former convict settlement. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, Port Arthur is the best-preserved and thought-provoking convict site in Australia. More than 30 historic buildings are spread out over 100 acres of beautifully manicured lawns, which form a high contrast to this area’s dark history.

Good to know: Entry tickets to Port Arthur include access to the site for 2 consecutive days. So if you have plenty of time, you can take it easy, explore deeper, join the harbor cruise, introductory guided tour, and explore the buildings and ruins on the grounds (all included). If you want to experience a historic site at night, take a lantern-lit walking tour around Port Arthur full of mystery and possible paranormal activity.

TIP: Most people visit Port Arthur as a day trip from Hobart. There is a variety of organized tours , sometimes combining several places/activities that allow you to make the most of your short time.

11. Bruny Island

Another place many visitors to Hobart also tend to visit as a day trip from the city is Bruny Island . It can be accessed from the mainland via a 20-minute crossing from Kettering after a 35-minute drive south of Hobart.

Rugged natural scenery, rich history, delicious produce, and long sandy beaches are some of the reasons to visit this island. Furthermore, Bruny Island is one of Tasmania’s most pristine natural environments. It is home to many rare forms of plant life and endangered animals.

One of the highlights on Bruny Island is viewing the narrow strip of land from the lookout steps between North and South Bruny. It’s called The Neck. Make sure to also visit the Cape Bruny Lighthouse. First lit in 1838, this is Australia’s second-oldest continually staffed lighthouse.

How to visit: Depending on your time restraints, you can choose to drive there by car and explore the island at your own pace. Alternatively, there are many guided tours from Hobart ; both on land and via the water. They offer an insight into Bruny Islands’ fantastic food, spectacular scenery, and unique wildlife. If one day is not enough time to unwind and immerse yourself in nature, there are also plenty of accommodation options for all budgets .

How Much Time Do You Need in Hobart?

Hobart is a small city. So, one day is enough to discover the highlights of Hobart town. However, as you can see from our list above, there are plenty of interesting places nearby and amazing natural sceneries to easily fill several days in the Hobart area.

So if you only come for a day, it will leave you wanting more. This is why if you have the time and are in the early stages of planning your visit, it is worth considering staying in Hobart longer. Not only will you be able to savor more experiences within Hobart at a slower pace and see more attractions in and near the city, but it is also a great hub for exploring the wider surroundings.

The above-mentioned day trips to Port Arthur and Bruny Island are the most popular because they are closest to Hobart. But there are also many more! Wineglass Bay at Freycinet National Park is a very popular place to visit with a tour, just like Mt Field, Bonorong & Richmond .

So while one day is enough for the city of Hobart, you can easily stay here for 2-3 days or even longer and find plenty to do.

Below, we have some suggested itineraries on how you could plan your time in Hobart in one, two, or three days. Further below, you can find more practical suggestions for getting around Hobart , as well as some of the best places to eat and places to stay . Take a look!

1 Day in Hobart

For some travelers, one day may result in spending that whole time along Hobart’s waterfront area, walking the historic streets, picking up souvenirs from the markets, and feasting on fresh Tasmanian produce. Others may want to experience as many attractions and sights as possible. The latter is what you can expect from our suggested one day Hobart itinerary .

• Explore Hobart’s Historic Waterfront Area on Foot
• Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
• Visit the Buzzing Salamanca Markets (Saturday only) or Farm Gate Markets (Sunday only)
• Walk Around Battery Point
• Visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
• Stand on the summit of Mount Wellington

Getting around: Hobart city is easy to navigate on foot as many attractions are in one area. If, however, you also want to visit the sights further away, a rental car or a sightseeing bus would be the most convenient.

In order to see all these places in a day, you can take the earlier-mentioned hop-on hop-off bus . Or, if you also want to go to Mt Wellington, you can opt for this sightseeing bus option .

2 – 3 Days in Hobart

If you have two or three days in Hobart, here are several options to consider:

• Day 1: Self-guided day tour of the city as described above or join this day tour of Hobart including MONA ticket . Try to stay in the city on a weekend so that you can visit one of the markets – Salamanca Markets (Saturday) or Farm Gate Markets (Sunday).
• Days 2 & 3: Organized day tour to Port Arthur on one day and Bruny Island on the other day. If you are driving by car, you could also stop at Mt Nelson or Mt Wellington, depending on which way you’re headed.

Where to Eat

Move over, Melbourne, as Hobart is fast becoming the place to be for food lovers. Below are just a few popular places to eat in Hobart:

Drunken Admiral . One of Hobart’s most iconic and longest-serving restaurants situated on Hobart’s Old Wharf. The Drunken Admiral specializes in seafood, offering an innovative A La Carte menu inclusive of a kid’s menu that will satisfy all appetites.

