Thinking about exploring Hobart on your next Tassie adventure? Tasmania’s enchanting capital city is a must-visit destination!
Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, is an enchanting city built around a beautiful yacht-studded harbour overlooked by majestic Mount Wellington, and boasts a balance of historic charm and vibrant modernity. Whether you’re seeking culture, history, or incredible food, Hobart is the perfect place to start your Tassie tour.
Home to some of Australia’s best festivals, markets, and a food and a wine scene to rival the best in Europe, this guide is perfect for travellers searching for the top activities to include in their Tasmania tour itinerary. Apart from breathing in the world’s cleanest air, here’s how to make the most out of your visit to Hobart:
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. This world-renowned attraction is provocative and unforgettable, featuring contemporary art in a stunning riverside location. Consider starting your experience with the iconic Mona Ferry ride. Whether you indulge in the ‘Posh Pit’ for drinks and canapés, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the standard ferry, the ferry itself is as unique as the museum! Add MONA to your list when planning your Hobart itinerary.
Every Saturday, Hobart’s Salamanca Market transforms Salamanca Place into a bustling hub of activity. Set against the backdrop of colonial sandstone buildings, the market showcases delicious local produce, unique crafts, and boutique products. Whether you’re sampling gourmet food or chatting with local stallholders, this is a Tasmanian experience not to be missed.
Visit the Salamanca Markets to browse through what some visitors call the ‘best market in Australia’ and sample the delicious food and drinks on offer.
If you are a market fanatic, visit our page, Guide to Australia’s Best Markets.
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Battery Point
Rated as a Lonely Planet top choice historic site, Battery Point is definitely worth a visit and provides an interesting insight into Hobart’s maritime past. Located behind the iconic Salamanca Place, take a guided walk and step back in time as you discover the winding streets, colonial architecture and eccentric sandstone buildings that hold a historical charm. Battery Point was settled in Hobart’s earliest days in the 1800’s, and has remained largely unchanged for over a hundred years. It truly is one of Australia’s most fascinating historic precincts, while currently being one of Hobart’s trendiest suburbs.
Perfect for nature lovers, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (Australia’s second oldest) offer a tranquil retreat just minutes from the city. This historic landmark is home to stunning native flora such as Huon Pines, Leatherwoods and native ferns, and unique attractions like the Sub-Antarctic Plant House. This is an absolute must see – there is no other collection like it anywhere in the world! Explore the Lily Pond, the Conservatory, and speciality gardens that showcase Tasmania’s incredible biodiversity. Be sure to include this serene spot in your Tasmania plans!
Find out more about the amazing array of flora you can see and when to visit on the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens website.
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Mount Nelson Lookout
For unbeatable views of Hobart, Bruny Island, and beyond, head to Mount Nelson Lookout. A short drive from the city centre, this spot is ideal for a picnic or taking one of the area’s scenic bushwalks. It’s a relaxing way to soak up the beauty of Tasmania’s capital before continuing your adventures around the Apple Isle.
Day Trips from Hobart
Hobart isn’t just a destination—it’s the perfect base for exploring some of Tasmania’s most iconic sites. Here are two must-visit day trip options:
Bruny Island provides the ultimate Tasmanian wilderness experience, and offers a plethora of spectacular bushwalks, coastal tracks and beach strolls. Not only that, it is a foodie haven. Prepare your tastebuds as you can expect to indulge in the freshest seafood including oysters, cheese, famous Tasmanian salmon, bread and berries.
Add this as an optional experience to your Perfect Tasmania Guided Holiday.
History buffs will love a visit to Port Arthur, Tasmania’s most famous convict site. With well-preserved penal colony buildings and stunning landscapes, this UNESCO-listed site offers a captivating insight into Australia’s colonial past. A guided tour will help you fully appreciate its fascinating yet sombre history.
Experience all of these on our Tasmanian Wonders and Perfect Tasmania tour itineraries.