If there’s any place in the world with some of the most amazing landscapes and bustling urban life, it has to be Hobart. Being the capital of Tasmania, you will find numerous things to do in Hobart.
The most notable, out of all, is the gorgeous mountains of Mount Wellington. The beautiful and picturesque sceneries of the mountains are sure to capture one’s heart. Furthermore, the charming Derwent River surrounds Hobart with its pristine blue water.
Thanks to the abundance of water bodies around Hobart, it is also famous for its rich seafaring traditions. Therefore, sailing became a popular recreational activity for the inhabitants of this beautiful land. The iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has been attracting tourists worldwide since its inauguration in 1945.
Besides, Hobart is the cultural center of Tasmania, taking pride in its rich history and culture. Therefore, be ready to find several intriguing galleries and museums. Keep reading to know the best things to do in Hobart Tasmania for a memorable trip.
Things to Do in Hobart
Things to Do in Hobart (1-4)
1. Visit MONA
The #1 attraction of the capital city of Tasmania is MONA. The Museum of Old and New Art, or MONA, is where all the beautiful art pieces of old and new reside. It is one of the integral parts of the top tourist attractions of Hobart, making it unmissable.
Described as Disneyland for adults, MONA is not like any other museum found in the world. MONA fills itself with high technology, giving visitors every opportunity to learn more about the distinctive art collection. In the entire museum, there isn’t a single label or information sheet describing the art. Instead, they took a more modern approach by giving a device similar to your phone, with headphones to provide facts. It may seem bothersome to carry it around, but we assure you it will be worth it.
Described as Disneyland for adults, MONA is not like any other museum found in the world. MONA is a high-technological museum, giving visitors every opportunity to learn more about the distinctive art collection.
The most brilliant art in MONA is the David Walsh collection of Ancient, Contemporary, and Modern Art. Any art lover’s heart will melt when they enter this section. Finally, you can find various other fun things to do in Hobart’s MONA, such as a chic restaurant, a cinema, a library, entertainment venues, etc.
- Address: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale, TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesdays to Thursdays closed.
- Fun things to do: Watch over the David Walsh collection of Ancient, Contemporary, and Modern Art.
- Entrance fee: $35 for adults and $10 for children (below 18)
- Hotels Nearby: Riverfront Motels & Villas
2. Shop from Salamanca Market
If you are in Salamanca Place, there’s no way you can miss the Salamanca Market. Every Saturday, over 300 vendors crowd the place with the grandeur of their beautiful produce. Tourists can shop from a vast catalog of products, ranging from handcrafted woodwork to jewelry, glassware, ceramics, and many more.
If you are busy doing other fun things to do in Hobart this Saturday, then Salamanca is home to another weekend market. Bathurst Street holds the Farm Gate Market each Sunday for visitors to shop the fresh Tasmanian produce.
Once you finish shopping from these markets, you must visit the historic Salamanca Place, which houses various other fun things to do in Hobart. Some notable attractions include the Salamanca Arts Center, Kelly Steps, Battery Point, etc. If you visit the place in the first week of January, you may even get the chance to witness the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
- Address: Salamanca Pl, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Only on Saturdays between 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Shop from over 300 stalls with products ranging from jewelry, collectibles, and vegetables, to woodwork.
- Entrance fee: Parking your vehicle may cost you.
- Hotels Nearby: Lenna of Hobart Hotel
3. Admire the Scenic Views of Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington is a majestic place that will get your adrenaline rolling with its panoramic sceneries and views. This 1,270-meter-high mountain remains covered with snow all year round, making it Hobart’s slumbering giant. Further, it gives the idea about the rugged wilderness of the Tasmanian capital.
Drive through the daunting, narrow 21-kilometer road that will take you through rainforests and subalpine scenery to reach the mountain’s summit. Once you reach the top, you unlock access to the observation center, housing breathtaking views of Hobart.
The ideal things to do in Hobart’s most famous mountain range include walking from the Springs to Sphinx Rock. This pathway leads to the Pinnacle and offers gorgeous sights of shard-like rock formations. Mount Wellington also has facilities for Mountain bikers who like to drive through the wilderness. Or better, you can opt for the Mount Wellington tour using a four-wheeler. This way, you can also visit nearby attractions such as Battery Point and the Cascade Valley.
- Address: South East Tasmania, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Aim for sunrises and sunsets
- Fun things to do: Hike to the summit of Mount Wellington and see the gorgeous views of Hobart.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Waterfront Lodge Motel
4. Know About the World Heritage Site: Port Arthur
Nestled at the top of the Tasman Peninsular, Port Arthur is a listed World Heritage Site, describing the penal colony’s history. Historically, the place got founded by Governor Sir George Arthur in 1830. This place was also where the most infamous convicts came to fulfill their sentence of grueling labor.