Fish Frenzy . You can’t visit Tasmania without trying their local fish and chips! Fish Frenzy is a popular choice serving fresh and cooked seafood in a casual setting on the waterfront doorstep.

Da Angelo Ristorante . Highly-rated as one of the most family-friendly dining options in Hobart, Da Angelo Ristorante has been serving traditional Italian cuisine since 1994.

Machine Laundry Café . A quirky café tucked away in Salamanca Square. As the name suggests, you can take your laundry to wash while dining inside or alfresco for breakfast and lunch.

Where to Stay

Choosing where to stay in Hobart will be dependent on several factors including budget, transportation, and proximity to attractions and sights.

The Hobart CBD or Waterfront are the best areas to stay in Hobart. When staying within these areas, sightseeing on foot is simpler as you are staying in the vicinity of some main attractions, not to mention entertainment and dining precincts. Furthermore, most tours start centrally and you have convenient access to public transport.

Here are some recommended hotels and apartments in central Hobart:

• $$$$$ MACq 01 Hotel .
• $$$$ Hadley’s Orient Hotel or Hotel Grand Chancellor .
• $$$ Alabama Hotel (shared bathrooms).
• Somerset on the Pier . If you want to stay at an apartment right on the Hobart waterfront, then look no further! Originally built in the 1930s with an added modern design, this is one of the nicest self-catering accommodations in Hobart.
• Sullivans Cove Apartments . These 5* self-contained serviced apartments are great for families and large groups (even up to 7-8 people). The spacious one to four-bedroom apartments are conveniently located in five different locations around Hobart.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Hobart . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

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Image credits: Featured image – bennymarty/Depositphotos.com// Hobart Waterfront – filedimage/Depositphotos.com// Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery – TKKurikawa/Depositphotos.com// Salamanca Markets – OKGraphic/Depositphotos.com// Battery Point – Richard Horvath / WikimediaCommons CC BY-SA // Botanical Gardens & Bernacchi Statue – InspireFamilyTravel// Mount Wellington Lookout – Premium_shots/Depositphotos.com// MONA – lucidwaters/Depositphotos.com// Mt Nelson – Faithie/Depositphotos.com//

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Hobart Tours

Experience Hobart

Tasmania Adventure

6 days | discover an untamed land of untold beauty.

Experience the splendour and remote wonders of an island that prospers in its isolation on this six-day nature-filled adventure through Tasmania. Discover uninterrupted UNESCO national parks, from the coastal heath and sand dunes that meet the rainforest in Takayna/Tarkine to the glacier-sculpted terrain that envelops Cradle Mountain. Stroll along the stunning Wineglass Bay in the shadow of Freycinet’s pink peaks and be mesmerised by the contrasting powder-white sands, turquoise waters and orange-hued granite in the world-famous Bay of Fires. Surround yourself with endemic wildlife, from Tasmanian devils to fairy penguins, and spend your free evenings indulging in world-class seafood in quaint coastal towns.

Trip overview

• Gain an insight into the unique flora, fauna and landscapes of Tasmania on an adventure that takes you to parts of the island that are more off the beaten track.
• Discover the breathtaking Bay of Fires – an incredible stretch of coastal heaven, famous for the fiery orange lichen that clings to its boulder-clad beaches.
• Walk to Cape Tourville Lighthouse for a panoramic view of Freycinet National Park’s iconic landscape and watch as the translucent waters lap the sands in the secluded bay.
• Trek along walking trails in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park – keeping an eye out for furry critters, including wombats and wallabies.
• Explore the uninterrupted wilderness of Takayna/Tarkine on a guided walk through its pristine rainforest – alive with unique creatures and habitats not found anywhere else on earth.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
• This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with good fitness and mobility. Several leader-led walks are included on a daily basis, allowing you to get among nature. This is the best way to experience Tasmania, so please make sure you bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. Most walks are relatively short and easy although there are some more challenging options. However, joining a walk is always up to you.
• Temperatures can fluctuate in Tasmania. It's important to prepare – pack suitable clothing for hot, cold, dry and wet weather, just in case.
• If this trip isn't quite what you are looking for, we have many other options in Tasmania, from shorter or longer Comfort trips and Premium style tours to Walking & Trekking itineraries. See our website for more details.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 July 2024 - 30 June 2025

Welcome to Tasmania! Your adventure begins in Hobart (nipaluna in the language of the Muwinina and palawa peoples, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Hobart is now located). You’ll have a welcome meeting at 9:30 am to meet your fellow travellers, followed by a short walk to ningina tunapri – TMAG's Tasmanian Aboriginal culture gallery – to start your journey off by connecting to the Traditional Owners of Tasmania. Then, leave Hobart behind, and head to the historic town of Richmond – home to over 40 heritage buildings. Stop for lunch and walk the charming streets before continuing north. On the way, there are optional stops at a local whiskey, gin and vodka distillery or at a winery. After your tasting, continue to the coastal town of Bicheno and your accommodation for the next two nights.

