Top 7 Things to do in Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart is Australia’s second-oldest city, but not the biggest of cities by Australian standards, but there are so many things to do in Hobart to enjoy several days of the visit.

You can roam around the walkable cities centered in and around a harbor with historic proximities, historic buildings, and a good local vibe.

Things to do in Hobart

Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, Australia, is a charming and vibrant destination with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a thriving cultural scene. Here are some things to do in Hobart:

1. Salamanca Market: Visit Salamanca Place on Saturdays to experience the famous Salamanca Market. This bustling market features over 300 stalls offering a wide range of goods, including local produce, crafts, and art.
2. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art): Explore the unconventional and thought-provoking MONA, known for its contemporary and modern art collections. You can reach MONA by ferry from Hobart’s waterfront.
3. Mount Wellington: Take a drive or hike to the summit of Mount Wellington for panoramic views of Hobart, the Derwent River, and beyond. The scenery is breathtaking, especially during sunrise or sunset.
4. Battery Point: Wander through Battery Point, a historic area with charming Georgian and Victorian architecture. Explore narrow streets, visit boutique shops, and enjoy the historic atmosphere.
5. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: Spend a peaceful day at the botanical gardens, where you can explore themed gardens, conservatories, and walking paths. The gardens showcase a diverse collection of plants, including rare and endangered species.
6. Cascade Brewery: Take a tour of Australia’s oldest operating brewery, Cascade Brewery. Learn about the beer-making process and sample some of their products in a beautiful setting.
7. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG): Discover Tasmania’s natural and cultural history through exhibits at TMAG. The museum also features rotating art exhibitions.
8. Historic Richmond Village: Visit the charming village of Richmond, known for its well-preserved Georgian architecture. Explore the historic Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest surviving stone arch bridge.
9. Hobart Waterfront: Stroll along the waterfront precinct, where you’ll find restaurants, cafes, galleries, and shops. Enjoy fresh seafood, take a harbor cruise, or simply soak in the maritime atmosphere.
10. Tasman Bridge and Bellerive Boardwalk: Walk or cycle across the Tasman Bridge, offering stunning views of the Derwent River. Afterwards, explore the Bellerive Boardwalk for more waterfront scenery.
11. Franklin Square: Relax in Franklin Square, a central park surrounded by historic buildings. It’s a great place for a picnic, and events are often held here.
12. Tasmanian Devil Unzoo: Learn about and observe Tasmanian devils and other native wildlife at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo. It’s an immersive and educational experience.
13. Hobart Convict Penitentiary: Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former convict settlement located just outside Hobart. Take a guided tour to learn about Australia’s convict history.
14. Hobart Street Art: Wander through the city streets to discover vibrant street art. Check out various murals and graffiti art scattered throughout Hobart.
15. Bruny Island Day Trip: Take a ferry to Bruny Island for a day trip. Enjoy the natural beauty, taste local produce, and visit attractions like The Neck and Cape Bruny Lighthouse.

Here I have gathered the top 7 things that you must do in Hobart, Tasmania.

1. Walkthrough Salamanca Markets

This is one of Australia’s famous Saturday Salamanca Markets where you must visit. Located in picturesque Salamanca Place; it’s one long street of vendors selling their wares, buskers performing and people selling yummy street food. You should also explore Salamanca Place and Salamanca Square with the historic Georgian sandstone warehouses. Here you can eat and drink in the cafes and pubs to make the best of this visit.

2. Visit Historical Battery Point

Widely known as one of Hobart’s more prestigious suburbs, it adjoins Salamanca and also has several historic houses. You’d love to wander in this suburb and get to see the prestigious homes and the rose gardens. Having a nice playground for the kids and local cafes will also help you enjoy this place.

3. Cascade Brewery

You should also visit Australia’s oldest brewery and can taste a range of cider and beers in a lovely terrace setting. Here you can take a brewery tour and learn about the brewing process, or can also take a heritage tour around the 3 acres of gardens just suitable for family tours.

4. Female Factory

The Cascades Female Factory is an Australian Convict World Heritage property that tells the female story of transportation. Her story is a two-person dramatization that shares the life of a typical female convict. It’ll offer a great insight into this harsh existence. Do not forget to do the heritage walk (guided tour) of the site.

5. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

This gallery has received a makeover and renovation and shares the story of Tasmania’s history, art and culture. It features the Tasmanian Aboriginal Gallery which shares Tasmania’s indigenous history and culture.

6. Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur is one of the most fascinated and historical sites with a violent and troubled history as a penal colony for some of Australia’s hardened convicts. Still, its beauty brings this contrasting sense of peace and happiness. You should also go for the ghost tour.

7. Bruny Island Cruise – 

One of the award-winning wilderness cruises will take you to the rugged coastline of Bruny Island where you can see dramatic cliffs, dolphins, sea caves, wildlife life seals, and seabirds and may also see migrating whales. Take a full-day tour from Hobart to cover a scenic bus tour, ferry crossing to Bruny Island, morning tea, 3-hour wilderness cruise, and lunch.

Synopsis

These are some of the most popular and worth-seeing places to visit in Hobart, Tasmania if you plan your next vacation to this country. These activities showcase the diverse attractions Hobart has to offer, blending history, culture, nature, and culinary delights. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or outdoor adventures, Hobart has something for everyone.