However, the scene is different now. Port Arthur has cemented its place as one of the best things to do in Hobart Tasmania. It still reminds the tourists about the poignant hardships the convicts had to undergo. The major attractions include a sandstone church, prison, guard tower, hospital, and museum. Furthermore, if you desire to experience spine-chilling moments, go for the lantern-lit ghost tours at night in Port Arthur.
Port Arthur has cemented its place as one of the best things to do in Hobart Tasmania, as it still reminds the tourists about the poignant hardships the convicts had to undergo.
The best way to roam around this World Heritage Site is to take a Port Arthur tour from Hobart. This tour will take you to the most famous sites of Tasmania, including Richmond, Carnarvon Bay, Tasman National Park, and many more.
- Address: Tasmania, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between June 6 and October 5
- Fun things to do: Understand the stories that lead to the formation of the state and the Nation.
- Entrance fee: $40 for adults, and children tickets cost $18
- Hotels Nearby: Fox & Hounds Inn
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5. Relax at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Is it possible for an Australian state not to have a Botanical Garden? Apparently, not! Almost every major city in the country has a Botanical Garden, and Hobart is no exception. It is home to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, signifying the city’s royalty.
From the Gardens, you can feel the air blowing past your ears as it is set on a hill. Furthermore, it offers confounding views of the Derwent River and showcases a montage of colors as the seasons change. The most visited park here is the peaceful Japanese Gardens. The fauna & flora of the place is amazing, as it houses various exotic plants.
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offers confounding views of the Derwent River and showcases a montage of colors as the seasons change.
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is one of the best things to do in Hobart with your family. The kids will enjoy this place a lot as they can freely roam around and play in the lush lawns while you and your partner can have a peaceful time strolling around.
- Address: Lower Domain Rd, Hobart TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fun things to do: See the world calm down as you relax in the Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
6. Binge Eat in the Famous Street Eats @ Franko
If you want to taste Hobart’s food and social culture, then Street Eats @ Franko is your place. Every Friday night between 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the famous Street Eats @ Franko gets organized in Franklin Square. Food trucks and stalls flood the area around the fountain with the melodious musicians of Hobart.
The musical vibe and the beautiful settings of Franklin Square on Fridays are a delight for visitors. You can either sit near the fountain admiring the ambiance or binge eat through the delicious dishes. Cuisines loved by tourists include gourmet burgers, grilled seafood, wagyu beef, sliders, gluten-free donuts, and many more. If you ask us, eating here is one of the best things to do in Hobart for a casual Friday night.
- Address: Franklin Square, 70 Macquarie St, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Fridays between 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Sit by the fountain, vibe to the musical environment, and binge eat the delicious cuisines.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Hobart Central YHA
7. Art Enthusiasts! The Tasmanian Museum is Your Place to Be
If you are a budget traveler, the $50 combined ticket of the ferry and the MONA may seem a little overwhelming. Hence, the best alternative to the MONA is the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery. This museum comes on our list as it is one of the fun things to do in Hobart for free. While it may not have an enormous art collection, it is still worth visiting. Art enthusiasts will surely have their hearts melted when they see the brilliant Tasmanian Devil in the museum.
- Address: Dunn Pl, Hobart TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Admire the beautiful art collection of the museum.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Hobart Central YHA
8. Spend Time in Hobart Convict Penitentiary
Hobart is home to another tourist attraction telling stories about the poignant life of the convicts, the Hobart Convict Penitentiary. Constructed in 1831 by John Lee Archer, this structure became a devil for the criminals as it became a criminal court in 1860. The facility was used for the same purpose till 1983, after which it became a museum.
Today, you can see the imprints of the suffering life of those convicts through a guided tour. Hence, enabling you to see the courtrooms, chapel, cells, etc. Like Port Arthur, the Hobart Convict Penitentiary also offers a spooky ghost tour for visitors. All these factors helped us add this place to our list of fun things to do in Hobart.
- Address: Campbell St & Brisbane St, Hobart TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Mondays & Tuesdays are closed.
- Fun things to do: Visit Pandemonium, try paranormal investigation, and many more.
- Entrance fee: $10 for adults and $5 for children (under five free)
- Hotels Nearby: Hobart Central YHA
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9. Go for a Day Trip to Bruny Island
When visiting Bruny Island, you will come to know that it’s a combination of two islands. North Bruny and South Bruny make up this famous tourist attraction and get joined by the isthmus. But why is it on our list of fun things to do in Hobart? A simple answer is hidden in its beautiful and picturesque landscape. The beaches are gorgeous and enable the tourists to enjoy water sports and even build sandcastles with kids.