• Hotel (1 night)
• Hobart - ningina tunapri TMAG's Tasmanian Aboriginal culture gallery
• Richmond - Town Stopover

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

From your base in Bicheno, drive south to the beautiful Freycinet National Park, home to a wild domain of sublime beaches, whose powder-white sands are lapped by translucent waters. Join your leader for the walk to Wineglass Bay, voted one of the world’s top 10 beaches, then after lunch follow the path up to Cape Tourville Lighthouse. Pose for a picture (or two) in front of the panoramic views, and then head back to Bicheno. This evening, there’s the option for you to join a guided tour for a closer look at the life of the area’s Little Penguins as they return nightly to their rookeries to feed their young.

• Freycinet National Park - Wineglass Bay Lookout walk
• Freycinet National Park - Cape Tourville Lighthouse & Lookout
• Bicheno - Bicheno Penguin Tour - from - AUD74

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. The walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout is a Grade 3, 2.6 km/1-1.5 hours return walk. It is a steep hill uphill walk the whole way (and then back down), but with many places to stop for a rest. To get to Cape Tourville Lighthouse & Lookout is a Grade 1, 600 m/20 min walk mostly on a raised boardwalk.

If you are interested in doing the guided penguin tour tonight, please book directly through the operator's website: bichenopenguintours.com.au. Please note that this activity can sell out far in advance, so it is recommended you make a booking well ahead of time.

This morning, you’ll depart Bicheno and follow the Great Eastern Drive until you encounter the peaceful northeast corner of Tasmania. The Bay of Fires is remarkable for its long stretches of dazzling white beaches, shimmering turquoise waters, coastal heath and woodlands abundant with wildlife and orange coloured granite rocks. Take on one of the multiple walking paths, then head to St Marys – a heritage hinterland town surrounded by natural beauty. Your next stop is Campbell Town, steeped in convict history. Then, visit some local dairy producers to sample their cheese and ice cream. Later, arrive at your accommodation in Sheffield. The former hydroelectric hub has reinvented itself as an arts community. Before settling in for the night, maybe admire the more than 140 murals on its streets that depict local stories and characters.

There are no meals included on this day.

• Bay of Fires - Nature Hike

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning, drive over to the magnificent wilderness of Cradle Mountain National Park. The mountain, at 1545 m high, is one of the park’s iconic features and is surrounded by stands of native deciduous beech, rainforest, alpine heath lands and button grass. Icy streams cascade down the mountainsides and ancient pines are reflected in the still glacial lakes. You’ll have the chance to explore the park along a number of different walking tracks, including Dove Lake Circuit – your leader will be at hand to explain the options depending on your or the group's ability. In the afternoon, there’s an optional visit to Devils @ Cradle – a unique Tasmanian Devil conservation sanctuary in the national park. End the day by driving to your accommodation in Tullah – a former mining town sitting on the scenic shores of Lake Rosebery.

• Cradle Mountain - Dove Lake Circuit walk
• Cradle Mountain - Devils @ Cradle Daytime Tour - AUD38

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

The Dove Lake Circuit is a Grade 3, 6 km circuit typically taking around 2-3 hours. Your leader can suggest other suitable walks for the time spent at Cradle Mountain. To best enjoy your time at Cradle Mountain please keep in mind that sudden changes in weather may occur at any time in Tasmania. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer.

From Tullah, enjoy a full day exploring Tasmania’s West Coast. You’ll drive to a range of lookout stops before entering the enchanting takayna/Tarkine region. The largest tract of temperate rainforest in Australia, the Tarkine is alive with unique creatures and habitats not found anywhere else on earth, and is home to vast forests of myrtle, leatherwood and pine trees – living links to Gondwanaland that it once shared with Patagonia and New Zealand. Take a walk among the pristine rainforest and discover Tasmania's highest waterfall encased in a lush fern forest and rocky cliffs. Then, take the road to the very edge of the west coast, and your accommodation for the night in Strahan.