As you explore Bruny Island more, you will meet its bewildering wildlife, primarily the fairy penguins and mutton birds. Since the penguins are more susceptible to getting hurt as they come ashore, several tunnels have got built under the roads to prevent so. Finally, you can meet various other wildlife, such as dolphins, seals, wallabies, and seabirds.
- Address: Tasman Sea
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between September and February
- Fun things to do: Meet the aquatic life and click photos in the panoramic sceneries of Bruny Island.
- Entrance fee: Nil
- Hotels Nearby: Hotel Bruny
10. Stroll in the Historic Streets of Hobart
Nobody can deny that Hobart has some of the most iconic streets in the world. Strolling around the historic streets of Hobart is a must-do activity, as it showcases the city’s heritage and love.
The best way to explore the streets is through an organized tour. But if you are a budget traveler, you can also opt for a self-guided walking map. Luckily, it will cover all the prominent streets with options for where to eat, brilliant cafes, and restaurants. Take some time out of your itinerary to appreciate the history of these beautiful streets and the old architecture residing here.
Do you want to know more about the best things to do in Oceania? Click here for all other best places to visit in Australia & New Zealand.
- Famous Streets: Evans Street, Macquarie Street, Gladstone Street, Elizabeth Street, Liverpool Street, Collins Street, and many more.
11. Taste the Coffee of Cascade Brewery
Many people know about Cascade Brewery for ages as it is one of the oldest Breweries in Australia, which is still operating! Established in 1824, this brewery has continued to be a household favorite for decades.
Luckily, Cascade Brewery is 4 kilometers away from the city center and can be reached by the Metro Bus from Franklin Square. One of the best things to do in Hobart’s oldest brewery is to go on a walking tour of the site. However, you must wear long trousers and enclosed shoes to see the workers make the coffee on weekends.
Many people have known about Cascade Brewery for ages as it is one of the oldest Breweries in Australia, which is still operating!
Alternatively, if you do not want to see the process, you can sit inside the peaceful gardens of the facility. We assure you that you will love your time here.
- Address: 140 Cascade Rd, South Hobart TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Sundays to Tuesdays between 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM from Thursdays to Saturdays.
- Fun things to do: See some of the most beloved, iconic, and premium beers brewed by the Cascade Brewery
- Hotels Nearby: Doctor Syntax Hotel
12. Spend the Evening at Tasman Bridge
Expanding over 1.4 kilometers, Tasman Bridge is a unique landmark in Hobart. Running over the Derwent River, its bold arch is what makes us fall in love with it. This enormous bridge connects the suburb of Montagu to the Queen’s Domain. Hence, going on either side of the bridge will take you to a unique place.
In the 1970s, the bridge’s existence had to face a risk as cargo collided with one of the piers of the bridge. The bridge would have collapsed, but its replacement project of 1977 preserved it.
Finally, the best thing to do on Hobart’s Tasman Bridge is to stroll on the bridge and admire the city’s beauty.
- Address: Tasman Hwy, Montagu Bay TAS, Australia
- Wiki page: Click here
- Best time to visit: The Spring and Summer Months
- Fun things to do:
- Entrance fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: City View Motel
Conclusion
This was our list of fun things to do in Hobart. Now, when you plan your itinerary, you can use this as a reference and make your own list. Even better, you can follow this exact list as you will know what to do while in Hobart, Tasmania. Enjoy your trip to the fullest, and let us know how well it went in the comments below!
FAQs
How good is Hobart?
Hobart is one of the best places to visit in Tasmania. With an endless list of things to do, Hobart is worth every second of your time. For instance, spending time in MONA will delight you with its beautiful art collection, while the summit of Mount Wellington is suitable for gazing.
How much time do I need to see all of it in Hobart?
Luckily, the city of Hobart is not that big. Hence, it would take at least a day of your time to see the prominent attractions. However, if you desire to 100% complete our list of fun things to do in Hobart, expect a 4-5 day trip.
Is Hobart budget friendly?
Statistics show that Hobart is one of the most unaffordable cities to live in Australia. However, the case is a bit different with travelers. While you may have to spend more for lodging, most entry tickets to major attractions are cheap. In fact, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is absolutely free!
What is the best time to visit Hobart, Tasmania?
The shoulder months are probably the best time to visit as Hobart experiences fewer crowds, and hotels charge a fair price. March to April are the shoulder months in Australia. Hence, ensure to plan your trip around this time.
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