• Tarkine - Rainforest Hike to Montezuma Falls

Your driving time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Start the final day on the Apple Isle by passing through Queenstown’s eroded landscape of treeless hills, then stretch your legs on some great short walks along the Franklin River and to Nelson Falls. Your next stop is Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, then continue over the Central Plateau and through the Derwent Valley. After traversing Tasmania back to Hobart, your adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your time in Tasmania, please speak to your booking agent.

• Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park - Nelson Falls Walk
• Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park - Franklin River Nature Trail
• Lake St Clair - Lakeside Visit

The total driving time today is approximately 5 hours. Nelson Falls is a Grade 2, 1.4 km/45 min walk along a boardwalk. Franklin River Nature Trail is a Grade 1, 1 km/20 min walk, partly on a boardwalk with no steep sections or steps.

Your trip comes to an end this evening upon arrival in Hobart at around 6pm. Please take this into consideration when booking your onward travel. We recommend you stay an additional night in Hobart.

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Private Vehicle, Ferry

Hotel (5 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

START & END TIMES The trip starts in Hobart with a Welcome Meeting at 9:30 am on Day 1 at our joining point hotel and finishes back in Hobart on Day 6 at around 6 pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

LONG TRAVEL DAYS Tasmania is bigger than it appears. To make the most of your time this trip involves some long travel days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information.

PHYSICAL RATING This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with good fitness and mobility. This is the best way to experience Tasmania, so please make sure you bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Check back later or explore reviews for similar trips.

Guide to Visiting The MONA Museum in Hobart, Tasmania

MONA Museum, or the Museum of Old and New Art, has been billed as the place that revitalized Hobart and put it high up on the must-see destination list of Tasmania in Australia.

It is the largest privately funded museum in Australia and I’ve been keen for years to see what all the fuss is about. It’s not only a place for art lovers, but it’s a space for entertainment.

The founder David Walsh has described the museum as a “subversive adult Disneyland.” This might be why it’s considered one of the best things to do in Hobart .

I was more interested in the winery and off site brewery attached and the photos of people lazing around on bean bags with beautiful river views that I always see of MONA.

If you’re thinking of visiting MONA but not sure what it’s all about, here is an overview of our experience…

About Mona Museum

• Cost: $35 per adult. Under 18 tourists and concessions $10. Under 12s enter for free.
• Getting There: The MR-1 Fast Ferry takes 30 minutes from Hobart and costs from $20. For other options click here.
• Opening Hours: Open 5 days a week from 10am–5pm. Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They are closed Wednesday and Tuesdays. For holiday periods click here .
• Website: For full details on your visit to MONA visit the MONA website.

The Mona Museum is not just a public art museum. MONA frequently showcases large-scale art and performance events.

It was founded by art collector David Walsh, who built the museum on the banks of the River Derwent, on the Berriedale Peninsula in Hobart.

The museum is accessible via ferry which is just as arty as David Walsh’s collection inside. You can sail in the “Posh Pit” which is a private deck with a wine bar and canapes.

The MONA site also sits on the Moorilla Estate, a huge winery that you can also visit as part of your trip to MONA.

There are also two restaurants and bars, a gift shop, and cafes, as well as luxury accommodation pavilions where guests can stay.

The architecture is impressive. It contrasts against the landscape with its hard, angular, and industrial-looking facade. It has a podium, a grassy lawn area, and a garden with native plants. There’s also a tennis court.

In the summer, they host two festivals; the summer festival in January, Mona Foma, which has a mix of music and art. In June, there is the Dark Mofo winter festival, which showcases centuries-old winter solstice rituals. It celebrates darkness through art, music, food, and film.

You can get a guided tour of MONA from Hobart which includes your entrance ticket, ferry ride and a knowledgable guide.

Our Experience Visiting MONA

Our trip to MONA started on the ferry, which is an experience in itself. You can reach MONA by road, but we felt a trip up the Derwent River would make the experience all that more special.

The weather wasn’t helping out so much, but the sheep seats did. Kalyra and Savannah were instantly put into the right joyful mood to enter an art gallery with.

We pulled up to the dock and got an inkling of the architectural grandeur of the building carved into the cliff face.

Inside the museum entrance is a spiral staircase that leads down to three larger levels of display spaces built into the side of the cliffs.

It made the experience inside the gallery that more special, walking down into the cavernous depths to be confronted by graphic images, ones that caused you to dig a little deeper into your thought recesses, and those that were a little more playful.

The MONA museum is not just about standing there and staring at a painting on the wall, hoping to get a chance to read what it’s about or figure it out yourself. You’re a part of the experience as you move through.

I’m not one for art galleries or museums so wasn’t sure that it would wow me.

You’re given an O – which is an iPod device. It helps you discover what each of the artworks is with some thoughts from the founder David Walsh and sometimes the artist’s voices themselves.

There were exhibitions such as the pulse, which gives you the chance to have a light bulb measure your pulse.

Or a trampoline you can jump on to create music with the bells hanging below.

These were the first exhibits we saw and the girls were hooked. So was I.

It’s by far the best, most interesting, and fun art gallery I’ve ever been to.

It was made even more special that the girls enjoyed doing it as well. The only complaint that was heard was when we had finished. Kalyra whined that she wanted to go back in and see more.

Even though the art and the concepts were above her head, I loved the exposure the trip to MONA gave her to art and the idea that the world can be interpreted in many different and fun ways, and from that perspective, you can create pieces of work that people from around the world flock to in their thousands to see.

My favourite exhibits were the weather instrument – a machine that was powered by the wind, which moved a pencil that created a drawing – an artwork by the wind. I LOVED it!

I also loved the concept of the fat car – an obese Porsche showing the effects of consumerism.

There was also a mummy room called the Pharos Wing, which featured underground galleries and some large-scale artworks by James Turrell which has a light show at sunrise and sunset.

In 2017, a tunnel called Siloam, was built connecting to the Pharos Wing and cost $18 million to make. Here you can see the work of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who was famously convicted and jailed for the art he made.

It also has The Divine Comedy by Alfredo Jaar, which takes visitors on a journey through the three chambers of the afterlife (paradise, purgatory, and heaven).

But the artwork is not restricted to the inside, there’s some outdoor art too. There’s the Charles Ross’ magical Spectrum Chamber where the children can jump on the trampoline and see rainbow colors.

The most fun one was the white cubed room. Inside were 30 TV screens, with Madonna’s biggest fans singing the entire Immaculate Conception album in acapella. It was fun to watch and I almost jumped up and belted out the words to Borderline with them.

The only one I did not like was the human excrement machine, Cloaca Professional by Wim Delvoye. I think we arrived when it was pooping time and the smell drove me out before I could take a good look.

MONA sure is designed to open your mind – it’s a good place to learn about “It’s not better or worse, just different.”

You can do cellar tours of Moorilla Winery, but we opted for a Moo Brew Beer and a glass of wine from the Bogan Bar.

Which was very fitting for me, as I did wear my UGG boots to MONA. True bogan form, at 15 degrees and high winds, I was freezing. And I’m more about comfort than fashion.

If you like wine and art, you will love this tour you can book through Get Your Guide. The Moorilla’s Wine Meets Mona Art Day Tour includes wine tasting at Moorilla Estate, lunch at the Source Restaurant and explore Mona, the Museum of Old and New Art. See rates and availability here or below

Final Thoughts on Visiting MONA in Hobart

MONA gets the big thumbs up from us, despite our apathetic art appreciation. Put it on your Australia list for sure.

BUT, when you do come down here to visit Mona, make sure you tack on a couple of extra weeks to see some other things to do in Tasmania.

This country is SOOOOO great and has so much to offer.

There is so much to take in at Mona, you need at least half a day. We enjoyed lunch in the cafe with views out to the river, before walking to the winery area out the back.

In the summer, there is usually some live music happening outside. There was a big gospel choir event on.

While that is not my thing, it was great to sit on the grass and do some lawn-lounging, while the girls played and danced to some upbeat music.

I can only imagine how great a venue it would be when the MOFO festival takes place in January.

Where to stay in Hobart

• YHA Hostel  – smack bang in the centre of Hobart with an easy walk to everything in the city and waterfront, the YHA is your  best   budget  option. Clean, comfortable and with a variety of room options. We stayed there in a family room with private ensuite and were very comfortable.
• Salamanca Inn  – excellent mid-level accommodation in a perfect location. Stumble 50m to Salamanca Place and enjoy the markets and everything on offer and walk to the best Hobart has to offer. This all-suite hotel with self-contained apartments was great for us as a family. You can read our review here
• Crowne Plaza Hobart, a 4-Star IHG Hotel. Guests love it for room, the location with a short stroll to the Pier and Salamanca Restaurants and markets, fantastic views from the floor to ceiling windows, and great breakfast.

More ideas for Hobart (and nearby destinations)

• A guide to the fantastic Salamanca Markets
• A Guide to Port Arthur and their awesome ghost tour
• 3 Hours of Unspoilt Wilderness on a Bruny Island Cruise in Tasmania
• What to do in Hobart, Tasmania
• How To Get The Best views of Hazards Beach, Tasmania
• Awesome things to do on Bruny Island, Tasmania
• 24 Best Places to Visit in Tasmania

Disclaimer: We visited as guests of MONA, but all thoughts, ideas, and opinions in this guide are our own. You can also read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor